San Onofre State Beach

See More About: California beaches, San Diego Beaches

San Onofre State Beach is amongst the best beaches in San Diego, or is it Orange County? Right on the border it is actually in Orange County but San Diego also likes to lay claim to this surfer's beach. San Onofre State Beach is known to offer consistent waves making it a hot spot for surfing. The Trestles as the area is known, is home to world surfing competitions on a yearly basis.

Besides some of the best surfing in San Diego, the main attractions are its beautiful bluffs. There are six trails from these bluffs leading you down to over three miles (5km.) of sandy beach. Hiking amongst the trails as well as walking the beach makes for a great day trip out of town.

Swimming, kayaking and of course sunbathing are always part of any beach vacation in San Diego. Some fire pits are on the beach. If you can lay claim to one of them it can be a fun evening of storytelling and singalongs. Pacific sunsets at San Onofre State Beach are also perfect for romantic couples.

This San Onofre State Beach photo describes wave types and surf skills required

• Camping At San Onofre State Beach •

Although very modest, there is a small campground within San Onofre State Beach Park. No hook ups are available at this site called The Bluffs. The San Mateo Campground in San Clemente offers electricity and water hook up is available. The San Mateo campground is perfect for surfers as well as overnight stops.

The San Mateo Campground in San Clemente offers electricity and water hook up is available. The San Mateo campground is perfect for surfers as well as overnight stops.

Best Beach Hotels
Vacation Rentals, Bed & Breakfasts in San Clemente

You will find the best beach hotels closest to this surfing beach to be in San Clemente. Waking up to a bright sunny day with an ocean view is truly inspiring. A San Clemente beach vacation rental or bed and breakfast may actually be an excellent alternative.

The VRBO banner is preset to San Clemente accommodations for your convenience.

Here are some of the best beach hotels in San Clemente.
Casa Tropicana Inn
Beachcomber Motel
Seahorse Resort

* Please Note *
Some of these beach hotels may be close to railway tracks.

Visit our Best San Diego Waterfront Hotels page for more information and great accommodations!

• Tips And What To Watch For At SanO State Beach •

• Bring a picnic lunch and water.
• Fun beach area to watch surfers.
• Lifeguards are not always on duty.
• Restrooms are not readily available.
• Large nuclear plant South of beach.
• Always stay away from railway tracks.

• Links To Help You at SanO State Beach •

California Parks & Recreation Site: Official Site
Surfing and tide report: Via Surfline.com
Current beach weather: Via Weather Network
Water Quality at Sano: Courtesy of healthebay.org

More of the best San Diego beaches from this San Onofre State Beach page.

Photo Credits:
Surfing competition: Panoramio: InstinctImages.
Surfing Trestles: California State Parks & Recreation.
Thank you for your contribution of photos to our page!

Warning: Always use extreme caution at any beach you may visit. Water conditions change from day to day depending on weather etc.. Never swim alone and supervise children at all times. Rogue waves may occur anytime.