28 Best & Fun Things to Do in San Clemente (CA)

Looking for the best and fun things to do in San Clemente, CA? There are quite some fun places to visit in this city.

San Clemente is a city along the coast in Orange County, about sixty minutes from Hollywood Land in California, United States.

San Clemente had a population of 64,293, according to the 2020 United States census.

The city is characterized by hills and mountain views with a unique slogan, “Spanish Village by the Sea.” It is also home to gorgeous Spanish colonial architectural style buildings.

San Clemente, a tourist-friendly destination, features a diverse collection of exciting attractions.

There are numerous fun places to visit, such as Rancho San Clemente Park, La Cristianita Monument, San Clemente Public Library, San Clemente State Beach, San Clemente Farmers Market, Talega Golf Club, and more.

Are you planning an exploration of San Clemente? Check out our list of the best things to do in San Clemente, CA.

Things to Do in San Clemente

1. The San Clemente Pier

One of the best places to visit in San Clemente, CA, is the San Clemente Pier, an iconic gem of the city.

The San Clemente Pier is situated at San Clemente Pier City Beach, the city’s main beach. It is one of the most visited attractions in the town, attracting visitors and residents.

It offers you a perfect escape from all the noise and buzz in the world, a place where you take in the fresh breeze and unwind.

The Pier offers visitors numerous outdoor activities, including fishing, since it is home to a large assortment of fish.

The San Clemente Pier is also excellent for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and many more. It is also considered one of the most instagrammable places in the city, making it perfect for pictures.

You will also find a beautiful tower clock on the Pier. There are a few restaurants on the dock where you can enjoy different meals.

Address: San Clemente, California 92672, United States

2. T-Street Beach

Sunbathing is one of the top things to do in San Clemente, CA. For an awesome sunbathing experience, visit T-Street Beach.

T-Street Beach is one of the most outstanding beaches in San Clemente, established to cater to the needs of professionals and amateurs.

The waves propagated onshore attract people from different races and careers but are affected by the Beach’s concrete base.

The Beach is excellent for sunbathing, picnicking, and boating since it features picnic areas and offers boat rental.

T-Street Beach offers an enormous parking space, a distinguishing feature of the Beach.

You can also decide to go cycling or jogging through the Beach trail, a perfect way to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Address: T-Street Beach, 339 W Paseo De Cristobal, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

3. La Cristianita Monument

La Cristianita Monument was previously located along San Mateo Drive before it was moved to its current location in 2013.

Now the Monument resides around the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, another significant historic site.

The Monument was erected to pay tribute to the first Christian baptism carried out in 1769 in Alta, California.

This tribute was done by Padre Francisco Gomez, a then member of a missionary and military expedition led by Officer Gaspar De Portola and dispatched by King Charles III of Spain.

The Monument signified the beginning of the expansion of Christianity in California. La Cristianita Monument is open every week from 10 am to 2 pm.

Address: San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

4. The Sea Summit Trail

If you don’t have anything on your itinerary, visiting the Sea Summit Trail is one of the best things to do in San Clemente, CA.

The Sea Summit Trail allows you to enjoy amazing views of the city. If you visit on a bright day, you also view Catalina Island.

The Trail is ideal for walking or jogging as visitors sink into the beautiful natural environment.

It is open to everyone for free, with information and benches along the Trail where visitors can stop and take a break to breathe and learn new facts.

The Sea Summit Trail features two paths; one is easily accessible from the North Beach Station, offering gorgeous views, so make sure you come with a camera.

Address: West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

5. Vista Hermosa Sports Park

San Clemente is home to an extensive collection of amazing parks, and Vista Hermosa Sports Park is one of them.

Vista Hermosa Sports Park is said to be one of the best parks in the city, offering families a chance to participate in different activities.

There is an aquatic center that gets children excited and glad as they run around and enjoy the coolness of the water.

You will find a gorgeous sensory garden at the sand castle of Courtney, designed to offer visitors a chance to create great memories.

Vista Hermosa Sports Park features large green spaces, making it one of the premier picnic locations in the region.

Vista Hermosa Sports Park is available for rentals, for any event, like weddings, sports competitions, birthday parties, and more,

Address: 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, CA 92673, United States

6. Surfing Heritage and Culture Center

Surfing Heritage and Culture Center is an organization founded to commemorate the surfing history of San Clemente.

Surfing Heritage and Culture Center, the attraction with the largest collection of surfing archives in the world, also feature other memorabilia relating to surfing.

You will be fascinated by the collections of surfing exhibits you will find, including the collection of surfboards, documents, photographs, and more.

