San Clemente Pier City Beach

San Clemente Pier Beach is the main city beach of San Clemente, California and it’s a popular place. On sunny days this place will be packed with people sunbathing, surfing and walking the shore. Restaurants are plentiful so you can spend all day and stay for sunset.

This family-friendly beach is a wide sandy spot on both sides of the pier between T-Street Beach and the beach access at Linda Lane Park. Although the Amtrak railroad tracks run right behind the beach, it is a pleasant setting with palm trees and grassy areas near the pier entrance.

The downtown area near the pier is called Pier Bowl. If you walk out on the 1296 foot long wooden fishing pier and look back at the city, you’ll see it’s bowl shaped. The city’s waterfront is a beautiful place with red roofs, white facades, and palm trees dominating the view.

The San Clemente Coastal Trail runs north and south from here to access all the beaches between San Clemente State Beach and North Beach (2.5 miles end to end). This packed dirt trail is ideal for walking, but it’s also open to bikes. Bike rentals are available near the north end at Bicycles San Clemente (1900 N El Camino Real).

For parking at San Clemente Pier Beach look a large parking lot at Parque del Mar City Park (fee hours are 9am to 10pm). Metered street parking is available in the area when the lot fills up. Note that beach closing hours recently changed from midnight to 10pm (the pier and businesses on the pier can be open later).

The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar serves delicious seafood and drinks at its location on both sides of the pier at the pier entrance. Many more options are on Avenida Victoria behind the beach including coffee, pizza, and sweet treats like crepes and gelato.

Address

100 S Alameda Ln
San Clemente, CA 92672

Park Name

Parque del Mar

Other Names

Pier Bowl

Owner

City Beach

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on the beach

Fees

Fees for parking in lots, metered street spots

Activities

Surfing, Swimming, Walking, Running, Sunbathing, Fishing, Beach Walking

Amenities

Fishing Pier, Grass Park, Picnic Tables, Restrooms, Showers, Restaurants, Shops, Hotels, Trail, ADA Access

Links

Water Quality
Tide Chart
Water Temps
Surf Report