San Clemente Beach
San Clemente's 4-mile coastline is divided into a number of popular beaches, including North Beach, San Clemente City Beach, Calafia Beach, and San Clemente State Beach.
Along most of their length the narrow beaches are guarded by high bluffs, interrupted by an occasional ravine. Running along the edge of the beach at the foot of the bluffs is a railroad line. With the combination of precipitous bluffs and the railroad tracks, safe access to the beaches is limited to a number of key places.
San Clemente Pier is at the heart of the city beach. Near the pier is a railway station, making it convenient for passengers to hop off a train and be on the beach with just a few steps.
Accessing San Clemente City Beach
A dozen beach access points are spread along San Clemente City Beach, some combined with facilities, others simply a path to the sand. All parking lots are metered at $1.50 per hour. Most take credit cards.
- North Beach - Next to Ole Hanson Beach Club at Boca De La Playa.
- Parking lot, level access to beach
- Restrooms, concession stand
- Dije Court - Dije Court at Buena Vista
- Street parking, no facilities
- Long, steep stairway down bluff to beach
- Portal 204 - Calle Oso at Buena Vista
- Street parking, no facilities
- Long, steep stairway down bluff to beach
- Mariposa - Western end of Mariposa (see map above)
- Street parking, no facilities
- Long, steep paved path down bluff to beach
- Linda Lane - At Linda Lane Park (see map above)
- Parking lots, restrooms
- Gentle paths leading to beach
- Corto Lane - (see map above)
- Street parking, restrooms at beach
- Long stairs down bluff to beach
- Parque Del Mar - Pier Bowl, main beach (see map above)
- Parking lot, full facilities
- Level path to beach and pier
- Esplanade - T Street - (see map above)
- Parking lot, pedestrian overcrossing to beach
- Restrooms on beach, concession stand
- Los Alamos - Calle De Los Alamos
- Street parking, no facilities
- Steep path down bluff to beach
- Riviera Beach - Northwest end of Plaza a La Playa near Avenida La Costa
- Street parking, no facilities
- Short stairway to beach
- Calafia - Avenida Calafia (see map below)
- Parking lot, beach cafe, restrooms
- Short path and stairs to beach
- Part of State Beach, but operated by the city
Calafia Beach
Parking at San Clemente State Beach
The day-use parking area at San Clemente State Beach is atop a rugged bluff overlooking the ocean and beach. A picnic area, restrooms, and a visitor center are located there. Access to the beach from there is via two long trails that follow ravines down through the sandstone cliffs. (see map below) A pedestrian tunnel leads under the railroad tracks.
Parking at the state beach is $15 per day for each vehicle. Alternative access to the beach is at the city run Avenida Calafia parking area to the north. (See the Calafia Parking map above.)
