California Welcome Center - San Clemente

Nestled in the heart of Southern California, San Clemente is the perfect starting point for your San Diego, Orange County or Los Angeles holiday. San Clemente boasts breath-taking ocean views, a year-round Mediterranean climate and Spanish Colonial-style architecture. Visitors can enjoy a weekend of adventures in this iconic Southern California beach town with historic attractions, a pretty city centre, miles of scenic coastline and shopping at Outlets at San Clemente.

Featuring more than 60 stores and restaurants, and home to Orange County’s only California Welcome Centre, Outlets at San Clemente is the region’s only outlet shopping destination with an ocean view. Fashionistas, outdoor enthusiasts, sophisticated shoppers, the fitness conscious, trend-setters, classic minimalists and others will all find something to love here – and all at up to 70% off.

Beyond shopping, San Clemente is one of the top spots in Southern California for surfing, with famed surf breaks including Trestles, Calafia, Riviera and Lasuens. San Clemente State Beach is popular with water sports enthusiasts and features a mile-long stretch of sand between the curling ocean surf and the foot of a steep cliff. Another favourite destination is the Pier Bowl, a natural topographical 'bowl' that encompasses the historic San Clemente Pier as well as adjacent shops, restaurants, hotels and recreational amenities.

Discover a genuine piece of Californian history at Casa Romantica Cultural Centre and Gardens. Perched on a cliff overlooking the historic San Clemente Pier, Casa Romantica was built in 1927 as the family home of Ole Hanson, a co-founder of San Clemente. Today, Casa Romantica hosts cultural exhibitions, art performances and special events, and its 2.5 acres of coastal gardens show off water-wise and extensive native Californian plantings and one of the most scenic views in the city.

The heart of this 'Spanish Village by the Sea' beats in the palm-lined pavements of Avenida Del Mar, the Mediterranean-styled centre of San Clemente. The area features antiques shops, boutiques, art galleries and outdoor cafes where neighbours linger. Holidaymakers can take back their own treasures from the many independent gift and jewellery shops, bookshops, clothing boutiques and surf shops. Plus, the weekly farmers' market and monthly craft fair offer a local’s perspective on the tastes and treats of San Clemente.

From outdoor shopping to scenic beach sunsets and historic walks to oceanfront relaxation, San Clemente’s activities suit the traveller in search of a quintessential Southern California experience.

Hours: Open Daily, 10 am – 8 pm