What is San Clemente and its beach like? (Los Angeles, San Diego: how much, shops)

[OCerik]

San Clemente is definitely lower on the yuppy scale than nearby Dana Point and Laguna Beach. Even the affluent locals generally don't act like it, San Clemente has a VERY strong "locals only, anti-corporate, surf culture, etc" type vibe. Part of the reason I found it interesting they decided to develop the new Outlets at San Clemente which mostly has national brand stores, as locals literally won't shop there and it's a ghost town 99% of the time. Whoops.

Unfortunately there are less hotel options than the other nearby coastal cities, however you should be able to find something. You'll mostly find marines on weekend nights that come up to go to the bars.

It's a fun city with great beaches and you should have a good time there. Can also make quick trips to Dana Point for its harbor and Laguna Beach for its downtown and picturesque beaches.

[NJ Brazen_3133]

I seems like San Clemente does not have any hotels within walking distance to the main beach, and San Clemente Pier. There is apparently a beach on the north side of town. Can anyone tell me about that beach? Is it a quieter beach?

[LuvSouthOC]

It is pretty quiet but busier by the pier. There is train noise down there as the tracks are close by. Will you have a car or bike? There are hotels by downtown and from there it is a long walk (or quick drive or ride) to the beach.

Check out Casa Romantica.
Check out the Spanish/Med architecture all around (by design).

Truly, it is a great place. Notice no one from SC will speak up. There is a reason.

[NJ Brazen_3133]

Originally Posted by LuvSouthOC

It is pretty quiet but busier by the pier. There is train noise down there as the tracks are close by. Will you have a car or bike? There are hotels by downtown and from there it is a long walk (or quick drive or ride) to the beach.

Check out Casa Romantica.
Check out the Spanish/Med architecture all around (by design).

Truly, it is a great place. Notice no one from SC will speak up. There is a reason.

I will have a car, but I talked to some people. There are no lockers by the beach for me to keep my keys and wallet in. I cannot go into the water. Last year I stayed in Encinitas, and the hotel is two blocks from the beach literally.

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by NJ Brazen_3133

The other poster mentioned OC beach towns are generally affluent. Maybe the young marines are not paid enough, and have to find cheaper housing, while the older marines are paid more.

In some cases, that is true. But, another reason is that the "main gate" for Camp Pendleton is in Oceanside. A lot of the on base work areas, housing and on base services/shopping are near the main gate. Like all of us, marines tend to prefer to live closer to where they work.

[saibot]

Originally Posted by NJ Brazen_3133

I will have a car, but I talked to some people. There are no lockers by the beach for me to keep my keys and wallet in. I cannot go into the water. Last year I stayed in Encinitas, and the hotel is two blocks from the beach literally.

Can I ask--why did you pick San Clemente particularly? Since it seems like it doesn't really have what you are looking for.

[NJ Brazen_3133]

Originally Posted by saibot

Can I ask--why did you pick San Clemente particularly? Since it seems like it doesn't really have what you are looking for.

I just want somewhere in Between SD, and LA, I am also considering Oceanside.

But I just booked a hotel in Dana Point. Can you now tell me about Dana Point? Is it more affluent than San Clemente?

[LuvSouthOC]

I don't know about more affluent, but it is more high brow, yes. I hope you picked the Ritz, but Laguna Cliffs isn't bad either. Dana Point is great. I can try and answer questions here. What would you like to know? PM if you need to.

[NJ Brazen_3133]

Originally Posted by LuvSouthOC

I don't know about more affluent, but it is more high brow, yes. I hope you picked the Ritz, but Laguna Cliffs isn't bad either. Dana Point is great. I can try and answer questions here. What would you like to know? PM if you need to.

I just want to know what are some sites and attractions in and around Dana Point. I hear there is some oceanic center. Is it worth checking out? And also what is the water temperature in mid July? Do I need wetsuit?

[teeej]

I lived in Dana Point for a year. It's definitely a nice area, less laidback than San Clemente. It's fine. There's a good mexican market/taco stand along PCH that is quite good. Not a lot of young people in either city compared to Costa Mesa/Newport/Huntington etc.