Preserving the Spanish Village by the Sea
The San Clemente Historical Society is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of San Clemente.
Your membership fees and donations help us with preservation efforts and educational programs as we continue our mission to steward San Clemente's rich history.
Our Latest Projects
Read more about our latest projects and our methodology for preserving San Clemente’s past.
North Beach Historic District
After a decades-long effort by the San Clemente Historical Society, the city planning department, and the City Council, North Beach earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places in December of 2020.
Walking Tours
Join us for one of our world famous Historic Walking Tours and learn about the vibrant history of Avenida Del Mar and surrounding buildings. We offer private, group, or company tours. Please email us to schedule your tour.
Landmarks on Del Mar
Landmarks on Del Mar is a public art project comprised of 14 tile murals depicting San Clemente’s most significant historic buildings. The murals are in the pedestrian rest areas along Del Mar. SCHS has worked with the City and the DBA to secure the sponsorship and facilitate the art implementation of 8 murals to date since 2009.
Built in 1925.
Ole Hanson, the former mayor of Seattle turned real-estate developer, had a vision of creating a master planned city on a vast undeveloped area of land along the Pacific Coast exactly halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. He referred to it as a "Spanish village by the sea... where people can live together more pleasantly than any other place in America.”
Join us
Since 1973, our efforts have been integral to the preservation of our city’s landmark buildings, historic homes, and the integrity of the founder’s vision of a “Spanish Village by the Sea.” Become a part of our mission to collect, preserve, and share the history of San Clemente so that current and future generations can understand and appreciate the unique history of San Clemente.