🌺 Living in or Moving to San Clemente: The Spanish Village by the Sea
San Clemente isn’t just another coastal town — it’s a whole vibe. Charming, sunny, laid-back, and bursting with that old California soul, San Clemente blends classic coastal living with a warm, small-town feel that makes you instantly wonder:
“Do people really get to live like this every day?”
Spoiler: yes, they do. And you can too.
🌞 Where Every Day Feels Like a Beach Day
San Clemente is famous for its jaw-dropping climate — seriously, it’s one of the mildest in the world. Warm, breezy, sunshine-filled days almost year-round make it the perfect place for:
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Long morning beach walks
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Surf sessions before work
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Sunset strolls on the pier
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Alfresco dining
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Never-ending summer energy
The second you arrive, your shoulders drop, your breathing slows, and you think,
“Ahhhh… this is it.”
🏖️ A Town Built on Charm, History & Coastal Beauty
Affectionately known as the Spanish Village by the Sea, San Clemente has preserved its character beautifully. Expect to see:
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Red-tiled roofs
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White stucco walls
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Arched doorways
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Mediterranean architecture
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Lush landscaping
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Palm-lined streets
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A walkable, friendly downtown
Founded in the 1920s as a planned beach escape, San Clemente still feels like that dream brought to life.
This is where simple life happens, during Covid, going to San Clemente, looking for parking where this elder couple was hand in hand out for a stroll. It was nice to see, so I snapped this photo. Life in San Clemente.
🚲 Things to Do in San Clemente
There is always something to do here — whether you’re craving relaxation, adventure, or anything in between.
🌊 Surfing, Beaches, and the Famous Pier
San Clemente is a global surfing hotspot with legendary waves at:
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Trestles
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San Onofre (“San O”)
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T-Street
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Riviera Beach
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Linda Lane
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North Beach
Or simply stroll the historic San Clemente Pier, grab a bite, and soak in the views.
🚶 San Clemente Beach Trail
A 2.3-mile oceanfront trail perfect for walking, jogging, biking, or pretending you’re in a coastal movie montage.
🍊 Avenida Del Mar
This charming main street is full of:
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Boutiques
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Cafés
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Ice cream shops
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Local restaurants
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Wine bars
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Flower carts
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Surfer vibes everywhere
It’s cozy, walkable, friendly, and absolutely worth exploring.
⛳ World-Class Golf
The San Clemente Municipal Course is iconic — ocean views, great value, and a community favorite. And of course, the luxury courses at Talega and Shorecliffs are stunning.
🧘 Relaxation & Recreation
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Farmers markets
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Oceanfront parks
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Coastal viewpoints
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Yoga by the sea
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Fishing on the pier
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Whale watching nearby
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Outdoor concerts at community parks
San Clemente offers an amazing balance of calm and connection.
🍽️ Dining in San Clemente: A Foodie’s Beach Paradise
Whether you want casual fish tacos, sunset cocktails, or a romantic coastal dinner, San Clemente delivers. Expect:
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Oceanfront restaurants
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Fresh seafood
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Trendy cafés
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Rooftop dining
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Wine bars and bistros
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Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, and more
The food scene is diverse and delicious without being pretentious — just like the city itself.
🏞️ Perfectly Located for Day Adventures
San Clemente sits at the very bottom of Orange County, making it close to so many incredible destinations:
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Dana Point – 10 minutes
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San Juan Capistrano – 10 minutes
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Laguna Beach – 20 minutes
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Oceanside – 20 minutes
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Temecula wineries – ~45 minutes
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Carlsbad + Legoland – 30 minutes
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North San Diego – ~45 minutes
- Lake Arrowhead – 90 minutes
While San Clemente feels worlds away from hustle and bustle, everything is still within easy reach.
🏡 Buying a Home in San Clemente
San Clemente’s housing options are just as charming and diverse as the town itself. You’ll find:
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Coastal cottages
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Spanish-style homes
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Ocean-view estates
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Family-friendly suburban neighborhoods
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Townhomes and condos near the beach
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Modern homes in master-planned Talega
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Custom homes tucked into the hills
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Long-standing surf shacks with character
And YES — there are homes in every price range here. From beautifully affordable condos to jaw-dropping luxury estates perched above the ocean, San Clemente truly has something for everyone.
Walkability is excellent in many areas — especially near Del Mar, the Pier Bowl, North Beach, and parts of Southwest San Clemente.
View from a a condo I was showing one day. Not a great photo, but you could see to the sea. Super charming neighborhood in the hills.
If you’re seriously thinking about buying (and not just browsing beach homes for fun… I see you), I’ve created a home-buying guide that can show you how to potentially save hundreds — even thousands — on your monthly mortgage.
👉 It’s absolutely worth reading before you start shopping. 🏡😊
💬 Why So Many People Fall in Love With San Clemente
San Clemente has this rare, irresistible mix of:
🌊 Coastal beauty
🌺 Charming architecture
🚲 Walkable streets
☀️ Dreamy weather
🏡 Cozy neighborhoods
❤️ Genuine community
Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, connect, or simply live a life with more sunshine and less stress, San Clemente makes it easy.
It’s peaceful, friendly, beautiful, and full of that timeless California charm you can feel the moment you arrive.
So take your time, explore the neighborhoods, wander the trails, breathe the salty air, and picture yourself living the life you’ve always imagined…
Because in San Clemente, that dream is closer than you think.
Hi, I’m Dianne Hicks — a former business software analyst and programmer who traded debugging code for helping people build real wealth through homeownership. I’ve been a real estate agent for 17 years, and I truly believe owning a home (and investing wisely) can change your life.
My goal?
To help you start — or restart — your journey toward stability, confidence, and financial freedom.
I love breaking down the complicated stuff, translating real estate into plain English, and making the process feel a whole lot less intimidating (and maybe even fun).
If you want a knowledgeable guide who actually listens, speaks human, and loves helping people win… I’m your person.
Email: OCpropertysisters.com
Phone: (949) 441-9091
Website: https://ocpropertysisters.com
