Our stopover in charming Temecula, owing to positive reviews from relatives about our next destination, was followed by a one-hour drive to San Clemente and a mission to have a nice seaside lunch. The attractive pictures online of a lovely wooden pier typical of the California coast made it a quick decision and somewhat heightened my anticipation, not unfairly I hoped.

When we arrived in San Clemente, even with the overcast skies from afar I could see how dramatically beautiful it was, which made me even more excited at the prospect – once we successfully parked close by it looked like a great lunch was in the offing. I wasn’t wrong.

The fish tacos at the perfectly-located Fisherman’s were satisfying, and San Clemente pier was gorgeous. The quick and efficient service at the restaurant meant we were done in no time and the walk to the end of the long pier nearby ended up relaxing with every step. The only thing that would have made it any more perfect was if the sun were setting while we were there. Even if only for a couple of hours, our stay in San Clemente proved memorable, and lucky as I was to have had the chance to experience it in this lifetime, it wouldn’t be far fetched to think I’d be back if given the chance. Not far fetched at all.