Jill’s guidebook
Sightseeing
This is a must see and a local’s favorite! Take a romantic walk on the pier and get your workout on the beach trail on the way to the Pier and grab a bite at the Fisherman’s Restaurant on the pier, or at Pierside Grill across the street from the pier. You can also grab some tasty hot cocoa at the snack shack and enjoy it while you fish from the pier.
102 locals recommend
San Clemente Pier station
615 Avenida VictoriaThis is a must see and a local’s favorite! Take a romantic walk on the pier and get your workout on the beach trail on the way to the Pier and grab a bite at the Fisherman’s Restaurant on the pier, or at Pierside Grill across the street from the pier. You can also grab some tasty hot cocoa at the snack shack and enjoy it while you fish from the pier.
This is a must see! Enjoy a picnic or casual to fine dining after strolling around the harbor shops, checking out the boats or kayaking or stand up paddling. You can rent jet skis too!
167 locals recommend
Dana Point Harbor
This is a must see! Enjoy a picnic or casual to fine dining after strolling around the harbor shops, checking out the boats or kayaking or stand up paddling. You can rent jet skis too!
Trestles Beach
Beautiful undeveloped beach w excellent surf.
Avenida Del Mar is the Main Street in our little Spanish Village by the Sea with lots of great shops, restaurants and services.
16 locals recommend
Avenida Del Mar
Avenida Del MarAvenida Del Mar is the Main Street in our little Spanish Village by the Sea with lots of great shops, restaurants and services.
Walk right along the beach on this trail that runs from North Beach by the train station down to Calafia state beach with a nice mid point at The Pier. It’s a pretty level trail.
10 locals recommend
San Clemente Beach Trail
San Clemente Pedestrian Beach TrailWalk right along the beach on this trail that runs from North Beach by the train station down to Calafia state beach with a nice mid point at The Pier. It’s a pretty level trail.
This is one of our locals secrets for easy access to the beach even on weekends. Easy parking. Great spot!
15 locals recommend
Linda Lane Park
400 Linda LnThis is one of our locals secrets for easy access to the beach even on weekends. Easy parking. Great spot!
San Clemente Farmers Market
249-229 Avenida Del MarEnjoy a tour of this historic mission and learn about Padre Junipero Serra
167 locals recommend
Mission San Juan Capistrano
26801 Ortega HwyEnjoy a tour of this historic mission and learn about Padre Junipero Serra
Food scene
You just can’t beat the location! Sit right over the crashing waves and watch the sunset as you enjoy the bar menu on the right (fish tacos!) or the fancy menu on the left.
87 locals recommend
Fisherman's Restaurant and Bar San Clemente
611 Avenida VictoriaYou just can’t beat the location! Sit right over the crashing waves and watch the sunset as you enjoy the bar menu on the right (fish tacos!) or the fancy menu on the left.
Another great spot to watch the sun set over the water (on the patio- worth the wait) while you enjoy delicious food and beverages!
16 locals recommend
Pierside Restaurant & Bar
610 Avenida VictoriaAnother great spot to watch the sun set over the water (on the patio- worth the wait) while you enjoy delicious food and beverages!
Mr Pete's Burgers
420 S El Camino RealGreat burritos! Grab one to eat at the beach.... my favorite drive through!
La Colombiana
1640 N El Camino RealDelicious Columbian style fish tacos. I like eating on the patio!
A locals favorite after surfing at Calafia, Trestles, old mans, Cotton’s, or hanging out at any local spot at the south end of town. Great food with lots of organic healthier options for fast food.
Cafe Del Sol
3817 S El Camino RealA locals favorite after surfing at Calafia, Trestles, old mans, Cotton’s, or hanging out at any local spot at the south end of town. Great food with lots of organic healthier options for fast food.
Great food with lots of healthy, organic options. Great frozen yogurt, too!
37 locals recommend
Active Culture
111 S El Camino RealGreat food with lots of healthy, organic options. Great frozen yogurt, too!
Great food and location! I love sitting in the top patio which is wheelchair accessible and their wild caught salmon is amazing!
20 locals recommend
Waterman’s Harbor
34661 Golden LanternGreat food and location! I love sitting in the top patio which is wheelchair accessible and their wild caught salmon is amazing!
Great spot to sit out in the ocean view patio and watch the sun set while enjoying libations and good food!
18 locals recommend
Sunsets Bar
34700 Pacific Coast HwyGreat spot to sit out in the ocean view patio and watch the sun set while enjoying libations and good food!
Fun place to listen to live music and dance off all the calories from a delicious meal!
20 locals recommend
Iva Lee's Restaurant & Lounge
555 N El Camino RealFun place to listen to live music and dance off all the calories from a delicious meal!
My favorite spot in town for Italian food hands down! Can’t beat the ambiance and the food is amazing!
35 locals recommend
Sonny's Pizza & Pasta
429 N El Camino RealMy favorite spot in town for Italian food hands down! Can’t beat the ambiance and the food is amazing!
Traveler advice
Getting around
Lyft, Uber Or FREE Trolleys make for easy transportation
Ride Sharing is the quickest way to get around but we also have FREE Trolleys that run all summer long