What to do in San Clemente, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal town with dense housing, palm trees, and a clear view of the ocean.
A wooden pier extending into the ocean with waves crashing against it under a cloudy sky.
A sunset beach with palm trees and a pier.
A family walking on a sandy beach with rocky cliffs and a clear sky in the background.
A coastal residential area with houses, a beach, and a cliff overlooking the ocean.

Things to do

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

฿2,469
per adult
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise
Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

฿3,309
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing
Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour

Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour

฿2,949
per adult
Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour
Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim

Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim

฿3,276
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim
High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point

High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point

฿3,545
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point
Dolphin & Whale Watching Eco-Safari with Underwater Viewing

Dolphin & Whale Watching Eco-Safari with Underwater Viewing

฿3,541
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Dolphin & Whale Watching Eco-Safari with Underwater Viewing
Guided Coastal Hike and Ecology Tour in Dana Point

Guided Coastal Hike and Ecology Tour in Dana Point

฿1,986
per adult
Guided Coastal Hike and Ecology Tour in Dana Point
Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings

Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings

฿3,144
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings
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What to do in San Clemente

Stay near popular San Clemente attractions

A wooden pier with blue railings leading to a lifeguard tower overlooking a beach with waves and buildings in the background.

San Clemente Pier

9.4/10 (1,336 reviews)
This historic 1,296-foot wooden pier extends into the Pacific Ocean, offering panoramic views and recreational fishing. Savour fresh seafood at the Fisherman's Restaurant while watching surfers navigate the waves below.
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Where to stay in San Clemente

Find the best San Clemente areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Rancho San Clemente

Though Rancho San Clemente may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Avenida del Mar and Casa Romantica.

Sunset over the San Clemente pier, Orange County, California, USA.

Downtown San Clemente

If you're spending some time in Downtown San Clemente, Avenida del Mar and San Clemente Wine Company are top sights worth seeing.

Marblehead

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Marblehead and surrounding area, you can visit Casino San Clemente and San Clemente City Beach.

Rancho San Clemente

While there might not be top attractions in Rancho San Clemente, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Avenida del Mar and Casa Romantica.

Marblehead

When in Marblehead, you can plan a visit to Casino San Clemente and San Clemente City Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Day trip destinations from San Clemente

A coastal landscape with a beach, ocean waves, and a hill with buildings.

Dana Point

Frequently asked questions

Is San Clemente worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to discover the cultural attractions and local charm or try regional foods and venture into nature, there's no shortage of things to do in San Clemente.
How do I spend a day in San Clemente?
After you've visited top attractions like Mission San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente Pier, spend the rest of your day exploring San Clemente's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Clemente?
The top tourist attraction in San Clemente is Mission San Juan Capistrano, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in San Clemente?
Three days in San Clemente is plenty of time to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many travellers stay for two days on average. Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Onofre State Beach and San Clemente City Beach are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like Carlsbad.
Is San Clemente a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, San Clemente is a great destination to see on foot. Wander between San Clemente City Beach and Trestles Beach. Then take a stroll through Rancho San Clemente, located 2 kilometres from downtown, and Marblehead, which is about 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in San Clemente with kids?
Planning what to do in San Clemente with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're getting away with toddlers or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone happy here.
What to do in San Clemente for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or outdoor adventurer, there are lots of things to do in San Clemente for adults including San Clemente Wine Company and Avenida del Mar.
Are there free things to do in San Clemente?
From visiting parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in San Clemente. If you need new ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. San Onofre State Beach is a top spot for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.