Avenida del Mar
Avenida del Mar: San Clemente's vibrant street leading to the pier, offering shops, dining, and beach access.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Avenida del Mar
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Avenida del Mar: San Clemente's vibrant street leading to the pier, offering shops, dining, and beach access.
"Avenida del Mar has my heart!! #fyp #foryou #avenidadelmar #delmar #sanclemente #chaupainbakery"
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be tough; arrive early or consider walking from further out.
☕ Coffee Break
Grab a coffee at Bear Coast Coffee for a local start to your day.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

San Clemente Pier
End of Avenida del Mar
Iconic pier offering stunning ocean views, fishing opportunities, and a gateway to the beach.

Downtown Shops & Restaurants
Along Avenida del Mar
Explore charming boutiques, unique shops, and diverse culinary delights, from casual bites to upscale dining.

Beach Access
Various points along Avenida del Mar
Direct access to the sandy shores for sunbathing, surfing, and enjoying the Pacific Ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Coastal Charm
Navigating Avenida del Mar
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be tough; arrive early or consider walking from further out.
☕ Coffee Break
Grab a coffee at Bear Coast Coffee for a local start to your day.
🍽️ Happy Hour Deals
Check out Beachfire for happy hour specials on coastal bites and drinks.
🍦 Sweet Treats
Indulge in hand-dipped ice cream at South Sweet on Avenida Del Mar.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be tough; arrive early or consider walking from further out.
☕ Coffee Break
Grab a coffee at Bear Coast Coffee for a local start to your day.
🍽️ Happy Hour Deals
Check out Beachfire for happy hour specials on coastal bites and drinks.
🍦 Sweet Treats
Indulge in hand-dipped ice cream at South Sweet on Avenida Del Mar.
🚶♀️ Stroll & Explore
Enjoy a leisurely walk down Del Mar Street to discover shops and restaurants.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Avenida del Mar is celebrated for its charming coastal atmosphere, offering a delightful mix of shops, restaurants, and direct access to the iconic San Clemente Pier and beach. Visitors love the vibrant downtown vibe and the opportunity to enjoy local culinary experiences. Some find parking challenging during peak times.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Avenida del Mar is easily accessible by car, located in the heart of downtown San Clemente. It's a scenic drive along the coast. Many visitors also find it convenient to park and walk from nearby areas.
Parking can be limited, especially on weekends and during events. Look for street parking or public lots. Arriving early is recommended.
Yes, the San Clemente Pier is located at the end of Avenida del Mar, making it a very walkable distance.
Walking is the best way to experience Avenida del Mar, allowing you to browse shops and enjoy the atmosphere. Biking is also popular.
While direct public transport to Avenida del Mar might be limited, you can reach San Clemente via regional bus services and then use local transit or ride-sharing to get to the downtown area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Avenida del Mar is a public street and does not require tickets for general access. However, specific events or venues along the street may have their own admission fees.
Hours vary by establishment. Most shops and restaurants are open daily, with some offering extended hours on weekends. Happy hour at Beachfire is M, W-F from 3-6pm.
There are no entrance fees to walk on the San Clemente Pier. It's a free public amenity.
For popular spots like Rare Society, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner or on weekends.
Yes, events like the San Clemente Fiesta Festival often take place on Avenida del Mar and are free to attend, featuring live music and activities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Rare Society is a highly-rated steakhouse known for its vintage, upscale dining experience.
Beachfire offers coastal bites and drinks, with happy hour specials. You can also find casual eateries and sweet treats like ice cream at South Sweet.Many restaurants on Avenida del Mar offer diverse menus. It's best to check individual restaurant menus, but options like pasta and pizza at places like Baldoria (though this reel is from Chile, it suggests similar offerings might exist) often include vegetarian choices.
San Clemente offers a variety of cuisines, including American, steakhouse, seafood, and casual beachside fare. You'll also find coffee shops and bakeries.
Absolutely! Rare Society is frequently recommended for date nights due to its ambiance and food.
Many other restaurants and the scenic pier also contribute to a romantic evening.Chaupain Bakery and Sur Coffee are popular spots for coffee and baked goods near Avenida del Mar.
📸 📸 Photography
The San Clemente Pier at the end of the street offers iconic ocean views.
The street itself, with its charming shops and coastal architecture, is also very photogenic. Sunsets over the ocean are particularly stunning.Golden hour, just before sunset, provides beautiful lighting for photos.
Morning light can also be lovely for capturing the beach and pier.If you're interested in art, the Avenida del Mar in Marbella, Spain, features Salvador Dalí sculptures, offering unique artistic photo opportunities.
For San Clemente, the vintage vibe of places like Rare Society offers a distinct aesthetic.A versatile camera, whether a smartphone or a dedicated camera, is great. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the expansive ocean views and street scenes.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with the city of San Clemente regarding any restrictions on drone photography in public areas, especially near the pier and beach.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
couples
day-trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vibe of Avenida del Mar
The street is lined with a diverse array of shops, from unique boutiques to specialty stores like Gus' Fresh Jerky, offering a taste of local flavor. The culinary scene is equally varied, featuring everything from casual cafes and bakeries like Chaupain Bakery and Sur Coffee to upscale dining experiences such as Rare Society, a steakhouse celebrated for its ambiance and quality. This mix ensures there's something to satisfy every palate and preference, contributing to the street's enduring appeal.
Beyond the shopping and dining, Avenida del Mar is a focal point for community events. The San Clemente Fiesta Festival, for instance, transforms the street into a bustling celebration with live music stages, food vendors, and a festive atmosphere, drawing crowds from all over. This dynamic energy, combined with the easy access to the beach and pier, makes Avenida del Mar a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the authentic San Clemente experience.
Culinary Delights on Avenida del Mar
For a more casual yet equally enjoyable experience, Beachfire offers a lively atmosphere with happy hour specials on coastal bites and drinks, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. If you have a sweet tooth, South Sweet Hand Dipped Ice Cream is a must-visit for custom ice cream bars and soft serve treats. Coffee enthusiasts can find their fix at charming spots like Chaupain Bakery and Sur Coffee, which also serve baked goods and light refreshments, ideal for starting the day or taking a break.
Beyond these highlights, the street is home to various other eateries, including specialty shops like Gus' Fresh Jerky, offering a unique snack option. The diversity of food options ensures that visitors can easily spend a day exploring the culinary landscape of Avenida del Mar, from breakfast pastries to gourmet dinners.
Events and Festivities
Beyond the Fiesta, the street often hosts other local gatherings and markets. For instance, the San Bernabe Feria in Marbella, Spain, held on its Avenida del Mar, showcases Spanish food like tapas and seafood, highlighting local culture and cuisine. While this specific event is in Spain, it illustrates how avenues named 'Avenida del Mar' often become central points for local festivities and cultural celebrations, drawing people together to enjoy food, music, and community spirit.
These events not only provide entertainment but also offer visitors a chance to experience the authentic local culture and connect with the community. Planning a visit around one of these festivals can significantly enhance the travel experience, offering a unique glimpse into the heart of the destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit