A couple random Tuesdays ago my friend Isobel and I decided to cruise up the coast to San Clemente and glamp overnight with our boys. Our destination was the vintage-yet-modern campers of The Holidays Camp Community in the San Clemente State Park.San Clemente used to be little beach town back when I was in college. I won’t say when that was, but back then it was actually still considered a sleepy little beach town. It’s no longer a sleepy beach town but one full of fun destinations and activities for the whole family. Somehow this town and The Holidays Camp Community alike have managed to modernize while maintaining the zeitgeist of groovier carefree days.
We arrived to our campsite in the late afternoon. Having 4 small children between the 2 of us we didn’t feel like making our first meal so a drive-through Pedro’s Tacos was were it was at. I brought my grandmother’s vintage table clothes, some fresh cut lavender and oranges from home and fancied up our picnic table like a Mexican take-out feast. Isobel and I took the boys on a nature walk with their “Choose Your Own Adventure Map” around the campground and that was a hit. You can download and print your own copy by clicking here. They loved looking for sticks to put in the campfire while stealthily looking for snipes.
Back at the campsite it was all s’mores and stargazing when the sun went down. Holden told us he found O’Ryan’s belt and Waylon quickly chimed in that he found “his dad’s belt right next to it, ha ha!
In the morning we ate croissants and berries, coffee (of course) and packed our bags for the beach.
Before heading home we took the 2 minute drive into downtown San Clemente to eat lunch at the healthy “Active Culture”….try the frozen yogurt there it’s amazing! There are many cute shops on Avenida Del Mar as well. This trip was a big win for our kids! Here’s our San Clemente recommendations.
WHERE TO STAY/EAT/SHOP IN SAN CLEMENTE
STAY: THE HOLIDAYS CAMP COMMUNITY
EAT:
- Pedro’s Tacos
- Active Culture
- Fisherman’s (on the pier)
- Velvet Yogurt
- The Sugar Shack
- Antione’s Cafe
- Sonny’s Italian (best Italian in Souther Cal I’ve he
SHOP:
- Tuvalu Home Shop
- Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop
Download a Tiny Travels “Choose Your Own Adventure Map” by artist Megan Gilbert! Click here.
Style:
On me: Dress from Love Threads //Overalls: Zara // Hat: Urban Outfitters // Sandals: Madewell // Suit: Raising Wild // Bags: Humble Hilo // Blankets: Gunn and Swain // Strollers: Bumbleride
