San Onofre State Beach
Discover the Beauty of San Onofre State Beach
San Onofre State Beach: A Surfing and Historical Gem
Discover San Onofre State Beach: Surfing, camping, and history converge on California's beautiful coastline.
San Onofre State Beach, a coastal haven in San Clemente, California, attracts surfers, campers, and nature enthusiasts. With its historical surf breaks, Native American heritage, and scenic bluffs, it's a beloved destination for recreation and relaxation.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to San Onofre State Beach
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
6 am-10 pm
Tuesday
6 am-10 pm
Wednesday
6 am-10 pm
Thursday
6 am-10 pm
Friday
6 am-10 pm
Saturday
6 am-10 pm
Sunday
6 am-10 pm
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Getting There
Driving
From I-5, exit at Basilone Road and head south. Follow Old Pacific Coast Highway. The entrance to San Onofre Surf Beach (Old Man's) will be on the right. Continue south for San Onofre Bluffs and Trails. Day-use parking is $15-$20. Be aware that the Surf Beach parking area often fills up by 8:00 a.m. on weekends.
Walking
If you're camping at San Mateo Campground, a 1.5-mile nature trail connects to Trestles Beach. From San Clemente, you can walk south along the beach to reach San Onofre State Beach. Be mindful of the distance and bring water.
Local tips
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Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots, particularly at Surf Beach, tend to fill up quickly.
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Bring appropriate footwear for the rocky shoreline and trails.
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Check the surf report before heading out to catch the best waves.
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Be aware that dogs, alcohol, smoking, and firearms are not permitted on the beach or trails.
Discover more about San Onofre State Beach
San Onofre State Beach, located just south of San Clemente, California, is a 3,000-acre state park offering a diverse range of activities and historical significance. Leased from the U.S. Marine Corps, the park attracts over 2.5 million visitors annually, making it one of California's most popular state parks.
The beach is known for its excellent surfing conditions, drawing wave riders since the 1920s. San Onofre is divided into several surf breaks, including Trestles, Church, The Point, Old Man's, and Dogpatch. Trestles is a world-renowned surfing area known for its consistent waves, while Old Man's is popular among beginners.
Beyond its surf culture, San Onofre holds significant historical value. The area is home to Panhe, an ancient Acjachemen village dating back over 8,000 years. This sacred site was the location of the first baptism in California and the initial meeting between the Spanish and the Acjachemen people.
The state beach features three distinct areas: San Onofre Bluffs, San Mateo Campground, and San Onofre Surf Beach. The Bluffs offer camping and day-use parking along Old Highway 101, with trails leading to the beach below. San Mateo Campground, located inland, provides a nature trail connecting to Trestles Beach. San Onofre Surf Beach is a day-use area with a historic surf break.
A brief summary to San Onofre State Beach
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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