Trestles Beach
World-renowned surf spot with iconic train trestles and a serene lagoon, offering natural beauty and consistent waves for all levels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best waves and fewer crowds
Trestles Beach
Best Time
Best waves and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
World-renowned surf spot with iconic train trestles and a serene lagoon, offering natural beauty and consistent waves for all levels.
"It's a beast of a walk down to the beach but oh so worth it!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk to the beach is about 0.81 miles, so good footwear is essential.
🌊 Check Surf Conditions
Waves vary greatly; check forecasts to catch the best surf.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lower Trestles Surf Break
South end of the beach
World-famous, consistent waves for all skill levels, from beginners to pros.
The Iconic Train Trestle
Overlooking the beach
A historic railway bridge offering a unique backdrop and photo opportunity.
San Onofre Lagoon & Wetlands
North end of the beach
A tranquil spot for birdwatching and enjoying nature's serenity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Trek to Trestles
Surf's Up (and Down!)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk to the beach is about 0.81 miles, so good footwear is essential.
🌊 Check Surf Conditions
Waves vary greatly; check forecasts to catch the best surf.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must for a day at the beach.
🚶♀️ Consider a Bike
Biking can make the trek to the beach quicker and easier.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk to the beach is about 0.81 miles, so good footwear is essential.
🌊 Check Surf Conditions
Waves vary greatly; check forecasts to catch the best surf.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must for a day at the beach.
🚶♀️ Consider a Bike
Biking can make the trek to the beach quicker and easier.
🐦 Bring Binoculars
Great for spotting birds in the nearby lagoon and wetlands.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Trestles Beach is celebrated for its world-class surf breaks and natural beauty, offering a rewarding experience despite the trek to access it. Visitors appreciate the consistent waves and the iconic train trestle, though some find the walk challenging and the beach rocky. +1
"This beautiful secluded beach is best known for its perfect surfing waves. It takes a pretty good effort to get to, either on foot, or by bike. It is well worth the effort. Also located here is the iconic trestles train trestle (duh)"
James Nichols
"Named for its famous train trestles, it’s a beast of a walk down to the beach from available parking but oh so worth it! A favorite local surf break, beautifully untouched nature, rustic rocky beach (surf booties or water shoes look dorky but are your bff if you’re going into the water), home to so many high profile surf competitions, … It’s not known for its accessibility but if you’re able bodied and don’t mind the .81 mi trek down and back, it’s all kinds of awesome and definitely something you should experience in Southern California."
Rebecca Thacher
"I love this surfing spot! So glad to live only 20 minutes away! This is such a fun spot when the waves are big! Would recommend to anyone that loves surfing and wants a great spot to surf!"
Anthony Brooks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Trestles Beach requires a walk or bike ride from designated parking areas. The most common access point involves a roughly 0.81-mile trek from the parking lot near the train tracks. +1 Some visitors opt to bike to make the journey easier.
While there isn't direct car access to the beach itself, parking is available at designated lots. Be prepared for a walk from your parking spot. +1
There's a rumor about a potential train stop near Trestles for the Olympics, but currently, you cannot take a train directly to the beach.
Due to the required walk, Trestles Beach may present challenges for individuals with significant mobility issues.
Most surfers walk or bike to the Lower Trestles surf break, as it's a popular and accessible spot once you're on the beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Trestles Beach is part of San Onofre State Beach, which typically has an entrance fee. Check the California State Parks website for current fees and hours.
Yes, there is usually a day-use fee for San Onofre State Beach, which includes access to Trestles.
Trestles Beach, as part of San Onofre State Beach, generally follows state park hours, which are typically dawn to dusk. It's best to confirm with California State Parks.
Advance ticket booking is not typically required for state beaches like Trestles. Fees are usually paid upon arrival.
Yes, Trestles offers breaks suitable for beginners, especially when conditions are calmer.
🎫 🏄 Surfing & Activities
Trestles Beach is considered one of the best surf spots in the world, known for its consistent and high-quality waves for all skill levels. +1
Trestles is famous for Lower Trestles, which offers a world-class wave. Other breaks like Upper Trestles are also popular. 
While not always readily available on-site, surf schools operate in the surrounding San Clemente area and can provide lessons at Trestles.
Visitors can enjoy beachcombing, birdwatching in the nearby lagoon and wetlands, and simply relaxing by the ocean.
Swimming is possible, but conditions can be rough due to surf. Always be aware of your surroundings and ocean conditions. Shark activity is monitored.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic train trestle provides a unique photographic element. Capturing surfers in action at Lower Trestles is also a popular choice.
Sunsets offer beautiful lighting for photography, and early mornings can provide dramatic surf shots with fewer crowds. +2
Drone usage may be restricted in state parks. It's advisable to check with California State Parks for current regulations before flying.
The combination of the surf, the train trestle, and the natural lagoon creates diverse and compelling photographic subjects.
Many photographers use telephoto lenses to capture surfers from a distance and wide-angle lenses for the landscape and trestle.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄 Surfers of All Levels
+2 Beginners might find the conditions more manageable during smaller swells or at less crowded spots. It's highly recommended to check surf reports before heading out to ensure you catch the best conditions for your skill level. 📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legendary Lower Trestles
+4 Its consistent, high-quality waves make it a dream destination for surfers of all levels, from aspiring amateurs to seasoned pros. The wave is known for its performance-oriented nature, offering sections for powerful turns and aerial maneuvers. This iconic break is part of San Onofre State Beach and is celebrated for its accessibility to a world-class wave, requiring only a moderate walk or bike ride.
With the announcement that Lower Trestles will be the venue for the surfing competition at the LA28 Olympic Games, its status as a premier surf destination is further cemented.
This highlights its significance not just to the surfing community but also to the broader sporting world. Navigating the Trestles Experience
Once you reach the beach, the terrain can be rocky, making water shoes a wise choice for those planning to enter the water.
While the walk might deter some, the reward is a beautiful, less commercialized beach experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit