FROM BEACHES AND PARKS TO SURFING AND SHOPPING, SAN CLEMENTE ACTIVITIES OFFER SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Imagine a place where the air feels lighter, the pace slows down on purpose, and the ocean is never far from view. San Clemente is that place. Tucked into the scenic south end of Orange County, this coastal town blends laidback charm with an almost endless list of things to do—whether you’re here for a weekend, a season, or you’re quietly wondering what it would feel like to call it home.
Below, a local guide to the San Clemente activities that make this town unforgettable.
Start at the San Clemente Pier
If you do one thing first, make it this.
Built in 1928, the San Clemente Pier is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks—and somehow, it still feels like a secret compared to other OC piers. It’s easier to breathe here. Easier to linger.
Over the years, it’s been rebuilt after major storms (notably in 1939 and 1983) and today stretches 1,295 feet into the Pacific. You’ll find generations of memories here—sunset walks, morning coffees, first surf lessons, and long lunches at the beloved Fisherman’s Restaurant.
Local rhythm at the pier:
▪ Surfers gravitate to the north side
▪ Swimmers and boogie-boarders head to the south side
▪ Sunset watchers claim the rails and stay longer than planned
Parking is nearby, and downtown (including Avenida del Mar) is just a short walk away.
And yes—this is the spot many buyers remember when they tell us how they first fell for San Clemente.
Walk (or ride) the Beach Trail
One of the easiest ways to feel the magic of this town is to move alongside the shoreline.
San Clemente’s 2.3-mile beach trail runs near the ocean and offers that perfect blend of scenery and simplicity: wide open views, sea air, and a steady stream of locals walking dogs, pushing strollers, cruising on bikes, or just clearing their head.
Good to know:
▪ Dogs are welcome on leash
▪ Views are constant (and never get old)
▪ It connects you to the heartbeat of town
Visit Casa Romantica
Perched on a bluff just north of the pier, Casa Romantica is one of those places that feels like stepping into another era—romantic, storied, and impossibly scenic.
Once the estate of San Clemente founder Ole Hanson, it now serves as a cultural center with 2.5 acres of gardens, ocean views, and a calendar full of community programming. Whether you’re here for a tour, a garden stroll, or an event, it’s the kind of place that reminds you why San Clemente feels different.
Celebrate something at Ole Hanson Beach Club
If you’ve ever imagined a coastal event that feels timeless—this is the backdrop.
The Ole Hanson Beach Club (a Spanish-Revival white stucco beauty dating back to 1928) is known for its arches, hand-painted tile, stained glass, and those wide-open coastline views that make everything feel elevated.
Located in North San Clemente, this area is also home to a wide range of housing—from ocean-view luxury homes to coastal townhomes and condos—and a growing mix of dining, shopping, and everyday ease.
This is where Inhabit Collective stays especially active: guiding clients through a variety of neighborhoods with a very specific goal—helping people make smart moves without losing the joy in the process.
Shop Avenida del Mar (and beyond)
San Clemente shopping is less “big box” and more “slow browse.” Think boutiques, surf shops, specialty stores, and the kind of places where the owners actually remember your name.
Avenida del Mar is the downtown centerpiece—ideal for a casual afternoon that turns into dinner plans because you found a new favorite spot.
You’ll find:
▪ Boutique clothing + beach-chic essentials
▪ Surf shops for pros and first-timers
▪ Books, gifts, coffee, wine, wellness, and everything in between
Live like a local at the Farmers Market
Every Sunday, downtown fills with color.
From 9am–1pm, the San Clemente Certified Farmers Market brings fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, honey, and local favorites right into the heart of town. It’s one of those weekly rituals that makes living here feel grounded in the best way.
Catch the local scene: Cars, happy hours, and events
San Clemente keeps its calendar full—without ever feeling chaotic.
On Saturday mornings, car lovers gather for South OC Cars & Coffee, and throughout the year the town hosts live music, holiday celebrations, youth events, and art fairs. Add in a strong restaurant scene with plenty of happy-hour energy, and there’s always something happening—just never in a way that overwhelms the vibe.
Explore trails, hikes, and coastal adventure
With its climate and coastline, San Clemente is built for the outdoors.
Whether you want a casual walk or a challenge with a view, there’s a trail for it. Some local favorites include:
Easy + scenic:
▪ San Clemente Beach Trail
▪ Las Ramblas + Harbor View Trail
▪ Vista del Sol Park Loop
▪ San Pablo Trail
▪ Trestles Beach Trail (via the wetlands preserve)
Moderate to challenging:
▪ Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail
▪ Forster Ranch Ridgeline Trail
▪ San Mateo Canyon Loop (San Onofre area)
▪ Reserve Hills Trail
▪ Christianitos South Trail
▪ California Coastal Trail (San Clemente to San Onofre)
▪ Talega Loop Trail
Surf San Clemente (the way it was meant to be)
San Clemente isn’t just a surf town—it’s the surf town for South Orange County.
From T-Street and Cottons to Trestles and Church, the breaks here are legendary. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see a beginner learning to paddle out alongside someone who looks like they’ve done it their whole life (because they have).
And even if you don’t surf, watching the lineup is its own kind of therapy.
Make it a launch point to everything nearby
One of the best parts of San Clemente is what surrounds it.
You’re minutes to Dana Point Harbor for whale watching and dolphin tours, close to the history of San Juan Capistrano, and within easy reach of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Del Mar, La Jolla, and San Diego—especially if a day trip turns into a spontaneous dinner south on I-5.
The San Clemente feeling
From golden beaches and a working pier, to trails, surf breaks, boutiques, and a full calendar of local life—San Clemente blends natural beauty with a whisper of magic.
It’s the kind of place visitors come to explore… and many end up staying.
If you’d like to go deeper on the neighborhoods and the feel of each area, explore our San Clemente Area Guide—or connect with Inhabit Collective for a local perspective that’s personal, grounded, and tailored to how you actually want to live.
Each month, we also share a curated calendar of San Clemente events and experiences so you can stay in the loop and live like a local.
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