"San Clemente" a San Clemente Travel Page by anacapa

This photo was taken on the 2nd of February 2006. Surfers surfed the healing waters of San Clemente just to the left of the photo. This is what the Mamas & the Papas were singing about in California Dreaming. The view is from the Esplanade, south of the Pier.

San Clemente used to be a place where you could hang out and lose a few brain cells. It has gone upscale, as has everything with a coast in California, but you can still manage to chill and leave a few unnecessary brain cells behind. Best for a long and drawn out beach vacation.

The island in the distance is Catalina. It is worth a visit. Avalon, the main town is an easy day trip (boat ride) from Long Beach.

San Clemente's coast, as seen from the San Clemente State Park Campground. The multi million dollar view can be yours for $25 a night at the campground—that is if you can beat the crowd. The campground books up quickly, especially summer weekends. Weekdays are easier to come by. September and October are still good months for beach camping. June is not the best time to camp, too overcast. Things start cooking in July. There is also a very nice picnic area with barbecues and bathrooms available for $10 a day (car entrance fee).

On the pier in the distance is a nice little joint that serves up tasty bloody mary's and some pretty good seafood.

On Sundays there is a Farmer's Market on Avenida Del Mar, which is the main street that leads down to the pier from Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).