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San Clemente is a city in Orange County located about 60 miles south of Los Angeles and is the southernmost city before Camp Pendleton, which is the start of San Diego County. It has approximately 65,000 residents, the majority of which are avid surfers, with a laid back attitude, love of the city, and respect for the ocean. As with most places on the coast of California, it is popular for its mild climate, sunny weather, clean beaches and great surfing.
The city is connected to Los Angeles and San Diego by the 5 freeway, which runs the length of the west coast of the United States. In addition, there are daily trains that run along the California coast, both Metrolink and Amtrak trains make stops in San Clemente.
The climate is a mild Mediterranean climate with temperatures averaging around 79 °F in August and 69 °F in December. Rainfall tends to be around 10.5 inches a year, so the chance of getting rained on is very low. A weather phenomenon known locally as "June Gloom" occurs at the end of spring and beginning of summer every year when overcast skies persist on the coastal regions of San Clemente for the majority of the day - lowering the temperature and blocking direct sunlight. Some years, June Gloom can last for up to two months, and even return after summer's end in the months of September and October. Ocean water temperatures range from low 70s °F in summer to low 60s°F in winter months. Winter in San Clemente is best described as clear or partly cloudy skies, epic sunsets, cool temperature and infrequent rain.
In 1968, "La Casa Pacifica" became the home of President Richard Nixon and dubbed the "Western White House", today it is privately owned and located in a gated southwest coastal area of the city. In 1971, Nixon, with support of then Governor Ronald Reagan, created the San Onofre State Beach, now famous for its surf spots Upper and Lower Trestles. Known locally as "Sano", and adjacent to the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), the state park was previously only accessible by the United States Marine Corps stationed at Camp Pendleton. Although Sano is technically in San Diego County, many San Clementians consider it an extension of the city and surf there every morning, no matter what the weather is like.
San Clemente locals and visitors often come for the surf, and due to its popularity, a number of surfing magazines are based here, including Surfing Magazine, Longboard Magazine and The Surfer's Journal. There are also a number of surfboard shapers and manufacturers based around the city such as Terry Senate, Stewart, T. Patterson, and Dewey Weber. The beaches in San Clemente are usually crowded in the warmest months of July and August. Trestles is one of the most popular surfing beaches in the United States, which means it is not ideal for beginners due to localism and the secluded area and long hike it takes to get to where it is located. Entry into the San Onofre costs $15 per day due to the fact that it is a state park - yearly passes can be purchased for $125 and allow unlimited entry into other California day-use state parks.
Other surfing spots and beaches in San Clemente include the San Clemente Pier, T-Street, North Beach, 204s, Mariposa, Linda Lane, Lost Winds, Riviera and Calafia (State Beach).
There are over 100 restaurants in the San Clemente area that cater to a wide range of tastes, the most popular being authentic Mexican restaurants, Japanese sushi, and American cuisine. San Clemente locals typically recommend the Beachfire Bar and Grill to visitors, located just off Ole Vista and Del Mar in the heart of downtown, because it features a sit-down order off the menu area, live music most nights, and a laid-back atmosphere. If you prefer a view while you eat, Fisherman's Restaurant and Bar, located directly on the San Clemente pier, is a popular choice for lunch or sunset dining. Of course, if you prefer a peaceful night out, there is always the romance of a twilight walk along the beach or pier.
Casa Romantica is one of the first houses built in the city by Ole Hanson, the architect who planned San Clemente, and epitomizes his dream of a "Spanish Village by the Sea", now the city's slogan. It is open between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday and is a popular venue for weddings. With its white stucco walls and red tile roof, its historic architecture is still reproduced today on new buildings like the Target in Talega and Farmers and Merchants Bank on El Camino Real.
The pier is another major attraction in San Clemente. Stretching out into the Pacific Ocean, the pier is one of 27 in California, and has bathrooms, Fisherman's Restaurant and Bar, and a cafe on it. The surrounding Pier Bowl area has resort-like charm with many unique cafes and small hotels nearby.
Alternatively, if you feel like some physical activity, it is easy to find a park to play your favorite sport. Bonito Canyon Park has basketball and softball fields and recreational areas. Forster Ranch Community Park has lighted tennis courts and a running track. These, along with other activities, means that San Clemente can appeal to a wide range of athletic locals.
Both visiting and living in San Clemente offers you a chance to experience a Spanish-like town while staying in a California beach city. The beautiful beaches, epic surf spots, weather and sunshine, and the Spanish architecture all adds to the charm of San Clemente.