Trestles Beach, Southern California

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Trestles Beach attracts surfers from all over the world to experience the perfect wave. The 3½-mile-long beach has several separate surf breaks: Uppers, Middles and Lowers. Trestles is named after the old railroad bridge near the entrance to the beach. To get to the beach you will have to walk about a mile from the parking lot down a winding paved trail. Visitors will enjoy some of the last undeveloped coastal area in Southern california. San Mateo creek lagoon is directly behind the beach and during winter rains washes sand and rocks out to sea helping to create the perfect surf break. Their are trails along the bluff where you can take in wonderful views of the coastline. Trains run frequently along the track so take great caution when crossing. Portable bathrooms are available but anything else you might need will have to be carried in. Trestles is a fun place to surf, sun or just hike along the beach or bluffs.

Train Trestle that Trestles is named after

Trestles Beach has a reputation as a locals only beach. Some surfers are very territorial but for the most part everyone is very friendly. During the year several surfing contests are held here and there is usually a shuttle bus to take you to the grand stands. There is no parking near the beach which keeps a lot of people from visiting Trestles. You are going to have to hike about a mile down a hill to the beach and back up the hill on the return journey. Some of the best surfing spots are even further away. The main trail ends at the train trestle and from there you walk along the beach to your destination. Surfers are quite innovative carrying their boards on bikes with racks or skate boards for a quick trip down to the beach. On a big surf day the trestles can attract a large crowd and surfers are going to have to share the waves with hundreds of others at the best breaks. If your going for a hike then you will probably have the trail along the bluff to yourself with the occasional runner of mountain bike rider to say hello to. The hike down the trail is defiantly worth the trip and you will be rewarded by one of the last unspoiled (except for the train track) stretches of accessible Southern California coast.

San Onofre State Beach is is three miles south of San Clemente on I-5 (Basilone Road.) Parking for Trestles is located just off Christainitos Road. There is a parking lot and street parking available. Parking lot fills up fast so arrive early on weekends. Walk across the freeway bridge, turn left down the trail and then right to the beach. There is no overnight camping at San Onofre Beach but there is a state camp grounds, San Mateo Campground, which has a trail connects the campground to Trestles Beach.

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