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.