San Clemente State Beach
San Clemente, CA
Day-use parking fee applies
By Simir Shah
Updated September 13, 2026
★★★★★4.7(205 Google reviews)
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
- San Clemente Village Art FaireSan Clemente · 2 miFree
- San Clemente Pumpkins & Harvest Festival (Outlets at San Clemente)San Clemente · 3 mi
- Pumpkin Splash (San Clemente Aquatics Center)San Clemente · 4 mi
- Dana Point Harbor Dogapalooza (2nd Annual)Dana Point · 7 miFree
San Clemente State Beach, San Clemente, CA 92672, USA
Map
Tides today
Next low tide
4:32 PM
-0.1 ft
Next high tide
10:43 PM
4.3 ft
Predictions from NOAA · Newport Bay Entrance station
What visitors say
- Swanson★★★★★
Highly recommend camping here with the family. There are groups and families all around of all ages. Bike riding all over, easy beach access, lots of fun places to explore.
3 months ago
- Kevin★★★★★
I had a fantastic morning at San Clemente Beach this February. The beach was incredibly clean and not crowded at all, which made for a very peaceful experience. Even the traffic in the area was light, making the whole trip feel easy and stress-free. The beach is quite long, so it’s perfect if you enjoy a long walk along the water or on the side paths. Just a heads up for drivers: there is a fee for parking, but since I was walking, I found the area very accessible and enjoyable. A beautiful spot for a quiet morning stroll!
7 months ago
Showing 2 of 5 Google reviews · Read them all on Google Maps
Nearby places
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Eat nearby in San Clemente
- Gibroni's PizzaPizza & Italian · $$ · kids menu
- Orange County CreamerySweets & Treats · $
- The Riders Club CafeBurgers & American · $$
- Pedro's TacosMexican & Tacos · $