San Clemente Pier Reviews

The pier was almost empty because of the threat of rain and it was very cloudy. Some surfers were brave enough to show up and rode the waves. A few guys were casting their fishing rods but otherwise the pier was very quiet and almost deserted. The view was terrific though. I'd love to go back on a sunny day and I'm sure it will be jumping with people and activities!!

Enjoyed the actual wind, waves, and sun that you get on the Pacific coast, of course with some laid back ocean watching, if you must or jumping right in with some surf lessons. Easy parking access with a leisure walk to the beach. The Amtrak Pacific Liner leisurely passes by here.

The pier itself is a fishing pier which retains its character as just that. For us, finding the Pier Grill about 2/3 of the way up the pier on our walk was a major plus. The take-away food was truly exceptional! Portions are very, very generous.

Along the pier, fishermen cast their lines and sinks are set up to wash catches and, aside from the lifeguard station and the Grill, there really isnt all that much going on. The bigger restaurants sit at the beginning of the pier if cocktails and atmosphere are big draws.

The walk itself is pretty long and extremely pleasant. It's very popular as a location to stroll along the boardwalk and take in the beauty of the ocean. Especially nice is that this is on the Coastal Trail. Around the pier are many play equipment areas and a pleasant little shopping area sits across from the pier and the rail station.

The pier has charm and character.

Great place to watch a sunset and stroll on the pier. A small slice of heaven and a great place to watch the long rolling waves that provide a great surf break. Unlike anything you see on the East Coast.

Very nice area with sandy beaches and a long pier to walk. All fishermen at the end of the pier so watch out for wild casting and fish bait. Parking is at a premium but there are nice facilities with restrooms and changing area. Also places to shower or wash your feet. There are frequent passenger trains that go right by you and it is enjoyable to watch.

An awesome day can definately be had here.Enjoy the laid back atmosphere,the clean beach,awesome restaurants and shops.I highly recommend for a nice day out!

The San Clemente pier provides a wonderful stop for travelers and locals. Driving down to the pier offers a nice view of the Pacific Ocean. Parking is a bit tough and it's all metered. Once you cross the RR tracks you have a well paved walk way and host city information. The restaurants are really good and worth the wait if it's the busy time. Full service bar

The walk down the pier is very nice, signs tell the visitor about the views and the history. The view, take a selfie!

We enjoyed walking the pier and then eating at the outstanding Fisherman's Restaurant right on the pier. The beach next to the Pier is lovely with some shaded areas and a few swings for children. We also enjoyed the ocean view from sitting overlooking the beach in front of the parking area. The Coaster train goes right through here along the beach and water.

Tough parking, get there early. Eat at the rest. on the pier for breakfast and watch the surfers catch a wave. Great view, and a good time all around. Did I mention parking is a little crowded and tough?? Do it, worth the trip for sure.

This place is a quaint little town with a market on the sidewalks on Sunday when we were there. Great little shops with a wonderful walk to the beach and pier. Great to watch the surfers, young and old. Overall a nice way to spend the afternoon.

What a beautiful and wonderful day to visit the pier. We also saw a Memorial Day tribute nearby. You must go check the city of San Clemente out!

This is a very nice pier compared to many others. There are several restaurant options amd it is cleaner than most! Fun place to watch surfers and catch some beautiful views and sunsets!

This is a beautiful postcard perfect spot. Great place to relax and walk the pier, grab a bite, and just take in the views and sound of the ocean.

A great walk with lovely views of the coast

As it was the sea fiesta weekend there was a display of vintage cars which added to the interest

Wonderful place for a walk with a beautfiul view, many cafes around the pier, you can watch people who surf or jsut relax

If you like solitude and a lovely beach - this is the place. The restaurant on the pier is one of only two in the area so it can get crowded. The food was good and the portions large.
The beach has a nice 2.5 mile trail to walk just above the beach. The beach itself is clean and wide. Lots of room for games of Frisbee and digging sand castles.
Not much in the way of shops - one small coffee shop, one ice cream shop, etc. Just enough.
The train has a stop right by the pier and we enjoyed watching the passenger trains going by every hour.

This one of just a few piers left along the California coast and this one is situated at the bottom of San Clemente which is a wonderful little town at the southern end of Orange County. From the pier you can see Dana Point to the north and La Jolla to the south.

Wonderful beach location. Fisherman's Restaurant is great - view, food, drinks. parking at pier can be difficult at times.

This pier is such a beautiful spot to, fish, walk, or just watch surfers, amazing sunsets, or just sit and enjoy , breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a drink at the end of the pier at enjoy the view and ocean breeze.

Ate dinner here at restaurant on the pier. Then we scrolled down the pier at night with the family. Gorgeous views! Fun to watch people fishing off the pier. Palm trees and ocean breezes. Great place to visit.

First time here. Disliked having to park and walk far to get a spot on the beach. Also the rocks on the beach were very uncomfortable.

The San Clemente Pier is the signature landmark attraction of this gem of a beach side community. Jutting out almost a quarter of a mile into the blue-green Pacific Ocean the Pier attracts tourists and fishermen alike. Two fine eateries mark the start of the Pier, Fisherman's Restaurant and Fishermen's Snack Bar. The seafood gourmet Fisherman's Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining (sit outdoors) surrounded by gently crashing waves. Fisherman's Lounge sits across from the restaurant and offers a full menu as well. The Snack Bar is perfect for beach goers looking for lunch or a great burger. San Clemente Pier splits the public bathing beach to the south with a surfing beach to the north. The water is very clean and the people watching is unparalleled. Body surfing aboiut 100 yards down-beach from the pier is great as the waves have a natural 4-foot break! The Pier itself has a small snack stand on it as well as bait and fisherman's supplies. The views are stunning from both sides of the Pier, especially looking back toward shore to the cliff side homes surrounding the beach. One word of caution, do not put your hands on the Pier's side railings as the native seabirds have been there before you and they are not clean at all. The other downside tot he experience is parking - it is limited and expensive. Parking for 5 hours can run $10 or more and the lots are a fairly steep vertical climb up from the sand. Consider taking a shared ride such as Lyft or Uber. San Clemente is the hidden gem of Orange County and a visit to the Pier is not to be missed.

After a long day at the beach we decided to take a stroll along the pier watching the surfers and the fishermen! The restaurant at the start of the pier was packed, but after that, we could talk and laugh and enjoy the sights! Excellent family time!

The Fisherman’s , which is located on the Pier in San Clemente is a place that should not be missed . The fresh fish selection changes each day and what could be better than eating delicious fish sitting over the ocean? The scenery alone is worth the visit and we always bring our out of town guests there for lunch or dinner. The food is great, the service is good , prices are reasonable, and if you are able to enjoy your dinner at sunset, you will be writing an outstanding review too.

The temperatures the first week in June were in the 60’s. It was great! The pier and seafood restaurant were amazing! There are obviously many birds and surfers.

The coastal trail along the train tracks is an awesome trip by itself but the best point is happening upon the pier. Add to your workout/enjoyment and walk the length of the pier.

I enjoy the pier. Lots of people fishing and a nice view north and south. Its always fun to watch the surfers as well.

Such a perfect place to stroll, eat, fish, watch the sunset and just plane enjoy being in such a picturesque location. Street parking is easy accessible, the area is pristine and family friendly.

I love this pier for the view and today, the PokemonGo hunting was good. We go there to enjoy the food and drinks so not sure what other activities aside from the usual beach shenanagans it offers but some days, that's all you need. There was free music last night so it was crowded and parking hell. Today, kind of quiet and very pleasant.

My adult children and I took the train from Corona to the San Clemente station. We walked along the beach and the pier, then ate at one of the restaurants. It was a lot of fun.

We didn't use the restaurant but like most piers along the coast, this one is well maintained as has a few benches for enjoying the view

This is a really cool little pier with incredible views of the beautiful water and beach area. Definitely worth checking out and great for an afternoon stroll.

Parking is always a challenge. We parked in the neighborhood because the parking lot was full. The reasonably long pier provides great views of the ocean and the coastline of San Juan Capistrano. We especially like the views looking back toward the city because the coastline is pretty, especially when the train is running along the coast. We didn't visit any of the restaurants on the pier, but we enjoyed the atmosphere and the activity of the people who were fishing.

When the winter morning is 62°, with a warm sun, this turned out to be the perfect stroll. Everywhere we looked, there were content smiles. Wear your best sunglasses.

