The San Clemente Beach Trail starting at North Beach meets all the requirements of reader requests!
Every time I go to North Beach, I have the it-just-doesn't-get-better-than-this feeling (except when it's crowded).
San Clemente Beach Trail
The San Clemente Beach Trail runs from North Beach down to Calafia Beach Park. The easiest places to park to access the trail are:
North Beach Metrolink lot,(need to wait until 2026 repairs are complete)- by Linda Lane Park,
- by the San Clemente Pier,
- or down at Calafia Beach Park.
Really anywhere in between works, but those I've listed above are the easiest.
In late 2023 and early 2024, there was slope movement that makes parts of this trail inaccessible or under repair -- and has even suspended rail service. The beautiful bridge section (Mariposa Bridge) in the featured photo was impacted. I will be updating this post often, but in the meantime your best information will come from the City of San Clemente.
- The Mariposa Bridge Closure of the beach trail and repair project info is here. The latest is: "The Orange County Transportation Authority, in coordination with Metrolink, is taking emergency action to protect the community and rail passengers, as well as ensure the safety and reliability of overall rail operations. The project will build an approximately 1,400-foot-long catchment wall to protect the railroad and restore the Beach Trail area. Construction is expected to be completed in the Summer of 2026. During construction, the public can expect Trail closures between North Beach and Linda Lane. We will continue to provide details regarding beach access availability and closures as the information becomes available."
- San Clemente Beach Trail Improvements are being paired with this repair work. As part of the Coastal Rail Emergency Project, the San Clemente Beach Trail is being restored. The new elevated trail will be constructed adjacent to the railroad tracks, providing unobstructed coastal views and will include a retaining wall with fencing. The new trail and catchment wall will be designed to blend in with the existing coastal landscape, adhere to environmental guidelines and enhance safety. The trail is anticipated to reopen to the public upon project completion in Summer 2026.
Trail Starting at North Beach
With the kids, I liked to go from North Beach because there are swings and restrooms. It got the wiggles out before we continued and gave them a reward when we were done.
However, I do have to say that now with the beach trail cut off due to repairs and not as much of the public making their way through this area, the number of individuals experiencing homelessness has increased particularly at this end of the trail. I'm a bit more hesitant to use this restroom building. (Skip ahead to the next entry points to the trail.)
The walk is breathtaking! Beyond beautiful views of the ocean, surfers, and sometimes dolphins in the waves. Keep your eyes out for sparrows, hummingbirds, finches, squirrels and lizards.
The train tracks go right by the path. Amtrak and Metrolink can come blasting by, but sometimes rail travel has been halted between Laguna Niguel and Oceanside. Always be cautious and expect it.
You can walk to Linda Lane Park from here (just cut up one of the paths).
You can walk to a family-friendly restaurant on Del Mar (the main street to the pier in San Clemente).
Use the North Beach Trail to explore the San Clemente Pier.
From the North Beach parking lot, you can also access the nearby Sea Summit Trail and Pico Park. Moulin is the closest breakfast and coffee spot nearby this parking lot.
Directions to the San Clemente Beach Trail (North Beach Trail Head): Take the Avenida Pico exit off Interstate 5. Turn towards the beach. Go across Pacific Coast Highway and take your first right onto Calle Deshecha past Ole Hanson Beach Club. The San Clemente Metrolink and beach parking lot is ahead of you on the left. Turn into the lot and find the BEACH PARKING right below the Beach Club. You'll need to pay at the machines. MAP TO NORTH BEACH PLAYGROUND AND PARKING FOR SAN CLEMENTE BEACH TRAIL
The San Clemente Beach Trail is definitely stroller friendly. It's not paved, but the dirt is packed decomposed granite.
Trail Starting at Linda Lane Park
You can park at the Linda Lane Park and walk to the pier to enjoy the restaurants nearby and the swings on the beach and then walk back for a last play on the playground.
Trail Starting at Calafia Beach Park
Calafia Beach Park at San Clemente State Beach is at the south end of the trail (at the opposite end from North Beach). You can walk all the way to Calafia from Linda Lane. It would be just under 4 miles round-trip. Or start at Calafia and head north towards the pier.
My husband and I have done this a couple times over the years. We started at Calafia and walked all the way to North Beach and then turned around and came back. It's a super fun outing but can get hot since there's not a lot of shade. Just remember to bring lots of water with you or plan to stop for a refreshment break at the pier.
We have a state parks annual pass so our parking was free.
However, with kids, it's quite far to get to the pier (1.3 miles from Calafia to Pier whereas it's 1.0 miles from North Beach to the Pier).
Be Aware
You must pay for parking at the pay stations. Make note of your spot # and enter it into the yellow machine. The lot by the pier has the same system. Calafia has meters and your State Park parking pass works there, too. Click here for more info on parking in San Clemente.
Be cautious of the train tracks with little ones. Trains come by often when rail is in service! Only cross at marked crossings.
Restrooms available at North Beach, near the pier, T-Street or Califia. No restrooms in between.
Bring water and/or snacks.
Remember, the beach can be breezy or foggy even when it's hot inland. Dress in layers or bring jackets for the kids. I've also hiked here on a sunny day when it was VERY hot. So you can get all kinds of temps.
Dogs allowed on leash on the trail. Dogs not allowed on the beach.
Official information about the San Clemente Beach Trail from the City of San Clemente
Originally posted in May 2010.
