Things To Do In San Clemente

Famous for its quality surfing and Mediterranean architecture, San Clemente is a quaint beach town midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. Summer visitors and beach-goers can spend the day longboarding, boogey boarding and taking in music festivals before relaxing on the deck of an oceanside restaurant.

There are many things to do in the coastal town, which offers three picturesque public golf courses, miles of hiking trails and the best surf swells on the West Coast. Those who would rather hang out on land can visit the city's downtown Avenida Del Mar to explore antique shops and art galleries, buy beach accessories and dine at chic bistros.

Theater lovers will enjoy the city's Cabrillo Playhouse, a non-profit community theater hosting award-winning plays and youth theater troupes. The architecturally savvy will develop an appreciation for the city's signature white stucco and red-roofed buildings--one of the reasons that the town is nicknamed the "Spanish village by the sea".

Tourists can choose from an array of lodging styles and prices, whether they stay in a coastal hotel, camp on the beach or rent a seaside cottage for a surfing weekend. In San Clemente, visitors never run out of things to do.


Surf, Sun and All Things San Clemente


Golfing in San Clemente
San Clemente golfers can tee-off just a few miles from the Pacific at several area courses. The coastal breezes and mild climate make Orange County golfing an enjoyable experience for beginners and experts.

San Clemente Public Golf Courses

Talega Golf Club is set amid natural terrain and was co-designed by Master's champ Fred Couples. The Talega course is designed for a range of golfing abilities, and visitors can unwind at the Heritage Grille after navigating the 72-par course.

San Clemente Golf Club is a family-friendly course boasting ocean views from several holes. The course made the news in 2004 when it received an award for being the Best Value in Orange County.

Shorecliffs Course is a challenging course built in 1964. Visitors will enjoy the painted murals connecting the course's holes, and will find a breathtaking seaside view when teeing off from hole five.


Camping in San Clemente
Stretching along the top of towering bluffs overlooking the Pacific, San Clemente State Park campsites include picnic areas, fire rings and shaded awnings; all with 180-degree ocean views. Visitors with RVs can reserve sites with electrical and sewage hookups, and all camping spots have access to flush toilets, hot showers and sink areas.

Those camping on the beach can also pitch a tent below the park bluffs and enjoy surfing, wildlife and avian watching and hikes along the shore. The beach's pristine water and white sand make it a picturesque place to relax, rejuvenate and explore.

Rustic, reasonably priced cabins are available for rent in nearby Crystal Cove, where tourists can take a step back in time to a cottage community built in the 1920s. Reservations must be made months in advance, so those unable to secure a cabin can enjoy a stroll on the beach and dining on the sand at the Beachcomber Cafe.

Tourists more interested in hanging out on the beach will find that San Clemente State Park offers a range of bodysurfing, boogey boarding and snorkeling opportunities along the mile-long coastal area. Halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, the state park has a host of remarkable, native vegetation and thriving wildlife.


Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching offers a variety of fun activities on the water for the whole family! Try one of our exciting fishing trips that are perfect for both the novice and the experienced angler. Our friendly and knowledgeable crew will be happy to ensure that you have a great time on the water!

We also offer year-round Ocean Adventure Cruises! Come see the Gray Whale Migration November - April and the majestic Blue Whale May - October! Our state-of-the-art vessels include the 95' Dana Pride and the brand new 65' Catamaran the Ocean Adventures. Our 2-hour cruises depart daily and are the best value in town! Take advantage of our 2-for-1 Tuesdays on both fishing and Ocean Adventure Cruises!
© 2013 San Clemente Chamber of Commerce • 1100 N. El Camino Real • San Clemente • California • 92672 • (p) 949.492.1131 • (f) 949.492.3764 • Site MapPrivacy Policy