This Is the Best Beach Town in Southern California

Located in southern Orange County, San Clemente is a charming oceanside town known for its relaxed energy and quaint architectureVisit San Clemente Pier, jutting 1,300 feet into the Pacific, for sunset views and decadent seafood at Fisherman’s RestaurantSpend an afternoon wandering up and down the boutique-lined Avenida del Mar, shopping at spots like Trestles Clothing Company and the funky Coastal Abode

Southern California has so many great beach towns that it would take months—if not years—to explore them all. While every one of them is worth visiting in its own right, I’ve spent more than two decades exploring the coast, and in my opinion, San Clemente is the best beach town in Southern California.

Situated on the southern border of Orange County and easily accessible to travelers by Amtrak train or car, San Clemente has all the charm of a close-knit community and all the liveliness of a surfer’s paradise. Plus, it’s one of the most beautiful towns in the area, with the rolling San Joaquin Hills on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. San Clemente was established in 1925 as one of the first planned communities in the U.S. and was designed to resemble a “Spanish village by the sea.” Some 100 years later, the town is still peppered with handsomely preserved Spanish Colonial Revival-style homes. I’ve lived in Orange County for years now, and no matter how many times I visit, it never fails to impress me.

San Clemente has drawn recent attention thanks to a profusion of beach revitalizations and hotel construction—but it hasn’t lost an ounce of its original character.

“What makes San Clemente special is that it hasn’t tried to become something else,” Don Kindred tells Travel + Leisure. A San Clemente resident since 1980, Kindred is the founder and publisher of the quarterly San Clemente Journal. “It’s still an authentic community with real people. Its beauty isn’t just the ocean or the architecture, it’s the sense that life here is meant to be lived outdoors and together.”

And San Clemente really does have plenty of fantastic outdoor spaces. To start, there are the town’s famous beaches, like Trestles Beach, a former military outpost that’s earned a worldwide reputation for its surf breaks, as well as the family-friendly North Beach. And, last but certainly not least, you have the San Clemente Pier City Beach. “The number one attraction is the San Clemente Pier,” says Kindred. “It’s a beautiful setting, stretching out over clean, sandy beaches and one of the best places anywhere to experience our stunning sunsets.”

For even more views, San Clemente has a few trails perfect for a quick hike or two. And if “hikes” sounds daunting to you, trust me—the trails here are more suited to relaxing strolls than steep climbs. “Our coastal beach trail runs the length of the city, offering incredible ocean views the entire way,” says Kindred. Since the Beach Trail is just 2.3 miles long one way, you can easily go out for a jaunt and have plenty of time left in your day (as long as you don’t get too carried away snapping photos of the views, of course).

The route brings you right past Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, one of the town’s oldest homes and a center for local arts and culture. Though Casa Romantica’s gardens are closed for renovations at the time of publication, it’s still worth a visit just to admire the architecture and exhibits. 

Right around the corner is Avenida del Mar, San Clemente’s downtown. Take a wander through the locally owned antique stores and boutiques, where you can find gems you didn’t even know you needed at Coastal Adobe and boho-chic outfits at Trestles Clothing Company. I also suggest heading a couple of blocks over to Avenida Serra to snag your next beach read at Beach Town Books. “Avenida Del Mar is a charming place to shop and dine,” says Kindred. “It’s where small businesses still matter, outdoor patios line the street, and the town’s personality really shines.”

Bonus shopping tip: While it’s not right on Avenida del Mar, there is one other world-renowned San Clemente retailer that’s worth going out of your way for. “We’re the home of Rainbow Sandals,” says Kindred. “Their outlet store on Los Molinos is a must-see for visitors trying to get their beach vibe on.”

You’re bound to work up an appetite with all that walking and shopping, so let’s talk dining. Back in the Avenida del Mar area, standout breakfast and lunch options include Antoine’s Cafe, a local favorite that draws crowds with its wide variety of eggs Benedict, and the equally popular Cafe Mimosa (don’t sleep on the creme bruléeFrench toast). You also can’t go wrong at BeachFire Bar & Grill, which specializes in California cuisine like ahi tacos, but is best known for its warm, welcoming ambiance. “It’s more than a restaurant; it’s a gathering place where people come together over food, art, music, and spirits,” says Kindred.

At the end of the day, though, San Clemente is synonymous with seaside living, and an oceanfront dining experience comes with the territory. Head back to the San Clemente Pier to The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar, a 45-year-old local institution that serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner above the water. The fresh oysters and seafood pomodoro are popular picks (I also recommend the grilled scallops), but really, anything tastes great with views like these. “The Fisherman’s Restaurant sits over the water on the beach side of the pier, and its outdoor seating offers unforgettable views of the coastline and Catalina Island,” says Kindred. “It’s a truly classic San Clemente experience.”

Once the sun sinks below the waves, you can check into one of the town’s many postcard-perfect hotels. Embrace San Clemente’s retro vibes with a stay at the Beachcomber Inn, a colorful, cottage-like boutique just steps from the sand. Or, you can spend your nights close to Avenida del Mar at the hip Nomads Hotel, which has seven uniquely themed rooms and surfing experiences to get you acquainted with the local swells. As for the quintessential resort experience, the Sea Horse Resort has ocean-view rooms and all the gear you might need for a beach day, free of charge for guests.