According to the city website, town father Ole Hanson built the San Clemente Pier as a gift to the community. He designed Del Mar, the street that runs through the historic downtown, to wind down the slope of the "Pier Bowl" to the beach and pier.
The pier is home to the iconic Fisherman's Restaurant, which leases the facilities at the base of the pier, and a bait and souvenir shop closer to the end. The pier is about a quarter-mile long, and hosts frequent walkers and fishing enthusiasts.