Located on the California Coast, San Clemente is midway between Los Angeles and San Diego and is the southernmost city of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. San Clemente is known for its ocean, hill, and mountain views, a pleasant climate and its Spanish colonial-style architecture. Fittingly so, San Clemente’s city slogan is “Spanish Village by the Sea”. Former Mayor of Seattle, Ole Hanson, an out-of-town major land developer, purchased and designed this community in 1925. Hanson believed the area’s pleasant climate, beautiful beaches and fertile soil would serve as a haven to Californians tired of “the big city.” Hanson succeeded in promoting the new area and selling property. He built public structures such as the Beach Club, the community center, the pier and San Clemente Plaza, now known as Max Berg Plaza Park.
One of the most popular draws to this area, if not the main focal point of this city is the San Clemente State Beach. Besides the typical beach amenities like surf and sand, the San Clemente State beach offers shopping, dining, trails, and vista views on the San Clemente Pier. Also located close to this State Beach, is an attraction known well by all residents of San Clemente, Casa Romantica. A beautiful historic attraction, Casa Romantica, is fun for the whole family. Offering plenty to explore including gardens, stunning vistas, events, and more. The former estate of San Clemente’s founder Ole Hanson is a must-see for anyone visiting San Clemente.
Consistent with its most popular city attraction, San Clemente State Beach offers what San Clemente is best known for – the surfing! T-Street, as it is referred to, is known as one of the best surfing spots in Orange County and is best described as the quintessential “Endless Summer” California beach hangout offering everything you need to enjoy a day in the sun. T-Street has fun and consistent waves great for surfing and bodyboarding, concessions serving food and treats, and fire pits for bonfires. Surfers are sure to find their favorite surfing locations either here at T-street or at other nearby locations like Trestles, Lowers, Middles & Uppers, Cotton’s Point, Calafia, Riviera, Lasuens (most often called Lost Winds), The Hole, The Pier, Linda Lane, 204, North Beach and Poche Beach. With so much good surf, it’s no wonder that San Clemente High School has won 6 out of 7 most recent NSSA national surfing titles and that San Clemente is home to many surfing pros.
