Visit The San Clemente Pier
Sunsets, ocean view dining, and epic coastal sights.
San Clemente’s #1 attraction
The San Clemente Pier is a historic landmark and popular tourist destination located in the city of San Clemente, California. The pier was originally built in 1928 as part of Ole Hanson’s development project to promote tourism in the area.
The pier is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and strolling along the beach. It is also home to Fisherman’s Restaurant and bar, which attracts visitors from all over the region.
Over the years, the San Clemente Pier has undergone several renovations and repairs to keep it in good condition. Today, it remains a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, walking or biking along the beach trail, or simply relaxing on the beach. The pier is also home to a restaurant, shops, and other amenities, making it a great place to spend a day by the ocean.
Live Beach & Pier Cam
Can you surf at the pier?
Surfing is allowed on the north side of the pier. Waves are usualy 3-4 ft.
FAQs
Can you fish on the pier?
Fishing is allowed on the pier with a valid license. Cleaning stations are available.
Where can you park?
A parking is lot is located at the pier or walk down from Avenida Del Mar.
Things to do near the pier
Visit Casa Romantica.
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is the former estate of San Clemente’s founder, Ole Hanson. Perched atop the bluff north of the pier, Casa offers stunning views and plenty to explore within.
Walk, run, or bike the trail.
Get out on San Clemente’s 2.3 mile long beach trail and take in the stunning California coastline. San Clemente’s beach trail is pet friendly and allows bikers. Most people jog or walk the trail, enjoying views of SC and Dana.
Surf the pier.
A popular surf spot in San Clemente. Grab your board and get in the water on the north side of the pier where locals and visitors wait for the perfect wave. Boogie boarding and swimming is permitted on the south side.
Parking & Directions
Getting to the San Clemente Pier is easy and there are plenty of parking spots just a 3 minute walk away from the pier. During summer months San Clemente’s Trolly has a drop off point at the pier making it even easier to explore our beach town.
Parking Lots & Meters: $1.50/hour from 9am to 5pm
Hotels at the San Clemente Pier
Top hotels near the San Clemente Pier are listed on the map, or visit our San Clemente hotel guide for the best prices and promotions in town.
Dining near the San Clemente pier.
Pierside Kitchen + Bar.
Indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the pier. Pierside has an excellent happy hour and typically features live music. Located across from the pier.
Fisherman’s.
Dine right on the pier overlooking surfers and beachgoers. There’s no better place to catch a sunset while you eat!
Bear Coast Coffee.
A favorite among locals and especially lively on weekend mornings when crowds stop in to grab a coffee or small bite to eat before hitting the beach trial.
Dining near the pier is one way to do it, or you can order out and enjoy a bite on the beach or at nearby picnic benches.
Things To Do in San Clemente
Explore our San Clemente attraction guide and our calendar of events in San Clemente for the best things to do including new socially distanced activities including drive-in movies, dinner events, live music, and more.
Visit the pier at night.
Sun-soaked beaches and colorful sunsets are two parts of what makes the San Clemente Pier a spectacle of the city, but at night it's a different story when looking at the sparsely lit coastline. Westward across the pacific stars are in full view and while lights twinkle along the picturesque coastline.
The pier is about 15 minutes walking distance from Del Mar Street restaurants. Walking the pier or trail at night after dinner is a fun way to wind down.
Sunsets
Bonfires
Stargazing
Dinner and happy hour
Pier history and facts.
The San Clemente Pier is 1,296 feet in length and was rebuilt out of wood in 1985. The original San Clemente pier was built in 1928 spanning 1,200 ft. In 1939 and again 1983 heavy storms severely damaged the pier making it necessary to rebuild the structure. The pier has always been a popular place for surfing, sunsets, and relaxing at the beach.
Annual Events
Ocean festival
4th of July fireworks
Surfing competitions
Outdoor concerts
“We are the music makers.
And we are the dreamers of the dreams.”
— Willy Wonka
Drone & 4k video.
See the pier like never before with these incredible drone and 4k videos.
