San Clemente Beach Trail

Gorgeous hiking trail next to a stunning ocean. When we went, the water was so light blue and tropical-​looking. It took my breath away. I rarely see that color of water in the beaches down here. The trail is clean, wide and adorned with flowers and plants. We veered off the path once to go onto the sandy beach where there were baby swings and a slide. Perfect for our little one. I’ve never seen swings on a beach before. So awesome! We loved our trip so much here that we came back again.

San Clemente is an iconic surfing community featuring several surf landmarks — including Trestles, T-​Street, the Pier, North Beach, and Poche Beach. Although it’s home to endless waves, the pier is one of San Clemente’s reels that continues to attract toursts and locals alike. In addition to featuring two seafood restaurants, the pier offers plenty of benches that overlook the ocean waters — perfect for the weiry hiker!
The San Clemente beach trail has become a common path for runners, walkers, and even dogs. Guests can enjoy its fresh ocean air and majestic views any day of the week! Please note, this beach trail follows along the Amtrak train tracks, so when the trains pass, it can get quite loud. Be sure to wave at the train passengers!
Length: 3 – 5 miles (out and back).
When to Go: Year-​Round: Due to San Clemente’s pleasant coastal climate, it’s possible to enjoy this hike year-​round. If you desire less crowds, we recommend going in the winter team, when there are less tourists and summer beach goers.
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on leashes.

Such an easy breezy trail. It didn’t even feel like 2 miles. Beautiful scenery but it’s overrated. If your looking for a trail to go through trees and tunnels hills etc this is not it. You literally park at the end of the train tracks, walk about 10 min and your done. Ok but the train tracks along the beach are Crazy cool.

Great and mostly flat trail for weakling and running, shared with kids, dogs and bicycles. Great way to see the beach. We walked it in a misty rain so had to avoid puddles but was worth it. Started at the San Clemente pier and di and out and back.

Good surf for long boards and there are campgrounds within walking distance to the beach. The freeways do train tracks are 40 feet away so it’s LOUD. Very little shade and the showers are outside. Make sure to bring an EZ Up for extra shade.

Can you believe that I grew up in Orange County and never came down here? I heard how gorgeous San Clemente was, and the beach trail is perfectly set. It changes from dirt trails to a wooden bridge. Half the time, you are on the either side of the train.
Unlike Huntington Beach or Newport Beach, the trails aren’t concrete and they are multi-​use (bikes and pedestrians). Homes are set back and higher too.
I came on a Tuesday and was actually surprised by the amount of people. I heard it’s about 2 miles each way. I parked at one end and walked to the other.
Can someone tell me what that one «Dr. Seuss» tree is though?

This trail’s beauty makes up for what it lacks in length. Measuring less than 3 miles between the San Clemente Metrolink Station and Avenida Califia, the dirt trail runs along the beach next to the railroad track and passes by the San Clemente Pier.
In the early morning, it is so tranquil. The few on the trail are outnumbered by the surfers. Even though it’s essentially a straight path, the contours of the dirt path eliminate the monotony of running on concrete boardwalks (eg, Huntington Beach). You are also very close to the surf so the sound of the waves is on top of you. There is also a beautiful iron footbridge north of the pier that takes you through a narrow section of the beach. That bridge is the only elevation change on the trail, if only so slight. However there are abundant steep roads/​paths/​stairs that funnels down to the trail so you can easily incorporate some hills into your workout if you desire.
An invigorating walk or run on this trail is really a great way to start off a day!

