San Clemente State Beach

San Clemente State Beach has a large campground and day-use parking area on a prime piece of San Clemente California real estate. The state park was built from 1934 to 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps as the nearby San Clemente neighborhoods were expanding. The setting for the park is among high bluffs, cliffs, ravines, and wooded hills.

The beach is a narrow sandy strip in front of railroad tracks and dunes below this rugged park. For beach access from the day-use parking lots it requires a hike down a trail to a tunnel under the railroad tracks that opens up onto the sand. You’ll find a couple short hiking trails in the park leading to unique spots and viewpoints. For biking and a longer walk you can take the San Clemente Coastal Trail which starts here and goes northward. Camp spots in the campground are open to both tents and RVs.