Things to do in San Clemente, CA
With plenty of small town Spanish-style charm, a relaxed beachside environment, and so many fun attractions and things to do, San Clemente offers the perfect combination of relaxation and fun in the heart of Southern California. Visitors can enjoy perfect weather, a wonderful array of restaurants, shops, and art galleries, challenging golf courses, world-class surf breaks, and sandy beaches that all combine to make San Clemente a true vacation utopia.
Avenida Del Mar.
Running through the heart of downtown San Clemente, this historic street features charming boutiques, eclectic cafés, souvenir shops, art galleries, ice cream parlors, the popular Cabrillo Playhouse, and so much more.
San Clemente Golf Club.
This scenic, 18-hole course offers a family friendly environment, rolling terrain, ocean views, golf lessons, and reasonable rates. Visitors can enjoy early morning and twilight rates, with discounts for juniors and seniors. Online tee-time booking is also available. www.sanclementegc.com
Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens.
Once the home of Ole Hanson, San Clemente's founder, this restored historic monument features traditional Spanish architecture, antique furnishings, an extensive art collection, unique succulent gardens, and sweeping ocean views. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour or join a docent-led tour. www.casaromantica.org
Village Art Fair.
Held on the first Sunday of every month (except January), this fun festival features more than 60 local artists, photographers, craftspeople and food booths offering their wares for sale. www.villagesanclemente.org/artfair.htm
San Clemente Pier.
Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite sport at this popular destination that features pier fishing and ocean fishing charters departing from nearby Dana Point Harbor. Visitors can enjoy fishing, dining, strolling along the pier, and can purchase tackle and supplies at the bait shop located on the pier. Open daily, 4am-midnight.
Surfing Heritage Museum.
This unique museum celebrates the history and culture of surfing in San Clemente and Southern California. Visitors can peruse an extensive collection of surfboards, surfing memorabilia, photos, and more. Open Monday-Friday, 1pm-5pm, and Saturday by appointment. www.surfingheritage.org
San Clemente State Beach.
This popular public beach and park attracts water sports enthusiasts and others looking for a place to relax and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the California coast. Visitors can enjoy a pristine beach, camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and tours of the historic visitor's center at this stunning natural area. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=646
Seafest.
Held each October at the San Clemente Pier, and featuring a chowder cook-off competition, an arts and crafts show, a surf contest, face painting, kiddie rides and an exciting search and rescue demonstration from the United States Coast Guard, San Clemente's Seafest is popular with both locals and visitors. www.scchamber.com
Camp Pendleton.
As one of the busiest military installations in the United States, Camp Pendleton offers training facilities for several Marine, Army and Navy units, and is home to many active Marine, Army and Navy units. www.cpp.usmc.mil
San Clemente Ocean Festival.
Held each July, the San Clemente Ocean Festival celebrates water sports and beach life with fun events, surfing competitions, fishing derbies, an ocean art show, beachside concerts, great food, and a popular rubber duck race. www.oceanfestival.org
Dana Point.
Located between Los Angeles and San Diego, Dana Point is a popular tourist destination offering fabulous beaches, great surfing and a large harbor offering everything from boat slips and fuel docks to kayak rentals, surfing lessons, sailing charters, and restaurants. www.danapoint.org
Laguna Beach.
This premier seaside destination is home to seven miles of pristine beaches, art galleries, unique shops, fabulous dining, and a variety of outdoor activities from golf to whale watching. www.lagunabeachcity.net
Mission San Juan Capistrano.
This two hundred year old monument features ten acres of gardens, fountains, and preserved adobe structures, including a museum offering exhibits highlighting mission life and culture. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided audio tour or weekend docent-led tours, or take part in fun festivals, activities, and historical re-enactments. www.missionsjc.com
Disneyland.
Kids of all ages will enjoy a visit to the famous Magic Kingdom in Buena Park. This family frienddly theme park features familiar storybook rides, thrilling roller coasters, fantastic parades, live shows, kiddie rides, character visits, dining, shopping, and a fantastic nightly fireworks show. www.disneyland.disney.go.com
Del Mar Racetrack.
Located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, this popular racetrack features live American Thoroughbred horse racing action from July to September with online wagering and a variety of track events throughout the season. www.dmtc.com
Knott's Berry Farm.
This family friendly theme park features fun entertainment, thrilling roller coasters, water rides, family and kiddie rides, live shows, concerts, great shopping, and the popular Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant that serves up homemade fried chicken and delicious berry pies. www.knotts.com
San Diego Wild Animal Park.
This huge wildlife sanctuary is home to over 3,500 animals, including lions, giraffes, tigers, exotic birds, rhinos, and horned antelope all roaming freely over 1,800 acres. Visitors can get up close and personal with the animals during an open-air ride through the park. Open daily from 9am. www.sandiegozoo.org/park/
Universal Studios Hollywood.
Visit the home of Hollywood's famous movie making industry, tour actual working movie back lots, ride thrill rides and coasters, Be a part of the studio audience during the filming of current television shows, and enjoy live entertainment, dining and shopping at this fun, family friendly tourist attraction. www.universalstudioshollywood.com
San Diego Zoo.
From elephants, penguins and giant tortoises to polar bears, monkeys and pythons, the world famous San Diego Zoo is home to more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals and also boasts a huge botanical collection of more than 700,000 exotic plants. Open daily from 9am. www.sandiegozoo.org
