San Onofre State Beach
Iconic California beach known for world-class surfing, scenic bluffs, and popular campgrounds. A must-visit for ocean lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful vibes
San Onofre State Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic California beach known for world-class surfing, scenic bluffs, and popular campgrounds. A must-visit for ocean lovers.
"This beach feels like you go here more for nature than to socialize. Peaceful spot!"
🚗 Check Access Road Status
Vehicle access to Surf Beach can be restricted due to storm damage. Always check current conditions before heading out.
⛺ Book Camping Early
San Onofre campgrounds are popular! Reserve your spot well in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
World-Class Surfing at Trestles
San Onofre State Beach
Legendary surf break known for consistent, high-quality waves for all skill levels. Home to the Olympic surfing competition for LA28!
+1Scenic Coastal Bluffs
San Onofre Bluffs
Enjoy breathtaking ocean views and unique rock striations along the bluffs. Perfect for a peaceful walk or a scenic picnic.
Beach Camping Experience
San Mateo Campground & San Onofre Bluffs Campground
Camp steps from the ocean, with amenities like clean restrooms and fire pits. A quintessential SoCal beach camping adventure.
Coastal Hiking Trails
Various trails along the coast
Explore miles of trails offering stunning ocean vistas. Some trails are steep, so be prepared for an uphill climb back.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Closures
Camping Reservations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Check Access Road Status
Vehicle access to Surf Beach can be restricted due to storm damage. Always check current conditions before heading out.
⛺ Book Camping Early
San Onofre campgrounds are popular! Reserve your spot well in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.
🌊 Respect the Waves
San Onofre offers various surf breaks. Be aware of your skill level and the conditions. Beginners might prefer Old Man's.
🥾 Prepare for the Climb
The hike down to the beach is easy, but the return trip up the bluffs can be steep. Wear appropriate footwear.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Check Access Road Status
Vehicle access to Surf Beach can be restricted due to storm damage. Always check current conditions before heading out.
⛺ Book Camping Early
San Onofre campgrounds are popular! Reserve your spot well in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.
🌊 Respect the Waves
San Onofre offers various surf breaks. Be aware of your skill level and the conditions. Beginners might prefer Old Man's.
🥾 Prepare for the Climb
The hike down to the beach is easy, but the return trip up the bluffs can be steep. Wear appropriate footwear.
🚫 Leash Your Dogs
Dogs are not allowed on the trails or beaches. Ensure your pets are leashed and supervised if they are with you.
⚠️ Cliff Edge Caution
Stay away from the edge of the unstable cliffs. Enjoy the views from a safe distance.
🦈 Shark Awareness
While rare, sharks are present in these waters. Be aware of any advisories and surf with others.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise San Onofre State Beach for its beautiful scenery, excellent surf breaks, and peaceful atmosphere, especially for nature lovers. The campgrounds are a major draw, offering a classic beach camping experience. However, some find the hike back up from the beach challenging, and there are occasional concerns about off-leash dogs and access road closures.
"San Onofre (Sano) is literally my favorite beach — hands down. It’s one of the few places in Orange County that still feels totally secluded and untouched. There are no houses, no crowds of tourists, and when you’re there, it honestly feels like you’ve escaped OC completely.
It’s an amazing spot for surfing — especially for longboarding and mid-length boards. Most days the waves are mellow and perfect, but on the bigger days, it can get really fun. It’s not always great at high tide, and when there’s a negative tide it can get super rocky, so timing is key.
There’s so much more to love about Sano than just the surf, though. There are volleyball courts, BBQs, and tons of space to hang out with friends and family. Dogs are allowed, which makes it even better, and the lifeguards there are top-notch — super friendly and always keeping an eye out. The park staff does an incredible job keeping the bathrooms and grounds so clean, and there are even outdoor showers to rinse off after a long day in the water.
The only real downside is the long line to get in, especially on weekends, and the rangers don’t always check for open spots, which makes it move slower. But I usually e-bike in, which skips the wait completely — and honestly, that’s part of why I love it. There’s just something about Sano: the mellow vibe, the sound of the waves, the community feel, and that sense of being totally off the grid. It’s pure magic. 🌊☀️🔥"
Rachael Ashley
"If you're looking for a great beach to do some camping, plenty of beach trails, lots of people to meet who are also camping, swimming, and hiking, then this is a pretty good spot. I thought there were some really good scenic views at this particular beach and the way the rock has worn has some unique striations. I've never been to this beach before but it was super peaceful and plenty of room so you don't feel overcrowded like it's some beaches. The speech feels like you go here more for nature than to socialize. Peaceful spot!"
Kevin Sewell
"Beautiful beach. The trek down and back up from the beach is steep. Definitely difficult with small children if you don't have help. Great for surfing but watch out for the rocks!!
3 star review because*Lots of off leash dogs here. So heads up because owners are not watching their dogs, they are out surfing or half way down the beach. Very unsafe imo."
