One Of Southern California's Most Popular Beaches Is A Highly-Coveted Surfing Paradise

California is certainly home to some of the world's most magical beaches. And in southern California specifically, there are many exciting destinations for beachgoers. One such place is the San Onofre State Beach, renowned for its surf breaks, Trestles, and remarkable beauty. This beach, ensconced right between the rugged coastline of San Clemente and Camp Pendleton, is a SoCal classic — capturing the very core of California beach culture. This destination is no doubt beloved among tourists and adventurers alike, with over two million travelers visiting yearly, making it one of the top five most visited state parks in California.

With its mellow point waves and consistent breaks — especially at unique spots like Old Man's — San Onofre has been a long-time favorite among surfers. It's a place where several generations have learned to paddle out, and even legends continue to ride. With its soundtracks of crashing waves and salty breeze, this beach offers its welcoming hug with an atmosphere that's effortlessly cool. San Onofre opens up its breathtaking expanse not just as a beach, but also a lifestyle — campers cozying up on bluff tops with ocean views, hikers trekking coastal trails, and families sharing memorable moments under sun tents. The views of dolphins, sea lions, and the occasional gray whale's appearance further add to all the magic that makes people keep coming back for more.

San Onofre is undoubtedly among the must-visit beaches for those who love surfing, and besides, it boasts different must-see spots that no one would want to miss out on. There's the epic surf break at Lower Trestles, perfect for both surfers and spectators. At the Lower Trestles, which is popular for its crisp and hollow waves, pro-level competitions are often organized — here, you can treat yourself to the thrill of watching riders demonstrate their surfing skills. A stroll along the cliff-edge trails can give you a front-row view of the exciting actions. It might, in fact, interest you to know that the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be having its surfing competition at Trestles (per a California State Parks press release). Exciting moments ahead, you say?

By the way, if you're interested in a spot which features a gentler scene that's just right for beginners or laid-back beachgoers, then Old Man's Beach (also called San Onofre State Surfing Beach) is there for you — with beach showers, lifeguards, and longboard-friendly waves. Old Man's is one fantastic spot where you can enjoy beachside barbecues and chill with others in a group. Southward, you can check out the Trails area not far from the Bluffs Campground; wildlife spotting, coastal hiking, and tidepool exploration are some of the activities you can experience here. The San Mateo Creek wetlands (which are home to migratory and endangered species) are another must-see spot, especially for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Access to San Onofre is relatively easy, whether you're driving or flying. John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana is just a 36-minute drive away. If you're coming from San Diego, you can get to the beach in about an hour by road. Alternatively, you can take an Amtrak or Metrolink train ($8-60) to San Clemente Pier Station, after which you take a taxi ($20-25) to the entrance of the park near Basilone Road. One good thing about the beach is that it's well-signposted, and there's parking availability at several access points. Regarding accommodations, there are two camping options at San Onofre, including the Bluffs Campground and the inland San Mateo Campground — both of which are operated by California State Parks, and can book out early in peak seasons, especially. Campsite fees may generally be up to $50 per night. If you want more comfort, proceed to San Clemente or Dana Point, which are nearby, and have a variety of hotels and Airbnbs.

Best time to visit this highly-coveted surfing paradise? This largely depends on what you want. Advanced surfers may prefer winter and early spring, to catch some of the best waves. On the other hand, beginners or casual visitors may prefer summer — with its warmer waters and milder surf. Note, nonetheless, that it's always wise to bring along a wetsuit, and other essentials like reef-safe sunscreen, sturdy sandals, and water shoes. If you have birdwatching plans, or hope to spot some migrating whales, binoculars should definitely be part of your tools. Finally, remember this: you may have never truly visited any of California's best beaches if you've not experienced San Onofre.