Nestled in the heart of Southern California, San Clemente is the perfect starting point for your San Diego, Orange County or Los Angeles vacation. San Clemente boasts breathtaking ocean views, a year-round Mediterranean climate and Spanish Colonial-style architecture. Visitors can enjoy a weekend of adventures in this iconic Southern California beach town with historic attractions, a quaint downtown district, miles of scenic coastline and shopping at Outlets at San Clemente.
Featuring more than 60 stores and restaurants and home to Orange County’s only California Welcome Center, Outlets at San Clemente is the region’s only ocean-view outlet shopping destination. Fashionistas, outdoor enthusiasts, sophisticated shoppers, the fitness conscious, trend-setters, classic minimalists and others will find something to love here – and all at up to 70 percent off.
Beyond shopping, San Clemente is one of the top spots in Southern California for surfing with famed surf breaks, including Trestles, Calafia, Riviera, and Lasuens. San Clemente State Beach is popular among water sport enthusiasts and features mile-long sand stretching between the curling ocean surf and the foot of a steep bluff. Another favorite destination is the Pier Bowl, a natural topographical “bowl” that encompasses the historic San Clemente Pier as well as adjacent shops, restaurants, lodging and recreational amenities.
Discover a genuine piece of California history at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens. Perched on a bluff overlooking the historic San Clemente Pier, Casa Romantica was built in 1927 as the family home of Ole Hanson, a co-founder of San Clemente. Today, Casa Romantica hosts cultural exhibits, art performances and special events, and its 2.5 acres of coastal gardens show off water-wise and extensive native California plantings and one of the most scenic views in the city.
The heart of this “Spanish Village by the Sea” beats in the palm-lined sidewalks of Avenida Del Mar, the Mediterranean-styled downtown of San Clemente. The district features antique shops, boutiques, art galleries and outdoor cafes where neighbors linger. Vacationers can take back their own treasures from independent gift and jewelry shops, bookstores, clothing boutiques and surf shops. Plus, the weekly farmers market and monthly craft fair offer a local’s perspective on the tastes and treats of San Clemente.
From outdoor shopping to scenic beach sunsets and historic strolls to oceanfront relaxing, San Clemente’s activities suit the traveler in search of a quintessential Southern California experience.
Please contact the Welcome Center for specific hours of operation.