This non-profit organization is a place you should visit, especially if you’re a surfing enthusiast.

You also watch videos that give you deep insight into the region’s surfing history. The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am-5 pm.

Address: 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

7. San Clemente Community Center

San Clemente Community Center offers classes solely sponsored by the Recreation Division of the city, including civic, community, and private events.

It features a spacious auditorium consisting of a kitchen, a fireside room, a multi-use room, and a large stage.

The auditorium can accommodate about three hundred persons in a banquet seating style and five hundred for theater shows.

 Address: 100 N Calle Seville, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

8. George’s Music Space

George’s Music Space is a setting that features numerous talented musicians, also offering top-quality music instruments.

This music store is family owned and managed by George Lawton.

If you are interested in music, George’s Music Space is the best place for you as there are professionals ready to share their skills through numerous classes.

Visitors can opt-in to learn how to play different musical instruments. An amazing experience awaits you at this destination.

Address: 111 W. Avenida Palizada, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

Also, check out our list of things to do in Salinas, things to do in Ojai, and things to do in Mount Shasta for a fun time in these cities of California.

9. Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar

Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar, located along the San Clemente Pier, has grown into a trustworthy and highly reliable restaurant in San Clemente,

The restaurant serves fresh and healthy meals which showcase authentic California tastes.

It is easily located by the beaches within the area. This restaurant is the perfect stop when you want to enjoy a delicious family dinner.

Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar serves meals like Whole Cooked Dungeness Crab, Dungeness Crab Cocktail, Coconut Shrimp, Calamari Strips, Fisherman’s Chowder, hot wings, Chopped Cobb Salad, and more.

They also offer drinks such as Espresso Shot, cappuccino, Fisherman’s Bloody Mary, Boneyard, Catalina Coffee, Fisherman’s Margarita, and more.

The staff and owners are highly hospitable people who work hard to ensure customers are satisfied.

Address: 611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

10. Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail

Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail is a well-paved 3.5-mile path that is easily or moderately navigable.

The Trail is perfect for biking and walking and is open to the public; make sure you stop by.

It is a dog-friendly Trail, provided the dogs remain on a leash. Dog owners are advised to clean up any mess made by their pets.

Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail features six passageways, while three of the six have parking garages nearby.

Don’t forget to come with your camera, as you will be bathed with stunning views of the hilly and dry California landscape.

 Address: Utility Access Rd, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

11. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens

That moment when you’re clueless about what to do in San Clemente, CA, visiting Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is a great destination.

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is found in a structure built in an incredible Spanish-inspired style.

This amazing combination of a cultural center, garden, and museum offers several lecturers, art exhibits, workshops, and programs.

You can also join guided tours of the historic Ole Hanson Home as you walk through the beautiful coastal gardens and see the displayed artworks.

Address: 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

12. San Clemente Farmers Market

Whenever you want to restock your kitchen cabinet with groceries, visit the San Clemente Farmers Market.

San Clemente Farmers Market offers patrons a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruits. The Market also features vendors offering baked goods, flowers, jams, artisanal cheeses, pork, sauces, grass-fed meats, and others.

It is open only on Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm. The vendors or farmers are friendly and helpful when attending to customers.

San Clemente Farmers Market also offers live music presentations, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

Address: 249-229 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

13. Rancho San Clemente Park

Visiting Rancho San Clemente Park with friends and family should be on your list of fun things to do in San Clemente, CA.

The Park is located in northeastern San Clemente, at the back of Lobo Elementary School.

Rancho San Clemente Park is a beautiful Park with a large green area that travels along Calle Aguila following a slight bend.

The play area is a spotlight in the Park, always catching the attention of all the kids that visit through the colorful play instruments.

Rancho San Clemente Park features volleyball and basketball courts for adults to explore and have a great time.

A drinking fountain, conducive bathrooms, and Barbecue points are available to enhance the visitors’ experience.

Address: 150 Calle Aguila, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

14. Billy’s Meat, Seafood, and Deli

Billy’s Meat, Seafood, and Deli, nestled in the center of San Clemente, is an award-winning restaurant. Billy’s restaurant is one of the best places to visit in San Clemente, CA if you want a perfect dinner moment.

Billy’s Meat, Seafood, and Deli, established in 1990, has gradually become a cherished spot for many and are known for offering the best restaurant services.

The restaurant has won prestigious awards, including the “best of San Clemente” for its sandwiches and the Top Alternative Deli Award by KTA channel 5 in Southern California.

