San Clemente, located in the southern tip of Orange County, is a town made for walking. A short stroll will take you past flower-laden street lamps to quaint cafes, unique shops and a beautiful white sand beach.

The coastal community of San Clemente (pop: 69,550), the Spanish Village by the Sea, is a lovely oceanfront community with beautiful beaches and excellent surfing.

To the south is Trestles Beach, Camp Pendleton, San Onfre Campgrounds. To the north is Laguna Beach and inland is the Cleveland Forest.

Savoring sun, surf and romantic architecture makes this presidential retreat a hard place to leave.

This neighborhood was the pre-historic domain of Juaneno Indians but was virtually uninhabited until the founding of the nearby Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1775. Major settlement did not begin until 1925 when former Seattle major, Ole Hanson, began planning and building the city.

The reputation of San Clemente was greatly enhanced in 1969 when President Richard Nixon purchased an old spanish museum here to make into his western residence.

First Inhabitants

Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the area was inhabited by what came to be known as the Juaneño Indians. But it remained virtually uninhabited until 1776, when Mission San Juan Capistrano was established by Father Junipero Serra.

City Founding

The first major settlements started in 1925 by Ole Hanson, former mayor of Seattle. Hanson envisioned it as a coastal resort town featuring all Spanish-style architecture starting with the Old Spanish Village.

Western White House

In 1969, an event occurred which accelerated the growth and reputation of San Clemente. In that year President Richard Nixon purchased a Spanish mansion in the southern part of town that Hamilton Cotton had built in 1927.

This "Western White House" became the site of numerous historical meetings. The Old City Plaza also at one time had a small Nixon museum inside when the city occupied the premises.

In 1968 President Richard Nixon bought the H. H. Cotton estate, one of the original homes built by one of Hanson's partners. Nixon called it "La Casa Pacifica," but it was nicknamed the "Western White House", a term now commonly used for a President's vacation home.
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San Clemente Casablanca Inn
Best Western Resort Hotel
San Clemente North Beach District

The San Clemente Casablanca Inn offers all of the amenities and comforts to make guests feel right at home. Hotel amenities include an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, exercise facility and meeting/banquet facilities, which can accommodate up to 75 people. The hotel offers spacious guest rooms with ocean or hotel courtyard views.

San Clemente Sea Horse Resort
The Sea Horse Resort is an oceanfront boutique hotel overlooking the mighty Pacific Ocean. Resort rooms range from studios to one and two bedroom suites with large living rooms and fully equipped kitchens. Complimentary beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas are available to guests year round.

More San Clemente Area Resort Hotels:
Capistrano Beach Resort
Capistrano Inn Best Western
San Clemente Casablanca Inn
San Clemente Comfort Suites
San Clemente Country Plaza
San Clemente Cove
San Clemente Days Inn
San Clemente Four Seasons
San Clemente Hampton Suites
San Clemente Holiday Inn
San Clemente Inn
San Clemente Seahorse Inn
San Clemente Travelodge

Dana Point Ritz Carlton

This peaceful sanctuary soars above the standard Laguna hotels with refined elegance, a graceful atmosphere, and impeccable service. The onsite spa features massage therapies, a fitness center, full-service beauty salon, exercise classes, and spa treatments. Come visit the four tennis courts, complimentary beach equipment, two outdoor pools, poolside ping-pong, and watersports on site.

San Clemente Four Seasons Pacifica 326 Encino Lane, San Clemente, CA 92672; Tranquility can be found at this California Resort condominium hideaway, overlooking the blue pacific. Each spacious 2 or 3 bedroom suite offers a living area, fully stocked kitchens and jacuzzi tubs. This resort has recently been beautifully refurbished to offer the best of what's new while maintaining its unique appeal.

Old City Plaza
Downtown San Clemente - Old Spanish Village
Start of San Clemente in 1925, includes former city hall and antique shops and numerous classic restaurants.

Casa Romantica Center and Gardens
This historic site with its stunning architecture was the private estate of town founder Ole Hanson. Casa Romantica provides the perfect venue for weddings and private gatherings. From here are awesome views of the beach, pier, ocean and Catalina Island.

Ole Hanson Beach Club
Avenido Pico and El Camino Real, 949-361-8264;
Popular city owned beachfront recreation center, swimming pool, parkland and wedding event venue. Adjacent to San Clemente Metrolink Station.

Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano is the seventh mission founded November 1, 1776, by early Franciscan priests. Today it is a monument to California’s multicultural history, embracing its Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage. Originally built as a self sufficient community by Spanish padres and Indians, the Mission was a center for agriculture, industry, education and religion.

Municipal Pier
611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA; 949-492-1131;
Pier Open Daily: 4AM-Midnight;
San Clemente Pier is a 1,296-foot long pleasure pier featuring spectacular Pacific Ocean views. Popular for both local fishermen, surf contests, whale-watching and sightseers. Seafood restaurant on pier. The Pier was built in 1928 and repaired after storm damage in 1939 and 1983.

