by Roby LaPorte

Billy RayYou gotta love this town, yes, indeed, We have the world’s greatest weather, friendly, ethnically diverse people, beautiful beaches, one of the last wooden piers on the eastern Pacific, great downtown shopping and nowadays, a great selection of restaurants. For us fortunate enough to live in San Clemente, there are always things to do and places to go. 

For our local Performing Arts, we have the Cabrillo Playhouse. Founded in 1953, it is a non-profit, volunteer-run community playhouse offering live theatre in a small intimate atmosphere. In 1966, the troupe moved into its present-day location, an historic, Ole Hanson-style house on the corner of Avenida Cabrillo and Ola Vista, in the downtown area. Extensively renovated and retrofitted for the performing arts, over the years the 66-seat theatre has hosted hundreds of plays, winning rave reviews and capturing many hearts with inspiring shows. For more info, visit them at www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

San Clemente High School also has its share of Performing Arts. The Dance Troup shows twice yearly are a must see, and their student plays, incredibly professionally done, are well worth the effort. 

The Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens offers a broad range of artistic and educational programming for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests. In some cases, the Casa innovates programs to meet a need in the community. A historic Spanish Colonial Revival estate, once owned by town founder Ole Hanson, it embodies the romance and reality of the Southern California experience. In its stunning setting people of all ages can explore their exhibits and historic library to learn more about SoCal history, architecture, ecology and culture. To view their schedule, go to www.casaromantica.org. 

Just a couple of miles up I-5, you can find many big name acts at the Coach House Concert Hall in San Juan Capistrano. Find their schedule at www.thecochhouse.com.

Summertime brings many great events and concerts to the Pier and on Avenida Del Mar. The Oceanfest, the Summer Concert Series - bringing ‘Bands to the Sand’ - the Classic Car Show, the ‘Chowder Cook-off, and the San Clemente Street Faire and Fiesta draw larger crowds each year.

Even when there’s nothing to do in town, there’s much to do… take a walk on the beautiful beaches, stroll the pier, explore the cliffs of Calafia, or just saunter up and down Del Mar. For me … that’s entertainment. b 

To view the year around  happenings in San Clemente, plan ahead at www.SanClementeEvents.com .