Editing San Clemente, California

{{Short description|City in California, United States}}
{{Redirect|San Clemente}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = San Clemente, California
| settlement_type    = [[List of municipalities in California|City]]
| image_skyline      = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = San Clemente CA Photo D Ramey Logan (cropped).jpg
| photo2a = Oscar Easley Building (cropped).jpg
| photo2b = Casa Romantica (5646730452).jpg 
| photo3a = SanClementeBeach.jpg 
| photo3b = Hotel San Clemente (cropped).jpg
| photo4a = Pizza Port San Clemente.jpg 
| spacing = 2
| position = center
| color_border = white
| color = white
| size = 300
| foot_montage = Top: view of San Clemente Pier; middle: [[Oscar Easley Block|Historic City Hall]] (left), [[Casa Romantica]] (right); bottom: [[San Clemente State Beach]] (left) and Hotel San Clemente (right).
}}
| image_flag         = Flag of San Clemente, California.gif
| image_seal         = SanClementeCitySeal.jpg
| image_map          = Orange_County_California_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_San_Clemente_Highlighted.svg
| mapsize            = 250x200px
| map_caption        = Location of San Clemente within [[Orange County, California]]
| pushpin_label      = San Clemente
| pushpin_map        = Los Angeles#California#USA
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in the [[Los Angeles metropolitan area]]##Location in the state of [[California]]##Location in the United States
| coordinates        = {{coord|33|26|16|N|117|37|13|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name   = United States
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[California]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in California|County]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Orange County, California|Orange]]
| established_title  = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
| established_date   = February 28, 1928<ref>{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.calafco.org/docs/Cities_by_incorp_date.doc
 |title       = California Cities by Incorporation Date
 |format      = Word
 |publisher   = California Association of [[Local Agency Formation Commission]]s
 |access-date  = August 25, 2014
|url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20141103002921/http://www.calafco.org/docs/Cities_by_incorp_date.doc
 |archive-date = November 3, 2014
}}</ref>
| named_for          = [[Pope Clement I|Saint Clement]]
| leader_title       = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name        = Victor Cabral<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://ci.san-clemente.ca.us/government/city-council
 | title = City Council
 | publisher = City of San Clemente
 | access-date = December 8, 2022}}</ref>
| leader_title1      = [[City Manager]]
| leader_name1       = Andy Hall

<!-- Area------------------>| unit_pref          = Imperial
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_06.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=July 1, 2020}}</ref>
| area_total_sq_mi   = 19.11
| area_total_km2     = 49.48
| area_land_sq_mi    = 18.36
| area_land_km2      = 47.54
| area_water_sq_mi   = 0.75
| area_water_km2     = 1.94
| area_water_percent = 3.89
| elevation_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite GNIS|1661376|San Clemente|access-date=January 21, 2015}}</ref>
| elevation_ft       = 233
| elevation_m        = 71

<!-- Population ----------->| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_footnotes = <ref name=quif>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sanclementecitycalifornia |title=San Clemente (city) QuickFacts |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=April 16, 2022}}</ref>
| population_total   = 64293
| pop_est_as_of      = 
| pop_est_footnotes  = 
| population_est     = 
| population_density_sq_mi = auto
| population_density_km2 = auto
| timezone           = [[Pacific Time Zone|Pacific]]
| utc_offset         = -8
| timezone_DST       = [[Pacific Daylight Time|PDT]]
| utc_offset_DST     = -7
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP code]]s
| postal_code        = 92672–92674
| area_code_type     = [[North American Numbering Plan|Area code]]
| area_code          = [[Area code 949|949]]
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS]] code
| blank_info         = {{FIPS|06|65084}}
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature IDs
| blank1_info        = {{GNIS 4|1661376}}, {{GNIS 4|2411781}}
| website            = {{URL|https://www.san-clemente.org}}
}}

'''San Clemente''' ({{IPAc-en|,|s|æ|n|_|k||l|ə|'|m|ɛ|n|t|i|}}; [[Spanish language|Spanish]] for "[[Clement of Rome|St. Clement]]"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dictionary.com/browse/san-clemente |title=San clemente Definition & Meaning |publisher=Dictionary.com |date= |accessdate=May 13, 2022}}</ref> {{IPA|es|saŋ kleˈmente|lang}}<ref>In isolation, ''San'' is pronounced {{IPA|es|san}}</ref>) is a coastal city in southern [[Orange County, California]], United States. It was named in 1925 after the Spanish colonial island (which was named after a Pope from the first century).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bright |first=William |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/j.ctt1ppgg5?turn_away=true |title=1500 California Place Names: Their Origin and Meaning, A Revised version of1000 California Place Namesby Erwin G. Gudde, Third edition |date=1998 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-21271-8 |edition=1 |doi=10.1525/j.ctt1ppgg5.5}}</ref> Located in the [[Orange Coast]] region of the [[South Coast (California)|South Coast]] of [[California]], San Clemente's population was 64,293 in at the 2020 census.<ref name=quif /> Situated roughly midway between [[Los Angeles]] and [[San Diego]], San Clemente is a popular tourist destination in [[Southern California]], known for its beaches, [[Spanish Colonial Revival]] architecture, and hospitality industry. San Clemente's city slogan is "Spanish Village by the Sea".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.parks.ca.gov/|title=San Clemente SB|website=CA State Parks|language=en|access-date=October 25, 2019}}</ref>

==History==

=== Indigenous ===
The [[Acjachemen]] are the Indigenous people of San Clemente.<ref>{{Cite web |title=San Clemente, CA: Fish Along the Spanish Village by the Sea |url=https://guidesly.com/fishing/places/san-clemente-ca-fish-along-the-spanish-village-by-the-sea |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=guidesly.com |language=en}}</ref>

===Spanish era===
[[File:Vizcaino.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Spanish explorer [[Sebastián Vizcaíno]] named [[San Clemente Island]] in 1602. The city was named after the island in 1925.]]

In 1776, Father [[Junípero Serra]] founded [[Mission San Juan Capistrano]], and afterward the local indigenous people were dubbed "[[Acjachemen|Juaneños]]" in Spanish. Both Native Americans and Spanish settlers established villages near the mission, and local indigenous people were conscripted to work for the mission.

