San Clemente Pier Overlook

Make your way to Avenida Victoria and try to find parking close to the pier. Most parking spots are pay meters so make sure you pay attention to the time. Once you park, there's a small grass area on the west side of the street with benches that overlook the pier. This makes for a great vantage point. If you want a closer look, make your way across the train tracks via the pedestrian tunnel and you'll have access to the shoreline.

All months of the year are suitable to photograph the pier, but winter typically brings the best sunsets and least crowds. Summer has the most pleasant weather.

Sunset is the best time since the sun will set behind the pier giving you an iconic california surfing scene. Morning light is also nice and there's typically more surfers, in case you're looking to add that element to your shot!

A zoom lens (54mm) is great to have, giving you flexibility to crop in on surfers.

The palm trees vary as you walk up and down the grassy area giving you different framing for your shot.

Give yourself some time to allow surfers to come in and out of the water and walk down the beach.

There's a nice running path on the beach that a lot of people exercise on.

If you're hungry, South of Nick's has amazing coastal Mexican food. Address: South of Nick’s, 110 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672