San Clemente State Beach
San Clemente, CA
By Simir Shah
Updated September 13, 2026
From our editor — we've been
San Clemente State Beach is a fun getaway for us. We grab some food and often do a picnic out there — it's very family-oriented and fun. Watching the train go by while we're sitting there is kind of odd and fun. We've had several great afternoons there, just soaking up the sun and enjoying the views.
💡 Local tip: You actually cross under the train tracks through a tunnel to reach the sand — worth knowing before you go so it doesn't catch you off guard.
A bluff-top state beach south of the pier with picnic areas overlooking the coast — cross under the active train tracks through a tunnel to reach the sand below. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1934 and 1937, the park sits on bluffs roughly 150 feet above the water, with picnic areas taking in sweeping ocean views before the trail drops down through the tunnel to the beach.
Good for
- Ages 0–2
- Ages 10+
Happening near here
- First Thursdays Art WalkLaguna Beach · 14 mi · First Thu 6–9pmFree
- San Clemente Village Certified Farmers' MarketSan Clemente · 2 mi · 9am–1pmFree
- San Clemente Farmers MarketSan Clemente · 2 mi · Sun 9am–1pmFree
- Dana Point Farmers MarketDana Point · 7 mi · 9am–1pmFree
Day-use parking fee applies
Map
Tides today
Next low tide
5:08 AM
1.5 ft — best for tide pools
Next high tide
11:33 PM
4.4 ft
Predictions from NOAA · Newport Bay Entrance station
Nearby places
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