Name: San Onofre State Beach – Surfing Beach (Old Man’s)
Rating: 5

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San Onofre State Beach – Surfing Beach (Old Man’s)

About San Onofre State Beach – Surfing Beach (Old Man’s) in San Clemente, California

San Onofre Surfing Beach (the official state park name) is located between the city of San Clemente and Camp Pendleton in North San Diego County. It’s one of the top surf beaches in the area with a long break and easy access. The beach itself is mostly rocks at the water’s edge, so while it’s good for sunbathing in the sandy parts, it’s not ideal for walking or wading in the surf.

Access to this public beach is via the Old Pacific Highway from San Clemente. Surfing Beach, which has nicknames like “San O” and “Old Man’s”, is next to the decommissioned SONGS nuclear plant, which you can’t miss from the freeway (looks like it should be wearing a bikini over it).

With a name like Surfing Beach you can bet that this beach has a consistent break that draws surfers from around the region. It is considered one of the top surf breaks for beginners in Southern California.

Volleyball courts and fire rings are provided next to the long linear parking area that spans the full length of the beach. Six restroom buildings are spaced out along this parking area.

Surf Beach is for day-use only (park hours are 6am-10pm from 4/15 thru 9/31 and 6am-8pm from 10/1 thru 4/14). The Bluffs Beach area of San Onofre State Beach south of here offers a tent and RV campground, many trails, and six numbered beaches that you must hike down the bluff to reach.

Address: Old Pacific Highway & Beach Club Rd
San Clemente, CA 92672
Phone: 949-492-4872
Park Name: San Onofre State Beach
Other Names: San O, Old Mans, Surf Beach, Dogpatch, The Point
Owner: State Park
Pet Details: No dogs allowed on the beach
Fees: Fees for parking
Activities: Surfing, Sunbathing, Volleyball, Fishing, Bonfires
Amenities: Restrooms, Fire Pits, Volleyball Courts, Lifeguards
Links: Water Quality
Water Temps
Tide Chart
Surf Report