Orange County · CA
San Clemente
Ole Hanson's "Spanish Village by the Sea," above Trestles.
- Population
- 64,293 (2020 census)
- Named
- 1925
- Incorporated
- 1928
Then
- 1925
Former Seattle mayor Ole Hanson buys the land and plans a Mediterranean-style resort he calls San Clemente by the Sea.
- 1928
The city incorporates, and the first pier is built.
- 1969
Richard Nixon buys La Casa Pacifica, which becomes known as the Western White House. He sells it in 1980.
Now
Trestles, below the old Nixon estate, is among the West Coast's best surf breaks and will host surfing at the 2028 Olympics. Camp Pendleton begins just over the county line.