San Clemente State Beach is perched along the pristine coastline of San Clemente, California. It is a beloved mile-long stretch. High bluffs, golden sands, and vintage charm meet Pacific waves there. It inspires both surfers and sunset seekers alike.
What Makes This Park Unique
This beach shines for its seamless blend of natural beauty and storied history. The park is shaded by eucalyptus-clad bluffs. It reflects legacy from its Civilian Conservation Corps roots in the 1930s. This legacy is visible in rustic picnic structures and a Spanish Colonial visitor center. Above all, its reliable swimmable water temperatures, iconic surfing spots, and scenic coastal access make it a rare coastal gem between Los Angeles and San Diego.
Top Activities and Amenities
Beach Access, Surfing & Swimming
Easy-access trails descend from bluff-top parking to soft sands ideal for swimming, body surfing, and skin diving. Surfing is a standout activity here, with ideal breaks close by and famous nearby Trestles just a short ride away—making the beach a magnet for water enthusiasts.
Camping: Tent, RV & Group
The expansive campground offers 159 sites, including 72 full hookup RV sites and tent areas. Each site features a picnic table, fire ring, and BBQ grill. Flush toilets, hot showers, and drinking water are available nearby. Two designated group camps provide stunning ocean views and beach access via paved paths.
Picnic Areas, Restrooms & Showers
Landscaped bluff-top picnic areas invite visitors to unwind among eucalyptus. The park offers clean restrooms, outdoor showers to rinse off, and flush facilities—all enhancing ease after beach time.
Trails, Hiking & Bike Access
Coastal trails wind along bluff and shorelines. They connect campers to sand and surf. The trails also tie into the larger Coastal Trail for scenic seaside biking or walking into town.
Fishing, Tidepooling & Wildlife Viewing
Fishers cast lines directly from the shoreline. Tidepooling is a seasonal delight near rock outcroppings at low tide. And throughout, seabirds, flying surfers, and dramatic coastal geology offer plenty to photograph.
Interpretive Programs & Visitor Center
A charming visitor center—part of the historic CCC-era infrastructure—offers insights into the area’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Seasonal Junior Lifeguard programs blend ocean safety with environmental education for local youth.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Vehicle day-use fee is typically $15, rising to $20 on weekends and holidays. Annual passes are accepted.
- Campground fills quickly—book as early as possible, especially for ocean-view sites; reservations open six months in advance.
- Pets are allowed in the campground only—dogs must remain leashed and are not permitted on the beach or trails.
- Generators are allowed within set hours—check campground rules and local restrictions.
- Be prepared for a steep trek to the beach from the bluff-top campground—pack light or plan for multiple trips.
- Bring quarters for showers—though hot, many campsites report coin-operated tokens are required.
- Check surf conditions and lifeguard availability before heading out—the ocean here ranges from gentle to surf-worthy.
Local insight: Rise early to enjoy the beach bathed in dawn light, when surfers catch first waves and tides reveal hidden tide pools. For unmatched ocean views, book campsites rated for coastal scenery like sites 82, 83, 85, or 88. Later, stroll down the bluff to walk into San Clemente town, where craft coffee, art-lined streets, and local surf culture add the perfect complement to a day by the sea.