Even if you don't surf, this beach town takes you inside the most Californian of sports.

Other surfing museums get more attention, but the Surfing Heritage Foundation quietly offers up a terrific collection of vintage surfboards, photos, books, and classic surf films. A visit here will definitely show you that surfing is a world unto itself, with a vibrant culture and history that may just tempt you to join the scene. Then stroll down to the San Clemente Pier and watch the surfers do their thing. A quarter-mile south of the pier is T-Street, one of the most popular surf beaches in Orange County (during summer, surfing is allowed here only during morning and evening hours).