Anaheim Adjacent: San Clemente

Outlets at San Clemente

A picturesque oceanfront enclave, San Clemente offers shopping, dining and entertainment to charm every personality. The California coastal gem boasts more than 10 city beaches, including access to the world-class Trestles surf spots at the border of Orange and San Diego counties. Explore the incredible experiences that are unique to this postcard-perfect town, from fashion outlets and cultural institutions to 1920s Spanish-style architecture lining the walkable downtown streets.

Outlets at San Clemente

More than 50 retailers and nearly 10 dining establishments have a prime location along the Orange County coastline at the region’s only ocean-facing outlet center. Shop luxury brands like Prada and Versace at the Luxury Mall boutique, as well as deeply discounted essentials at family-friendly shops like Columbia Sportswear and Nike Factory Store. 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, Suite 190, San Clemente (outletsatsanclemente.com)

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens

The 1920s home of San Clemente’s founding father stands today as a registered historic landmark and center for arts and culture. Throughout the year, explore with a self-guided audio tour of the home and gardens or allow little ones to partake in a fun scavenger hunt of the property. Special ticketed events include monthly yoga classes, free family Sundays, live music and a lecture series. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente (casaromantica.org)

Surfing Heritage & Cultural Center

Surfing Heritage & Cultural Center

Dedicated to preserving the history of surfing, this San Clemente gem houses everything from memorabilia and boards to photography and cinematography that honors the sport. Visitors are invited to take a walk back through time with a lineup of history’s most significant surfboards that showcase the incredible evolution of equipment. The center also features rotating exhibitions, like the replica of master surfboard maker Dale Velzy’s shaping shack and a Harbour Surfboards retrospective. 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente (surfingheritage.org)

Avenida Del Mar

A two-block walkable stretch of San Clemente makes up the heart of the city’s downtown. Avenida Del Mar is lined with shops and restaurants galore—there’s something for every taste, from sweets at the Sugar Blossom Bake Shop and Soft Swell Hand Dipped Ice Cream to fresh fish at Muse Sushi Bar. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir (or three) at one of the charming antique shops or water boutiques like Hobie Surf Shop. North El Camino Royale and Avenida Del Mar (villagesanclemente.org)

Craft Breweries

No stranger to Orange County’s burgeoning craft beer scene, San Clemente is home to three breweries that make the trip down the coast well worth the while. The 30-barrel Left Coast Brewing Co. has a casual tasting room with 15 beers on tap, followed closely by a selection of 14 diverse pours at Lost Winds Brewing Co. The smaller Artifex features an indoor-outdoor tasting room and is known for its hop-forward brews. Lost Winds Brewing Co.: 924 Calle Negocio, Suite C (lostwindsbrewing.com); Artifex: 919 Calle Amanecer (artifexbrewing.com); Left Coast Brewing Co.: 1245 Puerta Del Sol (leftcoastbrewing.com)

San Clemente Coastal Trail

San Clemente Coastal Trail

A 2.3-mile dog-friendly trail connects San Clemente’s North Beach and Calafia Beach, allowing easy access for pedestrians and bikers alike. Taking the Metrolink from ARTIC in Anaheim places visitors near the head of the trail. Make stops along the way at quintessential San Clemente landmarks like the iconic pier, where you can dine at The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar with the crashing waves just below your feet. (san-clemente.org)