===Mexican and Post-Conquest eras===
San Clemente was included as part of [[Rancho Boca de la Playa]], granted in 1846 by Governor [[Pío Pico]] to Emigdio Véjar. Following the American [[conquest of California]], California came under United States sovereignty in 1848. In 1860, Véjar sold the rancho to Juan Ávila, grantee of [[Rancho Niguel]], who later conveyed it to his son-in-law, Pablo Pryor.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hoover |first1=Mildred B. |last2=Rensch |first2=Hero |last3=Rensch |first3=Ethel |last4=Abeloe |first4=William N. |title=Historic Spots in California |year=1966 |publisher=Stanford University Press | url=https://archive.org/details/historicspotsinc00rens|url-access=registration |isbn=978-0-8047-4482-9}}</ref>

===American era===
Property rights to the land exchanged hands several times, but few ventured to build on it until 1925, when former [[Seattle]] Mayor [[Ole Hanson]], an out-of-town major land developer, purchased and designed a {{convert|2000|acre|km2|adj=on}} community with the financial help of a syndicate headed by Henry Hamilton Cotton. Hanson anticipated that Californians weary of "the big city" would find refuge in the region's agreeable climate, stunning beaches, and rich land. He named the city after [[San Clemente Island]], which in turn was named by the explorer [[Sebastián Vizcaíno|Sebastián Vizcaino]] in 1602 after [[Pope Clement I|Saint Clement]]. Hanson envisioned it as a Mediterranean-style coastal resort town, his "San Clemente by the Sea". The city is one of the country's first master planned communities.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lewinnek |first=Elaine |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv2j6xf5f |title=A People's Guide to Orange County |last2=Arellano |first2=Gustavo |last3=Vo Dang |first3=Thuy |date=2022 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-29995-5 |edition=1 |volume=4}}</ref> He had a clause added to the deeds requiring all building plans to be submitted to an architectural review board in an effort to ensure future development would retain red tile roofs and white exteriors. This proved to be short-lived; an eclectic mix of building styles is found in the oldest parts of town.
[[File:Casa Romantica de San Clemente, California.jpg|thumb|left|[[Casa Romantica]], built in a [[Spanish Colonial Revival]] style in 1927 for [[Ole Hanson]], founder of San Clemente.]]
Hanson succeeded in promoting the new area and selling property. He built public structures such as the Beach Club, the community center, the pier and San Clemente Plaza, now known as Max Berg Plaza Park. The area was officially incorporated as a city on February 27, 1928, with a [[council-manager government]]. Referring to the way he would develop the city, Hanson proclaimed, "I have a clean canvas and I am determined to paint a clean picture. Think of it – a canvas five miles long and one and one-half miles wide!... My San Clemente by the Sea." Soon after San Clemente was incorporated, the need for a [[fire station]] was realized. The headlines in San Clemente's first newspaper, ''El Heraldo de San Clemente'' June 1928 read: "Building to house local fire department will be constructed by popular subscription and turned over to the city when completed!" Individual subscriptions were received in the amounts from $6.00 to $1,500.00 from the citizenry.

One of the most iconic landmarks in San Clemente is the San Clemente Pier, first constructed in 1928 and rebuilt in 1939 and 1983.

When Ole Hanson came to San Clemente and decided to develop the city he moved into his epitome of the perfect house which was called [[Casa Romantica]]. Hanson owned Casa Romantica up until the Great Depression hit and the Bank of America foreclosed on the property. 
[[File:President and Mrs. Nixon, with President and Mrs. Thieu in front of the San Clemente residence, for a private dinner... - NARA - 194497.tif|thumb|left|President [[Richard Nixon]] and First Lady [[Pat Nixon]] at [[La Casa Pacifica]], their [[Western White House]], in 1973.]]
In 1969, President [[Richard Nixon]] bought part of the H. H. Cotton estate, one of the original homes built by one of Hanson's partners. Nixon called it "[[La Casa Pacifica]]" and it was nicknamed the "Western White House," a term for a President's vacation home. It sits above one of the West Coast's premier surfing spots, [[Trestles (surfing)|Trestles]], and just north of historic surfing beach [[San Onofre State Beach|San Onofre]]. Many world leaders visited the home during Nixon's tenure, including [[Soviet]] [[General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union|general secretary]] [[Leonid Brezhnev]], Mexican President [[Gustavo Díaz Ordaz]], Prime Minister of Japan [[Eisaku Satō]], [[Henry Kissinger]], and businessman [[Bebe Rebozo]]. After his resignation, Nixon retired to San Clemente to write his memoirs. He sold the home in 1980 and moved to New York City. The property also has historical ties to the Democratic side of the aisle; prior to Nixon's tenure at the estate, H. H. Cotton was known to host [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]], who would visit to play cards in a small outbuilding overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

In 1994, the Clarence Lobo Elementary School, named after [[Clarence H. Lobo]], chief of the [[Acjachemen]] people from 1946 to 1985, was opened in San Clemente as part of the [[Capistrano Unified School District]]. The opening of the school was notable as the first school in California to be named after an Indigenous leader.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cekola |first=Anna |date=October 28, 1993 |title=A Special Groundbreaking Makes History, Remembers It |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-10-28-me-50598-story.html |access-date=June 21, 2019 |website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>

=== 21st century ===
The historic "North Beach" area is home to the [[Miramar Theatre]], the Casino Building, and Ole Hanson Beach Club, the latter two of which were renovated in 2010 and 2016.

In 2020, the city, along with [[Dana Point, California|Dana Point]] and [[San Juan Capistrano, California|San Juan Capistrano]], was sued by [[Santa Ana, California|Santa Ana]] who argued the cities were participating in a practice in conjunction with local police departments and OC's Sheriff Department to detain homeless people and dump them in older neighboring cities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elattar |first=Hosam |date=2020-02-03 |title=City of Santa Ana Challenges County of Orange in Federal Court Tuesday Over Homeless Dumping |url=https://voiceofoc.org/2020/02/city-of-santa-ana-challenges-county-of-orange-in-federal-court-tuesday-over-homeless-dumping/ |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=Voice of OC |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Calafia cliffs, San Clemente, California - panoramio (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|[[Calafia]] Cliffs at Calafia State Beach.]]