We drive down to San Clemente as we were staying in downtown LA. So glad we did it's a beautiful place - lots of lovely cafes and shops and the pier is very long and well kept. If your lucky and it's the season you may even see a whale or two. We even saw a few baby sharks right near the shore!

I enjoyed watching the surfers and fisherman. I had a great lunch at the Fisherman’s Restaurant over looking the ocean.

pier has 1 or 2 restaurants and lots of fisherman. Pretty area but not much to see. Interesting place for a stroll.

The views and beach were wonderful. The wooden pier had a great "feel" with guys fishing and people sightseeing.

Unreal waves and beauty, no dogs aloud on the beach and no dogs aloud on the pier , prettt much can’t be do a thing but watch from a distance.

This is a great anytime to hang out, a place to watch sunset and sunrise. lots to do and see, food right on the pier is good as well

Nice pier with a great restaurant “Fishermen’s restaurant” the clam chowder and oysters were really good.

Breathtaking. This place is incredible. Amazing restaurants, friendly people, always someone smiling, kids laughing, and silent tears of joy looking at God's canvas 😁

Great old fashioned Pier made of timber.
Great views of the coast. Lots of people fishing on the pier.
Even saw some seals swimming underneath it.

Close to a decent outlet mall and jutting out in the serene blue Pacific Ocean this is a place you must visit if you are around Irvine or even Los Angeles while you do have options like Santa Monica which is quite crowded.

Beautiful pier by the beach. Excellent sunset views. Lots to do around with restaurant, hotels and trails. Amtrak stop makes it convenient for travel between SD and LA

This pier is very well maintained. It is so great to people watch.
Interesting to see fisherman of all ages. Some bring their
own umbrellas. Very relaxing activity. Pier is very long.
Love watching the surfers.

We loved this stop on our way to Oceanside. We stopped on our way back from our walk to the end of the pier and had drinks at the restaurant to the left just before you exit the pier. Our table was lovely and was overlooking the ocea. The restaurant on the right hand side also does, but it was completely full. There were good public washrooms just before the pier and parking was right out front mind you we went before lunch time. You have to pay, but it was only 75 cents. I collected a few good things on the beach for beachcombing, and found it a good experience. The area was clean and not very crowded. This is a great stop

Nice & clean beach but very crowded. Fantastic for older kids but I recommend Mother's Beach or something more quiet for little ones. He loved the ocean though and happy we have the memory.

Our first time in San Clemente and we really enjoyed walking the pier to the end. A sunny day with good wave action and good views back to San Clemente.

A pier is a pier right? Absolutely wrong. This pier has some breathtaking views and if you are lucky you may even see a dolphin or two! I could sit out there all day.

You need to vist. Its an amazing view, you can watch the surfers on the pier or the fishermen. There are alot of benches where you can chill and read. No dogs are allowed

Lovely walk, uncluttered pier with great views. Watch the surfers catch huge waves and the fishermen catch little fish. One of the nicer piers on the coast

The Pier and surrounding area is really nice. When you walk to the end of the pier (free access) you can see San Clemente and surroundings from a different perspective. They have a burger joint there, but I didn't try it, my son who lives out there had it and love it. Maybe on my next visit I'll go and place a review.

So much fun to walk this pier, watch the fishermen, surfers and waves. It’s breezy so bring a jacket, restrooms available and easy for wheelchairs/strollers. A must see free activity for all ages.

The beach was nice but a bit rocky. The pier was fun to walk out on while the sun was going down. The houses on the hill across from the pier and the palm trees were a beautiful backdrop. The kids had fun playing in the water and watching people surf.

No big attractions on it , just a fast food at the end , but it is good to visit for the view of San Clemente

Nice pier for fishing, sightseeing and relaxing. Nice restaurant with patio seating. No dogs on beach, but ok on path. Couple other small restaurants and store nearby. Parking at a premium. One large lot, then pay street parking around pier area. Very concentrated housing area. Every square foot accounted for. Hope you like dogs, coz just about everyone has one. Must like dogs barking too. Lots of that. There is a Ralph’s, Albertsons and Walmart within short driving distance. Weather is a plus.

I love to walk the pier in San Clemente. Parking can be challenging, but it always shows up. I love the Fishermans restaurant on the pier. ALWAYS bring a jacket in the evening on the beach or pier. You WILL need it!

After dining at Fisherman's Restaurant at the beginning of the pier, we took the stroll to the end. It was very pretty and not too windy. We saw the people fishing off the pier and the surfers on either side of the pier.
It's an easy walk with no vehicle traffic and a good end to an excellent lunch.

Nice beach, beautiful sunset. Lots of open space to enjoy the sun. Little corner store right near here that offers Icees and lots of other options.

Great stop for a quick nosh by then train or heartier meal at restaurant on pier. Watch the groms learning how to surf or bike and walk the beach and pier. Beautiful destination!

Stroll the pier for a view of San Clemente from the water. Check out the surfers, enjoy the ocean breezes. Have a meal or just a drink at one of the two pier restaurants. A perfect break from land and our hurried agendas.

The San Clemente Pier is one of the longer piers. There are two restaurants at the entrance and a snack bar near the end. Snack bar is under new ownership and they’re doing a really nice job. Watch out for the fishermen lines. Perfect place to catch the sunset.

Lovely walk along the pier. Took various pictures. Smashing weather. Great vibe..a few Surfers out doing their thing..Nice area for just relaxing.....I can Recommend!

I lived here, 5min walk from the pier. Absolutely beautiful!😍
But all the UFOs & ppl(residents) that were ok w/it became psychologically disturbing. But grateful to hv experienced the beauty & all the phenomenon that came w/it.
👽🌴👽🖤😲👽😍👽

Parking is in many places and is paid by hour. Pier is wooden and was under construction. Surfers a plenty on the day we went. Beach has many rocks. Very beautiful with the pier and surfers. Several shops and places to eat nearby.

You cant compare this pier to Santa Monica pier at all (and shouldn’t). It has 2-3 restaurants and that is about it. Across the street you will find more food places.

Great place to visit with friends! Good vibes and a fantastic view. Choice of two restaurants on the pier. A little spendy but, heh ... Look at the location!

We met friends and ate at the pier. Another evening we were able to park for free after 5 p.m. to watch the sunset which was spectacular. From the pier, saw a sealion eating a crab. People were fishing and saw some catch a fish. Nice place to stroll and enjoy the ocean view.

San Clemente is one of my favorite OC towns. I love the low key, surfer town vibe. There is a great restaurant at the start of the pier which is in walking distance to the beach and a great stretch to surf, swim, walk or run. It's a pretty low key pier to walk on with views of the ocean and the surrounding towns. A lot of fisherman set up there so it's fun to walk down there and see what the catch is. There's also a gift/fisherman's shop and you can get mochas, munchies and souvenirs. It's also a great place to take pictures, so definitely bring a camera, or supplies if you want to fish.

Drove up to San Clemente from San Diego for dinner and the sunset. After dinner at Rick's (which was awesome) we ventured down to the Pier. The sunset was gorgeous. City views and ocean views are spectacular. While we were on the pier the Amtrack Pacific Surfliner arrived. All and all just a great experience.

probably should give it a higher rating. the fishermen i talked to all stuck out.we ate at one of the restaurants on the pier. you would being above the pacific ocean you would get fresh seafood. not boxed frozen sysco seafood. the view was awesome the staff was friendly but could have gotten the same quality seafood in kansas

The pier is full of life with people walking dogs, surfing, fishing, exercising and just enjoying the beautiful view. Grab coffee, lunch or dinner on the pier and you won't be disappointed.

Good California weather, nice , friendly people. Good restaurant on the pier. Overall a good day at the beach.

We walked down to the pier from our hotel in San Clemente. We wandered along the pier & watched the surfers below and the fisherman at the end. Then we had lunch under the shade of the pier, bought an ice cream and swam in the warm water before getting on the free trolley to take us back up the hill. Very pleasant.

San Clemente pier is a must see place when in Orange County, California. It’s good for picnic on the beach, sunset watching, romantic seafood dinners, swimming, surfing, off pier fishing, and relaxing. All parking is paid till 10 pm. Watch out for the Amtrak crossing.

A great place to stroll any time of the day. There is a snack shop at the end of the pier and places to sit and enjoy the view. The sunset is especially beautiful when seen from the end of the pier!

This is a great pier for a walk. We visited as the fog was rolling on off the ocean which just added to the surreal nature of the walk. The pier has two restaurants at the base of the pier and a smaller food and bait store near the end.

As with many piers, its the view that makes it worth walking out to the end. This one doesn't disappoint. As with most ocean piers, unless its the middle of summer be prepared for a cool breeze though.

