Located six miles southeast of Dana Point and within two miles of the south corner of Orange County. The town was developed in 1925 as a village of uniformly Spanish architecture. There are no fish handling facilities here other than a good pier. Two or three commercial fishing boats operate out of this point and about 10 men fish from skiffs at irregular intervals. During the season there is some albacore trolling. The catches are lobster, albacore, and barracuda. In 1951 the chief species were white seabass, lobster, and barracuda. Landings are made at the pier. The average yearly poundage is 3,000.

The town is well provided with sport fishing facilities. In 1952 there were three party boats and six charter boats, an anchored sport fishing barge and the pleasure pier. San Clemente Beach State Park consists of 100 acres.