Billy’s Meat, Seafood, and Deli offer an impressive food menu, including Mortadella Sandwiches, liverwurst, hot dog, Tuna Salad, Chicken Salad, Smoked Cracked Pepper Turkey, and more.

They also operate a butcher shop with committed and professional butchers who are good at what they do.

Address: 111 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

15. Downtown San Clemente

Taking a peaceful stroll through Downtown San Clemente should be on your list of top things to do in San Clemente, CA.

Downtown San Clemente offers you a thousand ways to spend your day; there is no dull moment here.

The Downtown region is divided into eight parts; El Camino Real and Avenida Del Mar are the most popular.

Along Avenida Del Mar, you will find the farmers’ Market, which operates only on Sundays, offering vegetables, meats, flowers, dairy products, fruits, bread, and more.

Downtown San Clemente features a lineup of lovely stalls and boutiques, including restaurants, bars, fun centers, etc.

This region in the city fully shows the lifestyle of the people, including how they work and live together.

Address: San Clemente, CA 92673, United States

California has some of the best cities in the United States to explore, here is a list of fun things to do in Bakersfield, things to do in Valencia and things to do in West Hollywood for a fun exploration

16. Talega Golf Club

Talega Golf Club, founded in 2001, is an outstanding 18-hole golf course with a unique village clubhouse layout showcasing a Spanish colonial architectural style.

The Club’s gift store, The Shop at Talega, keeps you equipped and trendy with all the necessary equipment and attire.

Talega Golf Club contains a stylish Signature Grille Restaurant where you can enjoy a meal and drink before or after your tee time.

They also offer event facilities with a seating capacity of more than two hundred people for tournaments, banquets, and weddings.

Address: 990 Avenida Talega, San Clemente, CA 92673, United States

17. Rainbow Sandals Factory Outlet

Rainbow Sandals Factory Outlet, situated on Calle De Los Molinos, is a renowned retail establishment in San Clemente.

This destination is a surf-themed company that offers timeless pieces of rubber and leather slippers for tourists and residents of various ages.

Rainbow Sandals Factory Outlet was founded in 1990 and has been the number one destination for people in the Florida Keys and South Florida.

Rainbow Sandals Factory Outlet offers patrons the highest quality sandals from trusted brands for affordable prices.

They offer numerous brands such as Birkenstock, Mephisto, Teva, Guy Harvey, Reef, Billabong, Merrell, Quiksilver, Sanuk, and more.

Whenever you want to explore the beaches by hiking or boating, you can get suitable footwear at Rainbow Sandals Factory Outlet.

Address: 326 Calle de Los Molinos C, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

18. Courtney’s SandCastle

Don’t forget to add a visit to Courtney’s SandCastle to your San Clemente itinerary plans, especially if you’re visiting with kids.

Courtney’s SandCastle receives over three hundred visitors daily, making it one of the most popular playgrounds in the city.

As much as the visitors come to have fun, Courtney’s SandCastle also wants to ensure everyone is safe through the rules, regulations, and guidance.

Address: San Clemente, CA 92673, United States

19. Linda Lane Park

Linda Lane Park is worth every effort and time for families with children, and you will cherish the moment you spend here.

This beautiful Park is not usually crowded, and you can see the San Clemente Pier from here.

There is a gorgeous playground with play equipment for children to play with and run around to their heart content.

It also features a field area where visitors can enjoy a friendly soccer game with friends and strangers.

Linda Lane Park also features nicely manicured green lawns encompassed by bluffs offering a charming area for picnicking.

The Park’s beach has different sections for boogies and surfers, ensuring children can swim or paddle without danger.

Address: 400 Linda Lane, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

20. Artifex Brewing Company

When last did you enjoy a locally crafted beer? Having a drink at Artifex Brewing Company is something you shouldn’t miss.

Artifex Brewing Company is a microbrewery that serves the best quality beers in the community.

The Company offers an extensive collection of beers, and visitors might get confused about which one to pick. Still, the staff is always ready to assist.

They offer drinks like Unicorn Juice, Positive Vibe – Give Back Brew, Sunshine Tax, Trigger Finger, Hoppy Colada Black IPA w/ coconut, Black Cherry, and more.

Artifex Brewing Company provides a food truck outside the premises, offering some delectable American fares.

Their tasting room is located in downtown San Clemente. It is stylishly designed to offer a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for friends and family to chill.

Address: 919 Calle Amanecer Suite A, San Clemente, CA 92673, United States

21. San Clemente Public Library

If you’re a fan of educational books or interested in doing research, then head to the San Clemente Public Library.

