Perhaps the most apropos description of San Clemente, however, may be that it still fits the vision of city founder Ole Hanson, who migrated here after completing a stint as mayor of Seattle to create a Spanish village by the sea, far away from the maddening urban bustle that were beginning to dominate Los Angeles and San Diego.  Beginning in 1925, Hanson ignored his detractors who couldn’t comprehend the construction of a town so remote from the big cities and lovingly cultivated the seaside village of San Clemente, strictly overseeing the construction of each building to ensure that no structure diverted from the Spanish Colonial Revival look that he enjoyed so much.  Hanson’s dream was eagerly accepted by the public, and San Clemente quickly flourished, which led to its official incorporation in 1928.  The city proved to be so enticing, former President Richard M. Nixon purchased the La Casa Pacifica mansion in the San Clemente bluffs in 1968, a property that the media quickly dubbed the “Western White House.”  The presence of the property turned San Clemente into an internationally known community, and increased its visibility as a place to come and unwind.

While the march of time and modern touches have caused some deviation to the overall look of San Clemente, the Spanish village ambience that was the touchstone of Hanson’s dreams still honors his spirit quite strongly.  The ambience that is created by the neighborhood shops and restaurants that are concentrated in San Clemente’s soothing downtown district is one of warm, care-free relaxation and distinctive small-town charm.  An abundance of surfing sites, most notably the remote collection of spots known as Trestles, make San Clemente one of the top surfing destinations in the world.  And the Western White House still stands, overlooking the Pacific coastline as a secluded, private residence.        

Golf Courses in San Clemente

San Clemente Golf Course 
150 E Avenida Magdalena
San Clemente
Phone:(949) 361-8384

Talega Golf Club San Clemente
990 Avenida Talega
San Clemente, CA 92673
Phone:(949) 369-6226

Shorecliffs Golf Course San Clemente
501 Avenida Vaquero
San Clemente, CA 92672
Phone: (949) 492-1177


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Spas in San Clemente

5 Elements Day Spa & Boutique 
159 Avenida Del Mar
San Clemente 
Phone: (949) 361-0505

Forever Young Med Spa 
638 Camino De Los Mares Ste C240
San Clemente, CA 92673
Phone: (949) 429-7772

Talega Day Spa 
1161 Puerta Del Sol # 110
San Clemente 
Phone: (949) 429-5757

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Beaches and Parks in San Clemente

Located in one of the most ideal locations between San Diego and Los Angeles, San Clemente offers year-round surf. Whether it's famous spots like San Onofre, Trestles or Dohney or local secret spots, there is always a wave to be found in San Clemente.
See a live camera in San Clemente

Get General surfing, tide, and water temperature information by calling our recorded surf line (949) 492-1011.

San Clemente State Beach
San Clemente State Beach is popular with surfers on the north end of the one-mile beach. Other popular activities are skin diving and hiking along the trails on the bluffs. The beach has a landscaped bluff top with picnic areas. Trails lead down to the beach, which is also popular for body surfing, swimming, and skin diving.
San Clemente State Beach Brochure - pdf