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City in California, United States
Photo: Sewageboy, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
San Clemente is a city by the beach in Orange County in Southern California. It is called the "little Spanish village by the sea" because many of the buildings have a rustic and antique Spanish look to them. People from San Clemente pride themselves on the laid-back and closely knit community traditions that are practiced in this small town. Not only does the culture have a great influence on all the people who live there, but anyone who visits is also sure to experience this feeling as well.
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The main pier in San Clemente. North of the pier is the surfer's only beach and south of the pier, there are no surfers allowed.
Former home of San Clemente founder Ole Hanson. There's usually a good art exhibit going on. Closed President's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day
It is easier to exercise when you have a view like this to look at. From Riviera Beach to the pier is one mile, and from the pier to North Beach is one mile. If you’re looking to step up the rigor of your work out, you can run the stairs along the way.
Some inexpensive ways to enjoy what SC has to offer is to check out the scenery. Leslie Park is a small park that overlooks a beach where most locals visit. From this point, you can see all the way down to the edge of State Beach, the Pier, and even down to Dana Point.
Stewart Surfboards is a fixture in the surfing community, A great place to get started with surfing they offer surf lessons as well as surfboard rentals. Legendary longboard shaper, Bill Stewart creator of the modern longboard still owns and runs the store.
Unique cuisine with a Hawaiian influence. Family-owned and affordable. Very tasty "Man Fries" and "Khalua Pig Nachos."
Another great place for Mexican food. Very affordable and tasty, and there's a drive-through window for your convenience.
Great breakfasts on Camino Real in the heart of the village.
For good seafood in the best location in town on the pier. Expect a bit of a wait in summer.
For San Clemente's take on Cajun cuisine.
For the best burritos in town .
This is a rather formal restaurant and the prices tend to be high, but there are also items on the menu that are less expensive.
For dessert, chocolate-dipped strawberries or a special treat.
This restaurant branches off of the southern California favorite "Nick's" which is detailed above. South of Nicks differs because it features a high class Mexican menu with items that originate from south of the border. Keeping consistent with the fairly high pricing of Nick's, this place is of a more formal nature than most Mexican restaurants in the San Clemente area.
French style food
Delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner with wine and beer flights, and many entrees served on a cast iron skillet. Priced for repeat business and always has customers.
Californian restaurant. Prides itself in supporting the local art scene and also hosts live music. Chique and artistic interior provides talking points while you're having dinner.
Irish pub with a Taco Tuesday special, pool tables, Irish food, and a patio.
Sports bar with pool tables and daily specials. Very picky with checking IDs.
Wine and charcuterie bar featuring seasonal foods.
Modest bar on El Camino Real. Daily happy hour, occasional live music, daily specials, and can hold private events.
Modest dive bar with a happy hour and pool. Has a deck fit for drinking and a good selection of drinks. Cash only.
Sports bar with happy hour and sporting event viewing, particularly UFC matches and NFL games. Also with a patio and multiple pool tables.
Longstanding cocktail bar. Serving food, too with an inside decor that reminds you of being on a wooden sailing ship.
Sports bar with a relaxing atmosphere with pool tables and board games. Cold drinks and bar food at a good price.
This hotel has a rather confusing format to it, but the employees are all very friendly and accommodating. It is right next to the San Clemente Golf Course. It has a weight room and a pool.
This street is the heart of Village San Clemente. There are a lot of charming shops, cafés, and restaurants on this historic stretch. If you are looking to bring something for the kids, just stop in Petit Bonhomme. They have reasonable prices and they carry from infants up to size 16 for both boys and girls. If you are looking for a souvenir, they have adult and matching kid button up shirts boy the men and dresses for girls with all the local cities from San Clemente to Laguna Beach. Lots of cute stuff for the ladies at shops like Angel Wings. They carry beautiful items. Visit Russel’s Stationary for your souvenirs like shells and shirts and lots of other items. There are a lot of cute antique stores up and down Del Mar that you should at least poke into. They even have ice cream and sandwiches. Right next door is Gus' Fresh Jerky. They have all sorts of goodies including vegan beef jerky.
Trestles outlet is in south side San Clemente. They sell the overstocked bathing suits and beachwear from companies such as RipCurl that are also in department stores, but they are much cheaper.
Big brands for food and retail, with an occasional souvenir shop. Home to the local Metropolitan theater.
The hidden gem thrift store. Loads of stuff at pretty good prices. Great record, clothes, and movie selection.
San Clemente is located about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego on Interstate 5, which has 7 exits in the city. The nearest airport is John Wayne Airport, 25 miles north of San Clemente.
Read in the guideIt is possible to walk around the center of the town although it is a little bit of a slope up from the beach and pier to Avenida Del Mar shopping and restaurant area.
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Santa Ana · International · SNA
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