San Clemente State Beach
A mile-long coastal gem with beachfront camping, scenic trails, and family-friendly activities backed by dramatic bluffs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
San Clemente State Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mile-long coastal gem with beachfront camping, scenic trails, and family-friendly activities backed by dramatic bluffs.
"Unreal evenings and the sound of waves make this beachfront campground a must-visit."
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking is available but can be costly. Look for the 75 cents per 30 minutes rate.
🌊 Stingray Warning
Be aware of potential stingrays in the water; shuffle your feet when walking in shallow areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Beachfront Camping
San Clemente State Beach Campground
Wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy breathtaking ocean views from your campsite. Perfect for a coastal getaway.
San Clemente Beach Trail
Along the coast
Stroll or bike along this scenic trail, offering beautiful ocean vistas and a refreshing sea breeze.
Historic Cottage
San Clemente State Park
An educational stop for families, featuring hands-on learning about local wildlife and art.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Camping Reservations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking is available but can be costly. Look for the 75 cents per 30 minutes rate.
🌊 Stingray Warning
Be aware of potential stingrays in the water; shuffle your feet when walking in shallow areas.
🚶♀️ Trolley Convenience
Use the local trolley to get around San Clemente, especially to avoid steep hills and explore downtown.
🏕️ Campsite Perks
Consider sites like #82 for beach access and proximity to restrooms. Firewood bundles are available for purchase.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking is available but can be costly. Look for the 75 cents per 30 minutes rate.
🌊 Stingray Warning
Be aware of potential stingrays in the water; shuffle your feet when walking in shallow areas.
🚶♀️ Trolley Convenience
Use the local trolley to get around San Clemente, especially to avoid steep hills and explore downtown.
🏕️ Campsite Perks
Consider sites like #82 for beach access and proximity to restrooms. Firewood bundles are available for purchase.
🏄 Surfing Spots
The beach has designated areas for surfing, separate from swimming zones.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the beautiful beachfront camping and the soothing sound of the waves. The beach itself is praised for its clean sand and good swimming conditions, with separate areas for surfers. Some mention parking can be a challenge and costly, and there's a heads-up about potential stingrays.
"We stayed at Hampton Inn and walked down to the beach. It is lovely. You have a sandy beach. There is a warning about sting ray fish in the water, but there were still people swimming. (There is paid parking. We used a trolley to get back up the steep hill. The trolley runs about every 20 minutes. It is the Green line that takes you around San Clemente which also takes you to another beach and downtown. We took the trolley and the lights in the downtown area are beautiful. )There is a campground nearby on the cliff above the beach."
Elkie Ingels
"Such a nice campground near the ocean. The sound of the waves were incredible throughout the night and early morning. The campground is clean and there’s enough space between campsites. The bathrooms were cleaned periodically and offered hot water. Showers are operated by coins or credit card. There are plenty of restaurants and grocery stores nearby for last minute needs and the campground staff were polite and nice. The beach walkway is conveniently close across the parking lot. I will definitely be back and will continue to recommend this campground."
Jeremy Leavy
"Nice beach. Surfing area separated from swimming area. Swimming area is shallow but still with good waves. No seaweeds. not many stones. Enough beach space for people even on weekends. Dining places close by. Not many parking spaces. overall highly recommended beach."
Ed Serna
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
San Clemente State Beach is located at Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, CA. You can drive directly there, but be aware of parking fees and availability. For a more convenient option, consider using the local San Clemente Trolley, which stops near the beach and can take you to downtown areas.
Yes, there is paid parking available at San Clemente State Beach. The cost is approximately 75 cents for every 30 minutes. Parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
The San Clemente Trolley (Green Line) is a great option for getting around town and to the beach. It runs frequently and can help you avoid parking hassles.
The San Clemente State Beach Campground is located directly above the beach, offering easy access via stairs or trails.
