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Located south of Capistrano beach off the
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Calafia Ave, is San Clemente State Beach.
This is a one of a kind beach built on rugged sandstone cliffs overlooking
the Pacific Ocean.
San Clemente State Park has a wonderful campground. It is a tranquil
and secluded park
nestled in a small forest off the PCH. There are a total of 157 campsites,
72 with RV hookups available. Several sites on the cliffs overlook the
ocean and provide a spectacular view. There are more isolated sites
among the trees off the cliffs.
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There are campsites for RVs as well as tent camping. The state park
respects each campers right to have peace and quiet, so they have implemented
quiet hours between 10pm-6am. There are several large picnic areas available,
which make this campground great for large parties.
Trails from the campgrounds lead to a mile long stretch of sandy beach,
which is
popular with many surfers. The ocean dominates San Clemente’s
outdoor activities.
The scenic views and the beautiful waves are alluring to many visitors
and accommodate a wide variety of water sports; like swimming, surfing,
boogie boarding and body surfing. The most popular being surfing. San
Clemente is home to many of Southern California’s best surfers.
The experienced surfers appreciate the beaches challenging surf breaks,
while several spots along the coast offer smaller and calmer waves for
beginning surfers.
One of San Clemente’s famous surf spots is Trestles. The waves
can be first rate,
but you often have to share them with intense crowds during the summer
months.
The only way to get to the beach at Trestles is a lengthy walk down
the bluff.
The famous surf spot is located off the Christianitos Fwy exit. If you
get confused,
just look for all the people carrying surfboards headed toward the beach.
Chances
are they are all headed to the same place you are.
Two miles north of the San Clemente State Park is the city beach, also
known as
Parque del Mar. This beach is closer to the small city of San Clemente
and is great for
an easy day out at the beach. There is hourly parking available ($1
dollar per hour) in the lot on the bluff overlooking the pier, metered
parking along the street and free parking in the surrounding neighborhood.
There are several shops and restaurants close by the beach and the charming,
old downtown is just up the hill.
The 1,200-foot long pier and the main street, Avenida del Mar are popular
attractions
and great places to just stroll. Fishing off the pier and surfing are
the main activities.
There is a bait and tackle shop at the end of the pier and surfboard
and boogie board
rentals across the street from the pier.
The summer months are the best to visit San Clemente as the beaches
and the town hosts a variety of fairs and art shows, the most popular
being the annual Ocean Festival held on July 16-17, offering a Woody
car show, a beach party and concerts. It’s not a very tourist
packed town, so summer months are bearable, the weather is superb and
the waves are world class.
- Open 4am-midnight
- NO dogs on the beach (but are permitted on a 6-foot leash in the campground)
- Fires are permitted in provided fire rings only
- NO glass containers/alcohol on the beach (OK in the campground)
- NO vehicles on the beach
- NO bikes on dirt trails
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