Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens — Attraction in San Clemente

Soooooo disappointing.

My family & I drove from over an HOUR away, only to be turned away at the door. There was no signage either so we knocked helplessly, thinking there was some sort of mistake but were offered an insincere half shrug of an apology when we finally managed to get somebody’s attention.

I almost bought tickets beforehand but the website specifically says that buying tickets beforehand is not required (but I was able to add the day of the planned visit to my cart). I did see they had an event planned for later that same day but NOWHERE did it mention that this would result in a closure beforehand.

I thought about calling the day before, just to be sure but the. website. was. so. clear. that I did not think it would be necessary. Never making that mistake ever again.

Not only was I excited to show this place to my family, I was also wanting to check the venue out for a wedding, without the pressure of a sales rep hunting me down afterwards— but when I reached out to the list of (5) REQUIRED caterers listed on their website, only ONE even bothered to respond and their shocking quote of $20K+ defeats the purpose of choosing them in hopes of a more affordable venue.

(Also, there were only maybe 5 parking spots in total?? And the entire block was completely full with no parking. Don’t think that would have worked out for a wedding anyways)

Needless to say, left a very sour taste in my mouth....

This wonderful place is easily five-star. It's a former mansion built in the late 1920s by one of the two developers of San Clemente. Not given the Romantica name until a few owners later in the 1940s but that's OK. With the pandemic currently making the house closed for visitors (except the history center/gift shop room) you're coming for the gardens and stunning ocean views. They only charge 5 dollars for admission and parking is free so it's a great deal.

If you're a garden connoisseur the plantings will not stagger you with sophistication or rareness, like at the Sherman Library and Gardens. But they're just lovely and well maintained. You can feel the love that the volunteers and staff give to the place. Since this is a cultural and arts center even more than a garden, you should know that most events and exhibitions are cancelled for the pandemic. But a few are still happening, especially for members. I just saw on their Facebook page that construction is about to begin to rehab their parking lot. Check it out online...

Located on a hill in front of the San Clemente pier on the beach is this Beautiful venue that can be used for weddings with amazing sunsets Or just special events for close friends or for a company party. There is a butterfly area a garden area where tables can be set up to serve dinner. Then you can go inside for dancing Where there is a step down living room area with A bar And plenty of room for dancing then outside is the Pacific Ocean and beautiful Views of the cliffside of San Clemente Laguna all the way down the beach look out into the ocean to see CatalinaAnd when it's time you'll see a beautiful sunset the most amazing sunsets you've ever seen. The grounds are beautiful it is a beautiful intimate location for a special day. I've seen it hold a 150 to 200 people It is an amazing venue honestly it's...