We stumbled upon this amazing trail on our recent trip to Southern California. We started at the north end of the trail and walked south. One side are homes/cliffs/flowers/ street depending on where you are on the trail. To the other side is the ocean. The scenic views on this trail are truly breathtaking. We walked from the north end to the pier which was about half way. At the pier there are restaurants, volleyball net, and a great beach area. This is a great walk for kids any age or even just by yourself. What a fantastic place! read more

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Dog friendly! Probably the nicest beach trail I've ever walked as of this date. I parked on the North Beach side (just google North Beach San Clemente for directions), by the time I got there it was around 8:15am and I only had to pay $1 for the day. I would have come a bit earlier, even for a Monday there were quite a few people but parking seemed OK, even when we left at around 11:30am. The dog and I stopped at Calafia and then headed back, round trip was 4 miles. There were other dog walkers, people riding their bicycles, joggers etc. Some parts are narrow and some of the cyclists can be rude on these parts but otherwise it wasn't too bad, just made it difficult to get any pictures with people NOT in the background. The scenery is very lovely, cliffs on one side, beach/train tracks on the other. It's a very unique experience when the train comes by while you're on the beach. Trail is pretty flat the whole way, most of it is typical light colored dirt but some parts actually take you on the beach where you have to walk on sand. No incline (or none that I could feel) but the length of the trail makes for good exercise. Be warned there is no shade at all on this trail though, we went in the morning while it was still overcast and did not have any problems, but I imagine it might suck later in the day. Zulu and I will definitely be back when we want to have a nice, summery beach walk! Worth the drive! read more

Beach Trail - Beaches Near Me

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This is one of the prettiest spots I have found to run in OC. This trail offers a 4.6 mile round trip with ocean views the entire way. It is mostly flat, with railroad crossings at a few points. The path is shared by runners, walkers and bikers but doesn't seem to get overly crowded. You will see plenty of dogs out walking their people, too. If you have a state parks pass, I recommend starting at Calafia Beach (the trail's southern end), and heading north to the trail's end at North Beach. Otherwise, metered parking is available at both ends as well as near the pier at the trail's midpoint. You can add a little distance to your run by going to the end of the pier and back both times you pass it, and you can also go up/down the many staircases along the way to really get your heart pounding! Come out and enjoy the year-round gorgeous beach weather! read more

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This is a great beach trail. I walk my dog here weekly. It offers great views and is completely flat. If you park near the north beach train station, You can walk/run to Calafia state beach which is 2.5 miles away so it's a great 5 mile excursion. Beware the homeless at dusk!!! Remember the song "the freaks come out at night"??? This is where they come out! but it's more like "The freaks come out at dusk!" It's a beautiful trail. Just have your guard up after dark. Nobody even walks their dogs after dusk any more. Sad... read more

If I lived near a trail that had views like the San Clemente Beach Trail, I'd have all the motivation in the world to jog everyday. The trail is packed with runners, walkers, and leashed pets in the morning and afternoon. At night, the trail is practically empty. The San Clemente Beach Trail has a great view of the ocean and the beach. It is extremely clean - not once did I see a piece of litter! The Mister and I used the trail extensively on our short trip to San Clemente because it was the route we took to get us from our room to the wharf/main pedestrian area. So why not give San Clemente Beach Trail 5 stars? Well, only some areas of the trail are lit (the parts closest to the Railroad tracks). There was a full moon out when we walked the trail at night, so we had just enough natural light to get by. Still, I think the trail could be improved by increasing lighting. It makes people feel safe, ya know? YELP 100 CHALLENGE 2015: #87 read more

My bf and I drove up the coast to get a morning hike in on a Saturday morning. Started at North Beach like some others suggested and made our way down past the pier and down until we got to the next parking lot, then looped back to North Beach. Awesome walk! A beautiful trail that runs along the water, so there is always a nice breeze and very scenic - lots of nice houses to look at along the cliffs too. A lot of people, but never crowded where people were bumping into each other or anything- it was a pretty wide trail. The trail is mostly dirt, with sections of concrete and sections that go over the train tracks. There were all kinds of people on the trail - kids, adults, parents, bicyclists, runners, dogs and parents with strollers. I would love to do this trail again! Highly recommended...it was about a 4 mile loop but hardly felt too strenuous since it was also really relaxing! read more

