San Onofre State Beach – Bluffs Beaches

San Onofre State Beach is located between Oceanside and San Clemente, California. The largest coastal area of this state park, which is called “Bluffs Beach,” has a long continuous parking lot along the bluff high above the beaches. The shoreline here is fine for beach walking except that some stretches are just rocks.

There are six separate trails that descend from the parking lot. Trail 1 is closest to the park entrance gate and Trail 6 is near the end of the road. There are camp spots all along the parking lot road and restrooms with cold outside showers near them all. Both RVs and tent campers are allowed at San Onofre Bluffs Campground but reserve a spot well in advance (at reservecalifornia.com). Each camp spot comes with a picnic table and a fire ring.

The area south of Trail 6 Beach is the commonly accepted clothing-optional area. North of Bluffs Beach you’ll find Surf Beach and Trestles Beach which have separate access points and are also part of San Onofre State Park.

Directions to Bluffs Beach: Take exit 71 off Interstate 5 at Basilone Road then head toward the ocean and follow Old Pacific Highway south to the end at the park entrance. Pay the entrance fee and choose which trail to hike down to the beach. Entrance gate hours are 6am to 10pm every day.

Address

Old Pacific Highway
San Clemente, CA 92672

Phone

949-492-4872

Park Name

San Onofre State Beach

Other Names

Bluffs Beach

Owner

State Park

Pet Details

Dogs allowed on leash at beach 1 and 6 only

Fees

Fees for parking and camping

Activities

Surfing, Hiking, Biking, Camping, Beachcombing, Sunbathing, Whale Watching

Amenities

Campground, Restrooms, Showers, Trails, Picnic Tables, Benches

Links

Water Quality
Water Temps
Tide Chart
Surf Report