The San Clemente Coastal Trail is a picturesque hiking and biking trail located in the scenic city of San Clemente. The trail is part of the larger California Coastal Trail, which will eventually span the entire coast of California, offering uninterrupted access to the state's stunning shoreline.

Beginning at North Beach near the Metrolink train station, the trail runs under the bluffs and alongside the train tracks, providing stunning views of the beach the entire way. The trail stretches approximately 3 miles (ca. 5 km) one way, with the southern end terminating at Trestles Beach or San Mateo Creek.

This hike is considered easy and is perfect for families with small children.

Tip: There are no bathrooms along the trail, so make sure to use the facilities at North Beach. The next restroom stop is at the San Clemente Pier.

Start your hike from the train station and enjoy the scenic beauty along the way. You'll likely see surfers waiting for the perfect wave, body surfers closer to the beach, and perhaps even a squirrel darting across the tracks or hiding in the brush.

One of the trail's highlights is crossing the wooden bridge, which takes you above the tracks, over a creek, and through a small brush forest. The view from the bridge is spectacular, offering a glimpse of the San Clemente Pier in the distance. Although the train tracks are fenced along most of the trail, several exits provide easy beach access.

About halfway through your hike, you will reach the Pier area, an excellent spot to relax, enjoy a meal, and enjoy the scenery. Consider spending some time on the pier, either during your first leg or on your way back. Stroll along the pier to enjoy the view of waves breaking on the beach and watch surfers chase the perfect wave. You can admire the stunning San Clemente coastline from the end of the pier.

At the entrance to the pier, you'll find several restaurants to choose from. A highly recommended spot is "Fisherman's Restaurant," known for its delicious seafood and unbeatable location. Though we didn't dine there on this trip, it's on our list for next time. Instead, we opted for the Fisherman’s Galley, a casual spot offering healthy options in addition to classic beach fare like hamburgers and hotdogs. We enjoyed a fresh salad, a veggie burger, fish and chips, and a cheeseburger, all of which were excellent. The outdoor seating area provides a prime spot to watch the world go by while enjoying the sound of waves crashing on the shore.

Tip: For an alternative starting point, begin your hike from Del Mar Ave directly to the Pier. From there, you can extend your hike south to San Onofre State Beach or head north to Doheny State Beach.

Although the pier is a significant stop, your hike isn't over yet. Continue south on the coastal trail to reach Calafia Beach, where you'll find the San Clemente State Beach entrance. Consider climbing the steep ramp to the camping area above. Overlooking the bluffs is the Lifeguard headquarters building, in front of which lies a terrace with breathtaking views and benches for resting.
At this point, you can either turn back and head north to the train station or continue south to San Mateo Creek and Trestles Beach. Read more about Cycling from San Clemente to Oceanside here.

If you choose to continue, you'll find a quieter hiking experience with fewer crowds. This will allow you to better enjoy the sounds of the surf and the calls of seagulls. You might even spot dolphins playing in the waves or migrating whales passing by.
Trestles Beach is renowned for its excellent surfing conditions and is part of San Onofre State Beach, just south of the Orange County / San Diego County line.

At this point, you can choose to extend your hike or bike ride further into San Onofre State Beach or hike up the San Mateo Creek trail to the San Mateo campground. If you're feeling fatigued, it might be wise to start heading back to the train station.

If you get hungry along the way, there are many spots to stop for a picnic. Alternatively, you can stop at one of the pier restaurants for a delicious lunch and refreshing drinks.

The Fishermen's Restaurant, located at the entrance of the Pier, offers an exceptional dining experience with outdoor seating that overlooks the ocean. I highly recommend trying their Fish and Chips or the Clam Chowder—both are superb!

The service can be a bit slow due to the popularity of this spot. There's no need to wait for a table; simply find a seat and enjoy the meal and the view.

Additional Information:

Map of trail

The California Coastal Trail (Orange County Sections)