San Clemente is known as the Spanish Village by the Sea for good reason — warm sands, world-class surf, walkable beach trails, and some of the best coastal scenery in all of Southern California. Whether you're planning a family beach day, exploring new places to take the kids, or visiting for the weekend, San Clemente offers a wide variety of beaches, each with its own personality and purpose.

This locally informed guide covers the seven best beaches in San Clemente, complete with parking tips, crowd-beating strategies, tide notes, and insider insights you only learn from spending years on these shores.

Let’s dive in.

1. San Clemente Pier Beach

San Clemente Pier isn’t just a beach — it’s the heart of the city. Perfect for families, day-trippers, casual swimmers, sunset watchers, and anyone wanting the classic SoCal backdrop.

Why Families Love It

• Easy access to food, bathrooms, and rentals

• Lifeguards on duty during peak seasons

• Soft sand, calmer waves near the pier

• Walkable connection to the San Clemente Beach Trail

Best Things to Do

• Watch surfers catch waves north and south of the pier

• Grab lunch at the Fisherman’s Restaurant

• Walk the pier at sunset

• Rent bikes and ride the trail

Local Parking Insight

Pier Bowl parking can get competitive, especially in summer.
Best strategy: Arrive before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. for the easiest access. There are metered lots down the hill and overflow parking up top with stairs leading down.

Crowd Tips

Weekends can fill up quickly — midweek mornings and evenings offer a much more relaxed vibe.

Tide Notes

At higher tides, the dry sand area tightens closer to the waterline. Low tide offers more room to spread out.

2. T-Street Beach

Just south of the Pier, T-Street is a go-to for locals — especially families with teens, surfers, and those who want a perfect blend of action and relaxation.

Why It’s a Favorite

• Clean, well-kept beach

• Consistent surf for intermediate & advanced surfers

• Great boogie-boarding for kids

• Easy access from the pedestrian bridge over the tracks

Who It’s Best For

• Families

• Surfers

• Teens

• Locals looking for a "home base" beach

Local Parking Insight

Parking is limited near Esplanade and the surrounding streets.
Pro Tip: Park near the Pier Bowl and walk the beach trail south — a beautiful stroll that avoids congestion.

Crowd Tips

T-Street is busiest between 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
For quieter time, go early morning or near sunset.

Tide Notes

High tide can push waves right up to the rocks. Families may prefer mid–low tide windows for more sand and gentler waves.

3. Linda Lane Beach

This is one of San Clemente’s best family-friendly beaches — calm, spacious, and equipped with a park and playground nearby.

Why Families Choose Linda Lane

• Softer waves than nearby beaches

• Play area and grassy park for kids

• Easy, shaded access through pedestrian tunnel

• Lifeguards during peak season

What to Expect

Linda Lane is an easygoing beach, excellent for sandcastle building, boogie boarding, and relaxing. It’s less “surf-heavy” than T-Street and more geared toward families and visitors.

Local Parking Insight

There’s a small lot at the top and plenty of residential street parking.
Pro Tip: Avoid arriving midday — the small lot fills quickly.

Crowd Tips

Even on busy weekends, the beach is spread out enough to feel comfortable. Locals recommend arriving earlier for a prime spot closer to the water.

Tide Notes

During high tide, water approaches the back wall and shrinks the usable dry sand area. Afternoons on low tide provide the most space.

4. North Beach

North Beach has more of a classic “beach day” energy — lots of amenities, access to the San Clemente Beach Trail, and fire pits for evening hangouts.

Why People Love It

• Great for groups and families

• Fire pits (hard to find in OC!)

• Plenty of open sand

• Easy access to the train station

• Walkable to cafés and restaurants

Best For

• Evening gatherings

• Group hangouts

• Families wanting space

• Visitors arriving by Metrolink

Local Parking Insight

The large main lot makes parking easier here than most SC beaches.
Pro Tip: Fire pits are first-come, first-served — claim one early on weekends.

Crowd Tips

While it’s spacious, fire pit areas fill quickly. Daytime crowds are moderate; evenings can feel busier.

Tide Notes

A consistent, wide sandy area means tides don’t typically impact space as much here as at Linda Lane or T-Street.

