San Clemente

San Clemente offers stunning beaches, scenic hilltops, coastal views, and charming old-world architecture.

Welcome to San Clemente


A serene coastal town and Orange County's hidden gem 


On the southern tip of Orange Country, San Clemente offers stunning beaches, scenic hilltops, coastal views, and charming old-world architecture. In 1925, former Seattle mayor Ole Hanson bought 2,000 acres of land and initially designed homes and public buildings with red roofs in the Spanish Colonial style. The nickname "Spanish Village by the Sea" carries on to this day.

Because it's a small town tucked away by the water, San Clemente almost feels like a world apart from the rest of Orange County. It's quiet and serene — a hidden gem — and doesn't get crowded with tourists like its neighboring beach cities. In addition to being voted one of the top cities to live in California, San Clemente ranks in the top five "Best Surf Towns" in the U.S.

What to Love

 
  • Scenic coastline and serene beachside setting 
  • Classic Spanish-style architecture and quiet neighborhoods
  • Warm, sunny weather and consistent surf year-round
  • Plenty of water and outdoor activities
  • Walkable downtown with trendy eateries and unique boutiques

Local Lifestyle


San Clemente is Orange County's best-kept secret. It's more secluded and doesn't get crowded with tourists like other California beach towns. Residents are friendly but also value their quiet and privacy. There's a very strong sense of community. Longtime residents know each other and are on a first-name basis with many of the local small businesses in the area. It's the much coveted scenic coastal living mixed in with small-town appeal. 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping


San Clemente's thriving food scene showcases diverse cuisine.
Brussels Bistro specializes in Belgian and French cuisine. Hearty dishes include mussels mariniere, boeuf bourguignon, and cheese croquettes, and are made using classic cooking techniques. 

For American fare, Nick's San Clemente serves traditional and modern favorites in a festive, airy setting. Menu highlights such as buttermilk fried chicken or baby back pork ribs can be paired with any one of their handcrafted cocktails.

The city's most iconic restaurant, Fisherman's Restaurant and Bar San Clemente, has been a local mainstay since 1981. They serve Pacific Northwest cuisine, fresh seafood, and barbeque favorites on the pier.

For a fun night out, H.H. Cotton's is a popular bar and grill. They serve elevated pub fare plus a variety of craft beers on tap. It's great for late evening dinner and drinks. They host line dancing and live music on certain nights of the week. The space is also perfect for special celebrations or private parties. 

Things to Do 


True to its surfing culture, San Clemente's
Surfing Heritage and Culture Center showcases the history and evolution of surfing. Permanent exhibits include differently shaped surfboards throughout the years, which is titled "Timeline of Surfing." Changing exhibits focus on different facets of surfing and its impact.

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens were once the home of San Clemente's founder, Ole Hanson. Today, it's the heart and soul of arts and culture in Orange County. The non-profit institution provides programs in numerous fields, including art, literature, history, music, and even horticulture. It hosts over 60 events, including classes and concerts, throughout the year. It's also part of the American Horticultural Society. There are programs for all ages.

Arguably the most picturesque spot in the city, San Clemente Pier juts out over the beach with towering palm trees in the background. It leads to the San Clemente Beach Trail, a pedestrian trail that runs along the entire length of the seaside neighborhood.

Popular with residents and visitors, Avenida del Mar is a charming street with unique boutiques, trendy cafes, and great restaurants. It's pedestrian-friendly, and the streets sometimes close for fairs and special events.

Schools


San Clemente is home to the highly-rated
Capistrano Unified School District and includes the following schools:
 
 

Overview for San Clemente, CA

64,600 people live in San Clemente, where the median age is 43.8 and the average individual income is $64,485. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

64,600

Total Population

43.8 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$64,485

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for San Clemente, CA

San Clemente has 24,006 households, with an average household size of 2.68. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in San Clemente do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 64,600 people call San Clemente home. The population density is 3,519.22 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

64,600

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

43.8

Median Age

50.71 / 49.29%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
24,006

Total Households

2.68

Average Household Size

$64,485

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in San Clemente, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby San Clemente. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
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