Downtown San Clemente centers on Avenida Del Mar, where the Spanish Colonial look Ole Hanson called for in the 1920s is still easy to see. It is a compact center with shops and restaurants close together.
- Character
- A compact, historic center with a village feel.
- Homes
- Condominiums, townhomes, apartments above shops and older houses on nearby streets.
- Getting around
- On foot for many errands. The pier and the train station are close.
- Worth checking
- Evening activity near restaurants, parking and the age of older buildings.
What it is like
Living downtown puts daily needs within walking distance. The trade-off is that a lively center brings evening activity, event days and more foot traffic than a quiet residential street.
Homes you will find
Options tend toward condominiums, townhomes and smaller homes on nearby streets. Some buildings are older and full of character, others are newer infill.
What to check
- Association documents for any condominium or townhome.
- Parking. Assigned, shared or street only.
- Noise. Visit at night and on event days.
- Building age. Older structures can hide costly updates.
Rudy can pair a downtown visit with the Pier Bowl so you can compare the two walkable options.
Other areas to compare
- The Pier Bowl — Steps from the pier, the sand and downtown, on the hillside above the beach.
- North Beach — A laid-back stretch toward the north end of town, close to the sand.
- T-Street and the Southside Beaches — Beach-close living south of the pier, near a well-known surf spot and the coastal trail.
- Forster Ranch — A master-planned community with parks, trails and hillside streets.
- Talega — A newer master-planned community on the south side of town, with trails and neighborhood amenities.
- Hillside and Ocean-View Streets — Homes on San Clemente's slopes, where the view is part of the value and the site needs a careful look.
General information only. Boundaries are informal and details change, so confirm specifics for any property you consider.