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Quite the distance; gave up after 3 miles it just never seems to end well past the SC pier; Was running parallel to the tracks. Just too many people walking, running, biking all in one place. Parking is small and limited near the beginning at North Beach, and non-existent at the S.C. pier. I dont get the parking deal with san clemente and oceanside; easily the worst parking nightmares anywhere in SoCal. Anyways, its mostly dirt, scenic areas along the trail too. Something to do cause not much else except swim or eat. read more

ABSOLUTE GEM! Thank you San Clemente for keeping up such a beautiful trail! http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=cZ7V8VPXi1HAnylgahCHOA&select=lm_K0mbcG1fr4HBLTDXJUQ Without question, this is one of my favorite beach trails in So Cal., especially for biking. The views from the trail are so different than the view from just sitting or even walking on the beach. The golden brown sand packed path and perfectly manicured trail offers a gorgeous and unique perspective of beautiful San Clemente Beach and surroundings. Every time I'm on this trail I am blown away by the breathtaking stunning views. I was just at San Clemente beach a week ago and walked on the beach near the shore line and it was pretty, but when I rode my bike on the trail yesterday I was reminded of what a true gem this trail really is. The trail offers: *Perfect place to get some exercise and take in the ocean breeze *Spectacular close up views of the Pacific Ocean and natural sand formations *Clean/well maintained and beautifully landscaped, primarily packed dirt/sand path *Perfect for bikers, joggers, walkers, anyone who wants to soak up some incredibly close ocean views-flat and easy trail *not overly crowded with people compared to most beach boardwalks, trail is serene and peaceful (except for the occasional train) *the trail goes right along the train tracks, great train and surfer watching Getting there: Just off PCH, the trail spans from the North point of San Clemente where the San Clemente Metro Link Stop/Beach Parking lot is located and goes South through where the pier is (middle section of the trail) and then continues South into the Parking Lot for South San Clemente. You can catch the trail from any of the three San Clemente beach parking lots located at the start, middle and end of the trail. The trail is approximately 6 miles round trip. Some options to add mileage to the trail route: 12 miles total R/T: We usually make a 12 mile round trip by parking on PCH South bound just off the Interstate 5 Fwy Exit Hwy 1 South of Dana Point. We park for free on Hwy 1 South PCH and ride on a sidewalk and then a concrete barrier protected lane for about 3 miles one way and catch the North end of the trail in the parking lot where the San Clemente Beach Metrolink stop is located. The Concrete Barrier splits so that on the return trip you travel protected as you go North bound and then cross the street where the barrier splits to continue in the NB protected lane. 20 miles total R/T: Occasionally we make it a 20 mile round trip by parking at Mission San Juan Capistrano and biking the beach trail down to Dana Point and then continuing on South PCH-not as beautiful of a start as the first 4 miles run along a not so beautiful scenic river trail but once you get down to San Clemente it is all worth it! read more

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We started this trail from the new outlets in San Clemente and took it all the way to the pier. San Clemente has invested great money to create a pleasant walk or jog along the beach. Like: Endless views of the ocean from different elevations. Well maintained trail. No complexity. Trail even throughout. Gorgeous landscape and hardscape. Lots of things to do along the way. Dislike: Not much to say here. I'm a fan of this trail! read more

Beach Trail - My girls enjoying the trail. - Beaches Near Me

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Great hike today! Perfect weather as well. Walked North on the pathway, which is paved in places, and a bit sandy in others. The bridge was higher up & had such interesting architecture! Gorgeous views of the ocean & mountainsides! Make sure to wave as the train passes by. Go clear your mind & exercise with beauty all around. Walk, run, ride bikes, push your baby strollers, all while enjoying the great outdoors. You can always work your way back to the pier for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink. read more

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Awful place, do not recommend it. Parking is too expensive $15/day, regardless of time spent. Trails are surrounded by camping grounds so you have to walk around campers, tents, etc. 3 of the 6 trails were closed, and yet they charged full price. The park ranger was very unfriendly and rude. read more

2018 Yelp Review Challenge: 18/100 Parking cost: $15 all day, unknown cost for camping Views: 1. AMAZING, I've never seen a SoCal beach so beautiful. 2. 100 ft cliffs adjacent to the ocean Trail: 1. Some steep areas 2. Benches overlooking the ocean 3. Long and winding trails People traffic: 1. Max 20 people on the beach at a time 2. Surfers, swimmers, people just on the beach 3. Campers near the parking area before the trails Amenities: 1. Bathrooms near parking 2. Camp grounds 3. Showers 4. Picnic benches in camp grounds 5. Surf school at trail 4 read more

