San Clemente Campground

The San Clemente bike trail is a nice, flat ride for those looking to coast alongside California’s ocean scenery. The trail is 2.6 miles each way, making it ideal for an out-and-back bike excursion. Biking is allowed anytime but the summer, when the trail becomes just a little too crowded for two wheelin’. There is part of the trail that goes over a bridge where bikers must get off and walk their bikes to avoid a fine. This is no big deal, since most people opt to get off here and stay a minute to watch for passing trains.

The closest harbor to San Clemente state beach is Dana Point harbor. The harbor at Dana Point has guest slips so visitors can easily get their vessel of choice into the Pacific for a ride. Just make sure to call ahead and set up a reservation at your slip of choice. If you are looking for a boat, Harbor Boat Rentals is a great resource for a temporary vessel to help you explore the harbor and beyond.

Nearby to San Clemente State Beach, there are some especially awesome hiking trails that offer up views of San Clemente’s backcountry along with the ocean. Trails in this area range in difficulty and terrain, so we would recommend reading a description of any trail you plan on conquering! One of our favorites is the Forster Ridgeline trail. This awesome hike stays true to the ridgeline (meaning there are steep sections), leading hikers on a 3.2 mile expedition, where they are frequently rewarded with viewing points. Ultimately, this trail is a peek “behind-the-scenes” of San Clemente, with views of both the coastline and what lies before it.

If you are comfortable launching your kayak off the beach, you can definitely do so at San Clemente. However, if you're launches are a little shaky you may be better off trying to get in the water not far from San Clemente at Dana Point . Also, bring your biggest, baddest muscles with you to help get the kayak to the campsite – that hill is nothing to take lightly!

San Clemente State Beach has waters that wield moderate temperatures year round. Although sometimes that can mean a nice 75 degree water temperature, most surfers tend to not risk the goosebumps and paddle out with a wetsuit. The surf here can be smaller than other places in the area, but given the right conditions, San Clemente is an ideal stretch of surf for experts to play around in or beginners to learn in. Some shallow sandbars may produce hollow, shifting peaks, but most of the time you will find closed-out conditions.

San Clemente State Beach is a safe, sunny and enjoyable swimming location for visitors of all ages. You can wade in the ocean while at the same time craning your neck to take in the towering views of the surrounding bluffs. That is, if you’re good at multi-tasking (if not, we’d focus on staying afloat). Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you may just sneak in an unscheduled swim date with dolphins as they cruise by.