Hit the Road: An outdoor adventure to San Clemente, California 🚗

Drive time: ~1 hour + 15 minutes from downtown San Diego
Est. population: ~65,000
Avg. high in June: 71º

🌊 Things to do

San Clemente State Beach, 225 Avenida Calafia
This mile-long beach is located at the south end of San Clemente, perched below a steep bluff, so you can imagine the views . It’s a popular spot for surfing + camping (although, campsites book up quickly). It’s open daily from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. 🏝️

San Clemente Pier, 622 Avenida Del Mar
Us SoCal folks sure love our pretty piers. This quarter-mile pier is perfect for a quick stroll and offers epic sights of the Pacific. Surfers wait for the waves on the north side, while boogie boarding + swimming is allowed on the south side. 🌊

Vista del Sol Park Loop, 111 Avenida Costa Azul
This 1.7-mile trail is an easy hike and takes about 40 minutes to complete — that is, depending on how many times you stop to admire the breathtaking scenery . 🥾

San Clemente Beach Trail, North Beach
Walking, biking + jogging is a must on this dog-friendly, 2.3-mile trail that gives you easy access to the shoreline. You can access this trail from the parking lots at North Beach, San Clemente Pier, or Calafia State Park . 🐕

Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail, Camino del Rio
This is a 5.7-mile, moderately challenging trail where leashed dogs are allowed. We’ve heard there was once a “rock snake ” here, too — a line of colorful, painted rocks added by community members. 🥾

Surfing Heritage and Culture Center, 110 Calle Iglesia
With 800+ surfboards in its collection — and just under 150 currently on display — SHACC is a must-see destination in San Clemente. The rotating exhibits offer a true glimpse into Southern California culture, and also feature photos, wetsuits, surfboard shaping tools + videos detailing the history of surfing. As of June 2022, SHACC curator + creative director Barry Haun tells us the current exhibit in the gallery room is about the history of surfing in Africa. Up next, “Don’t Stand Up” will fill the gallery — all about bodysurfing, kneeboarding, bellyboarding and mat riding, and that should be on display through August. SHACC open Tuesday-Saturday, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Keep an eye on SHAAC’s calendar for special events — like a book signing on Thurs., July 7, with “Surfer” magazine publisher Steve Pezman. 🏄

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada
This registered historic landmark is the former estate of Ole Hanson , the founder of San Clemente. Today, the Spanish Colonial Revival site serves as a nonprofit that hosts 100+ community events and programming annually — from arts and music, to horticulture and literature. The views , as you might have guessed by now, are everything. Casa Romantica is open Tuesday-Thursday, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. + Friday-Sunday, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 🌿

🍽️ Fuel up after hiking

Pizza Port, 301 N. El Camino Real
An extension of San Diego’s Pizza Port Brewing Co., this spot will feel familiar. Grab some “grub + grog” daily starting at 11 a.m. 🍻

La Galette Crêperie, 612 Avenida Victoria
This French eatery opens daily at 7 a.m. and is known for its sweet + savory crêpes, like the smoked salmon crêpe with capers or the crêpe with berries and cream. Peep the menu . 🍓

Vine, 211 N. El Camino Real
Feeling fancy? This restaurant is inspired by Napa Valley Wine Country and offers a stellar collection of 100+ bottles of wine from around the world (many available by the glass). The menu also features craft cocktails, seasonal dishes, seafood, and more. 🍷

🏕️ Cute cottages + campsites

Mermaid Cottage by the Sea
This 4BD, 3BA VRBO rental is located within walking distance to the beaches and features a deck on the patio so you can soak in the nice weather. It costs $575, on average, per night.

The Luxe: Expansive Ocean + Whitewater Views
This 2BD, 3BA VRBO rental is a Craftsman-style villa with sweeping ocean views from every room. There’s a deck off the main living area and another off the master bedroom on the lower level. It costs $625, on average, per night.

San Clemente State Beach Campground, 225 Avenida Califia
This campground is located on a bluff overlooking the ocean and features 159 campsites, 72 of which have full RV hookups. Five vintage trailers are also available for rent — advertised as being “350 steps to the sand.” Campsite reservations can be made online via California State Parks — but plan on booking advance because the sites fill up fast. 🏕️