San Clemente Public Library is located along Avenida Del Mar as a library with state-of-the-art facilities, including a massive collection of books.

The Library was initially founded as a non-profit corporation in 1968. However, it started selling books in 1982 in the library lobby.

As a Public Library, it offers a calm atmosphere for guests to relax, soothing sitting areas, and several computers.

San Clemente Public Library offers a free high-speed internet network and other necessary amenities to enhance education.

The Library is supported and operated by a team of volunteers known as the San Clemente Friends of the Library.

Address: 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

22. The Cellar

The Cellar is known for serving delicious wines and artisanal cheeses, which you can’t get elsewhere for pocket-friendly costs.

The restaurant ensures something for everyone by offering vegetarian and vegan options for visitors.

They offer a cozy outdoor dining area where visitors can relax and enjoy a delightful glass of wines and microbrews.

The Cellar serves Caesar Salad, cheese platter, cheese plate, Smoked Salmon Toast, Kobe Beef Burger, Charcuterie Board, Avocado, and more.

They also offer guests live music performances while they drink and dine. The restaurant hosts numerous events annually.

Address: 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

23. San Clemente Surf School

If you’re looking for what to do in San Clemente, CA, during your leisure time, learn how to surf at San Clemente Surf School.

San Clemente Surf School is a certified surfing school dedicated to training beginners in surfing throughout the year.

The School offers lessons to students of all ages and large groups, summer camps, and rentals of equipment.

Address: 34116 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629, United States

24. Vine Restaurant & Bar

Vine Restaurant & Bar offers visitors an amazing dining experience, whether they dine alone or with loved ones.

There is an open kitchen and a full-service bar with a semi-private dining table beautifully designed to offer a homey feeling.

The meals are made from scratch daily using fresh ingredients sourced locally from local vendors.

Vine Restaurant & Bar offers a food menu that features fresh meats, various seafood, and drinks to complement them.

The full-time Bar offers more than twenty-five different kinds of wines from various parts of the world, including specialty cocktails.

They also offer customers the best craft beers and various beverages, such as Trestles, Polyester Caballero, Rumpelstiltskin, Doggie Style, Seasonal Mocktail, and more.

Address: 211 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

25. Sea Horse Resort

Sea Horse Resort is a comfortable resort in San Clemente, fully equipped with many necessary facilities and amenities.

The Resort’s Studio suites feature toasters, refrigerators, coffeemakers, microwaves, portable fans, a free wifi network, and more.

You can choose from their twenty-one spacious rooms with beautiful decorations and amazing views, which includes one or two bedrooms.

Address: 602 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

26. San Clemente State Beach

San Clemente State Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the county, is a gorgeous sandy beach.

San Clemente State Beach offers various activities, such as surfing, swimming, camping, walking, and more.

There are numerous walking trails and 160 campsites. You will find several picnic areas where you can hang out with your loved ones; make sure you come with enough food and drinks.

San Clemente State Beach is home to an amphitheater, outdoor showers, and other essential facilities.

You can also go hiking, snorkeling, whale watching, or relaxing while enjoying the dramatic views of the ocean. Exploring this Beach is one of the fun things to do in San Clemente, CA.

Address: 225 Avenida Califia, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

27. Sugar Blossom Bake Shop

Visit Sugar Blossom Bake Shop to satisfy your sugar tooth, as there are numerous sweet treats for you here.

Sugar Blossom Bake Shop is the best when it has to do with the finest and most delicious baked goods made with local ingredients and no preservations.

The Shop has a team of talented, dedicated, and skilled cake designers who produce unique and customized desserts and cakes, including wedding cakes.

They also offer a wide variety of brownies, cookies, and more in different flavors and designs; you need to check them out.

Sugar Blossom Bake Shop offers catering services for your special events, including marriages, birthday parties, and more.

Address: 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

28. Western Plus Casablanca Inn

Western Plus Casablanca Inn is an outstanding hotel in San Clemente, popular for offering unique amenities and a safe environment.

The destination features a complimentary breakfast for all its guests, a fitness center, and a free wifi network.

There are event spaces and meeting rooms, including a free parking garage for special occasions and events. Do visit!

Address: 1601 North El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States

Want more of California? do check out our list of things to do in Yuba City, things to do in Montecito, and things to do in Del Mar for a memorable vacation.

Plan Your Trip to San Clemente

San Clemente is a seaside city; however, it has more than beaches, such as restaurants, golf courses, recreational parks, breweries, galleries, markets, and more.

Visitors can do several exciting activities in San Clemente, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience, especially with your companions.

Have a fun trip!