If I lived near a trail that had views like the San Clemente Beach Trail, I’d have all the motivation in the world to jog everyday. The trail is packed with runners, walkers, and leashed pets in the morning and afternoon. At night, the trail is practically empty.
The San Clemente Beach Trail has a great view of the ocean and the beach. It is extremely clean — not once did I see a piece of litter! The Mister and I used the trail extensively on our short trip to San Clemente because it was the route we took to get us from our room to the wharf/​main pedestrian area.
So why not give San Clemente Beach Trail 5 stars? Well, only some areas of the trail are lit (the parts closest to the Railroad tracks). There was a full moon out when we walked the trail at night, so we had just enough natural light to get by. Still, I think the trail could be improved by increasing lighting. It makes people feel safe, ya know?
Unilocal 100 CHALLENGE 2015: #87

ABSOLUTE GEM! Thank you San Clemente for keeping up such a beautiful trail!
Without question, this is one of my favorite beach trails in So Cal., especially for biking. The views from the trail are so different than the view from just sitting or even walking on the beach. The golden brown sand packed path and perfectly manicured trail offers a gorgeous and unique perspective of beautiful San Clemente Beach and surroundings. Every time I’m on this trail I am blown away by the breathtaking stunning views. I was just at San Clemente beach a week ago and walked on the beach near the shore line and it was pretty, but when I rode my bike on the trail yesterday I was reminded of what a true gem this trail really is.
The trail offers:
*Perfect place to get some exercise and take in the ocean breeze
*Spectacular close up views of the Pacific Ocean and natural sand formations
*Clean/​well maintained and beautifully landscaped, primarily packed dirt/​sand path
*Perfect for bikers, joggers, walkers, anyone who wants to soak up some incredibly close ocean views-​flat and easy trail
*not overly crowded with people compared to most beach boardwalks, trail is serene and peaceful (except for the occasional train)
*the trail goes right along the train tracks, great train and surfer watching
Getting there:
Just off PCH, the trail spans from the North point of San Clemente where the San Clemente Metro Link Stop/​Beach Parking lot is located and goes South through where the pier is (middle section of the trail) and then continues South into the Parking Lot for South San Clemente. You can catch the trail from any of the three San Clemente beach parking lots located at the start, middle and end of the trail. The trail is approximately 6 miles round trip.
Some options to add mileage to the trail route:
12 miles total R/​T:
We usually make a 12 mile round trip by parking on PCH South bound just off the Interstate 5 Fwy Exit Hwy 1 South of Dana Point. We park for free on Hwy 1 South PCH and ride on a sidewalk and then a concrete barrier protected lane for about 3 miles one way and catch the North end of the trail in the parking lot where the San Clemente Beach Metrolink stop is located. The Concrete Barrier splits so that on the return trip you travel protected as you go North bound and then cross the street where the barrier splits to continue in the NB protected lane.
20 miles total R/​T:
Occasionally we make it a 20 mile round trip by parking at Mission San Juan Capistrano and biking the beach trail down to Dana Point and then continuing on South PCH-​not as beautiful of a start as the first 4 miles run along a not so beautiful scenic river trail but once you get down to San Clemente it is all worth it!

This trail pretty much parallels the train tracks on the San Clemente beach going from Calafia park all the way north to the Amtrak station. The train going by can be quite noisy, but the interval of trains on the weekends is pretty long. This trail is relatively flat and consists of both asphalt and dirt, so its easy to run on as well as walk. There are lots of runners on this trail, and at some points it gets very narrow and makes it hard for runners to pass slower people, I can see how this will get frustrating to people who are wanting to go at a quick pace. If you’re the cycling type of person, you cannot cycle here in the summer time as its banned according to city code, the dates are posted on the walkway. The path gives you beautiful sights of the ocean, beach and pier located in San Clemente State beach. The parking for this locations can be rough as all the spots close to the parking areas either have meters or are paid parking lots, the city is definitely banking on the popularity of this area. While parking is a bit expensive, its free before 10am every day, so if you come early you get to park for free. If you happen to visit San Clemente, this spot is a must see, quite impressive park they have here.

I walk my dog here every weekend Great views. Go early in morning. Quiet and peaceful.

Less traffic before spring and summer time. It is a lovely walking trail, about 2.3 miles from the metro stop to the end. You’ll find a few restaurants on the pier and across the street.