Was quite a walk out to the end..a lot of people fishing with smelly fish guts. The ocean views with surfers were great. You can view the whole coast. Very busy, busy area. A lot of fish type cafes around pier.
We took the fun trolley from the outlets,(easy free parking outlets) but only runs during summer months. Then catch it again to go back to outlets.
Since there's crowded small parking areas not easy to find at pier.

The San Clemente Pier is a must see especially on a beautiful afternoon or evening at the Fisherman's Restaurant!
Just a short drive down the Main street of Vista Del Mar thru the beach side city of San Clemente off the 5 freeway brings you to this wonderful spot to enjoy the sunset or a wonderful day at the beach. I have had the fortunate opportunity to live here since 1985 and this spot never gets old! San Clemente known for their year round wonderful weather will welcome you to visit and spend time at the San Clemente Pier.

Beautiful views -- depending on the day and time of day. The usual parade of humanity. All fine -- unless you make the mistake of touching the railing. IF you can pry your hand off, you'll think, "Why I am such a dope?" Still worth it -- wouldn't mind if some city worker swabbed down the railings every few years....

We visited the weekend after Thanksgiving craving some good Mexican food and we were not disappointed. The service was excellent and the menu selections were all wonderful.This is a busy place so I would suggest if you’re going during prime time to get reservations if possible but it holds a lot of people and we were able to get seated right away.

San Clemente is a throw back in time to the easy going Southern Californa beach life. The Pier is the center of swimming, surfing and sunning. The restored building across the street provides great pizza, ice cream,coffee and the market has whatever you forgot.

I have been up and down California's coast line. I have visited many piers and coast line communities. I actually moved down here because of this beautiful well kept friendly pier.

Thempier has a great restaurant and really good restaurants across the street. The highlight is the walk from the pier in either direction along the railroad and ocean. Tons of people and dogs. Everyone really friendly.

Best not to go first thing in the morning as it was shrouded in fog when we arrived. it started to clear by the time we left but it wasn't great sadly. Parking is a nightmare in the area so if the car park is full you have limited options outside of that.

We had just started our walk up the pier with our furry toddler. She's a 4 pound Yorkshire, but was not welcome to walk the pier. We were told (in a polite manner) that no dogs allowed. We could have picked her up and continue but just turned around. Didn't really get a chance to see what it was like.

Piers that go out in the ocean are so interesting and beautiful to me. In the three weeks that we recently spent in California, the San Clemente pier was the only one we were able to visit. The walk out to the end on the sunny, windy day was exhilarating!

San Clemente is a great little town, especially near the pier. There’s construction going on right now, but you can still walk around and enjoy your stay.
I don’t know if they usually have seashells, but we never saw any. We did see lots of rocks in all kinds of colors, so that was fun!
The ocean has warning signs about contaminated water, so check before you go if you want to swim. We could not get in the water this weekend.☹️
I love that the train stops here, and it’s so quiet compared to other Amtrak trains!

Came here with my family in Ocotber and never wanted to leave! Lovely clean beach and pier with a nice restaurant and public restrooms there too. Would reccomend getting up to watch the sunrise on the pier!

This is one of my favorite places!! The restaurant has good food and the view is beyond beautiful. Highly recommended.

Want to watch sunset on Dana Point, and see local surfers do their thing? The Pier is the spot. Local restaurants are across the street, or catch the Amtrak going up or down the coast. Fun spot for families or couples

We went here for a late dinner when we arrived into town. The sun going down made for a beautiful view and watching the surfers at dusk was very neat. Even just walking down to the pier from parking provided some very nice pictures. The train that runs through also adds a sense of awe and a nice touch for photos at sunset as well.

Great restaurants, people watching, fun to watch the surfers and just a great walk any time of the day. This is the best place to be when the sun sets!!!!! Spectacular sunsets!!!!!!

Lovely old traditional pier. Lovely walk out to end with great views of the beach on either side and of war ships leaving San Diego going north. Surfers and fisherman, families and couples. All enjoy the pier.

Spent the afternoon at San Clemente Pier and surrounding areas.Now if you have been to the many long piers on the California coast you know they can vary widely in terms of amenities, crowds and cleanliness. This is one of the good ones! Ample paid parking with pay kiosks. Beautifully maintained grounds. Nice bike and hiking trails adjacent. Two decent seafood restaurants on the pier.

Lovely traditional pier.Restaurant and bar on the land end and just a simple,pleasant walk out and over the ocean.
What's not to like ?

Lovely beach to visit, and The Fisherman’s rest is a good place to eat. we have come from England visiting family. Can’t wait to come back soon!

We went there to see fish in the water and we did lol. Pigeons we're hanging out and no one was in our space. It was completely relaxing and I loved it there.

I have been a visitor there hundreds of times over the past 40 years plus and dined at the Fisherman's Restaurant both sides equally as many times yet I enjoy it all as if it were my first visit.

Love walking And watching the surfers there,beautiful And having a meal on the pier on sundaymorning

San Clemente Pier is a great place to watch the sunset while waiting to dine at The Fisherman restaurant. There are usually surfers in the water catching waves. Great entertainment.

Great stop for a beautiful view and stroll! Parking was bit hard to find, because of a lifeguard event the day we stopped here.

This is a very popular attraction, perhaps because it is in the middle of a great beach and some decent meal options. Most people on the pier are just strolling, but there are many people fishing also. There are two restaurants on the pier. These are extremely popular due to the views and considerable outdoor seating. The main restaurant usually requires you to wait. The lounge on the other side also serves food and is first come, first serve. There are also several more meal options near the pier of all kinds.

Wonderful place for a morning or sunset walk. Winter is great on a nice day since there aren't as many people. You can get a very good view of the San Clemente coastline, do some fishing or watch the surfers. Restaurant on the pier, The Fisherman, is worth visiting too. North side are cocktails and food. South side is more meal oriented. Great happy hour on north side.

Main problem here is parking. There aren't enough spaces so park up the street and walk down, in the summer there is a free trolley, or, the train stops there once or twice a day.

With a large parking lot and a big beautiful pier, this is a great spot to stop and take a walk. There are several restaurants nearby and public restrooms are available.

For those that are more ambitious, there is a coastal walk that goes both north and south from this point that is wide with a gentle grade. Note it is dirt.

Great place to spend a few hours and have a meal and drinks. Beautiful view of the San Clemente coastline.

The view from the pier is absolutely stunning. Just watching the sunrise or set, is like so amazing. Lovely place for an evening stroll or a morning walk. The clean beach and the waves totally make it fun for everybody. A definite place to go. Fun for all ages. Hope you enjoy here

We took a couple of walks out on this pier while on vacation in the area; very nice; beautiful views up and down the coast; not terribly crowded; friendly people if you like to stop and chat.

Very nice stroll on the pier watching the surfers and the swimmers enjoying the waves. Few restaurants right on top of the water and the waves sounding their own symphony while you sipping your drink or enjoying your meal hopefully with your lovely lover or handsome husband. You can also watch many kids fisher to be men!

We discovered this beautiful pier a few years back and have come back every year to enjoy walking it. However, that all changed yesterday. We always park on one of the side streets at the top of the hill and have never had a problem. We did not realize there is street cleaning on Wednesday's. When we came back to our car we had a ticket on our windshield for $51.00. The part that angered us was there was a man who was sitting on a chair in front of his residence and watching us while we parked. He did not say a word to us about street cleaning. When we got back from our short walk he was still sitting there observing others who were parking there as well. This incident left us with a bad taste in our mouth. The kind thing to do would have been to let people know.
San Clemente is the loser though. Due to the unfriendly actions of this man we will be taking our hotel, restaurant and shopping business elsewhere when it comes to planning our vacation next year,

Many visitors to San Clemente head right for the pier, to enjoy a meal at Fisherman's , wall on the long pier, watch the waves, catch a sunset. It's always active , with surfers, fishermen and women, runners, walkers, and families all enjoying the So Cal outdoors. It's at the end of the City's main shopping street, Avenida Del Mar, and hard by the train station, so it's possible to schedule a trip right to the heart of San Clemente, make a day of it, and then head back without ever touching the steering wheel of a rental car. Surfing is great just north of its pilings. A must-see in San Clemente!

The pier is great, little snack shop at the very end where you can buy souvenirs and food, I'm pretty sure they also have popsicles. The fisherman restaurant is located on the pier and it has great food. Mud pie or crème brulee ( you decide).