San Clemente is bordered by [[Camp Pendleton]] and [[Trestles (surfing)|Trestles]] surf beach in neighboring [[San Diego County]] to the south, the [[Cleveland National Forest]] to the east, the city of [[Dana Point, California|Dana Point]] to the northwest, the city of [[San Juan Capistrano, California|San Juan Capistrano]] to the north, and the [[census-designated place|CDP]] [[Rancho Mission Viejo, California|Rancho Mission Viejo]] to the northeast.

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has an area of {{convert|19.5|sqmi|km2}}. {{convert|18.7|sqmi|km2}} of it is land and {{convert|0.8|sqmi|km2}} of it (3.89%) is water.

===Climate===

San Clemente has a [[Mediterranean climate]] where temperatures tend to average in the 70s °F (20s °C). The warmest month of the year is August, with an average high temperature of {{convert|79|°F|°C}}. The coldest month is December with an average high temperature of {{convert|64|°F|°C}}. The annual rainfall in 2010 was {{convert|10.5|in|mm}} and the annual days of sunshine 310.{{climate chart|San Clemente|59|79|0.82|59|78|1.49|58|70|0.72|59|87|0.94|61|71|0.0.06|70|87|0.00|70|84|0.00|70|90|0.00|76|105|0.00|69.5|83|0.00|58|80|0.00|55|80|0.00|float=right|source=Weather Underground [https://www.wunderground.com/]|clear=right|units=imperial}}{{Weather box
| location = San Clemente, California
| width = 50%
| single line = Y
| Jan high F = 66
| Feb high F = 66
| Mar high F = 67
| Apr high F = 69
| May high F = 70
| Jun high F = 73
| Jul high F = 77
| Aug high F = 78
| Sep high F = 78
| Oct high F = 75
| Nov high F = 70
| Dec high F = 67
| Jan record high F = 90
| Feb record high F = 90
| Mar record high F = 92
| Apr record high F = 98
| May record high F = 99
| Jun record high F = 102
| Jul record high F = 106
| Aug record high F = 103
| Sep record high F = 108
| Oct record high F = 105
| Nov record high F = 100
| Dec record high F = 90
| year record high F = 108
| year high F = 71
| Jan low F = 45
| Feb low F = 46
| Mar low F = 48
| Apr low F = 50
| May low F = 55
| Jun low F = 58
| Jul low F = 62
| Aug low F = 62
| Sep low F = 61
| Oct low F = 56
| Nov low F = 48
| Dec low F = 44
| Jan record low F = 22
| Feb record low F = 28
| Mar record low F = 33
| Apr record low F = 33
| May record low F = 38
| Jun record low F = 43
| Jul record low F = 44
| Aug record low F = 47
| Sep record low F = 43
| Oct record low F = 37
| Nov record low F = 29
| Dec record low F = 27
| year record low F = 22
| year low F = 53
| Jan precipitation inch = 2.73
| Feb precipitation inch = 2.70
| Mar precipitation inch = 2.36
| Apr precipitation inch = 0.80
| May precipitation inch = 0.24
| Jun precipitation inch = 0.10
| Jul precipitation inch = 0.03
| Aug precipitation inch = 0.12
| Sep precipitation inch = 0.31
| Oct precipitation inch = 0.39
| Nov precipitation inch = 1.11
| Dec precipitation inch = 1.65
| year precipitation inch = 
| source 1 = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.plantmaps.com/92672|title=Zipcode 92672|website=www.plantmaps.com|access-date=April 10, 2021}}</ref>
| date = April 2021
| source = 
}}

=== Biogeography (San Clemente) ===
The most common native species: Common Yarrow, Red Sand Verbena, and Pink Sand Verbena.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Calscape |title=Calscape {{!}} California's Native Plant Gardening Destination |url=https://calscape.org/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=calscape.org |language=en}}</ref>

== Demographics ==
{{US Census population
|1930= 667
|1940= 479
|1950= 2008
|1960= 8527
|1970= 17063
|1980= 27325
|1990= 41100
|2000= 49936
|2010= 63522
|2020= 64293
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.html|title=Decennial Census by Decade|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=|archive-date=July 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706023553/https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br>1860–1870<ref name=1870CensusCA1>{{Cite web|title=1870 Census of Population - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties - California - Almeda County to Sutter County|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-12.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=August 12, 2024|archive-date=September 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907072108/https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-12.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=1870CensusCA2>{{Cite web|title=1870 Census of Population - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties - California - Tehama County to Yuba County|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-13.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=August 12, 2024|archive-date=August 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828190324/https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-13.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> 1880-1890<ref name=1890CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1890 Census of Population - Population of California by Minor Civil Divisions |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1890/bulletins/demographics/134-population-of-ca.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1900<ref name=1900CensusCA>{{Cite web|title=1900 Census of Population - Population of California by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1900/bulletins/demographic/10-population-ca.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=August 12, 2024|archive-date=August 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812164053/https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1900/bulletins/demographic/10-population-ca.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> 1910<ref name=1910CensusCA>{{Cite web|title=1910 Census of Population - Supplement for California|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1910/abstract/supplement-ca.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=August 12, 2024|archive-date=August 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823050629/https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1910/abstract/supplement-ca.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> 1920<ref name=1920CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1920 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1920/bulletins/demographics/population-ca-number-of-inhabitants.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref><br> 1930<ref name=1930CensusCA>{{Cite web|title=1930 Census of Population - Number and Distribution of Inhabitants - California|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1930/population-volume-1/03815512v1ch03.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=August 12, 2024|archive-date=August 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828162810/https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1930/population-volume-1/03815512v1ch03.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> 1940<ref name=1940CensusCA>{{Cite web|title=1940 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1940/population-volume-1/33973538v1ch03.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=August 12, 2024|archive-date=September 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918190408/https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1940/population-volume-1/33973538v1ch03.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> 1950<ref name=1950CensusCA>{{Cite web|title=1950 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1950/population-volume-1/vol-01-08.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=August 12, 2024|archive-date=September 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921120611/https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1950/population-volume-1/vol-01-08.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><br> 1960<ref name=1960CensusCA>{{Cite web|title=1960 Census of Population - General population Characteristics - California|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-volume-1/vol-01-06-d.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=August 12, 2024|archive-date=August 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812164028/https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-volume-1/vol-01-06-d.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> 1970<ref name=1970CensusCA>{{Cite web|title=1970 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California|url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1970a_ca1-01.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=August 12, 2024|archive-date=August 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812164028/https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1970a_ca1-01.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> 1980<ref name=1980CensusCA>{{Cite web|title=1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California|url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1980a_caAB-01.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=August 12, 2024|archive-date=August 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823052400/https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1980a_caAB-01.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><br> 1990<ref name=1990CensusCA>{{Cite web|title=1990 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California|url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/cen1990/cph2/cph-2-6.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=August 12, 2024|archive-date=August 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814213918/https://www2.census.gov/prod2/cen1990/cph2/cph-2-6.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
2000<ref name=2000CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2003/dec/phc-3-6.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> 2010<ref name=2010CensusCA>{{Cite web|title=2010 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/2010/cph-2/cph-2-6.pdf|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=August 12, 2024|archive-date=February 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204210903/https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/2010/cph-2/cph-2-6.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><br> 2020<ref name=2020CensusP2/>
}}