Beautiful trail!!!! This was our second time walking this trail, my daughter had been wanting to come back here for a while. We parked our car in North Beach San Clemente, parking fee machines are very easy to use. Most of trail is nice and wide with the pier incorporated as a stopping point. Dog Friendly for leashed dogs: there are a lot of trash cans and posts with dog poop bags. read more

Beach Trail - Beaches Near Me

San Clemente is an iconic surfing community featuring several surf landmarks - including Trestles, T-Street, the Pier, North Beach, and Poche Beach. Although it's home to endless waves, the pier is one of San Clemente's reels that continues to attract toursts and locals alike. In addition to featuring two seafood restaurants, the pier offers plenty of benches that overlook the ocean waters - perfect for the weiry hiker! The San Clemente beach trail has become a common path for runners, walkers, and even dogs. Guests can enjoy its fresh ocean air and majestic views any day of the week! Please note, this beach trail follows along the Amtrak train tracks, so when the trains pass, it can get quite loud. Be sure to wave at the train passengers! Length: 3-5 miles (out and back). When to Go: Year-Round: Due to San Clemente's pleasant coastal climate, it's possible to enjoy this hike year-round. If you desire less crowds, we recommend going in the winter team, when there are less tourists and summer beach goers. Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on leashes. read more

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Beautiful place to walk/run. I go here as much as possible to workout and to relax. It stretches from North Beach to Califia beach. They have a sign that lets you know how long it is at each point so you can gauge your work out. read more

Beach Trail - Beautiful San Clemente - Beaches Near Me

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It's a busy trail, with spectacular views of the ocean. If you're lucky, you might be able to spot dolphins in the water. The last time that I was there (7/9), I noticed homeless people acting erratic and trying to interact with my sister and I. They made us feel on edge and we quickly walked far away from them. read more

San Clemente is so nice. The trail is trash free. The city spends the money to keep it looking perfect and clean. There is always security and plenty of trash cans and doggie bags. I love running here - it motivates me to run. There are workout stations, drinking fountains and lots of variety. THere is nothing like watching dolphins bob through the water when you are running on a bridge or seeing a seal arfing by the pier. THe trail goes on the right and left of the pier so you can mix it up. If you run north, there are less train crosses and a few bridges for a slight incline variety. If you run South then it is flatter but there are more train crosses and some swampy smelly parts sometimes. I love both. read more

Love this trail! Would definitely recommend parking at North Beach ($1.50 an hour after 9am - not bad!) and starting from there. It's dog friendly and a clean and beautiful trail by the water! read more

Beautiful, clean beach.. Seems more private here.. Small area which is nice with lil ones.. read more

Beach Trail - Beaches Near Me

I walk here almost everyday with my dog. I start from North Beach and head south. Big parking lot that's never crowded. Pay parking. Nice wide trail, restrooms along the way. Beautiful scenery. Good availability of food in Pier bowl area. You can go for a few miles. Fountains for dog water available in pier bowl area. Human drinking fountains too. read more

Great trail! While staying at the Beachcomber we wanted to go for a ride on our bikes, and what a beautiful trail this was! Lots of wonderful gardens of succulents and wild flowers along the coastline. The trail is primarily a stretch of dirt trail then runs into paved bike path when headed up to Dana Point. read more

Best place to run!!! I wrote my first review on this trail four ago and four years later it is still amazing. It is still my favorite place to run in Orange County. It is about 4.6 miles round-trip. I usually park at north beach in the metered commuter parking lot (it takes credit cards) and run to the end to Calafia and back. It's flat and runs along the beach and train tracks. Passes by San Clemente pier and the metro link stop there. Beautiful views of the ocean and sunsets. It is mostly dirt with a few sandy spots. You will encounter runners, walkers, bike riders, and dogs. Seems like it's more populated between north beach and the pier....from the pier to Calafia is a little less traveled in my opinion. There are some lights, but some areas are dark so plan accordingly. The views are so amazing and it doesn't even seem like you're in Orange County. Truly a hidden gem. read more

Beach Trail - Beaches Near Me

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Well this is another paseo to stroll along and wonder what went wrong... and then to realize NOTHING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! is perfecto =D Its a fun beach community in South OC with limited parking but the coastal liner railroad swings by parallell to this lil trail in San Clemente. It is a paved pathway to access the beach, mtn bike trails, hiking trails, or just as a means to meander along the coast a bit =D Definitely something that locals and tourists both like to do. Some great views, special sunsets, and fun times can ensue down here too... Be it a day at the beach or a post dinner stroll to watch the sun set while with your romantically involved better half... Dont expect it to be like the crowd mob filled chaotic craziness of newport or venice. This is much much quieter and easier going. If you get a chance I would check this walking/cycling/etc path out as it is well worth it! read more