Town parking just up the hill. Free after 5PM. Either a tunnel under the railroad or a gated crossing. A few of the trains actually do stop here. Stiff walk back up the hill to town center. When clear good views. Sun pretty much sets into San Clemente island not the ocean.

Originally built in 1928 (then rebuilt after heavy storm damage in 1939 and 1983) this 1,296 foot long fishing and pleasure pier is a historic landmark in sunny San Clemente. It was a nice place to take a relaxing walk and the views from the pier were nice. There was no fee to walk on the pier.

We would not have noticed this problem if we had not had someone in our party who was using a walker. Although we managed to get one of the 2 handicap spaces we saw at the pier, getting onto the pier was another story. Yes, the path is paved, but after maneuvering a slight slope and crossing the railroad tracks, the paved section is very steep to the pier. There is no handrail. And getting back to the car was a challenge as well. Luckily the wonderful restaurant on the pier provided a great stopping-off point to relax and view the ocean while dining.

what can you say? it's a pier. walk it and take in the seashore view.
the seagulls will look at you for a great closeup photo. there is a snack/souvenir stand at the end of the pier. that's different.
there are a couple good restaurants to eat at just as you begin you pier walk.
i only ate at one and the calamari was delish!

We had brunch on the patio at the restaurant on the pier. Service was great! Portions were generous. With tip, over $100 for four. Totally worth the view!

This is exactly what comes to my mind when I think about a pier. It's on the older side (although it is currently undergoing repairs) but you can still walk to the end. The views are breathtaking and sometimes you can spot a dolphin or two playing around in the ocean. Also very enjoyable is the restaurant located right on the pier. Take a seat on the patio, have a drink, eat some food and enjoy your life. Delightful!

Easy to get to from anywhere in San Clemente proper, and the Amtrak stops directly in front. Good restaurant on the peir, and immediately across the street from the entrance.

By definition, it is a platform supported on pillars leading out to the ocean or sea or simply from a shore into a body of water, built for the purpose of some sort of entertainment, a place to go to meditate or romance or possibly to eat.

This pier serves its purpose. It sits in a beautiful location and from the end of the pier you can look back at the beauty known as the shore and first hill of San Clemente.

There is a beautiful beach at this location and surfers abound when conditions are right.

I grew up fishing and surfing this pier
It has a nice restaurant on one side and cool bar and bar service on the other
Food is generally good but priced to get those tourist dollars.
Great views of the coast from the end
And always worth an evening sunset stroll

Parking can be an issue, so plan accordingly. We've found the north side of the pier to be a bit rocky, but it also has some pretty cool places to explore. The south side is better for swimming when conditions permit. San Clemente is amazing and worth the trip!

San Clemente is famous as a surfing mecca, but even if you don't surf, or don't have a chance to do so, the pier is well worth a visit. San Clemente is the last outpost of the greater L.A. metro area before it washes up against the impregnable military wilderness of Camp Pendleton, and perhaps as a result, the city has a refreshingly mellow vibe compared to its many cousins to the north. The pier amply reflects this. Drink in the views. Shop a little. Sample some local grub. You'll quickly figure out why world leaders have cherished this area as a retreat.

I had not been down to the pier before - don't miss out! I was there to catch the train to LA, and grabbed a quick bite and cold drink, most enjoyable and great view for sure! Fun little spot.

Was stationed at Camp Pendleton late 90's. I never visited San Clemente. Wow I missed out. Very beautiful downtown/beach area. Great restaurants, clean beach and nice people. Cant wait to return

The whole experience is wonderful, we have enjoyed wondering the area for 40 years. Lots of restaurant choices and spectacular views.

The people are friendly here. The fishermen on the pier are happy to answer questions, there is a great restaurant at the beginning of the pier and the path adjacent to the pier goes for miles.
You pay for parking in the nearby lots or on the street in meters. Worth a visit. Beautiful at night as you can see the lights of all the nearby cities.

This is one of the longer piers in Southern California. It provides great views both left and right of the beach and cliffs. The Amtrak trains go past, providing some excitement, and the occasional one stops to let off it passengers for a lovey time by the sand. Downtown is a long walk or more likely a short drive. Parking is carefully metered or buy a ticket a the pay station, and again like other beach cities, difficult. The Fisherman Restaurant provides a good meal and sometimes shakes as the larger waves strike the pilings. A full bar on the south and a slightly different menu there then on the north side, the restaurant is divided by the walkway to the end of the pier. Several other eating and drinking establishments are on the street across the railroad ties. A hotel, which we have have always wanted to stay at, lies on the cliff top to the south. Beautiful views from it as well.

Amazing pier, so well maintained and scenic. Parking can be an issue. You can find all pier experiences here-fishing, surfing, swimming, have a good meal with amazing ocean view at fisherman's cafe. in short this place is a recipe for a perfect romantic evening.

Beautiful walk after dinner at Fisherman's Restaurant on the pier. Lots of people fishing and plaques along the way describing the sea life in the area and the rock formations. Great for watching the sunset.

A must see experience if you are in San Clemente. You can walk the trail about 1.83 miles South and continue on to the President Nixon Summer home (look for the palm trees and guard house near Trussels Beach). So many things to do. Eat at the Fisherman's Restaurant for sure

It’s a wonderful place to go for walks and eat or drink. Great scenery and great food drinks and coffee,

San Clemente pier was built in 1928 By Ole Hansen founder of San Clemente , It has been the go to spot for beach lovers , San Clemente has produced several world class surfers . There is something for everyone , close to downtown shops and restaurants and boutique hotels .

Very nice pier to stroll to the end to, especially combined with the coastal walk. There's also a restaurant on the pier itself, but eateries up and away from the pier. Pier is right at the location of the train station so nice and easy to get to. Lovely place to get out and about to, to breathe in some fresh air and enjoy the views.

A lovely pier, one of many along the coast. This pier has a couple of restaurants on it, it is wide and is great to walk out to sea and watch the fishermen, maybe you will see one that catches a shark!. Its a bit different as the train runs next to it and you can get to the pier by going underneath the road as such. The beach and gardens are beautiful. There is parking along the road

Nothing prettier than a walk out on the pier. The coast line always looks so beautiful when you look towards shore.

Gorgeous pier with an enjoyable walking area. If you are in San Clemente, it is worth going once. Just be warned that you'll have to pay for parking, and there aren't lots of little shops or stores on the pier or around it look at. If you're going here, you're really going here to look at the pier and beach, and that's it.

The Pier and beach are perfect easy to find easy and cheap to park after 5pm its free. Parking 1 min stroll to a perfect beach quite empty for a Saturday afternoon . Stroll down the pier which has a cafe and resturant on it and you will have a nice relaxing day .

Beautiful area and city! Fisherman restaurant on pier excellent and be sure to visit casa Romántica!! Gorgeous gardens!!

I was blessed to live in the beautiful town of San Clemente. Walking on the pier recalls beautiful memories of sun kissed days. Nothing beats enjoying the California sunshine and taking in the views and sounds of the ocean while walking on the pier.

An easy and short walk takes you from the Amtrak train station to the pier. The ocean has a calming effect, and with the wind slightly blowing, it is very relaxing as well as scenic.

You can’t go to San Clemente and not walk to the end of the pier. The view gives you an awesome perspective of Dana Point and The Spanish Village by the Sea. While you are exploring the Pier, make sure that you start your adventure with a double Bloody Mary at Fishermen’s right side and order some calimari to go with it.

The San Clemente pier is great for a casual stroll or sight seeing. Two Fisherman Restaurants at the entrance to the pier make it a great place for happy hour or breakfast, lunch or dinner 7 days a week.

Lucky enough to be here on July 4th. The weather and fireworks were perfect. Great atmosphere. Enjoyed watching the surfers.

Took the Metrolink down to the pier and what a relaxing ride that was to not have to worry about driving in traffic.There was about 9 of us and we all had a very good time.We had drinks and ate at the Fisherman's restaurant outside on the patio and what a treat that was.The clam chowder and shrimp cocktails are to die for.We also had a few bloody Mary's and I haven't seen them made like this in a while...so good and appetizing with a big crispy pickle...Yum!!!! Not over crowded but plenty of people there but no problem setting up our"space" on the beach.Very nice day! We will be doing this day trip very soon and a few times this summer.

We took the train to go there, it was cold and overcast, still we have fun discovering lots of different rocks with personality. Talked to other people and enjoyed the peace of the place. I want to go back when the weather is better.

