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Trestles, Old Man's, San Onofre State Campground
LOCATION:
Interstate 5 at Basilone Road, south of San Clemente [Map it]
HOURS:
7 a.m. to sunset year-round
PARKING:
$2 per day within the park; overnight camping and parking at the campground; Trestles has street parking only
PHONE:
760/725-7979 (San Onofre lifeguards); 800/444-7275 (camping reservations)
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| Beach Information |
Special Comments:
One of the most attractive and interesting features of this nearly four-mile section of coastline is that, thanks to the existence of Camp Pendleton, there is zero development. One can get a glimpse of what all of Southern California looked like centuries ago when the only inhabitants were small bands of indigenous people roaming a truly golden land.
Two of the beaches in this section are dedicated to the hardcore surfer. Trestles, located on San Mateo Point at the north end of San Onofre State Beach, can only be accessed by a mile-long walk or bike ride from the foot of Cristianitos Road. Once you get to the beach there are no facilities. Of course the trek and lack of amenities are well worth the trouble if you're looking for some of the best waves in Southern California if not the nation.
Old Man's, a short section of beach tucked between Camp Pendleton's Churches Beach and the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant and backed by a low coastal bluff, is another outstanding surfing beach. The origin of the name is uncertain but likely derives from the long, gently rolling waves that break over a cobblestone bottom.
The waves are a little tamer here than at Trestles and better suited to longboard surfing so the surf crowd tends to be a little older. The beach has restrooms and palapas, Mexican style thatched shelters, for shade.
There are a total of six half-mile long beach access trails from the San Onofre Campground south of the power plant. Campsites are situated along the top of bluffs. The beach in front of the campground is excellent for swimming and surfing.
Food/dining:
The nearest food and shops are in San Clemente north of Cristianitos Road. There is nothing within walking distance.
Restrooms:
Restrooms with showers are available at Old Man's and the campground. There are no facilities at Trestles.