Old City Plaza
Downtown San Clemente - Old Spanish Village
Start of San Clemente in 1925, includes former city hall and antique shops and numerous classic restaurants.

Seaside Dining Adventures
Fine Restaurant Experiences:
Antoine's Cafe - 218 S El Camino Real - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Avila's El Ranchita - 204 Avenida Del Mar - For over 40 years, Mama Avila prepares the delicious recipes from Guanajuato, Mexico
Beach Fire Bar & Grill - 204 Avenida Del Mar - Unique Southern California Lifestyle Restaurant with Original Art Floor-to-Ceiling, Live Entertainment, Excellent Service and Award-Winning Food
Carbonara Trattoria - 111 Avenida Del Mar - Italian Restaurant
Cassano's Pizza Restaurant - 626 Avenida Victoria - By San Clemente Pier.
Corky's Cafe - 2727 Via Cascadita - Offering a full breakfast menu of American classics and lunch and dinner menus with the nuance of the Mediterranean
El Mariachi Restaurant - 1925 S. El Camino Real
Fisherman's Restaurant - 611 Avenida Victoria - Seafood served by the famous pier.
Gordan James Grill - 110 N El Camino Real - Serving fine steaks and seafood in the heart of historic San Clemente with Live Entertainment.
Ichibiri Restaurant - 1814 N El Camino Real - Japanese Restaurant
La Siesta - 920 N El Camino Real - authentic fresh Mexican food.
Molly Bloom's Irish Bar - 2391 S El Camino Real - Irish Bar & Restaurant
Iva Lees - 555 N El Camino Real - New Orleans Southern Creole Classics.
Monkut Thai Restaurant - 212 Avenida Del Mar -
Pizza Port -301 N El Camino Real -
Sonny's Pizza and Pasta - 429 N El Camino Real -
Sugar Shack Restaurant - 2319 S El Camino Real
Taka - O - 425 N El Camino Real - Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar
Vine - 211 N El Camino Real - Wine Country Cuisine
White Horses - 610 Avenida Victoria - A Pacific Restaurant with Mediterranean Inspiration

Inland Dining Adventures
Fine Restaurant Experiences:
Carros Restaurant - 620 Avenida Pico - Family Restaurant
Charo Chicken - 1021 Avenida Pico - Unique restaurant serving high-quality fire grilled chicken and Mexican food.
Courtside San Clemente - 111 Avenida Vista Montana - Restaurant and Catering Service
Denny's Restaurant - 529 E Avenida Pico - Family Restaurant
El Pollo Loco - 963 Avenida Pico - Fire grilled Mexican chicken.
IHOP Restaurant - 915 Avenida Pico - International House of Pancakes serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
Melting Pot San Clemente - 647 Camino de Los Mares - Fondue and Fine Wine.
Pizza Hut - 415 E Avenida Pico - Italian Pizza

Taste of San Clemente [Early Nov]
Festival Website;
Held under the stars, this annual event serves up culinary masterpieces from over twenty of the areas finest restaurants.

Cabrillo Playhouse - San Clemente
202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, CA; 949-492-0465;
Playhouse Website;
This Community stage theater a San Clemente institution since 1953, strives to continue a rich tradition of being a significant cultural asset to South Orange County.

Krikorian San Clemente Cinema 6
641_B Camino de las Mares, San Clemente CA; (949) 661-SHOW; Krikorian Cinema Showtimes;
Movie Theater. Discount Tickets. Gift Cards. First run Premier Movies. Special Events.

Village Art Fair - San Clemente
First Sunday Every Month @ 9AM / Avenida Del Mar (Exc: Jan);
Festival Website;
An interesting spectrum of arts and crafts by over 60 vendors - jewelry, ceramic, wood, metals, photography, fine art, hand blown & fused glass, handmade children’s clothing, home and garden items, and more!

Ocean Festival - San Clemente
Greatest Show on Surf.
3rd Weekend in July at the Beach.
Festival Website;
A family event hosts a great many beachfront theme games, art and competition.

Jazz Festival - San Clemente
The festival features Dixieland, Swing, Boogie-Woogie and Ragtime music with an all-star lineup of some of the best bands around. Dixieland Jazz by the Sea - Early May.

Sea Fest - San Clemente
Held then Sunday following 1st Wednesday in October
Festival Website;
The Seafest features Chowder Cook-off, Fisherman’s Lobster, T. Patterson Surf Shop, Business Exposition, Arts & Craft Show, Entertainment provided by the Gemtones and a U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo Operation all taking place at the historic San Clemente Pier area.

Fiesta Street Block Party Festival
2nd Sunday in August / Avenida Del Mar / San Clemente
Festival Website;
A crowd of over 25,000 will transform two blocks of Avenida Del Mar into a great day of fun with three stages of live music, salsa challenge, contests, arts & crafts exhibits, classic car and bike show.

