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About San Clemente State Beach in San Clemente, California

San Clemente State Beach has a large campground and day-use parking area on a prime piece of San Clemente California real estate. The state park was built from 1934 to 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps as the nearby San Clemente neighborhoods were expanding. The setting for the park is among high bluffs, cliffs, ravines, and wooded hills.

The beach is a narrow sandy strip in front of railroad tracks and dunes below this rugged park. For beach access from the day-use parking lots it requires a hike down a trail to a tunnel under the railroad tracks that opens up onto the sand. You’ll find a couple short hiking trails in the park leading to unique spots and viewpoints. For biking and a longer walk you can take the San Clemente Coastal Trail which starts here and goes northward for miles.

Camp spots in the campground are open to both tents and RVs. Reserve your spot way in advance if you want a chance at camping here.

To find San Clemente State Park take exit 73 off Interstate 5 and follow the brown signs.

Address
225 Avenida Calafia
San Clemente, CA 92672
Phone
949-492-3156
Park Name
San Clemente State Beach
Owner
State Park
Pet Details
No dogs allowed on the beach
Fees
Fees for parking and camping
Activities
Surfing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Camping, Hiking, Sunbathing, Fishing, Grunion Runs, Bonfires
Amenities
Lifeguard, Restrooms, Showers, Picnic Tables, Campground, Trails, Fire Pits, ADA Access
Map of San Clemente State Beach
San Clemente, US
6:03 pm, March 28, 2024
temperature icon 62°F
L: 53° H: 62°
Feels like 61.99 °F clear sky
Wind gusts: 6 m/s
UV Index: 0.35
Precipitation: 0 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:42 am
Sunset: 7:07 pm
Humidity 79 %
Pressure1012 mb
Wind 6 m/s

Nearby Beaches

Calafia Beach

0.2 miles away

Calafia Beach is city-operated park and beach on state park property in San Clemente, CA. The park is called...

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Riviera Beach

0.5 miles away

Riviera Beach is a public beach with access from a hard to find spot in south San Clemente, CA....

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Nearby Lodging

Reviews

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5
1 review(s)
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Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 12, 2023

What a great beach and park ! So much to do and see here. The cliffs are breathtaking and the beach is wide and sandy. Be sure to go on the hiking trails in the park.

Joy