There’s a Beach for Everyone in San Clemente

Short on pomp and long on adventure, the beaches of San Clemente offer a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for families who love wide, sandy stretches and surfers who simply want to catch the perfect wave.

• San Clemente State Beach: This one mile long beach attracts water enthusiasts of every nature to its shores. Surfers are particularly drawn to the popular northern end, while swimmers and snorkelers scatter throughout the water, basking in the beautiful Orange County weather. Surrounding the beach are stunning sandstone bluffs that create the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of sunbathing or hiking.


• San Clemente City Beach: Divided by the San Clemente Pier, families flock to the south end during the summer months for the swimming and body boarding, while surfers head to the north end year-round for the amazing waves. However, the pier, which is largely considered the heart and soul of the area, is a great attraction in itself, offering fishing, strolling, and beautiful sunsets.


• San Onofre State Park: Boasting 3.5 miles of sandy beaches, this park is teeming with adventures of every imaginable variety. Whales, dolphins, and sea lions can occasionally be viewed from the shore and six hiking trails are cut into the towering bluffs above. If you cannot resist the urge to get out on the water, Surf Beach is the place to go for swimming, easy surfing, and bodyboarding, while Trestles Beach features one of the premier surf breaks in the country.


• North Beach: Although not as popular as the previous beaches, it is still a great alternative if you want to experience a new stretch of sand or escape the crowds. Swimming and body boarding are always popular here, or you can head over to nearby “204,” a surfing beach, for some heart-pounding excitement.

Whether you try them all or simply stick to your favorites, there is bound to be a beach that meets your vacation needs. And who knows, it may just be a few steps right outside your San Clemente vacation rental.