San Clemente
San Clemente is a popular destination for local residents and tourists visiting the region and has been so for decades, all the way back to the days of Richard Nixon. Just far enough south from The OC - Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach, San Clemente is old-fashioned and easy-going. Who would know that Mavericks Big Wave Surf winner 2008, Greg Long, originates from the San Clemente shores where he surfs regularly? The surfing waves are ranked as the best in Orange County, but near the pier, you can take lessons as a beginner, and experience the rush that Long once felt when he surfed the very first time.
Ideally located between Los Angeles and San Diego, San Clemente is a unique beach town built on hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is conveniently located for airport travel with flights at Orange County Airport in Santa Ana. Over 2 million vacationers and visitors annually come to San Clemente, and there are two special segments who find it ideal--surfers and families with kids.
There's a reason it once served as the Western White House for President Richard Nixon. The Casa Pacifica oceanfront home built on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean was sits at the southern-most point of San Clemente. Built for Hamilton “Ham” Cotton, it sold in 1969 for President Richard Nixon. Mrs. Cotton, a democratic, was reportedly furious that the conservative republican would own this prime piece of property and host the likes of Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev, Mexican President Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato, Henry Kissinger, and Bebe Rebozo. Following his resignation, Nixon retired to San Clemente to write his memoirs. Privately owned to this day, the public can't visit or tour the property, but can look up from the beach near San Clemente State Park to gaze at the home.
The city offers 20 acres of sand beach and a 1,200-foot long fishing pier with commanding views of coastal bluff and hills. There is a bait and tackle shop at the end of the pier and a full service restaurant and bar at the base. Umbrella, surfboard and bodyboard rentals are available within easy walking distance and food concessions are open on a seasonal basis at popular North Beach, "T" Street Beach and Calafia Beach Park. One of the most popular events is the San Clemente Ocean Festival which is held at the base of the pier on the third weekend in July. It features two days of lifeguard competitions, a children’s pavilion, fishing derby, rubber duck race, an art show, sand castle contest and a beach blanket barbecue and concert.
San Clemente has a small town feel but offers many restaurants, hotels and shops and public parks and beaches. It is an enjoyable getaway for those seeking to spend a few relaxing days in the sun and sand. San Clemente State Beach is popular with surfers, skin divers and hikers. Blufftop picnic areas overlook winding trails that lead down to the beach can be found at this sunny seaside favorite located three miles south of San Clemente on I-5 Basilone Road. Exit the 5 Freeway at Avenida Calafia near the south end of San Clemente.
