This Beach Town Between San Diego And Long Beach Is Worth Visiting At Least Once

When you find yourself craving a beach vacation full of sun, seafood, and surf, you may automatically think of spots in Florida, such as the coastal gem of Pensacola. But perhaps you should look west. Sitting along California's coast between the larger cities of San Diego and Long Beach is San Clemente, California, a destination worth visiting at least once. This planned community dates back to 1925 and actively embraces its Spanish architecture and relaxed beach vibe — and the community invites you to join in.

Perhaps the most recognizable landmark and most popular attraction in San Clemente is its namesake pier. This wooden pathway stretches 1,300 feet into the waters of the Pacific Ocean and is an ideal location for fishing and watching the sun sink below the horizon. It's also home to The Fisherman's Restaurant, an iconic establishment that is known for its fresh Pacific Northwest seafood and daily happy hour specials.

The pier has undergone multiple renovations since it first opened in 1928 and continues to draw crowds throughout the year. It's easily accessible for those simply strolling or running along the beach and connects to San Clemente's quaint and eclectic downtown. In particular, Avenida Del Mar, the main street, is chock-full of boutique shops and cafes to explore.

Since the pier is so closely connected to San Clemente's bustling downtown district, it should come as no surprise that the laid-back beach vibes continue here. The streets are lined with swaying palm trees, and dozens of shops invite guests in to browse souvenirs, books, surf gear, and clothing. Restaurants also dot the landscape along Avenida Del Mar, making it a destination for both window-shopping and relaxing.

Even though San Clemente is a coastal city that prides itself on seafood, the eclectic diversity here means multiple meal options for visitors and locals. Asian fusion, European cuisine, steakhouses, and vegan restaurants make finding grub easy for nearly every palate and dietary need. A majority of these local businesses are just a short walk from the beach, merging beach life and business life in a quaint shopping district.

While there are plenty of hidden beaches in California that offer an incredible coastal escape, San Clemente offers lively summer vibes all year. Its beaches stretch for miles and include San Clemente State Beach, T-Street, and Trestles. Trestles is most popular among surfers and plays host to multiple professional surfing events that bring competitors from around the world.

One way to reach San Clemente is via Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner route, which stops directly in front of the beach town's pier. The train connects to larger California cities, including Los Angeles, Anaheim, and San Diego. The route is one of many train journeys to explore throughout the Golden State that can give visitors a chance to see even more of California.

Whether you catch the train or rent a vehicle to reach San Clemente, many tourists access this coastal gem by way of San Diego International Airport, just 60 miles to the south. Los Angeles International Airport is just a little farther away at nearly 70 miles north of San Clemente. Both airports offer train and bus connections and car rental options for those traveling to San Clemente's shores.

If you're looking to spend more than a day in San Clemente, there are plenty of accommodations available. Luxury resorts have sprung up in the area, but cozy hotels and bed-and-breakfast options are still available, which keep true to the city's quaint, small-town vibe. Multi-room and single-room apartments and room rentals are also available through private owners.