Today I was hiking the San Clemente Beach Trail, a scenic beach hike I have undertaken literally hundreds of times since moving to the area years ago. I have always loved walking at the beach. In childhood, I would take beach walks with my mom. Later on, while living in Newport Beach, I would walk the trail starting at 32nd street, taking it all the way to the Balboa Pier. I also loved the long paved trail running from Huntington, all the way to Sunset Beach.
San Clemente
The small town of San Clemente is tucked away in south Orange County, with Camp Pendleton just south, and the beaches of Dana Point, with it’s harbor to the north. Inland is the community of Talega, with fine homes, and golf courses. Of all the towns in Orange County, it still has a bit of a sleepy surfer vibe, but that is changing quickly with every passing year. If you love out of the way places, you will love it here, since this is the final stop before San Diego. The beach trail here is a great way to unwind, and hike, all within civilization.
What To Expect
The beach areas and trails always seem to draw a crowd, so don’t expect to find it empty by any means. The beach trail here runs along the coastal bluffs. In order to access the trail, you simply park either in the neighborhood of one of the access points, which are a series of long staircases, or in any of the paid beach parking lots.
There are five beach parking lots in town: The North Beach Lot, Linda Lane, the Pier Bowl, T Street, and Calafia, adjacent to San Clemente State Beach. You have the option to park hourly or for the entire day, and pay at the blue pay machines. I have my usual super secret spot I like to park in when I go.
Terrain
The path is packed, flat, and sandy. This is a great hike for just about anyone due to the lack of grade. It’s also great for trail running since the soft yet firmly packed decomposed granite is easier on your feet, and joints than pavement. I will always choose trails over paths if I have the choice.
If you choose to consider it part of the trail, the wooden boardwalk of the pier, is something you’re going to want to add, if you visit here.
Scenery
Starting at Calafia Beach is a great way to go, if you want to see the entire trail. You can see the waves break, take in the oceanscape, surrounded by beautiful oceanfront homes, and palm trees. The slowly eroding bluffs occasionally have been known to collapse, especially after large monsoonal rains, such as we had this past winter.
The bluffs of North Beach have collapsed in three places, including in front of the famed Casa Romantica Museum. So as beautiful as all this landscape is, it is ever changing.
Wildlife
Along the beach you will definitely encounter seagulls, along with occasional coasting pelicans, who glide ever so miraculously a mere foot above the waves.
Offshore around the Riviera section of the beach, between Calafia and T Street is a small sea lion colony around the rocks offshore. You may hear them barking loudly in the distance. Occasional sightings have occurred of other sea life such as dolphins, whales, and sharks as well.
Rating
This is a flat, and easy hike with very little gain to speak of. I rate it as a 1 on a scale of 1 to 10 in terms of difficulty. Much of the path is stroller friendly and wheelchair accessible. There is a section between the pier and T Street that can become sandy though, as the wind blows beach sand on the path.
Seasons
This hike is open year-round, and can be enjoyed in every season. In winter and spring the beach empties of tourists, so that is the time you will see less people on the trail, especially during inclement weather. Even during stormy weather, the landscape grows ever more dynamic, as you watch the crashing waves.
The Winslow Homer in you may want to set up an easel to paint this beautiful seascape. In spring, the flowers bloom along the trail. In summer the locals filter in escaping the scorching inland temperatures, along with lots more tourists. The water warms up to 70 by late August. In Fall, the beach weather is perfect once again in the 70’s and the waves are perfect too. The water stays warm, well into October usually.
Gear
You can take on this trail in just about any type of footwear, or if you choose to, go barefoot. You could walk the shoreline as an alternative too. I wear trail runners for a hike here, but wear whatever footwear is comfortable. I recommend a bottle of water, and a hipbelt for your extras. You don’t need much gear to speak of for this trail.
What’s Nearby
I highly recommend paying a visit to the historic cottage museum, located within San Clemente State Beach. You can view remnants of the area’s history, photographs, and historic artifacts, such as this menu from a cafe of times gone by.
Downtown Area
The heart of San Clemente, and it’s main street is Del Mar St. which runs down to the pier, and pier bowl parking lot. Along with walking through the downtown area, the town has an outlet mall, several other trails up in the hills such as the San Clemente Summit Trail, and good mountain biking options.
Surf Central
Surfing is why most people come to the area, and there are local shapers offering lessons, such as Terry Senate. The most popular surf spot is definitely T Street. The pros head to Trestles, where the competition for waves is fierce. If surf camp for your kids is something you are interested in, check out Summer Soul Surf Camp, taught by world renowned champion longboarder, and local Josh Baxter. San Clemente even has a community golf course, and a skatepark.
Crowd Factor
There are always people walking the beach trail from dawn till dusk, on all but the chilliest days of the year, or the rainiest. So expect a mix of people, dogs, strollers, and sometimes bikes. The path is wide, and there is room for everyone to enjoy it.
Homeless Factor
In the last 5 years, there have been buses dropping off homeless people from LA. These unhoused people can be found along the beach path. The buses were arranged by homeless advocacy groups. Those who sent this buses think they are doing a great thing, but they have not. The benches along the beach are often not available for beachgoers and residents, since people are sleeping on them, some with untreated open wounds and sores. These people need help, so it is a very sad situation. They are in a different place sure, but still remain unhoused. That is no solution at all. Get help for homeless in need here. The city is doing it’s best to help, and it is a work in progress.
***So be aware of your surroundings and don’t hike in on this trail after dark, especially around north beach to be on the safe side.***
Overall
I love my beach trail here in San Clemente. I love that I can bring just about anyone here, and we can have a good time. It’s just an easy breezy type of hike. This hike also checks all the boxes for newbie solo hikers, because you’re not likely to ever feel alone here. I will always take a hike or trail run here, any day of the week, without having to even think about it. This place is simply breathtaking, and always feels like an instant reset. I love listening to the crashing waves as I trod along. I always feel so grateful every time I set foot on this trail, and feel blessed to live in such close proximity to all this beauty.
Leave No Trace
Just be sure to Leave No Trace to keep the area pristine.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
About me
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 2023 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.
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