San Clemente Pier City Beach

Located in the middle of the San Clemente waterfront, San Clemente Pier City Beach is one of the most popular beaches in San Clemente. The narrow beach has light brown sand, patches of gravel, and a wooden pier that 1,300 feet into the sea. It features a backdrop of a grassy park and palm trees. 

San Clemente Pier City Beach has a number of amenities including lifeguards, showers, restrooms, barbecues, fire rings, concession stands, and sitting areas – and also provides access to people with disabilities. The beach is easy to access - the entrance to the beach is near 100 South Alameda Lane. There is a paid parking lot available near the beach entrance and there is also street parking available at Avenida Victoria and south Alameda Lane. The San Clemente Pier Railway Station is also situated nearby, making it accessible via train.

San Clemente Pier City Beach has a number of amenities including swimming, snorkeling, surfing, body boarding, boogie-boarding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, biking, picnicking, beachcombing, swimming, kitesurfing, paddle boarding, beach walking, and sunbathing. If you are planning to swim or engage in water sports, be wary of rip currents and great white sharks which have been spotted here. Moreover, there are often seasonal restrictions on surfing and authorities often designate portions of the water near the beach for swimmers only. The water near the beach has a sandy bottom which can be ideal for snorkeling.

There are many attractions near San Clemente Pier Beach. San Clemente Pier offers a great opportunity for pier fishing as the water near the pier is relatively undisturbed by surfers; popular catches include bat ray and bonito. The pier features bait and tackle shops, concession stands, and the Fisherman’s Restaurant. The pier also has a number of tower viewers used to view dolphins, seals, sea lions, migrating whales, and occasionally porpoises in the water. The nearby Parque Del Mar is a grassy park offering picnic spots which is ideal for a family picnic. The San Clemente Pedestrian Beach Trail is a hiking and biking trail offering access to nearby beaches including the popular surfing spot T-Street Beach and Lost Winds Beach featuring volleyball courts. Surfing Heritage and Culture Center, dubbed by ESPN as the "Smithsonian of the surfing world," is another nearby attraction.

If you're looking for a restaurant, The Cellar is a high-end wine bar and restaurant which offers a patio dining area along with a variety of delicious "New American" dishes. A great family-friendly dining option is Billy’s Seafood and Deli which offers excellent sandwiches, soups and salads served in generous portions. A modestly priced option is Active Culture Natural Foods Cafe, which serves great healthy breakfast dishes, fruit bowls, and yogurt.

If you are looking for a hotel near San Clemente Pier City Beach, there are many great nearby options. The 4-Star Laguna Surf is 24 minutes away by car, features deluxe suites, and offers a variety of amenities including beach access, an observation deck, a spa, and a lounge. A more affordable option is the 3-Star Holiday Inn Laguna Beach offers a number of amenities including a heated pool and a fitness center. The modestly priced 2-Star Oceana Boutique Hotel is another good option.