Such a fun place to g to whether you want to fish or just walk. Absolutely recommend it and if you are lucky you can see the whales

Had some extra time and the sun finally came out. Nice walk on the pier. It was cold all week and no one was out. It was great to get some fresh air.

Great weather, Gorgeous scenery. Ocean waves were so relaxing. Walked all over
so Great exercise. And... a great lunch.

Definitely a must do. You can dine on the pier at the 2 restaurants. More dining in the area. have a picnic, play in the surf, lots to do!

The pier is always our go-to favorite place to bring out of town guests to feel the breeze, watch surfers or a fabulous sunset, or eat a wonderful meal - whether you want a tasty burger at the Pier Grill at the end of the pier or a delicious sit down meal at the Fisherman- you are guaranteed a superb time with those you love!

the pier at San Clemente is one of the biggest reasons that we go to SC. Its a great place to watch the sunset.

Beautiful site to walk far out on the pier into the ocean. Right near is great fish restaurant w/great early bird dinner

The pier is an amazing place to go at night. I suggest anywhere between 6 and 7:30pm to chill, hang out, eat, and watch an amazing sunset!

This was the easiest walking pier we've been on in a long time. Planks were even and easy walking. Great views. The park on the beach front is charming and just across the street are boutique hotels and a couple restaurants/coffee shops.

Walk down the pier and watch people surf and fish right next to you. If you want to hit a surf, just grab a board across the street. There's also a cool coffee shop and a couple restaurants close by. The beach by the pier is nice as well.

SC is an amazing locals town that makes tourist feel welcomed. Great small locally owned shops to browse and a wide variety of “ surfers “ taco shops to quaint bistros.
My only warning to visitors would be avoid the vagrants / bums. They can be aggressive , more so towards women.
Do not leave anything visible in your car lije cell phone chargers and certainly not suitcases. Unfortunately this is everywhere but around the beach and hotel parking lots are targets.

Beautiful pier that stretches out in front of the quaint town of San Clemente. No charge to walk to the end. No dogs are allowed on the pier but they are allowed in the park around it.
There’s a great walking path nearby and the train runs through pretty frequently throughout the day.
Take the time to visit Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens to get a view of the pier from the cliffs above.

Just a solid local spot not over crowed by tourists snack bar is good
The fishermen restaurant at the beginning of the pier is always packed

I'm from Florida so I enjoyed the cooler weather. San Clemente Pier is a great place to sit back and relax and enjoy the views!

While visiting my parents we went down to San Clemente to the fisherman's wharf and had the special. Street tacos with rice n beans. Very good. It's been a long time since I was down at the wharf. The views are so beautiful and the surf was just as beautiful as I remember. Had an excellent time with parents. Walked the pier. Rite before sunset and it was Grand. Till next time.

Beautiful here don’t leave Saint Clement without going to the beach and walking down the pier well worth it

In non summer months the pier is a great place to visit because of less traffic. I recommend taking visitors from out of town here because it is so serene and beautiful. This part of San Clemente truly defines the California coastal living vibe. It is an excellent place to picnic or eat at The Fishermans Restaurant. The train passing by is pretty cool also to see. Come and enjoy the ocean breeze and the true California culture!

The pier has good restaurants on it. Love the train going by right on the coast. The beach is great. Parking is available. The walking trail is wonderful. San Clemente is a clean, family oriented area.

Nice area to visit. Pleasant walk along the pier which is free to enter. Can be difficult to park nearby at busy times. Nice views of San Clemente

Fun times going on at this pier. Very quaint. Family friendly. A very nice restaurant that has 2 sides to it. One that is a restaurant and the other a bar but it also serves food.

Beautiful view, free to visit. Parking is sometimes difficult. Walk down hill to location of pier and beaches (and remember you have to walk back up). We had a wagon. Snack shack/bait shop near end of pier.

The seafood restaurant at the pier is one of the best seafood restaurants we've been to. Excellent service, and the food is fresh and delicious. We have returned three times already.

Nice to have a beach city with a pier. Wish our home town of Carlsbad would install one. Great views of Dana Point and the great ocean beyond. Theres even a gift store and a place to buy snacks.

We love being able to get away to San Clemente. The pier has a wonderful restaurant that we often frequent. It's call Fisherman's Restaurant and Bar. You can sit inside or outside. After eating we often go for a walk.

Like to walk the pier in the evening. This week the waves are crashing which makes it even more beautiful.

enjoy the view from the pier. it is great. Best time is sundown.
disadvantage: a lot of fishermen were there and some of them did not clean up around them when they were leaving.

Great vantage point for getting a birds eye view of waves and surfing. The interpretive signs on the pier are well worth the walk.

This is a great pier with an overview of the coast. Plenty to see, surfers, fishermen, et. al. The Fisherman’s Restaurant at the pier has fresh seafood.

Enjoy walking and dining seaside....beautiful beach...great place to watch the surfers and smell the ocean

Comparing piers at other tourist locations such as San Francisco and San Diego, this was one of the cleanest fishing piers I've ever seen. Well maintained, with public restrooms halfway down the pier, it was a lovely experience. People were friendly and the ocean is always fun.

Walking along the pier, you share the beautiful views with a variety of people. From young kids to old fisherman, it’s a delightful passage over the ocean.

I love being able to visit the pier often. Lovely to walk early in the mornings, watch the surfers, havea coffe from the shack at the end of the pier. Sunsets are beautiful most evenings. It's a wooden pier so don't wear heels - some benches to sit on and usually lots of families fishing. Fisherman's Restaurant and bar is lovely - wait for an ocean view table outside!!

We are at a local fish restaurant; afterwards, we decided to stroll out on the pier.
What a delight. We saw some sea life (whales) about a 1/2 mile from the pier.
Pros: free, pleasurable, great exercise with family!!
Highly recommend the Pier st San Clemente!!

Every time I travel to SOCAL to visit a friend I insist on stopping here. We usually stop during the week for happy hour and always order $1 oysters and prawns. You cannot top the view and sunset. Staff is always nice. If you are in the area, stop by and enjoy the food, cocktails, and view.

This is a nice pier with good restaurants. It would be nice if they would make it so dogs could go on a walk on the pier. Dogs are not allowed.

We come down often, the worst part of the Pier is finding parking. Sometimes you have to part some what far, but usually not a problem, the weather is mostly nice and walk is brisk and inviting!

There are a few places to eat and get coffee across the street from the pier, during peak times there is a snack bar on the pier.

People are always walking, fishing, enjoying the pier and watching the waves and surfers.

Come on down, the water is fine and the people are friendly! Also, the train can get you right to the pier, super easy.

Beautiful setting! Charming pier, cute little restaurants, lots of picnic areas. Parking is tight but it’s worth the wait.

This is a beautiful place to stop. The sunset was amazing over the pier. A great place to walk and talk. Great fishing. A cute shop for souvenirs.

San Clemente is a wonderful pier with visitors, fisherman, fabulous restaurant, and interesting facts. It is a great place to take a toll. Occasionally you can see whales, dolphins, sea lions and even sharks.

San Clemente is such a nice small town and the pier is just as pretty and easily accessible. We found a nice parking spot and walked down to the pier. What I like is the green small park and then beach. I love that. We sat a bit at the park and talked to the people walking their dogs. We will definitely return there with a picnic basket. Maybe in the fall?

Had breakfast on the pier and then walked out to the end of the pier. Lots of fishing going on. There was some facilities but they were closed.

This is a very nice place to visit. This pier has a fisherman restaurant and a snack shack. The pier does not allow dogs.There is a walking path that goes along the coast. You can walk you 4 legged friend on this path. There was benches and umbrellas so you can relax in comfort.

A favorite for friends visiting or a relaxing evening out. The restaurant there serves great casual food and a chance in the evening to enjoy beautiful sunsets. A really nice add is you can also have breakfast. Amtrak stops at the pier just check the schedule. You won’t be disappointed whenever you decide to visit.

We enjoyed taking a stroll on the pier and along the beach. There are restaurants and several shops nearby and on the pier. Great views of the ocean while enjoying a drink. We have been to several piers along the coast but this one stands out because it had clear unobstructed views of the ocean. There were not too many shops to block the views. Great place for couples or family time.

Over the years, I have been to every pier in California, even the ones that have been torn down over the years. San Clemente is the best of all of them. I don't really know why, but every type of person on the planets shows up on this pier for some reason. Every race, every sexual orientation, every physical condition, and some folks that clearly look like aliens!
Saturday is the best time to go, on a Sunny day. The water is the color of the water in Hawaii. Have no idea why, but its the perfect blue green. Great surfing beach, lots of bathers, and a wonderful restaurant at the beginning of the pier that is on both sides of the pier.
Must have been there 10 or more times, and every time there are new people to watch, great pictures to take from any angle, and great food after a walk on the pier. Tops!

