Guide to San Clemente Beaches

I grew up on the beaches of San Clemente…which used to be a sleepy little surf town.  Now, twenty years later, the town has practically doubled in size, with its beaches providing a huge year-round draw for both residents & tourists alike.  In this “Guide to San Clemente Beaches,” I’ll give you a local’s perspective of the town’s most popular spots, & some insight into which beaches are best for families, surfers, & those seeking more peace & quiet for sunbathing & swimming.  Also note that the popular San Clemente Beach Trail runs right along the sand & train tracks from North Beach all the way down to Calafia…

T-Street, in my opinion, is the heart of San Clemente. People often gather above the beach to watch the sunset…

Map of San Clemente Beaches

Overview of San Clemente Beaches

• Poche Beach, The “No Services” Beach:  On the border of Capo Beach, Poche is the beach we went to least ~ there are no facilities here, & metered street parking.  Bring your own food & drink if visiting Poche.
• North Beach, “Where the Train Stops” Beach:  This is where Amtrak’s Surfliner train stop is ~ the only stop in San Clemente. There’s a nice big parking lot here right by the beach; pay for parking. Lots of amenities at North Beach: you’ve got volleyball courts, a snack bar, restrooms, fire pits, playground, & grass.
• Linda Lane, The Great Family Beach:  Families love Linda Lane.  There’s a big parking lot at Linda Lane Park, a short walk downhill & thru a tunnel under the train tracks to reach the beach.  Linda Lane is just north of the pier, so you’re close to lots of restaurants, bathrooms, & services.  But what makes it really great for families are the large playground, grass & picnic tables.
• The Pier, The “Heart of San Clemente”:  Large parking lots uphill from the pier provide more parking than any other SC beach.  And there are lots of dining options here.  If you keep walking uphill, you’ll reach Del Mar Street, where there’s even more dining & shopping.  The pier’s beach was never my favorite, as it can be touristy: but it’s a good first stop.
• T-Street, SC’s “Most Popular” Beach:  We went to T-Street more than any other beach by a longshot: it’s the quintessential San Clemente meeting spot.  You’ll find families, surfers, teens, & just about everyone here ~ plus there’s a cute snack bar thats been there for years.  This is the spot to “see & be seen.”

This overpass provides a safe way to cross the train tracks at popular T-Street.

• The Hole, Local’s “Secret” Spot:  Other than T-Street, this is the beach we went to most.  It’s next-door to T-Street, just south ~ but with no parking available, it’s much quieter.  And you’re right next to the bathrooms (The Hole starts just past the bathrooms).  Great spot for sunbathers & swimmers, who prefer being away from the crowds.
• Lost Winds (Lasuens), The “Volleyball Courts” Beach:  A short walk south of The Hole is the beach with multiple volleyball courts, pronounced “Los-wens.”  If parking here, you’ll be on residential streets, then walking down STEEP stairs: so take note.  This is not my top pick for families, due to its difficulty to reach.
• Riviera Beach, Local’s Favorite Surf Spot:  Families who love to surf gravitate towards Riviera.  Parking here is on residential streets, but it’s an easy walk to the beach ~ & the sand is nice & wide here.  Locals call it “Rivi,” & though there aren’t services here, Calafia is just a short walk away.  But better to bring your own food & drinks.
• Calafia State Beach, Popular with Out-of-Towners:  Due to the fact that it’s a State Beach with a large parking area & restaurant, Calafia is popular with tourists.  In my day, Calafia wasn’t a favorite local’s spot.  But the beach itself is great, wide like Riviera ~ so if you’re in town for sunbathing & swimming: this is a great option.  Just get here early, as the lot fills up.
• San Onofre State Beach, The Ultimate Surfer’s Beach:  San Onofre is so far south that I don’t consider it a true San Clemente beach ~ it’s kind of its own thing.  But it’s also one of the area’s biggest draws & an iconic surf spot.  Trestles draws more advanced surfers, while mellow Old Man’s is an amazing place to learn how to longboard.  When you come here, expect lines to get in: most people come for the whole day, & parking fills up early…

Parking at San Onofre, or “San-O,” is virtually right on the sand ~ one reason why it’s so popular with surfers…aside from the great breaks.

Photos of San Clemente Beaches

Poche is the furthest beach NORTH on this list, straddling tiny Capo Beach & San Clemente.

Features of North Beach: 1) The Surfliner train stops here, & 2) There’s a nice big parking lot there….making for easy parking!

Linda Lane is my TOP choice for a family day in San Clemente. And for walkers, the beach trail here is nice & wide.

Another shot of Linda Lane: the parking lot is ABOVE the train tracks, requiring a short walk up & downhill. 

The San Clemente Pier is a popular area with many dining options: including Fisherman’s Wharf (on the pier).

South of the pier lies San Clemente’s most popular beach: T-Street. This is the best all-around beach in town, with lots of parking on the street at the top of the stairs.

More Photos of San Clemente Beaches…

The best “Secret Beach” in SC is The Hole. It’s located just south of T-Street, past the bathrooms. Park at T-Street & walk down the beach!

Lost Winds (Lasuens) is known for its steep stairs leading down to the beach, & its sand volleyball courts. This is where the “cool kids”ng out…

The stairs at Lost Winds.

Parking at Riviera is in a nice, residential neighborhood. “Rivi” is popular with surfers & locals.

Calafia State Beach is the furthest south beach until you reach “The Point,” past which is Trestles & San Onofre.

Guide to San Clemente Beaches

That’s a wrap on the beaches of San Clemente.  I just visited in May, & though much of the town has changed: the beaches really haven’t, which is great.  For a charming local stay, check out the Oceanfront Hacienda ~ which is a gorgeous all-suite hotel that’s just a short walk to Del Mar.  It’s like staying in someone’s really nice home! 

Or for a more luxurious getaway nearby: try the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach.

xoxo Noelia

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