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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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San Clemente
Beach Beach Trail runs along the coast from North Beach
to Calafia Beach south of the San Clemente Pier. The
trail starts at North Beach where there is a large parking
lot at the Metrolink station. There is an hourly fee
to park here and if you don't have change you can pay
by credit card. Some nearby free street parking is availbable.
The trail leads out of the parking lot with steep cliffs
on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. The
San Clemente Beach Beach Trail is open to both pedestrians
and bicycles and is also used by runners, dog walkers
and families with kids. The ever present railroad track
next to the beach trail is used by Amtrak Pacific Coastliners,
chances are you will see at least one train on your
hike.
About a quarter mile from North Beach the trail is elevated
above the tracks and gives you a spectacular view of
the beach and San Clemente Pier in the distance. The
Pier is halfway point of the trail and a perfect place
to stop and rest. If you have worked up an appetite
Fisherman's Restaurant at the foot of the pier is rated
best seafood in San Clemente.
For a lighter snack head out to the end of the pier
and enjoy some home made clam chowder at the Pier Shack
& Grill. From the pier the San Clemente Beach Trail
continues past T street, a well know surf break, and
finally ends at Calafia Beach. Total length of the trail
including a trip to the end of the pier is about three
miles.
Walkers, joggers, cyclists and dog owners the San Clemente
Beach Beach Trail is a wonderful place to enjoy a hike
along the coast. |
The San Clemente
trail can be accessed at several points. The two main parking
areas are at North Beach and the San Clemente Pier.
Between North Beach and the pier you can enter the trail
at Dune Beach, El Portal Beach, Mariposa Beach, Linda Lane
Beach and Corta Lane Trail. South of the pier access points
are T Street, Lost Winds Beach, Riviera Beach, Montalvo
beach and Calafia
Beach.
Most parking areas are are metered but free street parking
can be found with a little effort. San
Clemente trail
is mostly flat with the exception of the elevated section
near North Beach. This coastal hiking trail is suitable
for everyone. Take a trip to one of the most scenic beach
trails in Orange County, you will not be disappointed. |
Here are a
few rules to follow while using on the San Clemente Coastal
Trail: Bicyclist’s use caution when approaching and
passing other trail users.
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend there are
designated “Walk Bike Zones” . Dogs must be
a 6 foot (or shorter) leash. Please pick up after your pet.
There are disposable bags and waste containers along the
trail for your convince.
Trail hours are 4 a.m. to midnight, except on the segment
from the south T-Street restrooms to Calafia Beach where
the hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Finally Pedestrians are prohibited from trespassing into
the rail corridor, which is owned by the Orange County Transportation
Authority (OCTA). There are plenty of safe places to cross
the track don't take a chance and jump the fence. Trains
travel up to 50 mph along the tail and can be upon you in
seconds. Be safe and only cross at the marked train crossings.
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San
Clemente "Spanish Village by the
Sea" South Orange County. Beach trail half
way point. |
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Laguna
Beach one of the most beautiful beaches
in Southern California. |
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Trestles
Beach One of
California’s greatest surfing beaches. Hike
in only, no beach parking. |
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