After incorporation in 1928, San Clemente appeared as a city in the [[1930 U.S. Census]].<ref name=1930CensusCA/> Prior to that, the area was part of unincorporated San Juan Township (pop 1,064 in 1920).<ref name=1920CensusCA/>

=== 2020 ===
The [[2020 United States census]] reported a population of 64,293. The racial makeup was 71.4% [[non-Hispanic white]], 0.6% non-Hispanic [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 3.9% non-Hispanic [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 5.0% non-Hispanic [[Multi-racial Americans|Multiracial]] and 18.2% [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race.  The city is one of [[Orange coast|six coastal cities in Orange County]] (San Clemente, [[Dana Point, California#Demographics|Dana Point]], [[Laguna Beach, California#Demographics|Laguna Beach]], [[Newport Beach, California#Demographics|Newport Beach]], [[Huntington Beach, California#Demographics|Huntington Beach]], [[Seal Beach, California#Demographics|Seal Beach]]) all of which have non-Hispanic white majority populations despite [[Orange County, California#Demographics|belonging to a county that has been majority-minority since the 2010 census]].

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+'''San Clemente city, California – Racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small>
!Race / Ethnicity <small>(''NH = Non-Hispanic'')</small>
!Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – San Clemente city, California|url=https://data.census.gov/table?g=160XX00US0665084&tid=DECENNIALSF12000.P004|publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=January 26, 2024}}</ref>
!Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – San Clemente city, California |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US0665084&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=January 26, 2024}}</ref>
!{{partial|Pop 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – San Clemente city, California |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US0665084&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=January 26, 2024}}</ref>
!% 2000
!% 2010
!{{partial|% 2020}}
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] alone (NH)
|39,155
|48,254
|style='background: #ffffe6; |45,889
|78.41%
|75.96%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |71.37%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] alone (NH)
|320
|349
|style='background: #ffffe6; |382
|0.64%
|0.55%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.59%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] alone (NH)
|167
|193
|style='background: #ffffe6; |180
|0.33%
|0.30%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.28%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] alone (NH)
|1,293
|2,269
|style='background: #ffffe6; |2,513
|2.59%
|3.57%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |3.91%
|-
|[[Native Hawaiian]] or [[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] alone (NH)
|62
|78
|style='background: #ffffe6; |88
|0.12%
|0.12%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.14%
|-
|[[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|Other race]] alone (NH)
|58
|89
|style='background: #ffffe6; |353
|0.12%
|0.14%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.55%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed race or Multiracial]] (NH)
|948
|1,588
|style='background: #ffffe6; |3,209
|1.90%
|2.50%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4.99%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
|7,933
|10,702
|style='background: #ffffe6; |11,679
|15.89%
|16.85%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |18.17%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''49,936'''
|'''63,522'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''64,293'''
|'''100.00%'''
|'''100.00%'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%'''
|}

=== 2010 ===
[[File:420 Monterey Lane, San Clemente Pier Bowl CA 92672 Pier View - panoramio (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|San Clemente Pier.]]
The [[2010 United States census]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0665084|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140715032918/http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0665084|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 15, 2014|title=2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA – San Clemente city|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=July 12, 2014}}</ref> reported San Clemente had a population of 63,522. The population density was {{convert|3,262.9|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of San Clemente was 54,605 (86.0%) [[White (U.S. Census)|White]] (76.0% Non-Hispanic White),<ref name="quickfacts.census.gov">{{cite web|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0665084.html|title=San Clemente (City) QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau|access-date=December 19, 2013|archive-date=September 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907194102/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0665084.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> 411 (0.6%) [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 363 (0.6%) [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 2,333 (3.7%) [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 90 (0.1%) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 3,433 (5.4%) from [[Race (United States census)|other races]], and 2,287 (3.6%) from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 10,702 persons (16.8%).

The Census reported 63,249 people (99.6% of the population) lived in households, 245 (0.4%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 28 (0.04%) were institutionalized.

There were 23,906 households, out of which 8,210 (34.3%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 13,873 (58.0%) were [[marriage]] living together, 1,898 (7.9%) had a female householder with no husband present, 986 (4.1%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,207 (5.0%) [[Cohabitation|unmarried partnerships]], 5,184 households (21.7%) were made up of individuals, and 1,972 (8.2%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65. There were 16,757 [[family (U.S. Census)|families]] (70.1% of all households); the average family size was 3.
[[File:201229 056 San Clemente Casa Romantica - Ocean Terrace with tiled fountain, Kalanchoe sexangularis, Kalanchoe marnieriana, Senecio mandraliscae (50811156562).jpg|thumb|right|[[Casa Romantica|Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens]], built in 1927.]]
The population was spread out, with 15,506 people (24.4%) under the age of 18, 5,006 people (7.9%) aged 18 to 24, 16,474 people (25.9%) aged 25 to 44, 18,122 people (28.5%) aged 45 to 64, and 8,414 people (13.2%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.8 males.

There were 25,966 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,333.8|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}, of which 15,309 (64.0%) were owner-occupied, and 8,597 (36.0%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.3%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.8%. 41,164 people (64.8% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 22,085 people (34.8%) lived in rental housing units.

According to the 2010 United States census, San Clemente had a median household income of $87,184, with 7.9% of the population living below the federal poverty line.<ref name="quickfacts.census.gov"/>

===2000===
[[File:12 - Western White House - Casa Pacifica - 11 Dec 1969.JPG|thumb|left|[[La Casa Pacifica]], built in 1926, served as the [[Western White House]] during the presidency of [[Richard Nixon]].]]
The Federal census statistics from the 2000 census reported San Clemente had a population of 49,936. [[Population density]] was 2,833.4 inhabitants per square mile (1,094.2/km{{sup|2}}). There were 20,653 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1,171.8|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 87.92% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.77% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.61% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 2.64% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.14% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 5.11% from [[Race (United States census)|other races]], and 2.81% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 15.89% of the population.

As of the city's 2010 census, there were 68,763 people and 25,514 housing units in the city. Ninety percent of the adult population is a high school grad or higher, and 5.5% of the population are considered below the [[poverty line]].

{{As of|2017||df=}}, the median household income was $101,843.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sanclementecitycalifornia/INC110217#INC110217|title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: San Clemente city, California|website=www.census.gov|language=en|access-date=October 25, 2019}}</ref> The [[per capita income]] for the city as of 2017 was $54,133.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/sanclementecitycalifornia/INC910217#INC910217|title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: San Clemente city, California|website=www.census.gov|language=en|access-date=October 25, 2019}}</ref> As of March 2010, the median home value was $605,500.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://san-clemente.org/sc/Org/CityInfo/Demographics/Demo110209.pdf |title=City of San Clemente Demographic and Statistical Information |access-date=May 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810022841/http://san-clemente.org/sc/Org/CityInfo/Demographics/Demo110209.pdf |archive-date=August 10, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.1% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.9 males.

==Economy==
[[File:Downtown-San Clemente.jpg|thumb|293x293px|Downtown San Clemente.]]
The following companies have their corporate headquarters in San Clemente:

*[[Cameron Health]] – Medical device manufacturer
*[[ICU Medical]] – Medical device manufacturer
*[[Pick Up Stix]] – Fast casual Asian food
*[[Rainbow Sandals]] – Manufacturer of premium sandals
*[[Stance (brand)|Stance Socks]] – Sock and underwear brand

===Tourism===
[[File:San Clemente, California 2 2018-07-02 (cropped2).jpg|thumb|left|San Clemente is known for its [[Spanish Colonial Revival]] architecture.]]
San Clemente is a popular tourist destination, owing to its beaches, historic architecture, and attractions. San Clemente Pier is a popular attraction which connects to the San Clemente Beach trail which extends {{convert|2.6| miles}} along the coast between North Beach and Calafia State Beach.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Connelly |first=Laylan |date=January 17, 2024 |title=Landslide closes San Clemente's popular beach trail again, this time indefinitely |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2024/01/17/landslide-closes-san-clementes-popular-beach-trail-again-this-time-indefinitely/ |access-date=January 26, 2024 |website=Orange County Register |language=en-US}}</ref> The San Clemente Beach trail is a popular place for locals to walk or run.

[[Casa Romantica]] is one of the most historic places in San Clemente. Casa Romantica is owned by the city and is used as a cultural center. It is also open to rent for private events such as weddings. Casa Romantica is located above the [[San Clemente Pier station]] and overlooks the San Clemente coastline.
[[File:SC Pier 03.jpg|thumb|right|San Clemente Pier.]]
Known as the “Spanish Village by the Sea”, San Clemente has long been known for its [[Spanish Colonial Revival]] style architecture. Downtown San Clemente restaurants and shops are adorned with red tile roofs, cream stucco walls, and dark wood doors and windows. The homes in the area range in style, but stick to the Spanish theme for the most part. The area's oldest homes are in Southwest San Clemente, directly south of downtown and "North Beach" area, directly north of downtown. The homes in the Southwest Riviera neighborhood include several new constructions in the Cape Cod style, as well as new modern residences. More traditional, older homes sit in the Lasuen "boot" district; the neighborhood surrounding Lasuens or "Lost Winds" beach is characterized by a variety of styles in both single and double story fashion, with Hanson's traditional Spanish style sprinkled throughout, crafting an eclectic atmosphere. The renovations to historic buildings in North Beach have sparked a revival in the area, attracting new residents and business owners.

===Largest employers===
[[File:San Clemente Outlets.jpg|thumb|293x293px|The Outlets at San Clemente.]]
Many people work as civilian employees at the [[USMC]] Base [[Camp Pendleton]], which is just over the [[San Diego County]] line.

According to the city's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.san-clemente.org/home/showpublisheddocument/61168/637443157756100000 |title=Comprehensive Annual Financial Report — Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2022 |access-date=August 24, 2023}}</ref> the largest employers in the city are:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! #
! Employer
! # of employees
|-
| 1
|[[Capistrano Unified School District]]
|635
|-
| 2
|[[Ralphs]]
|239
|-
| 3
|[[Target Corporation|Target]]
|226
|-
| 4
|[[ICU Medical]]
|224
|-
| 5
|[[Albertsons]]
|209
|-
| 6
|[[Walmart]]
|195
|-
| 7
|City of San Clemente
|192
|-
| 8
|Glaukos Corp.
|181
|-
| 9
|Fisherman's Restaurants
|172
|-
| 10
|[[Lowe's]]
|160
|}

==Sports ==
[[File:San Clemente Beach Club 2020.jpg|thumb|left|San Clemente Beach Club, b. 1928]]
San Clemente is known for its many surfing locations, which include [[Trestles (surfing)|Trestles]], Lowers, Middles & Uppers, Cotton's Point, Calafia Beach Park, Riviera, Lasuens (most often called Lost Winds), The Hole, [[T-Street]], The Pier, Linda Lane, 204, North Beach and Poche Beach. It is also home to ''Surfing Magazine,'' ''The Surfer's Journal,'' and ''Longboard Magazine.''

The city has a large concentration of surfboard shapers and manufacturers. Additionally, numerous world-renowned surfers were raised in San Clemente or took up long-term residence in town, including [[Kolohe Andino]], [[Shane Beschen]], [[Mike Parsons (surfer)|Mike Parsons]] (originally from Laguna Beach).

[[San Clemente High School (San Clemente, California)|San Clemente High School]] has won 6 out of 7 most recent NSSA national surfing titles.

San Clemente is a designated venue city for the [[2028 Summer Olympics|Los Angeles 2028 summer]] Olympics. Trestles will host surfing. <ref>{{cite web | url=https://la28.org/en/games-plan/venues/trestles-beach.html | title=Trestles Beach }}</ref>

==Education==
[[File:San Clemente State Beach 86 2018-07-02.jpg|thumb|right|[[San Clemente State Beach]].]]
The city is served by [[Capistrano Unified School District]].

Within the city, there are six elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school. There is also one virtual public K-12 school: Capistrano Connections Academy with flexible hours for students. The elementary schools are: Truman Benedict, Concordia Elementary, Vista Del Mar, Las Palmas, Marblehead Elementary, and Lobo Elementary. The middle schools are Bernice Ayer, [[Shorecliffs Middle School|Shorecliffs]], and Vista Del Mar.

Las Palmas Elementary is well known for its [[Dual language|dual immersion program]].

[[San Clemente High School (San Clemente, California)|San Clemente High School]] has an IB ([[International Baccalaureate]]) Program and a large number of AP ([[advanced placement]]) courses. Students at San Clemente High School have received academic accolades and hosted groups ranging from national title winning dance teams to award-winning orchestras, bands, voice groups and one of the nation's most skilled athletic programs; these groups have also received opportunities to perform at various venues including Carnegie Hall (madrigals and orchestra), various venues in Hawaii (marching band), and many others. After the extension of Avenida La Pata opened in 2016, some students have attended the neighboring [[San Juan Hills High School]].

The nearest public college is [[Saddleback College]] in [[Mission Viejo, California|Mission Viejo]].

==Government and politics==
[[File:San Clemente, California 2 2018-07-02 (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|[[Oscar Easley Block|Historic City Hall]], built in 1929.]]
In the [[California State Legislature]], San Clemente is in {{Representative|casd|36|fmt=sdistrict}}, and in {{Representative|caad|74|fmt=adistrict}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://statewidedatabase.org/gis/gis2011/index_2011.html |title=Statewide Database |publisher=UC Regents |access-date=December 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201113744/http://statewidedatabase.org/gis/gis2011/index_2011.html |archive-date=February 1, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In the [[United States House of Representatives]], San Clemente is in {{Representative|cacd|49|fmt=district}}.<ref>{{Cite GovTrack|CA|49}}</ref>

Additionally, in the [[Orange County Board of Supervisors]], San Clemente is in the fifth district represented by [[Katrina Foley]] since 2023.

According to the [[Secretary of State of California|California Secretary of State]], as of May 14, 2025, San Clemente has 45,890 registered voters. Of those, 17,791 (44.4%) are registered [[California Republican Party|Republicans]], 9,926 (24.8%) are registered [[California Democratic Party|Democrats]], and 10,309 (25.7%) have [[Decline to State|declined to state]] a political party.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/ror/ror-odd-year-2019/politicalsub.pdf|title=CA Secretary of State – Report of Registration – February 10, 2019|website=ca.gov|access-date=July 21, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Experience |url=https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/cd9f3c5183514912af58b66dc9b37744/page/Map-Central-Main?views=Daily-Stats,Daily-Stats%E2%80%8B |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=experience.arcgis.com}}</ref>

San Clemente is a stalwart Republican stronghold in presidential elections with no Democratic nominee winning the city in over four decades. San Clemente voted in favor of [[California Proposition 8|Proposition 8]] by 55.5% and for [[California Proposition 4 (2008)|Proposition 4]] by 52.2%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/sov/2008_general/ssov/11-ballot-measures-by-political-districts.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=March 27, 2012 |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018060504/http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/sov/2008_general/ssov/11-ballot-measures-by-political-districts.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Gene James, elected by to the City Council in 2019, was appointed Mayor in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 6, 2022 |title=Looking Ahead: Gene James Steps into the Spotlight |url=https://www.sanclementetimes.com/looking-ahead-gene-james-steps-into-the-spotlight/ |access-date=June 2, 2022 |website=San Clemente Times |language=en-US}}</ref> James introduced a resolution to declare San Clemente a Second Amendment Freedom City in June 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 3, 2021 |title=California city declares itself a 2nd Amendment Freedom City|url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2021/06/03/san-clemente-councilman-gets-support-to-declare-city-as-2nd-amendment-freedom-city/|access-date=June 2, 2022 |website=San Clemente Times |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2022, following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in [[Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization]], councilmember Steve Knoblock introduced a resolution to declare San Clemente a "sanctuary for life," which would have outlawed abortion within city limits.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 6, 2021 |title=Push to ban abortions in San Clemente faces headwinds even in conservative O.C.|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-08-06/abortion-sanctuary-city-proposal-is-a-bridge-too-far-for-many-in-orange-county/|access-date=February 23, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Following public pushback, the City Council voted 4–1 to table the measure, with only Knoblock voting to bring the resolution to a vote.

The [[California Department of Motor Vehicles|California DMV]] has a field office in San Clemente. The location administers permit tests, behind-the-wheel tests, and various types of documentation.<ref>{{cite web |title=San Clemente Field Office |url=https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/field-office/san-clemente/ |website=CA DMV |publisher=State of California |access-date=January 2, 2021}}</ref>

=== Crime ===
The Uniform Crime Report (UCR), collected annually by the FBI, compiles police statistics from local and state law enforcement agencies across the nation. The UCR records Part I and Part II crimes. Part I crimes become known to law enforcement and are considered the most serious crimes including homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Part II crimes only include arrest data.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Offense Definitions |url=https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2019/crime-in-the-u.s.-2019/topic-pages/offense-definitions |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=FBI |language=en-us}}</ref> The 2023 UCR Data is listed below:
{| class="wikitable"
|+2023 UCR Data<ref>{{Cite web |title=Crime Data Explorer |url=https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/crime-trend |url-status=live |website=FBI.gov}}</ref>
!
!Aggravated Assault
!Homicide
!Rape
!Robbery
!Burglary
!Larceny Theft
!Motor Vehicle Theft
!Arson
|-
|San Clemente
|71
|0
|3
|18
|103
|643
|147
|3
|}

==Media==
[[File:Airplane Window View 9 2013-04-01 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Aerial view of San Clemente.]]
San Clemente was the setting of the [[MTV]] reality show ''[[Life of Ryan]]''.

