Things to do in San Clemente

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I have spent at least one week of every summer in San Clemente for my entire life. When I was a kid, my family had a timeshare there (they still do, actually). So as an adult, I decided to buy one as well so that I my kids could grow up with the same traditions. There are many things to do in San Clemente, besides simply going to the beach (although that is at the top of my list). Here are our favorite activities in this charming beach town.

Where to Stay in San Clemente

There are many great hotel options in San Clemente.

• San Clemente Cove Resort – this is year we own a timeshare. Most rooms have beautiful ocean and pier views, plus kitchens and a bedroom separate from the living room. There are restaurants, coffee shops and ice cream shops just across the street.
• Beachcomber Inn – a cottage-style inn that is right next to the San Clemente Cove, and just across from the beach.
• San Clemente Inn – this is where I grew up staying; there is a pool and spa, a full rec room, mini golf, basketball, and so much more. There are daily activities on site, and the beach is just a walk away. This hotel is adjacent to the state park campground. Read a full overview of the San Clemente Inn here.
• Hampton Inn & Suites San Clemente – this hotel is just across the freeway from the San Clemente Inn. It’s a short drive to the beach and to Avenida Del Mar.
• Holiday Inn Express San Clemente – This hotel is a more affordable option. It’s located near the outlet mall and just a short drive from Avenida Del Mar and the beach.

San Clemente Pier

The Pier is a great place for fishing, sunset watching, walking or dining. Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar is located on the pier and offers beautiful ocean views and excellent weeknight specials. We love having dinner there and then walking the pier and watching the surfers.

Avenida Del Mar

Avenida Del Mar is the downtown hub in this cute beach town. You’ll find all kinds of boutiques, specialty stores, ice cream shops and restaurants. It’s a fun vibe, and even my kids enjoy walking this street and stopping in the various shops.

Camping or Vintage Trailers at the State Beach

San Clemente State Beach is one of my favorite places to go beach camping. When I was a kid, that was the only place we’d beach camp, so I have many great summer memories made there. The campground sits on a bluff overlooking the ocean, and has both hook-up and non-hook-up sites. If you don’t love the idea of “roughing it,” you can also book a stay in the on-site vintage trailers at the campground.

Visit the Beach

Oc course there are many excellent beach options here. You can watch the surfers at Trestles beach, or pick a spot close to the pier–where you will have access to snacks for purchase. My kids love taking surfing lessons during the summer, which are given just north of the pier.

South Swell Hand Dipped Ice Cream

Located on Avenida Del Mar, South Swell Hand Dipped Ice Cream is a fun ice cream shop. You can choose to have a bar, cup or banana hand dipped and then loaded with all kinds of fun toppings.

Balboa Island

I know that Balboa Island isn’t in San Clemente, but every summer we stayed in our timeshare, we’d spend one day venturing over to Balboa Island. It’s about a 35-minute drive from San Clemente to Balboa Island, and there is plenty to do there to occupy the family for the day. You can spend time on the beach, head out for a parasail ride or harbor tour, visit shops and restaurants, hang at the arcade, ride the ferris wheel, and the list goes on and on.

If you do go there, make sure you get a Balboa Bar. That’s another hand-dipped ice cream treat that’s worth the calories.

Aquatic Center

The Aquatic Center is a community pool that you can take the whole family to. Kids love the water slides and play structures, or simply doing cannonballs into the pool. Admission prices are subject to change, but the current costs in 2024 are $6 for kids and $8 for adults (non-resident rate), making this an activity that won’t break the bank.

The Coastal Trail

The coastal trail is a popular 2.3-mile path that takes you from Calafia Beach to North Beach. I have never walked the entire length, however, I love jogging this path in the morning. You’ll pass restrooms periodically and even a coastal coffee shop along the way as well.

San Clemente Outlets

Get some shopping done or hit up the movie theater at the San Clemente Outlets. These outlets include many popular shops, such as Lululemon, Nike, Hurley, Journeys, and so many more. Plus you’ll find several food options located here, so you can really make a day of it.

Dana Point

Dana Point Harbor is just a short drive north of San Clemente, and is where you will find several things to do, such as whale-watching tours and dolphin safaris. There are many restaurants you can choose from; many with beautiful harbor views. You can also catch a ferry to Catalina Island from here.

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