Maya K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
San Onofre State Beach is located off I-5 in San Clemente, California. Take the Basilone Road exit for access to the main beach areas and campgrounds. Note that vehicle access to Surf Beach can be restricted due to storm damage to the access road.
Yes, there are parking lots available, but they can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. Be prepared for potential lines to enter the park.
Some areas, like the San Mateo Campground, can accommodate RVs. However, vehicle length restrictions may apply in certain areas, with some sources mentioning a 24-foot limit for specific access points.
Public transportation options are limited for direct access to San Onofre State Beach. It is generally recommended to drive.
The access road to Surf Beach experienced a failure due to severe storms, resulting in restricted vehicle access. Check with California State Parks for the latest updates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a day-use fee to enter San Onofre State Beach, which can vary. Some sources mention around $20 for state park entry.
The park generally opens around 6:30 AM and closes at sunset. Campground hours may differ.
While day-use entry doesn't typically require reservations, camping spots at San Mateo and San Onofre Bluffs Campgrounds are highly sought after and require advance reservations.
Some local sources suggest that the first Sunday of each month might offer free entry for visitors of all ages to certain areas, but it's best to confirm this with the park directly.
Dogs are not permitted on the trails or beaches within San Onofre State Beach.
🎫 🏄 Surfing & Water Activities
San Onofre is famous for its various surf breaks, including Trestles (Lower, Middle, Upper), Church, Dog Patch, and Old Man's. Trestles is particularly renowned and will host the Olympic surfing competition.
Yes, spots like Old Man's are known for their gentler waves, making them ideal for beginner surfers and longboarders.
Conditions vary, but the water is generally good for surfing. Be aware of potential hazards like rocks at some spots and stingrays.
Yes, swimming is permitted in designated areas. Always be mindful of ocean conditions and currents.
While not directly within the state park, surf schools and rental shops are available in nearby San Clemente.
🎫 🏕️ Camping & Accommodations
The two main campgrounds are San Mateo Campground and San Onofre Bluffs Campground. San Mateo is closer to amenities, while Bluffs offers a more rustic experience.
Reservations are typically made through ReserveCalifornia.com. It's advisable to book months in advance as sites are very popular.
Campgrounds usually offer restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. Some sites can accommodate RVs, but hookups may be limited.
Yes, RV camping is available at both San Mateo and San Onofre Bluffs Campgrounds. Check specific site details for RV length limits and hookup availability.
Many visitors seek sites with ocean views. Campsite photos and maps are available online to help you choose the best spot.
🎫 🚶 Hiking & Trails
San Onofre offers coastal bluff trails with stunning ocean views. The San Clemente Beach Trail and San Onofre Bluffs Trail are popular options.
The trails along the bluffs are generally considered easy to moderate. The hike down to the beach is manageable, but the climb back up can be steep.
Yes, the broad trails are suitable for running and biking. Some visitors have vlogged long-distance runs along the coast.
The San Onofre Bluffs Trail offers excellent panoramic ocean views. You might even spot dolphins from the bluffs.
Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and the return climb is steep. Bring water and sun protection.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The San Mateo Campground is a great option for families, offering amenities and proximity to the beach. Keep an eye out for potential hazards like rocks in the water and be mindful of off-leash dogs, as some reviews mention this as an issue. 🏄 Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
+1 Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, you'll find waves to suit your level. Kayaking and swimming are also popular activities here. Be sure to check surf conditions and be aware of any rocky areas or reefs. 🏕️ Campers and Van Lifers
Book your spot well in advance, as they are highly sought after. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing Paradise: Trestles and Beyond
+1 This iconic break is known for its consistent, high-quality waves, attracting everyone from seasoned pros to enthusiastic beginners. Other popular spots include Old Man's, which offers gentler waves perfect for learning, and Church, known for its classic longboard rides. When planning your surf session, it's important to be aware of the conditions. While the waves are generally excellent, some areas, like the Trestles surf break, can have rocky bottoms or reefs that require caution.
Recent updates have highlighted the importance of preserving these surf breaks. Partnerships are in place to ensure continued public access and protection for these vital coastal resources, recognizing their significance for millions of ocean-goers.
+1Camping Under the Stars: San Onofre Campgrounds
+1Reservations are essential, as these campgrounds are incredibly popular and tend to book up months in advance, especially during peak season.
When choosing a campsite, consider sites with ocean views for an enhanced experience. Maps and photos of campsites are available to help you select the perfect spot.
Exploring the Coast: Trails and Views
This trail is generally considered easy to moderate, making it accessible for many visitors. While the descent to the beach is manageable, be prepared for a steeper climb back up the bluffs.
Many visitors enjoy walking or running along these broad trails, with some even completing long-distance runs from San Onofre to Oceanside. The scenic beauty from the bluffs is a major draw, with some visitors reporting sightings of dolphins. It's important to be aware of the coastal environment. The cliffs can be unstable, so it's crucial to stay a safe distance from the edge.
Also, remember that dogs are not permitted on the trails or beaches within the state park. 
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