It was also the setting of the 2005 film ''[[Brick (film)|Brick]]''. The town was chosen because it was particularly close to the director [[Rian Johnson]] who lived there and went to [[San Clemente High School (San Clemente, California)|San Clemente High School]], which was the school depicted in the film. Many of the locations in the film are still identical to the real ones, with the exception of the Pin's house, which was flattened a week after exterior [[shooting]]; the interior was constructed in a local warehouse. The football field has also since been replaced with artificial turf and track. The phone booths used all through the film are mostly props that were placed on location. The movie ''One of Her Own'' is based on incidents in and around San Clemente.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 13, 2012 |title=A surprise visit to the filming locations of my favorite movie Brick |url=https://brandsandfilms.com/2012/09/suburban-noir-visiting-the-site-of-brick/ |access-date=June 15, 2023 |website=Brands & Films |language=en-US}}</ref>

San Clemente is served by ''The San Clemente Times'', which prints once weekly on Thursdays.

==Registered Historic Places==
Hotel San Clemente<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=National Register of Historic Places |url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/SearchResults/e5277350-5102-445a-bccd-2337851299f8?page=1&view=grid&sort=default |url-status=live |access-date=May 14, 2025 |website=National Park Service}}</ref>

Goldschmidt House<ref name=":0" />

Oscar Easley Block<ref name=":0" />

San Clemente Beach Club<ref name=":0" />

==Transportation==
[[File:Pacific Surfliner @ San Clemente CA..jpg|thumb|left|[[Amtrak California]]'s ''[[Pacific Surfliner]]'' passing through San Clemente.]]
[[Interstate 5 (California)|Interstate 5]] runs through San Clemente. The [[Foothill Transportation Corridor]] (SR 241) had proposed to connect [[Mission Viejo]] to the Orange/San Diego county line, running along the east side of San Clemente and through [[San Onofre State Beach]] on its way to I-5. The [[California Coastal Commission]] rejected this proposal 8–2. Reasons cited for rejection included: the road's alignment through a state park, endangered species habitat, and a Native American archaeological site, and the runoff from the road damaging the state park and [[surf break]]. The Federal Government rejected the proposal to place the toll road in accordance with the TCA proposal. This decision was viewed as a major defeat for the TCA and great victory for [[The Surfrider Foundation]] (which is based in San Clemente), and for assorted environmental groups. Although other alternatives have been considered, TCA has no current plans to extend the SR 241 corridor through San Clemente.

Additionally, the city is served by [[Amtrak]]'s [[Pacific Surfliner]] and [[Metrolink (California)|Metrolink]]'s [[Orange County Line]] and [[Inland Empire–Orange County Line]] between Los Angeles and San Diego, and which provide beachside service in San Clemente. The city has two stations: [[San Clemente station]] and [[San Clemente Pier station]].
[[File:San Clemente Metrolink Station , Ca. - panoramio (1) (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|[[San Clemente station]].]]
In 2016, San Clemente began offering residents free trolley service. The San Clemente Trolley service provides three open-air (windowless) trolleys that cruise throughout the coastal areas of town and pick people up at designated stops every 15 minutes. The trolley is available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ceja |first=Miranda |date=November 15, 2021 |title=City of San Clemente May Extend Free Trolley Through New Year |url=https://patch.com/california/sanclemente/city-san-clemente-may-extend-free-trolley-through-near-year |access-date=November 5, 2022 |website=San Clemente, CA Patch |language=en}}</ref> The funding for the San Clemente Trolley came from a $1.2 million grant from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) which the city applied for.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.san-clemente.org/i-am-a-/visitor/san-clemente-trolley|title=San Clemente Trolley {{!}} City of San Clemente, CA|website=www.san-clemente.org|access-date=October 25, 2019}}</ref> The grant will cover most of the costs for the service for seven years. The grant requires the city to fund a portion of the trolley service at $146,000 over the seven-year grant period. The Friends of the San Clemente Beaches, Parks & Recreation Foundation provided a donation of $10,000 towards the funding of the capital costs of the trolley.

==In popular culture==
{{Unsourced|section|date=March 2024}}
*San Clemente is mentioned in the [[Tom Waits]] song "Diamonds on My Windshield" from the album ''[[The Heart of Saturday Night]]''.
*San Clemente is mentioned in the 1974 song "Contrabando y traición" by [[Los Tigres del Norte]].
*[[Orange County, California|Orange County]] band [[The Ziggens]] released a song named "San Clemente."
*The [[Netflix]] animated Comedy-Drama ''[[Bojack Horseman]]'' features a reference to the town in the first episode of its fourth season following a pasta-related accident: "Disaster al dente off the coast of San Clemente!"

