
Overview of Bear Coast Coffee San Clemente
Bear Coast Coffee San Clemente is a charming coastal café located in the heart of San Clemente, California. Known for its craft brews, relaxed beach-town ambiance, and local roots, it has become a favorite meeting spot for both residents and visitors. The café stands out thanks to its emphasis on quality beans, specialty drink offerings, and being steps away from scenic coastal views. Whether you’re a tourist wanting a coffee break along your stroll, a local seeking a laid-back spot to catch up with friends, or a family enjoying a morning outing, Bear Coast Coffee delivers. Its friendly staff, comfortable seating, and proximity to the San Clemente Pier make it ideal for lingering over a latte or simply watching surfers ride the waves. Click here to learn more about what makes this café special at Click here.
History of Bear Coast Coffee San Clemente
Bear Coast Coffee was founded by Jeff Clinard, a coffee aficionado and former Portola Coffee Lab team member, who brought a vision of community-centered, high-quality coffee to San Clemente. The original cafe location sits right across from the iconic San Clemente Pier, anchoring it deeply in San Clemente’s coastal identity. Over time, Bear Coast expanded with additional locations in nearby coastal cities like Dana Point and Laguna Beach, yet the San Clemente spot remains emblematic of its origin. The café also engages with local causes: during its grand opening phases, Bear Coast donated a portion of its revenue to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. The café’s evolution mirrors San Clemente’s growth: as the city cultivates a reputation as a surf and coastal destination, Bear Coast Coffee has become woven into the local cultural fabric, offering more than coffee—a place for gatherings, locals to host meetings, and a calm pause in a busy beach day. Click here to read about The Nixon Tardis.
Points of Interest
San Clemente Pier
The San Clemente Pier is an iconic wood-plank structure stretching out into the Pacific, built originally in 1928 and frequently renovated over the years. Visitors strolling on the pier enjoy sweeping ocean views, glimpses of surfers catching waves, and a calming sea breeze. A few shops and restaurants sit near its base, making it a pleasant transition point between land and sea. The proximity of Bear Coast Coffee to the pier gives visitors an easy way to pair coffee time with a memorable walk over water and vantage points for sunrise or sunset views.
T-Street Beach
Just south of the pier lies T-Street Beach (short for Trafalgar Street), named for the stairway that leads over the railroad tracks down to the shoreline. T-Street is popular with bodyboarders, surfers, and casual swimmers thanks to its reef break and moderately sized waves. Visitors can expect a local surf vibe, beach access, and a pleasant setting to relax after grabbing a brew. The walk from Bear Coast Coffee to T-Street is short and scenic, making it a favorite route for those wanting a seaside excursion.
San Clemente Beach Trail
The San Clemente Beach Trail is a roughly 2.3-mile coastal promenade parallel to the Pacific Coast, linking beaches, viewpoints, and access points along the shoreline. On foot or by bike, visitors can experience cliffside views, sandy breaks, and the convergence of surf and promenade culture. Because Bear Coast Coffee is near the Pier, you can hop onto this trail and meander north or south, discovering hidden beach pockets, benches, and local scenery along the way. This makes the café a strategic launch point for coastal exploration.
Places to Eat Near Bear Coast Coffee San Clemente
Antoine’s Cafe
Antoine’s Cafe has been a local breakfast and brunch institution since 1991 and is celebrated by San Clemente residents. Their menu focuses on fresh, casual fare—bagels, omelets, burritos, sandwiches and “best coffee” staples. The ambiance is warm and friendly, frequently bustling in the morning hours. Families and couples often enjoy lingering over a hearty brunch before browsing nearby shops or heading to the beach.
Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar
Situated right at the base of San Clemente Pier, Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar offers classic seafood dishes, fish tacos, clam chowder, and more with sweeping ocean views. The setting is casual but scenic, appealing especially to couples and groups who want both the view and fresh coastal flavors. It’s especially popular at lunch and sunset dinner times, when diners can watch pelicans, boats, or the surf as they dine.
South of Nick’s
South of Nick’s is a California-style Mexican restaurant known for its inventive entrees, vibrant ambiance, and regional flair. Patrons often enjoy fresh seafood tacos, ceviche, and creative margaritas. The energy here is slightly more elevated than beach cafés — great for date nights, casual dinners, or neighbors seeking a flavorful evening outing.
Café Mimosa
Café Mimosa on Avenida Del Mar is celebrated for its gourmet breakfast and lunch offerings, tucked into a renovated historic home vibe. With a relaxed, bistro-style charm, they serve elevated comfort dishes, artisanal sandwiches, coffees, and healthy options. Locals and visitors alike appreciate the aesthetic, cozy garden seating, and leisurely pace—ideal for a midday break before strolling the nearby coastal areas.
Places to Visit near Bear Coast Coffee San Clemente
Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens
Casa Romantica, perched on the bluff above the ocean, was once the home of San Clemente’s founder Ole Hanson and is now a cultural and historic landmark. The beautifully landscaped gardens, Mediterranean architecture, and sweeping ocean vistas make it a must-visit. The site offers exhibitions, musical performances, garden tours, and literary programs—giving insight into the region’s artistic and historical heritage. Its location just a short walk from downtown and the shoreline means you can easily pair a café stop at Bear Coast with a quiet afternoon exploring heritage and garden spaces.
Miramar Theatre (Historic)
Miramar Theatre, originally opened in 1938 as the San Clemente Theatre, is a historic Spanish Colonial Revival building located on North El Camino Real. Though no longer operating as a cinema, the theatre has been subject to restoration and redevelopment proposals to revive it as an events center and food court space. Walking by the structure reveals architectural details, vintage neon signage, and a sense of old-town nostalgia. It offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s mid-century entertainment roots and redevelopment efforts.
San Clemente State Beach
Just south of the pier and T-Street, San Clemente State Beach is a scenic stretch of coastline characterized by sandstone bluffs, coastal trails, and sandy stretches backed by coastal cliffs. With several access points and limited parking, it’s quieter than the pier beaches, offering surfers, sunbathers, and nature lovers a more relaxed beach experience. The proximity means a visitor might savor a latte at Bear Coast Coffee, then stroll or bike to a peaceful beachfront setting to unwind.
Practical Information
- Address: 618 ½ Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672
- Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Phone: (949) 482-0618
Website (official):
- https://bearcoastcoffee.com
- Menu highlights: specialty espresso drinks, pour-over brews, cold brew, flavored lattes (Lavender Caramel, Nutmeg Vanilla), pastries and light breakfast items
- Seating: indoor and outdoor seating; café is popular during morning and late afternoon hours
- Events: frequently participates in local farmers’ markets and community events near Golden Lantern & PCH
- Accessibility: easy walk from the pier, adjacent to Avenida Victoria, suitable for casual visitors exploring downtown
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Driving Directions
- Begin at Bear Coast Coffee, exiting onto Avenida Victoria heading east toward El Camino Real.
- Turn left (north) onto N El Camino Real and continue through downtown San Clemente.
- Stay on El Camino Real past Avenida Victoria and other downtown cross streets.
- Look for Calle Amanecer on your left (west side).
- Turn left onto Calle Amanecer.
- Drive along Calle Amanecer, passing local businesses, residential streets, and landmarks.
- Your destination, Suite M at 921 Calle Amanecer, will appear on the right side.