Top Five Attractions, in-and-around San Clemente

This is one of the busiest places in San Clemente, not only on weekends when their is an influx of visitors from all over, but also with locals who enjoy strolling on the 1296-foot Pier. Located at the foot of Del Mar, the main street in San Clemente, the Pier has ample parking both on the side streets as well as in the parking area, all within easy reach of the entrance to the pier.

Entrance to the pier is across the railroad tracks, past bait & tackle shops, restrooms and Fishermans Restaurant reputed to be the best seafood restaurant in San Clemente, it has both indoor and outdoor tables for dining.

On any given day, strollers on the pier will encounter the avid fishermen who flock to the "free fishing, offered off the pier, anytime from dawn onwards. Also it is a great spot to watch the surfers, who come out to challenge the waves which are rated as good as Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. On either side of the Pier are miles of sandy beaches, childrens swings, fire pits, volleyball, picnic areas and a walkway adjacent to the beach which allows dogs who are on a leash.

The Pier is open until midnight and is the best spot to photograph, or just enjoy, the spectacular sunsets the area is known for.

In San Clemete there is a beautiful Spanish Colonial building, that once was the home, of one of the founders of this city Ole Hanson. The family lived in Casa Romantica, as it is now called, from 1928 until 1932. The building which is located at 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, sits on a bluff overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean close enough to hear the waves below. It is presently used as a Cultural Center. Inside the house, one of the rooms showcases the history of the builder's vision, while another has a revolving historical art collection.

During the year residents as well as visitors can attend a variety of Exhibitions such as the one coming up on Sep. 28/10 featuring the Photographs and Artifacts of the Nixon years, when the Western White House was in San Clemente, and has been loaned to the Center by the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda. Other Events, featured during the year, are American Jazz Music coincerts, A Holiday Harp Concert with music from around the world and a Piano Recital by Vijay Venkatesh. There are also a series of Speakers featured at the Casa, on such subjects as Anthoropology, History and Gardening.

For both the young and adult members of the community, creative workshops with hands-on activities and a broad range of artistic educational programs are available to them. These activities are co-ordinated and supported thru the Historical Society and the Boys and Girls Club of San Clemente. Residents of the city are encouraged and welcomed to assist with the many functions put on at the Casa

The Center is open 1:00pm to 4:00pm on Tuesdays, 11:00am - 4:00pm Wednesday thru Suindays, General admission is $5.00 and visitors are free to strool through the gardens with its Butterfly garden and fountains or visit the amphitheatre which is used to host weddings and special events. Another option is to take one of the guided tours led by Docents and learn about the history of this most romantic - Casa Romantica.

For those interested in oceanography, marine science and the environment the Ocean Institute in Dana Point is the place to visit. Programs are given to youths during the week and the Institute is open on weekend to the general public for a sneak peak into how these programs are used to inspire life-long learners. It also does daily sailings on the 70-foot research vessel "Sea Explorer" to study and oibserve marine life off shore.

The Institute has two Tall ships, The Pilgrim and the Spirit of Dana Point a replica of an 1770's privateer used during the American Revolution. A Tall ship is a traditional rigged sailing vessel and one of the popular programs, on a Tall ship, is the Pyrate Adventure Cruise, during this family outing participants can hoist sail, fire cannons and fight off pirates. Another is the Tall Ship Festival, held in September, which has been hosted by the Institute for over 20 years. This is the largest gathering of Tall Ships on the west coast, it begins on Friday and ends on Sunday during which time visitors can enjoy maritime displays and demonstrations, music concerts, pirates and sunset cannon battles. Visitors can also tour the tall ships and listen to crew stories of adventure and life at sea.

The Institute is big in educating our youth and have a variety of programs both on land at the Institute as well as at sea, one of the most popular is the "Before the Mast Overnight" for Grades 4-5, 18 hours duration, they are immersed in early California history, gain skills in teamwork and communication as they hoist cargo, row long boats, raise sails, stand night watch and swab the decks. There are a variety of field trips offered, divided by grades from Kindergarten to College students. This information and more can be found online at www.oceaninstitute.org

One of the oldest buildings in San Juan Capistrano, and one of the most visited, is the old Spanish Mission which was founded on All Saints Day - Noc. 1 1776 by the Franciscan Order. It is the 7th of the 21 Coastal Missions and one of the best restored. The entire site is still in use today, a modern church complex has been constructed to the north and west of the compound and the oldest chapel, with its ornate baroque altar, which was built in 1782and is still being used today. It is said Padre Junipero Serra celebrated mass in this chapel.

The Mission itself is the draw for visitors who flock to it on weekends and for school field trips that visit during the week. Guided tours, by docents dressed in historic attire, take visitors thru 10-acre grounds and gardens with a mixture of old ruins , preserved archictecture, quaint adobe rooms and museums with snap shots of California history and displays from different periods of the Mission.

The Mission is an integral part of life in San Juan Capistrano, it is just a couple of blocks from the 5 Freeway right in the center of the old town. During the year it hosts Performing acts, children programs and cultural events. Among the many festivals, at the mission, the one that draws the most visitors from every country is the "Return of the Swallows" on March 19 - St Josephs Day - which is said to have been documented since 1777. The Festival includes the ringing of the historic Bell at the Mission, school performances of traditional dances and mariachi music in the front courtyard.

As part of the community the Mission has many children programs as well as programs for the entire family. In the summer they have free daytime events for kids from 6-12 years, including Arts & Crafts, gardening and toy making. They also have a camping overnight on the Mission grounds for kids and their parents, for a fee, which includes dinner and breakfast.

In the summer there is a Summer Concert Series, "Music Under the Stars" which includes picnicing and dancing to live music. Upcoming Exhibits will feature the "Lewis and Clark Expedition across America" with inter-active stops along the trail.

Located at 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, the Mission is open daily 8:30am to 5:00pm. Admission is $9.00 for adults, $8.00 for Seniors with audio tour; Children4 - 11 years pay $5.00, under 3 years they are free.Tickets are sold at the entrance or can be purchased oinline at www.missionsjc.com . Group rates and annual passes are available.

This georgous little park is a great place for the kids, with swing and climbing sets, picnic tables, barbeque, grass and play equipment, it has beautiful ocean views. To acces the beach one has to cross under the train tracks.

There is a small amphitheatre which hosts random acts of local talent, and a beautifl rose garden. Great place to relax and let the kids have fun, it is located Via Mecha and Linda Lane, near the ocean in San Clemente