==Notable people== <!--Alphabetical list-->
{{More citations needed|section|date=March 2024}}
[[File:Brian de la Puente at 49ers training camp 2010-08-09.JPG|thumb|160px|[[Brian de la Puente]]]]
*[[Kolby Allard]], professional baseball player
*[[Kolohe Andino]], professional surfer
*[[Anastasia Ashley]], professional surfer
*[[Tyler Bagley]], soccer player<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tyler Bagley |url=https://cornellbigred.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/tyler-bagley/66670 |access-date=January 2, 2025 |website=[[Cornell Big Red men's soccer|Cornell Big Red]]}}</ref>
*[[Aaron Bank]], US Colonel, Special Forces
*[[Gibson Bardsley]], soccer player
*[[Shane Beschen]], professional surfer
*[[John "hex" Carter]], [[Nerdapalooza]] creator
*[[Lon Chaney Jr.]], actor
*[[Anthony Cumia]], radio host
*[[Sam Darnold]], quarterback USC Trojans, New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings 
*[[Brian de la Puente]], NFL football player
*[[Connor De Phillippi]], race car driver
*[[Chloe East]], American actress
*[[Jennie Eisenhower]], granddaughter of President [[Richard Nixon]], great-granddaughter of President [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]]
*[[Sue Enquist]], Hall of Fame UCLA softball coach<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/enquist_sue00.html |title=UCLA Bio |access-date=March 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209152105/http://www.uclabruins.com/sports/w-softbl/mtt/enquist_sue00.html |archive-date=December 9, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Jim Everett]], NFL football quarterback
*[[Fu Manchu (band)|Fu Manchu]], rock band
*[[Jorge Garcia]], actor
*[[Ole Hanson]], former mayor of Seattle and founder of San Clemente
*[[Annie Hardy]], musician with [[Giant Drag]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sfburning.com/giant_drag.html |title=SFburning / Giant Drag |access-date=September 10, 2008 |archive-date=October 17, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017092220/http://www.sfburning.com/giant_drag.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Jackson Hinkle]], Marxist-Leninist political commentator
*[[Billy Johnson (racing driver)|Billy Johnson]], racing driver
*[[Rian Johnson]], director
*[[Carl Karcher]], founder of [[Carl's Jr.]] and CKE Enterprises<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us {{!}} Carl's Jr. {{!}} Carl's Jr. |url=https://www.carlsjr.com/about-us |access-date=June 15, 2023 |website=www.carlsjr.com}}</ref>
*[[Jeff Kargola]], professional [[Freestyle Motocross]] rider
*[[Todd Keneley]], professional wrestling commentator
*[[Karch Kiraly]], Olympic gold medalist in volleyball
*[[Gracie Kramer]], artistic gymnast, part of the [[UCLA Bruins women's gymnastics]] team
*[[Kian Lawley]], YouTuber, American actor
*[[Bob Lutz (tennis)|Bob Lutz]], tennis champion
*John Lyon, known as [[Southside Johnny]], lead singer of [[Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-22-ca-111-story.html |title = POP MUSIC REVIEW : Parting is Such Sweat Sorrow : Southside Johnny Pours on the Energy in His Last Concert as an Orange County Resident|website = [[Los Angeles Times]]|date = May 22, 1992}}</ref> 
*[[Colin McPhillips]], professional longboarder
*[[Caroline Marks]], [[2024 Summer Olympics|2024 Olympic]] gold medalist in [[Surfing at the 2024 Summer Olympics – Women's shortboard|surfing]]
*[[Kyle Murphy (American football, born 1993)|Kyle Murphy]], professional football player (offensive tackle, Green Bay Packers)
*[[Richard Nixon]], 37th [[President of the United States]] and [[Pat Nixon]], [[First Lady of the United States|first lady]]
*[[Ryann O'Toole]], LPGA golfer
*[[Dominic Purcell]], actor<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.menshealthliving.com/live/Dominic-Purcell_s-Great-Escape.php |title=Men's Health Living : Live : Dominic Purcell's Great Escape |access-date=December 28, 2008 |archive-date=January 29, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129195618/http://menshealthliving.com/live/Dominic-Purcell_s-Great-Escape.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Aaron Rowand]], MLB player<ref>{{cite web|last=Flemming|first=Jack|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/real-estate/story/2020-08-19/former-s-f-giant-aaron-rowand-drops-4-8-million-on-coastal-o-c-home|title=Former big leaguer Aaron Rowand drops $4.8 million on coastal O.C. home|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=August 19, 2020|accessdate=March 9, 2021}}</ref>
*[[Beckah Shae]], Christian singer-songwriter
*[[Ryan Sheckler]], professional skateboarder
*[[Adrian Smith (architect)|Adrian Smith]], architect and designer of the [[Burj Khalifa]], the tallest building in the world
*[[Gloria Swanson]], three-time Academy Award Best Actress nominee <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ocregister.com/2009/06/30/live-in-landmark-gloria-swanson-home-for-32-million/| title=Live in landmark 'Gloria Swanson' home for $3.2 million| date=June 30, 2009}}</ref> 
*[[Peter Townend (surfer)|Peter "PT" Townend]], surfer<ref name=indie>{{cite news|last=Carpio|first=Anthony Clark|title=Surfing champ Townend honored|url=http://articles.hbindependent.com/2013-08-12/news/tn-hbi-me-0815-peter-townend-award-20130812_1_world-champ-national-scholastic-surfing-assn-surfing-walk|access-date=August 24, 2013|newspaper=[[Huntington Beach Independent]]|date=August 15, 2013|page=A4|archive-date=July 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713041410/http://articles.hbindependent.com/2013-08-12/news/tn-hbi-me-0815-peter-townend-award-20130812_1_world-champ-national-scholastic-surfing-assn-surfing-walk|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Hal Trumble]], American ice hockey administrator and referee
*[[Jean Vander Pyl]], actress, voice of Wilma Flintstone
*[[Paul Walker]], American actor<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sanclementetimes.com/paul-walker-a-california-guy-to-the-end/|title = Paul Walker: A California Guy to the End|date = December 18, 2013}}</ref>
*[[Pop Warner|Gene "Pop" Warner]], influential football coach<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ocregister.com/2017/11/29/san-clemente-house-with-pop-warner-ties-selling-for-2-89-million/ | title=Historic San Clemente house with ties to football coach 'Pop' Warner selling for $2.89 million| date=November 29, 2017}}</ref>
*[[Paul Wiancko]], classical cellist

==Sister cities==
San Clemente is [[Twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with:
* {{flagicon|ARG}} [[San Clemente del Tuyú]], [[Buenos Aires]], [[Argentina]].
* {{flagicon|COL}} [[San Andrés, San Andrés y Providencia|North End, San Andres]], [[Colombia]].

==See also==
*[[List of beaches in California]]
{{Portal bar|Greater Los Angeles}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{wikivoyage inline|San Clemente}}
*{{Official website}}
*[http://www.ocregister.com/sanclemente/ The San Clemente Sun Post News, the town's oldest newspaper]
*[http://www.sanclementetimes.com/ San Clemente Times community newspaper]

{{Geographic location
 | Centre = San Clemente   
 | North = [[San Juan Capistrano, California|San Juan Capistrano]]
 | Northeast = [[Santa Ana Mountains]]  & [[Cleveland National Forest]]
 | East = [[Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton|Camp Pendleton]] 
 | Southeast = [[San Onofre State Beach]]
 | South = [[Pacific Ocean]] 
 | Southwest = [[Pacific Ocean]] 
 | West = [[Pacific Ocean]] 
 | Northwest = [[Dana Point, California|Dana Point]] 
 | image =
}}
{{Orange County, California}}
{{Greater Los Angeles Area}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:San Clemente, California| ]]
[[Category:1928 establishments in California]]
[[Category:Cities in Orange County, California]]
[[Category:Incorporated cities and towns in California]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in California]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1925]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1928]]