AboutSteve Springer Expertise I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I`ve lived in the Valley, west side, east side, and South Bay, so I`m an expert on getting around town. I`m knowledgeable about all of the Southern California tourist attractions. I am also an expert on state beaches in Southern California, and have an expansive camping background. No relocation/moving questions, please.
Expert: Steve Springer Date: 7/28/2008 Subject: San Clemente or Doheny?
Question Hi Steve,
Thank you so much for your advice on Carp. We went the 2nd week in June and had a great time. Our only problem with Carp was the foggy chilly weather (maybe a June problem?) and the fact that it was a longer drive for us coming from Southern Utah. We did love the morning walks on the beach, the family atmosphere, and falling asleep to the sound of waves. It was everything you said and more! The kids are begging to go back so I lucked out and scored a site at SanClemente in Sept for three nights site 089. Is this a good site? Will the weather be OK in Sept? Will we still be able to hear the waves way up on the bluff? I have read that Doheny is right on the beach should I hold out for a reservation there? Sorry for all the questions, I just need some good advice! Thanks!
Answer I'm SO glad you had a good time. Sorry you had fog, but that's the norm during that time of year (they call it "June Gloom" here). However, we actually like it, since we're inland a bit and looking for ways to get cooled off. Surprisingly, you can often get out of the fog by going inland to Carpinteria Avenue. I don't know if that was your experience.
Now that I think about it, I see your point about the drive. You come down I15, and San Clemente is much closer.
Glad you got a site in SC. Actually, the weather is nicer then. I would hold on to your SC reservation. San Clemente is a nice enough town, but I have a special place in my heart for Carp. Site 89 is really a pretty good site. You are closer to the bluffs, so you can definitely hear the waves. The thing I dont' care for at San Clemente (as well as all other Orange County and San Diego County sites) is the ants. You have to get some white powder of some sort, and put it around your picnic table legs, and RV tires, in order to keep out the ants.
Doheny is also a nice beach, and you don't have to walk down the bluffs to get to the beach (my wife says "hike", and she says she has bad memories of the long "hike" up the bluffs at San Celemente). However, the vibe in San Clemente is a lot more like Carpinteria... more small town feel.
If you can't get Carp, I would just stick with San Clemente. "Bird in the hand" and all that...