Local Beaches
- - - - -
San Clemente State Beach - popular local beachfront park
San Onofre State Beach - Featuring 3.5 miles of sandy beaches, this place includes the blufftop San Mateo campground and the very famous surf spot, Trestles Beach.
Doheny State Beach - popular local beachfront park
San Clemente City Beach - Swimming, surfing and picnic facilities. (949) 492-1131.

San Clemente Municipal Golf Course
The Pride of the Pacific
150 E Avenida Magdalena, San Clemente, CA 92672; 949-361-8380; Course Website;
Location: southern end of the city.
Championship 18 hole golf course where Fridays are still weekdays, walkers are still welcome and juniors are always ½ price. Owned and operated by the City of San Clemente, the course is located approximately one mile from the Pacific Ocean and features ocean views from a number of holes.

Pacifica Golf & Country Club
200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, CA 92673; 949-498-6604; Course Website;
Location: Eastern inland corner of San Clemente;
This course brings the feel of the great seaside links to the Southern California coast. Featuring three courses, Carnoustie, Muirfield, and Royal Lytham blend into the natural coastal setting of San Clemente. The Club provides a complete practice facility, locker rooms, sauna, jacuzzi, full service golf shop and a professional staff to meet every member's needs. The 30,000 square foot clubhouse also offers a mixed grill, cocktail lounge, and dining room that provides venues for a variety of social activities to enhance your membership.

Shorecliffs Golf Course
501 Avenida Vaquero, San Clemente, CA 92672; 949-492-1177; Course Website;
Location: Northwest corner of San Clemente near Capistrano Beach;
Opened in 1964, this 18-hole public golf course features 6,140 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. The course rating is 70.4 and it has a slope rating of 130.

Talega Golf Course
990 Avenida Talega, San Clemente, CA 92673; 949-369-6226; Club Website;
Built 2001 / Par-72 / Copper-6951 Yds / Blue-6583 Yds / White-6187 / Red-5245;
Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, in the rolling hills of historical San Clemente, The 18-hole championship course meanders through natural canyons, rugged marshes, and undulating terrain.

Local Recreation Guides
- - -
JP's Surf Camp - ocean surfing instruction and equipment for youth to adults on San Clemente's beautiful beaches.

Popular with surfers, this one-mile long beach strip also offers skin diving, swimming, body surfing and scenic bluff top nature hike trails. A dramatic setting and invigorating air satisfy its many visitors, whatever their interest, energy level or state of mind. Year-round camping available.

Since 1937 San Clemente has been one of the most popular beaches in California. A dramatic setting and invigorating air satisfy its many visitors, whatever their interest, energy level or state of mind. The mile long beach stretches between the curling ocean surf and the foot of a steep bluff.

Midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, the park attracts water sports enthusiasts and those seeking respite from the inland heat or an escape from nearby metropolitan areas.

San Clemente State Beach
225 Avenida Califia, San Clemente, CA 92672; 949-492-3156; Park Website;
Located at south end of City of San Clemente, Basilone Rd;

Visitors Center
Open Sat: 8AM-2PM;
The Visitor Center showcases our local birds, animals, marine life, and history of the park inside this original 1934 ranger's cottage.

San Clemente Historic Cottage
The facility is available for weddings, receptions or special events. Our primary objective is the interpretation to the public of a unique architecture, as well as the lifestyle and time period of the 1930s.

Trestles Trail
3 Mile round trip beachfront hiking trail from Calafia Beach Park to San Mateo Point, site of the famous Trestles Beach surfing area. You can extend the hike another mile to reach San Onofre State Beach.

From Cala?a Beach Park, cross the railroad tracks at the newly erected stairway and head south. As you’ll soon see, San Clemente State Beach is frequented by plenty of shorebirds, as well as plenty of surfers, body surfers, and swimmers.

San Mateo Point
At distinct San Mateo Point, which marks the border of Orange and San Diego counties, you’ll ?nd San Mateo Creek. The headwaters of the creek rise way up in the Santa Ana Mountains above Camp Pendleton. A portion of the creek is protected by the Cleveland National Forest’s San Mateo Canyon Wilderness. Rushes, saltgrass and cattails line the creek mouth, where sandpipers, herons and egrets gather.

Saddleback Memorial Medical Center
654 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, CA 92673-2827; 800-265-8624; MemorialCare.org;
For a Medical Emergency - Dial 911

San Clemente is the communities's primary hospital, and is part of MemorialCare, a Southern California health care system - 24 hour urgent care.

Medical Groups
Mission Ob-Gyn
Facial Aesthetic Concepts
Active Life Healthcare
San Clemente Podiatry
San Clemente Dermatology

Dental Groups
Talega Dental
Artistic Dentistry
San Clemente DDS
Henken Orthodontics
Oceansight Dental

San Clemente City Services
Capostrano School District - Public Schools in South Orange County.

San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station SONGS
Located adjacent to San Onofre S.B. This facilities produces about 20% of the total electric power needs of Southern California.

Residential Communities
- - -
Talega San Clemente - master plan oceanfront community with facilities for golf, swim, exercise and 2000 plus acres of open space to explore.