5. Calafia Beach / San Clemente State Beach

South San Clemente offers dramatic coastal bluffs, warm water, and one of the most scenic beach areas in Southern California.

Why You’ll Love It

• Stunning cliffs

• Long shoreline perfect for walks

• Campground above the beach

• Great for day trips and longer stays

• Cleaner water flow

Best For

• Families wanting more space

• Day-trippers

• Beach walkers

• Photographers

• Campers

Local Parking Insight

Calafia has a pay-to-park lot.
Pro Tip: The farther side of the lot fills last — and offers faster access to quieter sand pockets.

Crowd Tips

This beach is less crowded than the Pier or T-Street.
Weekdays and mornings feel especially peaceful.

Tide Notes

High tide can create stronger shore breaks.
Low tide is amazing for walking long stretches of sand due to the wider beach.

6. Trestles

Trestles isn’t for casual swimmers — it’s a world-famous surf zone. But for surf fans, active families, and explorers, it’s one of the most iconic places in all of California.

Why It’s Special

• Home to Lower Trestles — a world-class surf break

• Beloved by surfers globally

• Untouched, natural coastline

• Unique inland walk/bike trail to reach the beach

Best For

• Surfing

• Spectators

• Photographers

• Outdoor adventurers

Local Parking Insight

Parking is at the Cristianitos exit off I-5.
From there, you walk or bike in.
Pro Tip: Bring wheels (bike, scooter, or wagon) — the walk is longer than most expect.

Crowd Tips

Crowds here are only surfers.
For a peaceful experience, visit early morning — you’ll see the pros warming up.

Tide Notes

Lower tide exposes rock reefs.
Mid tide is the most photogenic.
High tide brings heavier wave energy.

7. Riviera Beach (“Rivi”)

This beach has a quieter, locals-only feel — tucked between Lost Winds and T-Street, it’s one of the best hidden gems in the city.

Why Locals Love It

• Calmer atmosphere

• Smaller crowds

• Great swimming

• Clean, sandy stretches

• Peaceful, residential environment

Best For

• Locals

• Quiet beach days

• Families avoiding crowds

• Early morning walks

Local Parking Insight

Street parking only — and limited.
Pro Tip: Park near Lost Winds and walk down the beach trail for an easier approach.

Crowd Tips

This is one of the least crowded beaches in San Clemente.
Late mornings and early evenings feel especially serene.

Tide Notes

Similar to T-Street:
High tide reduces sand area; low tide is ideal for long, scenic walks.

Best Time of Year to Visit San Clemente Beaches

Spring (March–May)

• Pleasant temperatures

• Fewer crowds

• Great for hiking the beach trail

Summer (June–August)

• Peak beach season

• Best for warm water

• Crowds build midday

Fall (September–October)

Local favorite — warm water + lighter crowds
(Locals call this the “Second Summer.”)

Winter (November–February)

• Quiet, peaceful beaches

• Best surf season

• Beautiful, moody sunsets

How to Beat the Crowds (Local Secrets)

• Arrive early (before 10 a.m.) or late (after 4 p.m.)

• Park above the beach trail and walk down — less congestion

• Avoid Saturdays if possible; Sundays are noticeably calmer

• Check tide charts — mid-tide often creates the widest usable beach

• Walk between beaches using the San Clemente Beach Trail

Which Beach Should You Choose?

Best for Families: Linda Lane, Pier
Best for Surf: Trestles, T-Street
Best for Space: Calafia / State Beach
Best for Fire Pits: North Beach
Best for Quiet: Riviera
Best for Walkability: San Clemente Pier area & Beach Trail

Final Thoughts

San Clemente isn’t a one-beach town — it’s a coastline full of choices. Whether your ideal day is surfing world-class waves, lounging with the kids, exploring the trail, or discovering quieter coves, there’s a beach here for every type of visitor.

If you're considering making San Clemente your home — or simply want to explore neighborhoods near these beaches — here’s your next step:

👉 Explore the San Clemente Neighborhood Guide:
https://shepherdrealestateteam.com/neighborhoods/san-clemente