Things to do in San Clemente: Pier, Surf and Spanish Style
A plain guide to San Clemente's pier, state beaches, coastal trail, historic Casa Romantica and nearby surf breaks.
8 Oct 2026
San Clemente sits at the southern edge of Orange County, about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. It is often called the Spanish Village by the Sea, and the name fits. Downtown and many neighborhoods use Spanish Colonial Revival style, with red tile roofs and cream colored walls.
The town was founded in 1925 by Ole Hanson, as one of the first planned communities in the country. That plan still shapes it today: a walkable center, a pier at the heart of it and beaches all along the edge. This guide covers places that have been here for years.
Beaches and the pier
San Clemente Pier is the town's most familiar landmark. It was first built in 1928 and rebuilt in 1939 and again in 1983. You can walk out over the water for the view, or fish from it. The pier has recycling stations for fishing line, so bring any old line back with you rather than leaving it behind.
The beaches on either side of the pier have different rules. North of the pier is the surfers' beach. South of it, surfers are not allowed. Look for the signs so you end up on the right side.
The city has a string of other beach access points, often reached by stairs. North Beach, T Street, Lasuen, Linda Lane and Corto Lane are a few of the names. Corto Lane has a volleyball court, and several spots have restrooms and fire rings.
San Clemente State Beach sits at the south end of town. It has been a state beach since 1937. Sandstone cliffs rise above a beach about one mile long, with views of the ocean, hills and mountains. People swim, surf, paddle board, snorkel and body surf. Surf fishing for bass, croaker and corbina is also popular. In season, grunion come ashore to spawn at high tide, and they may only be caught by hand. Dogs are not allowed on the sand or in the water, though leashed dogs can use the trail and parking lots.
The park also has a visitor center in a Spanish Colonial cottage from 1934, with displays about local wildlife and the park's past. There is a campground on the cliffs for those who want to stay overnight.
Surf breaks
San Clemente is a serious surf town. Well known breaks include Trestles, Cotton's Point, Calafia Beach Park and T Street.
A short drive south is San Onofre State Beach, which sits about three miles from town. It has three areas: San Onofre Bluffs, San Mateo Campground and Surf Beach. Trestles is reached on a nature trail. The park draws nearly 2.5 million visitors a year, which puts it among the most visited state parks in California. From the shore you may spot whales, dolphins and sea lions. San Mateo Creek, nearby, shelters wetland and creekside habitat for rare wildlife.
Walks and views
The San Clemente Beach Trail follows the coast between North Beach and Calafia Beach, passing the pier along the way. It is a popular route for walkers and runners, and some sections have stairs. Published lengths for the trail vary, so check a map for the distance.
Leslie Park is a small overlook with a wide view. On a clear day you can look down the coast past the pier and the state beach, all the way to Dana Point.
Places to see
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is a 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival building. It was once the home of Ole Hanson, the town's founder. Today it is owned by the city and works as a cultural center, with art exhibits, history displays, gardens and classes for people of all ages. It also runs education programs for local students, with a focus on San Clemente's history and coast.
A walk along the downtown streets is a sight in itself. Take a few minutes to look at the tile roofs, arches and stucco that give the town its look. Downtown sits up a gentle slope from the beach and the pier, so expect a little climb on the way back.
For families
The state beach visitor center is a good place to start with kids, since it explains the wildlife that lives along this coast. Casa Romantica has gardens and runs youth programs and arts classes for kids.
If your family likes to be outdoors, the Beach Trail is a simple way to see a lot of coastline on foot. Take it in pieces and stop at the pier.
When it rains
San Clemente is dry. The area gets about 10.5 inches of rain a year and roughly 310 sunny days. August highs average about 79 degrees Fahrenheit and December highs about 64.
When it does rain, Casa Romantica and the state beach visitor center are the two indoor stops to try. Check the hours on their own sites first.
Getting around
You can reach the town by train. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner stops at the San Clemente Pier station, and Metrolink serves two stations, the Pier and North Beach. A trolley runs between the pier and the outlet mall during the busy season.
Downtown and the pier are close enough to walk. The Beach Trail is a good way to link the beaches without a car.
Good to know
The ocean is cool for most of the year. Bring a layer.
Dogs are not allowed on the sand or in the water at San Clemente State Beach.
Surfers have their own side of the pier. Pay attention to the signs.
Grunion may only be caught by hand.
Many beach access points use stairs, so plan for that if you have a stroller.
Check each park's and venue's own site for current closures before you go.
Find local businesses
Planning a visit, or live nearby and need a hand with something? Browse the local businesses listed in the South Orange County guide to find who serves San Clemente and the towns around it.
Useful links
Businesses in San Clemente in the South Orange County guide
About San Clemente: the town at a glance
Own a business in San Clemente? Claim or add your listing, free
By Thomas Hassett and Eric Andrews, Local Business America
Photo: FASTILY, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Sources: Wikivoyage, "San Clemente" (https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/San_Clemente); Wikipedia, "San Clemente, California" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Clemente,_California); California State Parks, "San Clemente State Beach" (https://www.parks.ca.gov/sanClemente); California State Parks, "San Onofre State Beach" (https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=647); City of San Clemente, "Beaches" (https://www.sanclemente.gov/194/Beaches); City of San Clemente, "Pier" (https://www.sanclemente.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Pier-13); Casa Romantica, "About" (https://casaromantica.org/about/). Wikivoyage and Wikipedia text is available under CC BY-SA.