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San Onofre is the last stop in Orange County
before you enter San Diego County and your last chance to surf the famous
OC waves. San Onofre is definitely a surfing beach, with consecutively
good waves year round. This beach is well known for being one of the
most enjoyable surf breaks in California. The breaks are long, gentle
and ideal for long boarding and beginning surfers.
The ocean wildlife is a sight to see. It is common to see whales, dolphins
and sea lions offshore. |
The dolphins are known to come within a few
feet of the surfers. Pelicans and sea gulls soar over the ocean and
frequently dive into the waters for their catch of the day.
San Onofre’s state park is called San Mateo. This campground is
in high demand in the summer with the locals, so it is recommended to
make reservations early. There is only camping available during the
summer months. The park is closed for camping during the winter (October
– May).
There are spots to park your car or RV and just enough space for tents.
San Onofre does NOT have the most spacious campground. The lots are
predominantly on the pavement, with a picnic table and a grill on a
small stretch of dirt about 2 ft from the next space. There are six
trails that lead to the ocean from the campground. The trails are cut
into the cliff and lead directly to the beach, but are very accessible.
There is even a trail that starts at San Mateo Canyon and leads to San
Mateo State Preserve. It is a nice little hike along the bluff.
There is beachfront parking but at a hefty price. Day parking at the
bottom of the bluff is $10 dollars a day. There are also annual passes
for $125 dollars available, which enable you to park at most of the
state beaches. Do not park in the parkinglot on the cliff above the
surf beach. The lot belongs to the San Onofre power plant, and you will
be quickly escorted off.
An irritating thing about this beach and campground is its proximity
to Camp Penalton, a military base on the OC/ San Diego border. There
are frequent helicopter and jet fly-bys, which can be a little annoying
during a relaxing time at the beach.
- Open 6am-8pm
- Fires in Rings only
- No alcohol/glass containers
- No dogs (allowed on trails with a leash)
- No vehicles on the beach
- No smoking
- Public restrooms available
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