The City of San Clemente has a good review on their website of many features of this trail: http://ci.san-clemente.ca.us/sc/Standard.aspx?PageID=345 Basically, the main part of the trail starts at the San Clemente Metrolink Station (behind Ole Hanson Beach Club). Metered parking, but lots of free street parking if you are willing to walk a little. The trail takes you past San Clemente Pier to Calafia State Park, which has only metered parking. But, if you have a state park pass, you can use it instead of plugging the meter. The trail extends in both ways beyond these landmarks, but this is the real meat of the trail. Between the Metrolink Station and the Pier gets crowded easily. The trail is narrow and there is a large incline. Walking a dog or running at a good clip can get a little crazy here, at any time of day. Between the Pier and Calafia State Park the trail is much wider and less visited, thus more mellow. This part of the trail brings you right next to many beachfront homes and is almost completely flat except for one small hill. Early morning, this trail will be packed with health-conscious moms pushing jogging strollers, dog walkers, and runners. If you can, visit after 9am. read more

Not enough shade for my dog. But I loved the quaint feel of a small town small beach ( it's long but not deep) with huge cliffs. Lots of surfers and nice locals My dog loves stairs so we climbed part of a private staircase leading to Cliff top homes It was a hot and humid day but a nice stop read more

Walking, running, skipping, hopping, singing, talking, giggling on one of the most beautiful trails in the US? Yes, please! When I started sweating on this trail several years ago, it was a mere 2 - 3 mile trail. Within the last few years, it has been renovated and extended. Now, it is about a 6 - 7 mile trail. Depending on where you start, you are introduced to the ocean and have it on one side of you as you are embarking on your cardio adventure. To the other side?!? Huge ocean-side houses and endless cliffs. Talk about breathing in Mother Nature. If you are more adventurous, you can keep going past the end of the trail (south-ish bound) and hit rockier terrain. What a great way to workout your lower muscles!! My only mistake? I started my workout jaunt a bit late one evening and quickly realized there are no lights. I thought I was a part of a horror movie...ahhhhh! Boy, did I pick up the speed! All I know...I feel so energized when I am done experiencing this trail (try to make it daily when visiting my brother) and often treat myself to a spicy bloody mary or oyster shooter when I am done (on the pier)!! read more

Some of the trail gets a little tough but it's beautiful and great exercise. I was so tired when I finished but I wanted to do it again. I love the view and the breeze feels great. I wish I lived closer. read more

Beach Trail - Beaches Near Me

I was almost tempted to give the trail 1 star to keep the traffic off the trail but decided to be truthful and confess my Love for the 2.5 mile stretch of land to which i consider my sanity... The City of San Clemente is by far my favorite beach town in Orange County... you do not need your face plastered with makeup, or $500 running outfit to fit in on this stretch of beautiful land. The trail does get packed the later you go so if you want to run I would head out first thing in the am otherwise the trail will be full of bikes, kids, tourist, pets, beach goers etc... The majority of it is pretty flat and it is dirt.... Keep an eye on the water, most days I do see dolphins cruising the shoreline. The trail has three pit stops where you can stop for a potty break, and just in case the kids get cranky in the joggers their are a few swing sets along the trail as well! I can not think of a more beautiful place to run... read more

My absolutely favorite discovery in San Clemente. This beach trail spans from the top of North Beach passing the busy pier and surfers at T street ending at Calafia or beyond if you want to go down to the campgrounds on a roughly beaten path. This trail is my favorite trail in this entire world. It is about 5 miles round trip and gives you the most breathtaking sunsets anyone could ask for. Its a very flat trail and is wide enough that going around walkers and such is not dangerous at all. There can be many dogs and families and such but I think theres beauty in such variety and I find it adds to the scenery! I love this trail. Its worth the parking fee but that fee is also waved before 9am and after 6pm so if you're an early riser or want to catch the sunset in the summer- its freeeeeeeee :D read more

This Trail reminds me of traffic at the Orange Crush (though prettier). Stretching from San Onofre to Dana Point, it boasts incredible views of the ocean, surfers, etc. Running on the Trail in the mornings and evenings is like an obstacle course. At many places, the width of the Trial becomes quite tight, making passing slow polks difficult. A nice place to check out, though. read more

Beach Trail - Beach Trail @ Linda Lane - Beaches Near Me

Great trail to run, walk, or even ride your bike right in one of the best OC cities. The trail starts on North Beach right off Avenida Pico and goes all to way to Calafia Beach. Great flat service with a couple of challenges along the way like stairs to add a little challenge to your run. The best part is the amazing beach and ocean views. You can also watch a couple Amtrak trains whiz by and let the ocean breeze provide some coolness to your workout. Easily became part of my weekend workout. read more

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Such an easy breezy trail. It didn't even feel like 2 miles. Beautiful scenery but it's overrated. If your looking for a trail to go through trees and tunnels hills etc this is not it. You literally park at the end of the train tracks , walk about 10 min and your done. Ok but the train tracks along the beach are Crazy cool. read more

Beach Trail - San Clemente beach brisk walk - Beaches Near Me

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Yes, this is located right next to the San Onofre Power Plant that leaked. Yes, it's closed now. Yes, it kinda still operates . . . kinda. Still, it's a peaceful lovely hiking area that is still used by many. Great place to see a sunset, catch a few waves or just chill. Technically, it's not a dog beach. However, no one has ever made me leave with mine . . . yet. read more

Can you believe that I grew up in Orange County and never came down here? I heard how gorgeous San Clemente was, and the beach trail is perfectly set. It changes from dirt trails to a wooden bridge. Half the time, you are on the either side of the train. Unlike Huntington Beach or Newport Beach, the trails aren't concrete and they are multi-use (bikes and pedestrians). Homes are set back and higher too. I came on a Tuesday and was actually surprised by the amount of people. I heard it's about 2 miles each way. I parked at one end and walked to the other. Can someone tell me what that one "Dr. Seuss" tree is though? read more

One of the brightest stars among many in this sleepy surf town jewel of California. My son, dogs, and I take frequent walks here and the community smiles are at their finest as everyone is in love with this location and experience. Though I live here, I can't help but take out my phone to take photos and savor every view from this beautiful, beautiful trail. I grew up walking Redondo, Hermosa, and Manhattan boardwalks, but this quiet walking trail far from the crowds is unsurpassed in its community friendliness and escape to ocean beauty. read more

One the best places in San Diego for Road Bikes. Beautiful scenery!! While driving at I5 North exit Las Pulgas exit as if you were going to Camp Pendleton. Park on the left before Las Pulgas Gate and enjoy your ride on the old Hwy 101 which will convert to San Clement Beach park. read more

Beach Trail - Malu and I enjoying the day off - Beaches Near Me

I go here every year now for my wedding anniversary. This is one of my favorite trails because it's nice and quiet, not too crowded, sometimes people being their dogs, and overall just a good little walk along the beach. Very nice views. Did I mention how clean the trail was too? read more

Short: My top 3 beach maybe but most definitely my favorite to run/ workout. Long: After having spent countless boriiiing hours on the treadmill I promised myself last month to run on/ at a new beach and/ or a trail every weekend (within a certain radius of where I stay ofcourse). So far its been great (6 beaches/ 5 trails and counting) This trail is my absolute favorite for running. Reasons: 1. There is very minimal gradient (parents love it for this reason) 2. There is always someone on the trail during daylight no matter the time 3. The scenery keeps on changing (unlike SaMo or Venice boardwalk; looks a lot like my favorite places in N. California) 4. Its a dirt track (since its a trail ofcourse :)) hence super friendly on the legs unlike the paved tracks elsewhere. Some '-''s 1. There is no lighting on the track so cant run in the night 2. Part of it - the area near the pier - gets crowded sometimes but nothing too bad. I actually like the fact that my parents would never be by themselves/ alone on the trail. 3. I have had to stop-n-start a few times when of the trains was passing by 4. Trail is not that long (2.3 miles either way) - works for me since I do 3 back and forth in the time my parents walk 1 back and forth round I love it and keep going back to it even though its quite a drive from my place. read more

One of my favorite trails. Gorgeous views, friendly people, flat trails, stairs for booty burning exercises, and it's so picturesque. After a long run, I like to head over the cafe across the street for yogurt, fruit, and granola. A perfect treat after some cardio :) read more

Less traffic before spring and summer time. It is a lovely walking trail, about 2.3 miles from the metro stop to the end. You'll find a few restaurants on the pier and across the street. read more

Beach Trail - Beautiful trail and garden. - Beaches Near Me