San Clemente is so nice. The trail is trash free. The city spends the money to keep it looking perfect and clean. There is always security and plenty of trash cans and doggie bags.
I love running here — it motivates me to run. There are workout stations, drinking fountains and lots of variety. THere is nothing like watching dolphins bob through the water when you are running on a bridge or seeing a seal arfing by the pier.
THe trail goes on the right and left of the pier so you can mix it up. If you run north, there are less train crosses and a few bridges for a slight incline variety. If you run South then it is flatter but there are more train crosses and some swampy smelly parts sometimes. I love both.

This is one of the prettiest spots I have found to run in OC. This trail offers a 4.6 mile round trip with ocean views the entire way. It is mostly flat, with railroad crossings at a few points. The path is shared by runners, walkers and bikers but doesn’t seem to get overly crowded. You will see plenty of dogs out walking their people, too.
If you have a state parks pass, I recommend starting at Calafia Beach (the trail’s southern end), and heading north to the trail’s end at North Beach. Otherwise, metered parking is available at both ends as well as near the pier at the trail’s midpoint.
You can add a little distance to your run by going to the end of the pier and back both times you pass it, and you can also go up/​down the many staircases along the way to really get your heart pounding!
Come out and enjoy the year-​round gorgeous beach weather!

Yes, this is located right next to the San Onofre Power Plant that leaked. Yes, it’s closed now. Yes, it kinda still operates. .. kinda. Still, it’s a peaceful lovely hiking area that is still used by many. Great place to see a sunset, catch a few waves or just chill. Technically, it’s not a dog beach. However, no one has ever made me leave with mine. .. yet.

My bf and I drove up the coast to get a morning hike in on a Saturday morning. Started at North Beach like some others suggested and made our way down past the pier and down until we got to the next parking lot, then looped back to North Beach. Awesome walk! A beautiful trail that runs along the water, so there is always a nice breeze and very scenic — lots of nice houses to look at along the cliffs too. A lot of people, but never crowded where people were bumping into each other or anything– it was a pretty wide trail. The trail is mostly dirt, with sections of concrete and sections that go over the train tracks. There were all kinds of people on the trail — kids, adults, parents, bicyclists, runners, dogs and parents with strollers.
I would love to do this trail again! Highly recommended… it was about a 4 mile loop but hardly felt too strenuous since it was also really relaxing!

Great trail to run, walk, or even ride your bike right in one of the best OC cities. The trail starts on North Beach right off Avenida Pico and goes all to way to Calafia Beach. Great flat service with a couple of challenges along the way like stairs to add a little challenge to your run. The best part is the amazing beach and ocean views. You can also watch a couple Amtrak trains whiz by and let the ocean breeze provide some coolness to your workout. Easily became part of my weekend workout.

Some of the trail gets a little tough but it’s beautiful and great exercise. I was so tired when I finished but I wanted to do it again. I love the view and the breeze feels great. I wish I lived closer.

Beautiful place to walk/​run. I go here as much as possible to workout and to relax. It stretches from North Beach to Califia beach.
They have a sign that lets you know how long it is at each point so you can gauge your work out.

Well this is another paseo to stroll along and wonder what went wrong… and then to realize NOTHING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! is perfecto =D
Its a fun beach community in South OC with limited parking but the coastal liner railroad swings by parallell to this lil trail in San Clemente.
It is a paved pathway to access the beach, mtn bike trails, hiking trails, or just as a means to meander along the coast a bit =D Definitely something that locals and tourists both like to do.
Some great views, special sunsets, and fun times can ensue down here too… Be it a day at the beach or a post dinner stroll to watch the sun set while with your romantically involved better half…
Dont expect it to be like the crowd mob filled chaotic craziness of newport or venice. This is much much quieter and easier going. If you get a chance I would check this walking/​cycling/​etc path out as it is well worth it!