San Clemente: Coast, Trails and Culture

San Clemente offers several specific reasons to stay: coastline and beach trails, trail networks connected to nature, and historic and cultural institutions. The different routes and locations can help you choose whether to focus on the beach, nature or culture.

Beach, Coastal Trail and Access

The 2.3-mile San Clemente Beach Trail connects North Beach with Calafia Beach and passes the pier and T-Street along the way. In summer, it is used by walkers, joggers, cyclists and dog owners. The named endpoints and stops along the way provide clear landmarks along the coast.

At San Clemente State Beach, rugged sandstone cliffs rise above the beach. The State Beach entrance is accessible from Interstate 5 via the Avenida Calafia exit. This stretch of coastline offers both a distinctive landscape and a specific access point to help you find your way.

Parts of the San Clemente Beach Trail are accessible under the ADA: between North Beach and Mariposa, and between Linda Lane and the pier. This information applies to the specified sections of the trail.

Trails, Nature and Activities

Five major trail networks extend from the beach to the canyons and run along ridgelines through the city. San Clemente has 25.9 miles of hiking trails and 2 miles of public beaches. This gives the city a different scale from the single, 2.3-mile beach route.

Bicycles are allowed on all trails in San Clemente; rules for e-bikes vary by trail. Horses are permitted on the Forster Ridgeline Trail, the Prima Deshecha Trail and the Cristianitos Trail. Trail conditions and regulations may change, so it’s a good idea to check the latest notices before setting out—especially for e-bikes.

Deer, coyotes and bobcats are common on the trails; there is also a diverse local and seasonal bird population. If you’re looking for another specific trail connection, the 1.5-mile Nature Trail connects the San Mateo Campground with Trestles Beach.

San Onofre State Beach has several surf breaks. They range from gentle waves for beginners to the surf break at Trestles. At San Clemente State Beach, surf anglers catch bass, croaker, corbina and white seabass.

Culture and Recreation

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens combines a museum, gardens and a performing arts venue in a historic home. Ole Hanson built Casa Romantica in 1927 as a residence in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. The home’s architectural history and its cultural functions come together here.

The historic Ole Hanson Beach Club has its own story: it was built in 1928 and reopened in 2016. Artist demonstrations take place in the Ole Hanson Room at the San Clemente Community Center. Check the schedule before visiting. Admission to the San Clemente Art Association gallery is free; check its opening hours in advance.

Golf is another public recreation option: the 133-acre San Clemente Municipal Golf Course is open to residents and visitors.

Explore more destinations: Newport Beach, Anaheim, La Habra, Garden Grove, Seal Beach, Silverado, Orange, Santa Ana

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