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San Clemente State Beach adventures

San Clemente State Beach Adventures

San Clemente State Beach is a popular coastal park known for its scenic sandy shoreline, excellent camping facilities, and diverse recreational opportunities including surfing and fishing along the Southern California coast.

131
Acres Protected
3
Miles of Trails
1,200,000
Annual Visitors
1937
Year Established

About San Clemente State Beach

 

Located along the southern coast of California in Orange County, San Clemente State Beach stretches over three miles of sandy shoreline with picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean and San Mateo Point. The beach features a unique blend of coastal bluff landscapes and gently sloping sandy shores, making it a favored destination for beachgoers, surfers, campers, and anglers alike. The beach lies adjacent to the city of San Clemente and provides easy access to both urban amenities and natural coastal habitats. The area supports coastal dune ecosystems, tide pools, and native vegetation that sustain various shorebirds and marine life. Established as a state park in 1937, San Clemente State Beach has long drawn visitors for its excellent camping options, including both standard and full-hookup campsites. Surfers frequent the consistent waves found near the San Clemente Pier and San Mateo Point, while anglers cast from the shore and nearby fishing piers. The beach’s campground is well-maintained and offers visitors the chance to camp steps from the ocean, making it a prime location for family outings and weekend getaways. Nearby hiking trails on the coastal bluffs provide panoramic ocean views and access to tidepools rich with marine invertebrates. The beach also serves as a top spot for wildlife viewing, especially seabirds and marine mammals spotted offshore. Its combination of outdoor activities, natural beauty, and ease of access along the Pacific Coast Highway ensures San Clemente State Beach remains a cherished recreational hub in Southern California.

Highlights

Highlight

San Clemente Pier – Iconic fishing and surfing destination

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San Mateo Tide Pools – Unique intertidal ecosystem with diverse marine life

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Ocean-view Campground – Campsites with direct beach access

Highlight

Coastal Bluff Trail – Scenic walking trail with panoramic Pacific views

Notable Natural Features

San Clemente Pier

A historic pier extending into the Pacific Ocean, popular for fishing, surfing, and scenic strolls.

San Mateo Tide Pools

Rocky intertidal pools at the northern end of the beach where visitors can observe sea stars, anemones, and crabs.

Ocean View Campground

A developed campground allowing visitors to camp just steps from the beach with facilities including restrooms and showers.