This older pier allows sweeping views of the coastline. Undergoing some repairs, but we were still allowed to walk to the end. Many strollers; some fishermen; swimmers near the shoreline; restaurants and a few souvenir shops. We went in the middle of the day, so it was not very crowded. A nice pleasant stop. Fee for parking.

The San Clemente Pier is a great place to experience a beautiful view and a nice meal.
You have more traditional restaurant seating on one side of the pier and a more casual side that offers outside deck seating for appetizers and drinks. This is close to the downtown shopping as well as a few small hotels.

The Amtrak train tracks lie smack in between the beach and the main street along the coast. Since the sound of trains (as well as loud noises for that matter) scare me, I didn't enjoy the little time I spent there all that much. The beach, the view, the shops and restaurants are lovely but when the train rumbled by, I fled.

While sightseeing through several Beach Towns, we stopped at San Clemente pier. The drive is very pretty, reminding me a lot of Italy with the homes built on the side of a hill overlooking the Pacific. A GREAT feature of this area is that there are two large parking lots just a short stroll from the pier and beach! We really struggled to find parking in other beach towns (eventually had to give up on Newport Beach after searching for 40 minutes for spot). The pier was nice, and is much much longer than the piers we are used to on the North Carolina coast. There are several restaurants at the beginning of the pier that looked nice. It had the feel of a locals place rather than a tourist place (a good thing). One one side of the pier, you could watch surfers, and on the other, swimmers. If you just stop to sightsee and walk the pier, it's maybe a 30 - 45 minute stop. But it's easy to get to and will leave a good memory in your minds eye.

We loved this pier. Went fishing here twice. Some homeless around but they don't bother anyone. Lots of walking on beach or paths around. Loved the train coming by. Food all around too! Convenient parking lot that fills quickly especially at surfing time.
Beautiful sunset. Great families around. Neat people to meet on the pier. Many locals and newbies too. Everyone sharing and helpful.
Go fishing. Enjoy the outdoors!

Pier was really nice, restaurants overlook the water. Lots of things to do on the beach. Only thing is the beach is really rocky and my girls got cut up playing in the water from the rocks..

Have yourself an adventure by taking the Metrolink Train here from Los Angeles and/or Orange County, to this wonderful beach and pier. There are plenty of places close by to eat, and there is a free trolley that takes visitors up the hill of Avenida Del Mar and on to Pacific Coast Highway, for more restaurants and retail shops. The beach itself is on the small side, but it is very long. There is a dirt pedestrian trail, (no bikes), along all of San Clemente. You can walk south from the pier, all the way down past San Clemente State Beach and even take a trek to the famous surf beach Trestles. Walking north along the pedestrian trails will take you to the appropriately named North Beach, where there is also a Metrolink train station stop.
The train stop at the Pier is seasonal, so obviously check the schedule before you plan your train trip. We started our adventure in the city of Orange. The best train station stops along the Metrolink route, which have nearby restaurants, retail, and attractions are in the cities of Orange, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente & San Clemente Pier, and Oceanside.

We always visit the San Clemente pier when in town. Watching the surfers, seeing the AMTRAK trains stop and go or just run by is very entertaining. The Fisherman's restaurant on the pier offers excellent views of the beach and ocean as well as great food, reasonably priced.

What an outstanding place to go visit in the winter. The San Clemente pier is so beautiful with the Pacific ocean surrounding it. There are so many things to do in and around the pier. It is the best place to visit in San Clemente. If you are a photographer, it lends itself to absolutely beautiful shots.

We had a great time walking to the w d of the pier watching the birds, people, surfers and fisherman. It’s a great pier and a must do while in town.

Absolutely beautiful views! The beach, palm trees, ocean, etc. Highly recommend! Great for individuals, friends, a date, & families!

Great place to walk and meet people, good restaurants in vicinity, good for fishing. Accommaditions are available and lovely downtown San Clemente is near by

It's been rebuilt over the years but as piers go it's pretty good. The fishing is just so so but it's a nice walk with a great view of the ocean and the town.

Piers are the best way to see the beach from the water without getting wet. This is a great pier for a peaceful stroll. There is the very popular Fisherman's Restaurant at the start, followed by places to fish, and a basic restroom that was not to well maintained. At the end of the pier there is a small shop selling souvenirs and snacks. From the pier you can see the train occasionally pass by along the shore line. You'll also notice the train bridge built over the rocky part of the shore. When you first come across the Sam Clemente pier, you will feel the pier pressure to walk to the end.

The day we were there the lifeguards were doung drills which was fun to watch. Nice walk with a beautiful view!

The pier has a beautiful grass area to sit and watch the surfers and beach goers. You can walk out to the end of the pier for a beautiful view of the coastline, homes and Dana Headlands too. There are many restaurants, shops and fun things to do. It's very clean and restrooms are available. You can follow the beach trail and walk down to T-Street as well. All a must see. Don't forget to stop on Del Mar Street, many great shops and restaurants too.

100 degree day? Go to the pier, where the breezes and ocean will have the temps feeling 15 degrees cooler. A couple shops, some nice eats, and great views of the surfers and sometimes dolphins awaits you.

This is a nice pier to visit. The views are great and it's easy to get to. The are paid parking spaces close by.

If your in the Pier Bowl area, a must walk is out on this historic pier. Walk past the breakwater to watch the surfers attack the waves. Talk to local fishermen on the end of the pier and catch a glimpse of a pelican posing for a picture. Lots of fun for the kids.

There are pier with arcades and rides, piers with fancy restaurants piers that are just for fishing. No rides, no arcades on this pier. A good but not outstanding fish restaurant and bar. Some fishing and a long walk to the end. But weekends and summers daily, usually lots of people and activities, surfers all around and wonderful views up and down the coast.
After a walk to the end of the pier you turn around and see an iconic view of San Clemente that rivals any coastal view in the world. Do it after dark with the lights and its spectacular. Lastly, if you can plan to be around at sunset the ocean and coastline are like a magnificent painting with hues and shades that can dazzle.

The San Clements Pier is a grand old pier, a relic from the days when coastal steamship plied their trade up and down California. Terrific for a bracing walk.

The most beautiful view you could ask for
The park, the beach and the Pier all offer you a very peaceful experience
Eat at the Fisherman on the Pier and enjoy the Ocean , Surfers and the Sunset is awesome

What's not to like? It's such a beautiful area and the pier allows for even more beautiful views. Parking can get a little tight, but walking to the pier is not a problem. When we were there, they were doing some construction, but that actually made the views even nicer because of the additional lights. We got there as the sun was going down, so it was an amazing time. Highly recommended, great for photography!

After a nice lunch at Fisherman’s on the pier, what better way to end a lovely afternoon. First, I had amazing luck in finding a parking spot on the street, just a short walk back down to the pier. I always carry a plastic bag of quarters to feed the meters, $15 to $20 worth. And every quarter at the end of the day goes into that bag. We started out with a dream of being a party of 8. But the four from Northern California who are spending several days at Disneyland, could not find parking. They have a long, giant pick up truck and it just doesn’t fit most spaces in Orange County. So it was just four. We had on tap beers, white wine and Procesco. For our meals it was a Tuna Salad, Salmon tacos, fish and chips and cup of clam chowder and a Shrimp Cocktail. I think no one took anything for leftovers home. The pier was nearly empty as we walked out to the end and came back with just enough time left on the meter.

We stopped at the pier for a break on our travels to LA. It was beautiful and worth the short detour. The sea lion pups were on the shore and a beautiful sight.
The area is clean , and in the summer I am sure a wonderful place to picnic and enjoy the beach. It is a nice place for a walk in the Spring.

We were staying nearby, and walked out on the pier at first light, at sunset, and after sunrise. All very enjoyable. Friendly fisherpeople.

The ocean is so beautiful, and the pier goes far out into it. Fisherman's on the pier is a terrific restaurant. The restaurant on the left, or South side of the pier, is usually busy. They do not take reservations. However, some of the same food can be had on the right side at the bar. In the summer it's more expensive than in the off-season. Great place. We go there often because we live a half an hour away. Just just sit there and have a drink during sunset is such a pleasant experience.

We visited the pier during a trip to Capistrano Beach. A little hard to find but was very well maintained and clean. Helped others take photos of their visit which we do all the time. Enjoyed spending time here.

