Welcome to San Clemente
Explore "The Spanish Village by the Sea" with a magnificent coastline and beautiful beaches
San Clemente is a bustling coastal city along the Southern California Coast in Orange County and roughly halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles. It features perpetual sunny weather and perfect waves, making it a surfer's paradise with beaches ideal for endless water activities like swimming, volleyball, diving, whale-watching, and more. In addition, residents enjoy various home choices, including excellent shopping, entertainment, and restaurants.
As one of the best places to live in California, San Clemente offers beach living with spectacular ocean views, as well as several canyons. The community also includes extensive parks and some of the best schools in the region.
What to Love
- Excellent hiking, biking, and walking trails
- Home to some of the best beaches
- Convenient coastal location
- Great weather
- Vibrant downtown
- Gorgeous real estate
Local Lifestyle
San Clemente offers a small-town charm and is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway for visitors and residents. With beautiful beaches, stunning coastal views, lush green parks, and lively downtown, the city has a more relaxed and quiet Southern California experience than most cities in the state. Residents also have easy access to highways and enjoy perfect vacation weather all year round.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
While in San Clemente, you have numerous places to enjoy your favorite meal, shop for the best item, and have fun. For Italian in a cozy restaurant, check out Fratellos Italian Kitchen + Bar, which serves classic meals and includes a patio and weekly live entertainment. The restaurant is a perfect spot for date nights, birthdays, and other special occasions in the city.
If you enjoy excellent seafood in a peaceful location, head to Slapfish on Avenida Vista Hermosa or check out Fisherman's Restaurant and Bar along Avenida Victoria. San Clemente is also home to Mexican fares offered at Sol Agave, an upscale modern eatery using organic ingredients, prime steaks, fresh, sustainable seafood, and all-natural chicken and pork to deliver some of the most delicious foods in the heart of the city.
San Clemente offers unique shopping destinations regardless of what you are looking for. Ocean View Plaza along Camino De Los Mares is one of the best places to shop for various items. The shopping mall comprises multiple retail shops, such as Ralphs grocery, shopper-favored retailers, and restaurants. You can also visit Talega Village Center, which has a mix of shops and dining options. Located south of San Clemente is El Camino Plaza Shopping Center, another best alternative shopping area with a large, enclosed shopping complex with several stores, restaurants, and businesses.
Things to Do
San Clemente is a memorable weekend getaway with plenty of things to do for all ages. With world-class beaches, excellent dining, boutique shopping, and a stunning ocean-view hiking trail, this Orange County beach city is a hidden gem of activities. The San Clemente Pier is one of the best places to visit and enjoy exquisite coastal views and ocean-view dining. On the hills above the Pier is the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, a historic place with several programs.
Extend your visit to some top beaches, such as San Clemente State Beach and T-Street Beach, along the city's pristine coastline to explore water activities like swimming, fishing, surfing, bodyboarding, and diving. You can also ride on the San Clemente trolley between downtown and the Outlets or enjoy the 4th of July fireworks at the Pier, often scheduled for sundown or approximately 9 pm.
If you love green spaces, San Clemente has several parks within the community with myriad activities. Forster Ranch Community Park on Camino Vera Cruz is an excellent park with impressive mountain views, a baseball field, picnic tables, running trails, and tennis courts. If you prefer an oceanfront park, head to Leslie Park with a sandy beach, panoramic ocean views, open spaces, and benches. In addition, you can enjoy a game of golf with residents at Talega Golf Club, which also comprises a restaurant serving various food selections.
