The beaches are clean; the surfing is great and the newly revitalized Downtown area offers some unique shopping and interesting cuisine.

The town lacks a pretentious element so everything is much more laid-back although prosperous.

You can't beat it for a weekend getaway as most individuals who choose San Clemente as their weekend base will easily agree.

If you are a surfer, you will find areas in San Clemente that you will soon designate as your favorite spot to surf.

To be sure, San Clemente has been the most easily unrecognized as a Southern California beach town. Laguna Beach, for example, springs to mind when naming a well-known beach town; additionally, Newport Beach is another easily known beach location. But San Clemente-not the first town that comes to the forefront nor even the last.

Lately though, things have been changing and have changed. More and more people are finding the town a preferable location to surf, shop and wine and dine. Part of this is due to the revitalized downtown area. The revamping caused a number of new restaurants, specialized shops and boutiques to find there way to San Clemente.

Walk up and down Avenida Del Mar for unique cuisine and shopping.

So how do you find San Clemente? The town is accessible several ways. The best way to access San Clemente's downtown area is to exit I-5 at Avenida Presidio, (then) turn right on El Camino Real, then left at Avenida Del Mar.

The second way is to board Amtrack's Pacific Surf line at Los Angeles or San Diego. The train stops (twice a day) at the San Clemente Pier and then it is a brief walk to the downtown area. The train stops (twice a day) at the San Clemente Pier and then it is a brief walk to the downtown area.

For your “Surfin Safari” adventure head for San Clemente's beaches in the summer. Directions are as follows: Follow Avenida Del Mar down toward the water. There is a “metered” public parking area at Parque Del Mar.

It is a short jaunt to the San Clemente Pier. Below the pier, you will find a great deal of surfing activity during the summer months. The surfers are generally on the north side of San Clemente Pier. The swimmers frequent the south side of the Pier.

Walking about one-quarter mile from the pier you will find T-Street. This is one of the best known surfing beaches in the San Clemente area: surfers are allowed on the T-Street Beach mornings and evening hours only.

Calafia Beach is located just a further bit south. The beach is geared toward families and is located in San Clemente State Park. Metered parking is found in a lot in front of the beach.

If you would like more information on San Clemente beaches then contact San Clemente's Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department. There number is 949-361-8264.

While you are “camped out” in San Clemente for the weekend, you naturally will want to find comfortable lodging. You will find this easy to do as the beach town offers several options.

One suggestion is to attain a “blissful” night's rest at the Casa Tropicana Inn and Spa. This is a renovated bed and breakfast with eight rooms. The rooms have a “sand and surf” theme and are very well-appointed. As an added bonus, the Bed and Breakfast is located directly across from the pier. The address is 610 Avenida Victoria.  Once you are “sold” this is the place to stay while in San Clemente, you may call them toll free at 1-800-492-1245. The price per night is approximately $245.00.

How would you like a view of the Pacific Ocean each evening of your stay after a day of shopping or surfing? You will find ocean front views at Villa Del Mar Inn. The Inn provides a balcony for each of its eight suites, facing the magnificent Pacific Ocean. It does not matter which of the eight suites you check into, you will receive a balcony facing the ocean. Each of the suites, additionally, provides a full kitchen. The address is 612 Avenida Victoria. Once you decide this is a place you would like to “hang your weekend hat” then reserve a date by calling: (949)-498-5080. The price is around $295 per night.

Not everyone is a surfer. Some of us like to go different places and shop. Maybe while part of your “tribe” is out “playing beach bum,” you may find delight in visiting one of San Clemente's fashionable apparel shops: Angel Wings. The fashion-oriented women's retailer can be found at 165 Avenida Del Mar.

For individuals interested in shopping for antiquities, the place to go is the Antiques & Decorative Arts Center located at 106 Avenida Del Mar.

A Matter of Taste offers “crisp” linens, furniture and stylish gifts. Find them at: 101 Avenida Del Mar.

Lunch fare can “be had” at Antoine's Café. Simple dishes are part of the lunch menu including salads, and burgers and other dishes in a hospitable surfer environment. Find them at 218 South El Camino Real. Phone for directions, if you need to: (949)-492-1763. Antoine's is also open for breakfast and serves dinner Thursday through Saturday.

Beach Fire draws crowds on the weekends. It is a fun environment and a great place to gather or take your group. They serve lunch and dinner daily. The address is 204 Avenida Del Mar.

Café Calypso is just the place to go for an intimate breakfast or a lunch for two. The setting is a patio and you may locate them at 114 Avenida Del Mar.

San Clemente offers a variety of many new restaurants so be sure to ask around for possible suggestions.

In conclusion, for a “beach lover's” short holiday, make sure to visit the recently renovated southern California beach town of San Clemente. It will be a weekend you will soon not forget.