Just south of San Clemente, off Basilone road, you continue driving south past the powerplant toward San Onofre State Beach, where there is a campground, along with miles of bluffs, and trails.

The coastline here is constantly changing, and walking along the beach is completely tide dependent. Going at high tide is not really an option for this hike, since the waves will lap at the cliffs, and make it impassable.

This is one of the most scenic spots in Orange County. Well technically it’s in San Diego, though detached in every sense of the word from the county, separated by miles and miles, and Camp Pendleton.

There are five different trails to the beach. Each trail has something it is known for. Some are popular with dog owners, and others surfers. One in particular, used to be popular with nudists. More than anything, you will find few people, and those that you do find, are probably trying to escape the crowds, when the rest of the beaches are crowded. Generally San Onofre State Beach is not.

It’s a short, and steep walk to the beach from my car. I would be hiking 6 miles, in a loop, down Trail 1, and up Trail 6 in a loop, back along a trail that follows the road, running along the parking areas.

At the far southern end of the park is a border checkpoint, and there in the entrance to a bike path, which runs all the way to San Diego, through Camp Pendleton.

Here is a link to San Onofre State Beach’s website.

The beach here is quite rocky, yet very peaceful. I love the sound of the surf tossing the rocks back and forth.

It’s a great spot for beachcombing too. I found a whelk, tossed amongst the cobblestones. Surfers call this beach trails, possibly due to the multitude of choices in trails you will find here.

If you like to there are interesting slot canyons. But the cliffsides are all made of clay, and continually collapsing, and eroding. Staying on the trail is the safest bet. I have explored the slots here though.

I would be walking the beach in a loop, and back along the parking area. If you were to zig zag, you could potentially try out all five of the trails, and get in a.great workout too. There were six trails at one point, until one collapsed, and although there may look like there is something left of Trail 5, it is technically off limits.

The bluffs are always on the move here. One of the trails along the parking area had collapsed, and there was no barrier to prevent walking right off the side, other than a piece of caution tape, so I was glad I was looking where I was going.

If you do visit the San Onofre State Beach bluffs, keep in mind it is only open until dusk. Also this is a different beach than Sano Surf Beach, which has no trails, though this is also a surf beach. It’s hard to know what people are referring to, when they say they are headed to San Onofre.

This beach is past the two towers, referred to as “the boobies,” at the Songs power plant. This beach also has a campground, which may, or may not be open.

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I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!

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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2021 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.