This surf guide explains how to access both the San Onofre Surf Beach (see photo above, no filter, by the way) as well as the San Onofre Trails (scroll to the bottom of the page for that). No matter what, you’ll be happy you’re here.

Getting to San O, the Waikiki of San Clemente

When you come to San Clemente, San Onofre Surf Beach must be on your list, especially if you ride a longboard. Locals have been surfing at the legendary spot since the 1920s. The Surf Beach has three main breaks – The Point, Old Man’s, and Dogpatch. Access is allowed 6am until 10pm daily, managed by California State Park rangers. A parking permit is required -- $15 a day during the week, $20 a day during summer weekends, or an annual pass is $195. Visit the California state park web site for updated information.

Take the Basilone exit off Interstate 5 and head south (away from the military base). Go 1.5 miles then turn right, following signs for the Beach Access. If you're using the Google Maps app, follow directions to the "San Onofre State Beach Access" (directions to "San Onofre State Park" won't quite get you to the beach access). If you're going to Trails, you can search either "San Onofre Bluffs Campground," "San Onofre Bluffs Trail," or "Trails State Beach." (Apple Maps isn't as specific, however, so follow directions to "San Onofre State Beach" for access to the main surf beach or "San Onofre State Beach South Bluff Trails" for access to Trails.)

San Onofre is a special place, both because of the proximity of vehicles to the water and the friendly, communal culture. Beware, only about 140 cars or trucks can fit into the lot, so once that fills up, vehicles must wait in line. At that point, rangers will admit one car per each car that leaves. Once the line forms, you’ll have to wait anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours.

If you can, pack food and make it a full day at the beach. Several picnic tables and fire pits are available along the beach, or bring your own grill. After surfing, you can rinse off at one of the outside showers that line the beach. A couple even have surf racks.

Where to Surf at San Onofre

The best peaks at San O can be competitive, but there’s usually room to spread out. We recommend exploring up and down the beach to find a spot that best suits your skills and desires. We also recommend reading these tips before you paddle out.

Low- and mid-tides are probably best at each of the breaks. You’ll still see folks out at high tide, but it can get sloshy when tide rises much above four feet, especially without enough swell, and some parts shut down altogether. The cobblestone rocks get exposed once the tide drops much below two feet (see photo below), but it’s usually still surfable.

Below are a few details about the specific breaks that should help you determine where to surf at San Onofre.

The Point at San Onofre

The first surf spot you’ll see when you round the corner to the beach at San Onofre is The Point, the northern most section of the beach. It’s a steeper and faster wave than other spots at San O, so most likely where you’ll find short boards and mid-lengths. The north end churns out decent lefts. Skilled loggers also consistently catch nice, long rights.

Old Man’s at San Onofre

Old Man’s – found about two-thirds the way down the beach near the Guard Stand with that name – is generally the best spot for surfers of all levels. There’s a decent channel on the north end to paddle out (to the right of the guard stand). On the inside, smaller waves break left and right, and white-water reforms into new green waves, still allowing enough runway to catch fun rides. Further outside, you’ll consistently find larger A-frame waves. Likewise, you’ll be competing with more advanced surfers. The challenge throughout is the peaks shift, so you’ll likely get a workout paddling to meet them. Either way, at Old Man’s there’s enough real estate to spread out pretty well and a friendly, welcoming vibe.

Dogpatch at San Onofre

Drive to the end of the San Onofre Surf Beach just past the volleyball courts to access Dogpatch, the only spot where kayakers and SUP surfers are allowed to launch. During the summer, you’re also likely to find a surf camp based in front of Dogpatch because it is a forgiving spot for beginners, especially on the inside (you can also catch some nice rights with less competition). Occasionally, a stand up paddle surfer will float into the southern-most sections of Old Man’s, so don’t be surprised if you hear a lifeguard remind the SUPers to stay back in front of Dogpatch.

Trails at San Onofre State Beach

The Trails at San Onofre are located within the San Onofre park but the access is a little different. They are further south, on the other side of the nuclear reactors — the big bulbous buildings that resemble a women’s bosom. After taking the Basilone exit from Interstate 5, keep going south (past signs for the Surf Beach), following signs for the camp grounds. A parking pass is still required but you won’t need to wait if there’s a line for access to the main surf beach.

Trails are numbered 1 through 6 as you drive south. Access the beach at either 1 or 6. It’s a bit of a walk just to see the surf and even longer to get down the bluff.

A rocky beach break without any defined points or takeoff spots, the surf isn’t totally consistent. You might luck out so it’s worth trying, especially if you’re boxed out of the surf beach. The biggest advantage is crowd avoidance. A surfer’s dream!

Search