Yes, other beaches like Capistrano State Beach and Doheny State Beach are nearby and can be explored.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
San Clemente State Beach itself does not typically have an entrance fee for beach access. However, parking does incur a fee.
The beach is generally open from sunrise to sunset. The campground has specific check-in and check-out times.
No, tickets are not required for general beach access. However, if you plan to camp, advance reservations are highly recommended due to high demand.
While not always advertised, the beach is a popular spot for surfing and general recreation. The Historic Cottage offers educational programs.
Parking is charged by the hour, with rates around 75 cents for every 30 minutes. It's advisable to check current rates upon arrival.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, surfing, sunbathing, picnicking, and walking the beach trail. The campground offers a unique beachfront camping experience.
Yes, San Clemente is known for its surf spots, with designated areas for surfers to enjoy the waves.
Yes, the beach and campground facilities include restrooms and showers. Campground showers may require coins or card payment.
Picnic areas are available, making it a great spot for a family outing or a relaxed meal by the ocean.
The beach has shallow swimming areas and is generally family-friendly. The Historic Cottage also offers kid-friendly activities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options available nearby, and downtown San Clemente offers a variety of restaurants and cafes.
While there might not be direct food vendors on the beach itself, there are often snack bars or concessions, and plenty of options are a short drive or walk away.
Yes, grocery stores are conveniently located near the campground for any last-minute needs.
Downtown San Clemente offers a diverse culinary scene, from casual cafes like Sur Coffee to various boutiques and restaurants.
Campers can cook at their campsites. Firewood bundles are available for purchase from the camp host.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach itself offers stunning ocean views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The bluff overlooking the ocean and the beach trail provide excellent vantage points.
Absolutely! The sunsets at San Clemente State Beach are often described as unreal and are a popular subject for photographers.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's always best to check with park authorities for current rules regarding drone operation.
Ocean landscapes, beach scenes, surfing action, and campground life are popular subjects. The passing trains also add a unique element.
The Historic Cottage offers a unique architectural element, and the bluff campsites provide panoramic ocean backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy at the designated areas, and take advantage of the convenient restrooms and showers. Consider booking a campsite for an immersive experience, or utilize the local trolley system to easily access the beach and explore downtown San Clemente's family-friendly eateries.
🏕️ Campers
Enjoy the soothing sounds of the waves and stunning ocean views right from your tent or RV. Remember to book well in advance, as spots fill up quickly. Firewood is available for purchase from the camp host. 🏄 Surfers & Water Sports Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at San Clemente State Beach
+1 Many campers highlight the incredible sound of the waves throughout the night and early morning as a major perk. When booking, consider the 'Tent Campground West section' for tent camping, as it offers gorgeous views.
Group sites are also available and can provide stunning sunset ocean views. Remember to bring cash if you plan to purchase firewood bundles from the camp host, as they are often cash-only. The campground is well-maintained, with periodic cleaning of bathrooms and the availability of hot water for showers, which can be operated by coin or credit card. Reservations are essential, especially during peak seasons, as this campground is a popular spot for both tent and RV camping.
Exploring the San Clemente Beach Trail
Many visitors enjoy the trail for its accessibility and the opportunity to see surfers catching waves or simply to enjoy the sea breeze. The trail connects various points along the coast, making it easy to access different sections of the beach or head towards the pier.
The relatively gentle incline in many sections makes it suitable for most fitness levels, and the ever-changing ocean vistas provide a constant source of beauty. For those staying at the campground, the beach trail is a convenient amenity, allowing for easy access to the beach for morning strolls or evening walks.
Family Fun at San Clemente State Beach
The Historic Cottage offers hands-on learning activities and displays about the local wildlife that inhabits the park, making it a fun and informative stop for younger visitors.
Families can also enjoy picnicking with readily available facilities, making it easy to spend a full day at the beach. The presence of clean restrooms and showers adds to the convenience for families with young children. For families considering a longer stay, the campground offers a unique opportunity for kids to experience sleeping near the ocean.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit