Location: San Clemente
Top Things to do in San Clemente
Top 10 Things to do in San Clemente, United States
San Clemente is a city in Orange County, California, United States. The population was 63,522 at the 2010 census. Located on the California Coast, midway between Los Angeles and San Diego at the southern tip of the county, it is known for its ocean, hill, and mountain views, a pleasant climate and its Spanish Colonial style architecture. San Clemente's city slogan is "Spanish Village by the Sea". The official city flower is the Bougainvillea, the official city tree the Coral.
Restaurants in San Clemente
1. Mission San Juan Capistrano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Famous for the Annual Return of the Swallows, Mission San Juan Capistrano, historic landmark and museum, welcomes over 300,000 visitors each year. Enhance your visit with our new multi-language Audio Tour available in English, Spanish, French and German and now offered free with admission. Enjoy permanent exhibits featuring historic and religious artifacts, precious and rare paintings, and more. Experience the tradition of bell ringing daily honoring the legacy of Saint Junipero Serra, who founded the Mission in 1776. Visit the newly conserved Serra Chapel, California’s only chapel still standing where Saint Serra celebrated Mass and where the Eucharist has been celebrated daily.
Reviewed By Sean H
I was reluctant to go at first but admission price of $10 was acceptable. I was pleasantly surprised by the gorgeous gardens. Beautiful old cacti and flowering varieties. My only complaint would be that nothing was labeled, though as I was leaving and returning the audio guide, which is included in the price of admission, I noticed there was a plant brochure available for two dollars which did list some of the plants. It wasn’t offered to us nor did I see it at the ticket counter. It would be nice if it were free or at least promoted. I would go back if I were in the area.
2. San Clemente Coastal Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 348 reviews
Reviewed By on_the_go_98765 - Tucson
One end of the "official" trail begins at the end of the road not too far from the San Clemente Inn and ends at North Beach. The pier, railroad tracks, sand, homes, and other view features make this totally enjoyable. But do not be confined to the trail alone: if you walk in the opposite direction (near the beginning of the trail), there is a really great stretch of beach devoid of the facilities along the trail. Make the walk and enjoy the path less traveled.
The terminus for our walk was North Beach and from there, we headed up to "town" and the funky fun shops along the way. Beach-side San Clemente is nothing but beachy, fun, retro, and so not commercialized.
On our walk back to San Clemente Inn, we passed such fun shops (second hand mostly) where we steeped ourselves in the local flavor of this unique community. Like Aretha Franklin said, "what you want, baby I got it ..." these little shops drew us in.
Step outside the boundaries, color outside the lines, and exeprience life as the local live it. San Clemente was a vibrant and fun place to kick about for a week.
Like the terminator said ... "I'll be back !!!"
3. San Clemente Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 960 reviews
Reviewed By JOregon_11 - Hood River, Oregon, USA
Piers that go out in the ocean are so interesting and beautiful to me. In the three weeks that we recently spent in California, the San Clemente pier was the only one we were able to visit. The walk out to the end on the sunny, windy day was exhilarating!
4. Dana Point Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 898 reviews
Reviewed By Howard Bud D - Georgetown, Texas
Active busy gathering place for both sailors and land lobbers. Thousands of boats of every description. A wide variety of shops and eateries with ample parking. Modern California at its best.
5. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens in San Clemente, CA is south Orange County's major cultural institution. We are enhanced by our location in a 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival registered historic landmark, the home of San Clemente founder Ole Hanson. Casa Romantica has developed a reputation for wide-ranging cultural programming, including music, art, dance, theater, horticulture, and a lecture series that bring international talent to south Orange County. Casa Romantica's estate, gardens, and exhibition galleries are open to the public daily during our normal hours. Onsite parking is FREE. No outside food and beverages are permitted. Sandwiches, salads, snacks, pastries, and hot and cold beverages are available for purchase at the Casa Cafe.
Reviewed By JimmyJackk - San Marcos, California
Very much enjoyed are stop here. $5 per person, Not a big place but has some nice things to see including local art collection. On hill over looking the Pacific.
6. Catalina Express
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Catalina Island is just an hour away aboard our fast and sleek boats out of Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. We are committed to offering the most advanced, state-of-the-art watercraft available while maintaining a high level of dedication to safety, customer satisfaction, and quality of service. Today, the fleet consists of 8 high-speed vessels. More than one million passengers set sail to Catalina Island each year on board Catalina Express, and with year round service and up to 30 departures daily, you can easily join them.
Reviewed By Scubajackie - Carrollton, Texas
We experienced no motion sickness on the vessel, so that was great. The boat is clean, and you have a choice of riding on a very tiny upper deck or in the cabin, which is air conditioned. After the boat takes off, you can order a soda or beer if your heart desires. On one of the NOAA buoys, we saw sea otters resting. They were so cute. The crew helps with your bags if you're going for an overnight stay in Catalina.
7. Doheny State Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 412 reviews
Located adjacent to a popular campsite, this scenic beach provides a peaceful outdoor experience.
Reviewed By on_the_go_98765 - Tucson
Our expectations were met, exceeded, and then some. The vast expanse of pure white sand, the high level of the facilities, the proximity to camping (for those so inclined), and just the "everything-ness" of this fine beach sets it heads above the rest. There's a touch of history (1930's CCC project monument) and there is its proximity to the San Juan Creek Trail, and then there are the first-class vollyball facilities, and the list just grows.
Our first impression was that this beach felt like it should be on Maui; the quality was that high. There is also an aquarium in the near area and a delightful butterfly garden on the grounds. There is something for everyone!
Access to the beach (from the other side of the highway) is by means of an extraordinary and truly spectacular pedestrian bridge. This was an architectural structure worthy of recognition. The murals on the side delighted us and we paused so often to take pictures of this magnificant structure. Well done, Dana Point. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and these eyes thank you.
For us it was a departure point at the beginning point of the first-class San Juan Creek Trail (2 1/2 mile or one hour, hike and/or bike) to San Juan Capistrano. For travelers who do not travel this path, then that is their loss (rethink this, seriously, you gotta do this) It was a true highlight of our trip here. There was so very much to see along the way.
Just a heads-up, there are homeless folks here and, at the end of the day, they do congregate on the benches along the path from the pedestrian bridge to the beach. We did not find this to be a problem for us (or for them).
Doheny Beach State Park is a real treasure. Take some time to explore.
8. San Clemente State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 295 reviews
Reviewed By on_the_go_98765 - Tucson
We enjoyed the pier, areas around the pier, and the state beach. The restrooms were a major plus as well as the picnic areas and public areas for visitors. It wasn't exceptional but it was a treat to be able to walk to and enjoy.
Wish I could think of something memorable, but I got nothing.
9. Outlets at San Clemente
Overall Ratings
4 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By IJtraveller - Los Angeles
Walked up to the Outlets from Ave Del Mar - a long walk! Wanting to see what was available and how similar the outlets were to home. They were very similar. The main difference is that instead of all being under the one roof like a mall, there is a center building with perimeter buildings around the centre with an open air walkway around. There is a large chess and draughts set for anyone wanting to challenge someone else. The "usual" big name companies are represented including Nike, H&M, Converse, Tommy Hilfiger to name a few. There is a variety of outlets. Some premises were vacant but there are "plans" for future expansion. It was well worth the walk and Yes, I did make purchases!
10. Surfing Heritage and Culture Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 28 reviews
Surf Museum: includes a timeline of the evolution of the surfboard as well as our Gallery which has four different exhibits up throughout the year. We present a comprehensive overview on the history and culture of surfing. There's no charge for regular admission but donations are welcome and appreciated!
Reviewed By SoCal4 - california
If you surf or have an interest in surfing this museum is for you. An amazing collection of surfboards and other surfing related items await your visit. Friendly staff, nice location, you will not be disappointed.We're glad you enjoyed your visit, thanks for the kind words!
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