THE TIDE GUIDE
Our guide to the beaches, food, surf, and places we love around San Clemente.
01 / BEACHES + SURF
SURF, SAND + SUNSETS
WHERE TO GO
TRESTLES
Legendary surf. An adventure to access.
World-class waves and the 2028 Olympic surfing venue. E-bike recommended.T-STREET
Easy beach day, surf + sunsets. Lifeguards, restrooms and one of the most consistent waves in town.SAN CLEMENTE PIER
Wide sand on both sides of the pier, restaurants steps away and fire rings for sunset bonfires.CALAFIA STATE BEACH
Our closest beach. Quieter sand below the bluffs, volleyball courts, a beach lot and the coastal trail.SAN ONOFRE
Iconic longboarding + classic SoCal surf culture. Gentle waves that are great for beginners.GETTING TO TRESTLES
Trestles isn't a drive-up beach. We recommend taking one of the e-bikes included with your stay to make the journey easier. Pack light and plan for an adventure down to the coast.
02 / EAT + DRINK
COFFEE · BREAKFAST · LUNCH · DINNER · DRINKS
LOCAL FAVORITES TO START WITH
Pedro's Tacos: quick, classic SoCal tacos just up El Camino Real
Rose's Sugar Shack: easygoing breakfast spot, also just up the road
Riviera: American dining close to the house
Nick's and South of Nick's: downtown favorites for American and upscale Mexican
Vine: seafood and wine downtown on El Camino Real
Fisherman's Restaurant & Bar: seafood with ocean views, right on the Pier
Sylvester's Italian Chophouse: Italian in a historic building near the water
We've collected our favorite coffee shops, restaurants, casual spots and places for a drink in one easy Google Maps guide.03 / EXPLORE
TOWN, TRAILS + VIEWS
WHERE TO GO
DEL MAR STREET
Shopping, dining + the heart of town.BEACH TRAIL
Walk or bike San Clemente's coastline.
SAN CLEMENTE PIER
Ocean views, restaurants + sunset.
CASA ROMANTICA
Historic gardens overlooking the coast.04 / GETTING AROUND
THE EASIEST WAY TO EXPLORE
E-BIKES
Two e-bikes are included with your stay. They're especially useful for exploring the coast and getting toward Trestles.ON FOOT
Downtown and the coast are great for walking once you're there, but San Clemente is hilly.BY CAR
Best for groceries, neighboring beaches and exploring farther up and down the coast.TRESTLES
There's no direct vehicle access to the beach. Take an e-bike, pack light and expect part of the experience to be getting there.