Things to do in San Onofre State Beach
There’s no shortage of things to do at San Onofre State Beach. Whether you’re in the mood for getting wet or staying dry, the shoreline is full of outdoor adventures.
Swimming is a fun pastime, of course, but San Onofre State Beach is really popular for surfers. Surfers of all skill levels will love the waves at Old Man’s, also known as San Onofre State Surfing Beach. The waves are slow rolling and perfect for longboarding beginners but are also enjoyable for seasoned veterans. “It was here that ‘beach boys’ like Hobie Alter, Dewey Weber, and Dale Velzy helped shape the sport and culture of California surfing for generations to come,” says the San Onofre Parks Foundation.
Another popular beach, Trestles, is known to have one of the best surf breaks in the United States, but this one is better suited for experienced surfers. It’s easy to get to Trestles from Old Man’s with a walk along the sand.
In addition to swimming and surfing, San Onofre State Beach also offers hiking and biking adventures. After all, California is one of the best states in the U.S. for hitting the trails, and hikers at San Onofre Beach have plenty of paths from which to choose. Two popular ones are the Bluffs Beach Trail (3.3 miles) and the San Mateo Canyon Loop Trail (2.8 miles). The former is considered easy and offers excellent ocean views. The latter is moderate and is also a fun trail for mountain bikers.
Where to stay near San Onofre State Beach
San Onofre State Beach is a good day trip from Los Angeles, but there’s no need to rush off. Camping enthusiasts are in luck as they can choose from two options: The San Onofre Bluffs and the San Mateo Campground both offer overnight camping and are considered part of San Onofre State Beach.
The San Onofre Bluffs is home to a campground with several dirt trails that lead beachgoers from the bluffs to the beach. Amenities include fire pits, picnic tables, cold outdoor showers, and chemical toilets.
The San Mateo Campground is located inland, but a 1.5-mile hiking or mountain biking trail connects the campsite to Trestles Beach. All campsites here offer picnic tables, fire pits, hot indoor showers, and flush toilets. Nature lovers will particularly appreciate this area. The San Mateo Creek flows towards the ocean, creating an environment suitable for rare and endangered species. Another unique sight is the whales, sea lions, and dolphins, which are sometimes visible from shore.
Alternatively, there are a few hotels in the area. One excellent choice for adventurous travelers is the San Clemente Inn. It’s a little over a mile from San Onofre State Beach, and active guests will likely love the hotel amenities. In addition to a fitness center, you can keep the adventure going by taking a dip in the pool or competing in a game of tennis, basketball, pickleball, nine-hole mini golf, corn hole, ping pong, and more.
