#1 San Clemente Destination
Travel Guide
Explore top things to do in San Clemente, restaurants, & hotels.
An outstanding weekend getaway destination, San Clemente offers plenty of activities for all ages. World-class beaches, a stunning ocean view hiking trail, excellent dining, and boutique shopping are just part of what makes this Orange County beach city a hidden gem. San Clemente quietly impresses visitors with a rich history of surfing culture, unlimited sunshine, and charming small town vibe.
Check out our curated calendar with annual, weekly, and special event listings hand selected by our editor.
San Clemente Pier
Visit the pier to enjoy stunning coastal views, ocean-view dining at Fisherman's, surfing, or a fun day at the beach. Or grab a to-go bite and enjoy at the pier.
Walk The Beach Trail
Walk, bike, or jog along the beach trail and enjoy stunning coastal views. This pet friendly trail has great views of the pier.
Visit top beaches and surf breaks
Find the perfect spot along San Clemente’s pristine coastline. Top beaches include the pier, T Street, and San Clemente State Beach.
Explore Casa Romantica
Ole Hanson's original estate is seated in the hills above the pier. Explore this historic icon of San Clemente, or catch one of the many hosted events.
Shop Del Mar Boutiques
Stroll down Avenida Del Mar and shop the many boutique stores. Del Mar has plenty to browse including gift shops, clothes, and treats.
☀️ Summer Highlights ☀️
Live Beach Cam
Welcome to our live beach cam in San Clemente, where you can experience the beauty of this coastal paradise from the comfort of your own screen. Check weather conditions, waves, and more from atop the Marine Safety Center.
Ride the Trolley
San Clemente’s free trolley arrives at stops every 15 minutes and operates between downtown and the Outlets.
Explore the best things to do in San Clemente THIS WEEKEND
All-new San Clemente golf guide
Explore top courses in and around San Clemente with expert reviews and tips from Randy Youngman.
Save on The Best San Clemente Hotels & Accommodations
Book the top hotels in San Clemente below, or visit our San Clemente hotel guide for more detail on the best places to stay. SanClementeGuide.com is powered by Booking.com. Find the best accommodations near the San Clemente Pier, State Beach, Surfing, and more.
The Volare
★ Luxury downtown San Clemente hotel walk to Avenida Del Mar and top restaurants & bars.
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Hampton Inn & Suites
★ Located at the municipal golf course, close to Trestles surf breaks and San Clemente State Beach
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San Clemente Hotel Accommodations
San Clemente Event Calendar
Browse Shops on Thrift Row
A hidden gem in San Clemente offering a selection of thrift stores. Browse general and specialty shops dedicated to repurposed goods and women’s designer fashion.
Nightlife & Bars
Experience the vibrant nightlife scene! Take in beachfront views, live music, sports, and games. Discover the local hotspots of this laid-back Southern California destination.
10 family friendly things to do in by San Diego mom blogger.
Surf Trestles
Find the perfect wave in San Clemente when you explore our complete local surfing guide that includes detailed info from local surf experts on breaks, rentals, hotels, and more.
T Street Beach
Bonfires, surfing, and a snack shop - T Street is the ultimate Southern California "Endless Summer" beach hangout.
Whale Watching Trips
See whales, sharks, dolphins, and other amazing sea creatures on a journey off the Dana Point coastline.
Buy discount Whale Watching Tickets.
Beach bonfire
Warm up after surfing, cook up s'mores, and take in the starry coastline. San Clemente Pier, T Street, and North Beach are popular bonfire spots.
Sip Local Brews
Find the perfect spot along San Clemente’s pristine coastline. Top beaches include the pier, T Street, and San Clemente State Beach.
Must-try restaurants & bars
Warm up after surfing, cook up s'mores, and take in the starry coastline. San Clemente Pier, T Street, and North Beach are popular bonfire spots.
Dog friendly spots in SC
Here’s a list of places you can go with your four legged friend including Outlets At San Clemente. San Clemente beaches are not pet friendly except for one small dog beach.
Get ice cream at South Swell
Time for a treat? South Swell crafts delicious hand dipped ice cream treats. Stop by and enjoy gourmet ice cream bars and delicious floats.
Coffee at Bear Coast & Beach Walk
Across from the San Clemente Pier, Bear Coast Coffee is a local favorite with plenty of great coffee and tea drinks. Join the locals for an AM coffee and beach stroll.
Happy hour
Ready to conversate, nosh on great bites, and sip your favorite beverage? Here is our list of the top spots for happy hour and drinks in San Clemente.
Browse the vinyls at Power Plant Records
Power Plant Records has hundreds of albums to browse including new and used vinyls, cassette tapes, and more. They also have a recording studio and music lessons.
Music lessons with Beach Cities Rock Club
The best music lessons in San Clemente - learn guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice, music production and more. Walk away with music skills, an mp3 recording, and music video.
Check out San Clemente music lessons
Deep blue discount shopping
Walk the streets and spanish architecture storefronts of the Outlets at San Clemente and discover the best shopping discounts in town.
Catch a sunset and bubble man
Join the crowd at the pier or your favorite beach spot to watch the sun set. Take photos, conversate, and if you’re lucky - check out bubbleman.
Beach bonfire and pizza
Warm up after surfing, cook up s'mores, and take in the starry coastline. San Clemente Pier, T Street, and North Beach are popular bonfire spots.
Surfing Heritage & Culture Center
Surf museum with free admission. Exhibits include the evolution of the surfboard, history of surfing, and culture of surfing. Specialty exhibits are on rotation.
Browse new & used treasures at Beach Town Books
70,000+ titles to choose from at this boutique book store in San Clemente. Find your next read and enjoy in a cozy nook. Trade in books and join their loyalty club.