The San Clemente Pier is a pretty long one, easily walked or travelled in a wheelchair. Beautiful ocean views. There is a restaurant, but we haven't eaten there, so I can't comment. It does always seem to be busy.

Also on the pier is a cocktail place, and we stop in there often for a drink. With both indoor and outdoor seating, you never know what you're going to get. Sitting outside, ocean front is one of the nicest places to watch the waves and sometimes surfers. This place is definitely worth a visit. Two Vegans Two Wheels gives it two thumbs up,

Great place to view the ocean and people watch. There's some restaurants by the pier, but we didn't go in any of them. There's plenty of parking not too far away.

Enjoy the experience and views from a beautiful part of the Southern California Coast and on clear days -- seeing Catalina and San Clemente Islands.

What not to love. The pier at Dana Point is beautiful! So many beautiful photo ops! The sound is the waves crashing is astounding! Watching the surfers 🏄 from right above is exhilarating. To breath in the fresh air and watch the glorious colours as the sky is painted! Oh glorious creation! Such handiwork, is breathtaking.

Nice pier.....clean and great views of the coast when you're out at the end. The Surfriderand Coaster trains came by and stopped while we were there. Very enjoyable short walk to end of pier!

Tried to visit the pier on a Sunday, but could not locate ANY parking, as the small parking lot was totally full, as well as all of the surrounding streets. The restaurants were also very busy.

The pier is quite picturesque, but due to current works going on, we were unable to go all the way along. We were here in the middle of the day but can just imagine how beautiful it would be at sunset.

San Clemente Pier is smaller and more off the beaten path than many other piers on the SoCal coast, which adds to its appeal.

The pier has a restaurant and oyster bar on it in case you’re hungry as well as a couple of eateries across the street.

There is tons or parking in a lot adjacent.

From the pier you can watch the surfers and swimmers. The lifeguards are stationed here on the pier so they have a good view of all the water activity. Parking can be difficult on especially crowded days, but keep trying-it's worth it. The pier makes a great foreground for sunset photos.

If you are in San Clemente, you have to visit the pier. The area is really fun with many local restaurants and cute shops. We met lots of friendly folks and we felt very safe.
While there, we were able to watch a few surfers. I would recommend trying one of the restaurants on the pier. Prices were good at each of them.

This is one of my favorite piers. Easy access to the pier. Great restaurant at the beginning of the pier. You can see for miles up and down the coast.

Just hanging around the Pier, watching the waves or surfers or having a drink at sunset, the Pier area is the coolest spot in San Clemente

Walking the pier from start to the end, with my Queen holding hands. Stopping to get a bit to eat and watch the ocean waves.

Awesome location, easy to get to and navigate and a lot of small quaint shops, eateries and coffee sops across the street. Fisherman's restaurant on the pier is to die for !!!! Just an all around nice, clean area.

There were lots of people fishing on Saturday night! The train drops you right here and fun to watch the surfers

Great location with some great restaurants. Kids had a great day on the beach. Pierhouse Kitchen was awesome.

Excellent coastal pier with lots of fisherman, surfers nearby, and wildlife viewing. Bathrooms out on pier along with restaurants. Worth a visit!

A cool southern California beach. Not to touristy, the beach is sandy with lots of rocks which the kids loved to play with. Cool pier, cozy atmosphere.

The San Clemente Pier is a must see... It is one of the longest piers in SoCal.

We spent the day here, walking the beach, playing in the surf... the water was a little cold for my taste but... FUN!
The pier itself is a great walk, there are a few vendors... not much. You can watch the locals fish, while you enjoy a nice breeze. The sunset from the pier is amazing too!

There are two restaurants at the beginning of the pier, the one on the North side is more Bar-ish, while the one to the South is a more Sit down Dining... Interestingly, they share their menu options so, sit where you can I guess.
The food was great!
Pricing was as expected... a little high.
Both places were quite busy mid-day.

My recommendation is to walk, ride share, or take the train. Parking in this area is horribly lacking! Don't ruin the experience, by getting frustrated by the parking situation. After all, you're are here to ENJOY LIFE!

I love San Clemente, it’s one of the best places in California. You should definitely see that city and beach!

We love our Pier Bowl neighborhood. It is rather quaint and has the feeling of being an extension of the SC Village vibe.

It can be reached by train, automobile or just by walking or biking the beach trail.

There is a great restaurant on the pier where you can enjoy a sunset happy hour and appetizers or a full menu dining and join the locals for Monday night football on the outside bar patio.

Popular place for fishing, love to walk the pier at night to see what people are catching.

This is a wonderful place to take a walk or have a get together outside. Along the beach or on the pier there are many restaurants and shops close by so you can have a very nice day or even a couple of hours. On Sundays you can even enjoy the Farmers Market.

San Clemente is such a cute little town and has one of the prettiest piers on the coast! Amazing pizza place across from the pier! A must go to place!

We visit the pier often and enjoy the surf and sea air particularly during the warm summer season. It offers wonderful views both north and south along the coast and the sunsets can be spectacular. It is a pleasant after-dinner stroll no matter where you might eat.

This is a great way to visit the beautiful Southern California coast. The beach front has amazin resturants and cafes. Then a walk on the pier is so beautiful. It is also a much longer pier than others in Southern California. Take a stroll and see surfers and sea life. I would highly recommend taking time and seeing this gem!!

Really like to eat at the restaurants on the Pier. Fun to walk to the end of the pier and see the fishermen cleaning their catches.

Beautiful long pier in central San Clemente to observe the waves, the coast and locals catching fish or, in our case, a small sting ray

Best view restaurant around. Food - average. Food has not changed in decades other than getting smaller portions, dropping clam chowder from being included in the dinner at night. Servers from very friendly to "just doing their job." Basically, we go to take our visitors for the ambience and not for the food and certainly not for the "warm. friendly" service. So for the view: 4.5; for service 2; for quality of food 3; for price 2.

You can enjoysurfers or surfing around the wooden pier. It offers nice landscapes for sunset. It has a couple of options for breakfast and dining with nice views.

This is our second visit to San Clemente. Each time we have gone to the pier. This time we stayed at the beach all day. We ate at the restaurant on the pier and walked to the end of the pier.
The weather was perfect. The people on the beach and the pier were friendly. It was a very relaxing experience!!

Planning another trip from San Bernardino depot to San Clemente pier.
$10 round trip on Saturdays.
No worries about where to park.
Fish & Chips In front of the pier.
Restrooms there too with showers.
Nice walk on the beach.
Bring umbrella for shade.
Be sure to catch train back on time or you have to find a room

Lovely town and beautiful pier. Seen about 8 fishing from pier and most had caught while I was there. Cafe and snack shops available and really good ice cream just facing pier. Pier located right on train line and not to far to all beaches along coast or to Los Angeles or San Diego

Sweet ~ Good Ole Spot
No dogs allowed even on leash :( Good views ~ Restaurants on the pier are popular...

What a Beautiful New Year’s Day 2024 Walk along the Pier and the beach trail with our great friends! Loved the fresh air and the water was lovely so much to see on a beautiful clear day! There are many restaurants to choose from and lots of surfers out enjoying the waves!

This was a great 'day date' activity for the hubby and I. Very scenic with a long trail. Brought our dog along. Learned that there are no dogs allowed on the pier. Looking forward to the next visit .

Enjoy fishing, sunbathing and surfing all in one spot! I had a wonderful time having happy hour with friends at the fisherman's restaurant on the San Clemente Pier .

We enjoyed the Ocean Festival. It was very well organized with plenty of food vendors. Additionally, there were other vendors and many fun events. We enjoyed watching the lifeguard and surf contests.

Stopped off for a break from driving on a very hot day.
The pier is a great old fashioned structure and ideal to stroll along or just watch the world go by.
Fishermen and surfers abound here and we spent a very pleasant couple of hours chilling out.
Parking can be difficult in busy times.

Enjoyed watching the fishermen, and nice to walk on the pier. Nice clean beach too. Was a nice walk from our hotel .

This is one of the easiest nice piers in Southern California. Easy parking nice variety of shops around the pier and great bar on the pier. Stay and watch the suffers, walk the beach and enjoy the sunset. This is a real peace of tranquility.

If you want to see and feel the ocean, this is definitely the place to go and take visitors. The food is very good if a little high. You pays for the atmosphere. Can't be beat.

Fun outing taking the train drops you right by the pier. Went walking around town and used the trolley bus to tour town. Goes to outlets and back to starting destination.

Had a great time!

Beautiful pier. Very long pier but worth the walk to the end. When we walked to the end and saw several dolphin pods. We will come here again. Quaint little ice cream shops and other food places at the pier.

Walked along here everyday. Great to watch the sunsets and the surfers. Really nice to see people from all walks of life just getting along.

Excellent Food and scenery of San Clemente Beach. We ate at The Fisherman Pier and Restaurant. The food and scenery were great! I highly recommend when visiting San Clemente, California!

This is nice pier and it never to busy
Nice to just take a stroll out in the morning
Grab a cup of coffee and relax If you are lucky and it a clear day you can see Catalina Island

This pier is central to the town and its identity as a surf side spot. It's a must see if travelling in this area, just a short distance off the freeway to San Diego.
Stroll out and watch the surfers catch waves below you. I wish we had these at home on the Gold Coast.
Fishermen love the pier. Lots of sea birds.
Stop at the restaurant or bar, for drinks , coffee or enjoy the wonderful seafood.
Perfect to watch sunset.

The pier is a nice place to spend some time. There are a lot of people fishing from the pier. It is good for families to spend some time. Keep in mind that the parking id very tough to come by. We almost gave up trying to find a spot but after 15 minutes, we were able to grab a spot.

San Clemente Pier is a must do. Many special memories here, eventhough we have only visited a few times. Stroll the beach, walk the pier or visit the restaurant or pub on the pier. The sourdough bowls are amazing! Classic for the pier. Many other great choices. There is a tackle and bait shop half way down with snacks and souvenirs.
On this night some young fellows caught a small shark off the end of the pier. They had been chumming all day. Kind of sad, catching and killing a shark for sport. (And its teeth)

Once you arrive you will love this beach; yes it is a difference location related to the others beaches; the train runs all beach long; the sunset was amazing! A must in the orange country!

Great way to watch the sunset or walk of a meal. The view is fantastic from any direction. It’s worth it.

The trail that runs along beach and Pier is in middle is one of the best local attractions and elements to the area. Walking, Running, Biking, Surfing, People watching.

Very nice and safe area to walk out on the pier and enjoy the view. You can view the sunset over the island on a clear day.

Would defo have this place on my holiday hit list. Lovely Spanish style town, nice shops & beach. Great food. Amazing climate

Came back here a few times it's a lovely evening walk with great views at sunset. You can view dolphins and fish and there are lots of fishermen at dusk. It has a restaurant on the pier 'The Fishermans' a several others very close by. There is a large, very busy car park close by which is free after 5pm (if you can find a space)

California piers are fascinating. My goal is to visit each pier on Highway 1. San Clemente is special. It was the first one I fished from. That was many years ago. It is still great for fishing and watching surfers. Easy walk out and not far from the highway. It is a good respite when Highway 101 backs up in both directions.

What a great place to visit, day or night. San Clemente Beach is gorgeous & very safe. The lifeguards stayed until 8pm to keep the beach goers & people in the water safe. It’s a traditional for our friends is to have a bonfire down at this beach. The weather is always so nice. Steve Concialdi

This pier is just beside the metro station. So just use metro train of Orange County get straight to the beach. Talk a walk on the pier and watch people surfing.

The bar menu and happy hour specials offer plenty of options and are really good. Best clam chowder around and the shrimp and crab cocktails are scrumptious. The restaurant offers the freshest seafood flown in from Seattle and other places. (Iv'e seen them unloading huge halibut and other fish off the back of an ice truck!)

When I think of San Clemente, I think of the pier. The fisherman's restaurant on the pier is busy, but worth the wait. The pier lets you get out over the ocean and you can fish, people watch or just enjoy the view. The people in the snack and souvenir building at the far end of the pier were very friendly. I enjoyed visiting with them. The beach and ocean and pier are all a highlight in San Clemente.

We love walking on the beach every day, seeing the friendly people of San Clemente here.
Frequently close the day with beautiful sunsets there.
Have seen whales, dolphins, sea lions, octopus, shark, stingray, pelicans, on & on!

I love this adorable town! I feel like I’m on vacation everyday!!! We love going down to the pier! Especially in the summer months, when we can take the trolley there! My child (4 1/2yrs old) loves taking the trolley and getting off at the pier!! We will go for a walk and he likes to watch the surfers, talking and watching the fisherman!! A lot of the times we will stop and get some drinks and appetizers or lunch at the fishermans warf (the casual side)! He loves if we get a seat where he can see everything!!! Plus, great kids menu, drinks, and you can’t beat the view!!! We also will sometimes go across the street and stop by at one of the yummy restaurants! Jake loves the pizza place (super good) and my husband and I love pierside kitchen and grill!! One of my new favorite stops in Catarina’s (gelato, coffee drinks, kombuncha, pastries, & chocolates). We love the convenience of the Market!!! Jake likes to get a popsicle there!!! Hope you enjoy the pier as much as we do!!!

This is what is best about our small town. The waves crash up against the pylons as the sun sets behind Catalina and the seagulls whisper goodnight. It makes every evening a storybook ending.
Parking is easy and close too.

We sat on a bench above the Pier at sunset and it was amazing. Great location to take pictures, you can literally watch the sun set into the ocean!

Lots to do at the San Clemente Pier. Good restaurants: sit down, bar, or fast food. Reasonably priced food and ice cream. Take a walk around the pier and enjoy the scenery. Lots of parking close to pier.

Had to stop by here while we were in town. The views are great and enjoyed watching the surfers and fishermen hanging around.

everyone whether fishing, kite flying, watching surfers, or just enjoying the pier is friendly and outgoing. a very relaxed atmosphere.

Great view of the beach and ocean as you drop down into San Clemente. Very nice close in shops and restaurants on the street at the entrance to the pier. A great restaurant on the entrance to the pier, Fisherman’s. You can chose the Oyster Bar on the right or the Restaurant on the left. Both are great. Eat inside or out. The pier goes way out in the ocean with a large life guard tower in the middle. Beach on both sides with activities including surfing.

One of only a handful of piers in Orange County. It's definitely worth a visit. The are two restaurants at the land end of the pier.

I have been walking and fishing on this pier since 1949, it remains as beautiful a view and experience as ever.

On a lovely March Sunday morning we walked down Del Mar to the San Clemente Pier. Both Del Mar and the Pier are worth the steps. But be warned, Del Mar’s shop give way to the Pier below. The return trip generates some healthy burn.

The Pier juts out into the pacific and is a lovely place to to watch the sun set. The day we visited the surf was up and surfers were challenging the waves.

Now that I am at home, I'm going to be sulking, wishing that we had gone to the Pier a second time while we were visiting Orange County for the weekend. I just loved it. We had a desert and drinks at the Fisherman's Restaurant on the pier and then took a walk to the end. It looks long, but it didn't take long to get to the end, and it was cool to see the people fishing at the end of the pier, and the surfers near the front. There is a snack bar/gift shop near the end with surprisingly good prices. Amazing, really for a place that could be considered really touristy. It was nice to come in September because it wasn't really that crowded and the weather was nice. They have picnic tables to enjoy your food as well. Definitely recommend this place!

We have visited before with our family, and every time is lovely. Beautiful area with lots to do and a laid-back vibe.

We enjoyed our walk on the pier. It is long but interesting to watch the surfers and the fishermen. At the start on the pier, we especially enjoyed stopping for dinner and a drink at The Fisherman's Restaurant & Bar - great food reasonably priced.

What a great walk into the ocean. Very breezy but exhilarating especially after a meal at Aveida Victoria at start of Pier

Beautiful pier and a fun area. I had to drive around the loop a few times to find a place to park. Parking fee are high. Some nice places to eat and just enjoy the beautiful ocean breeze.

This is a pier that locals support and fund generously and it shows in this well-maintained pier. Three places to get food on the pier and some really wonderful places on the street facing to eat or just grab coffee. Every year locals are asked where they take out of town guests and the pier always is number one. Great views to Dana Point and Catalina.

Exploring this wooden pier on foot is close to walking on water. Not really, but the joy of breathing fresh ocean air, hearing the waves beneath your feet, and being out over the water is unique. Young and old, locals and visitors, everyone treasures our San Clemente pier. The Lifeguard guard tower monitors north and south activity along beautiful beaches. Fishing is allowed on the pier, no dogs past the restaurants - check City rules. At 1,296 feet, this pier ranks 15th in length among Pacific Ocean piers. It’s our most favorite!

Really nice pier that is not dog friendly. Great views of coastline and very windy. Lots of fisherman was almost hit twice on cast of angler not paying attention.