Our Mission The mission of State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and San Clemente education of the people of California by helping Adramatic setting to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological State Beach diversity, protecting its most valued natural and with sandstone crags, cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. invigorating air, and an ideal climate entice visitors to San Clemente State Beach. California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (949) 492-3156. If you need this publication in an alternate format, contact [email protected].

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service

www.parks.ca.gov

San Clemente State Beach 225 Avenida Calafia San Clemente, CA 92672 (949) 492-3156 www.parks.ca.gov/sanclemente

© 2002 California State Parks (Rev. 2015) R ugged sandstone cliffs tower silently PARK HISTORY above the beach. Waves alternately lap Prior to its July 1, 1933, dedication at the shore and crash onto the sand. ceremony, local residents assisted Rowdy seabirds seem to be darting and the State in purchasing 100 acres for diving for their own amusement as well as a state beach from H.H. Cotton, co- for food. Sea lions call out boisterously. developer of the nearby city of San Surfers challenge the waves. Evening Clemente. Between 1934 and 1937, campfires glow on the bluff tops. under the direction of the National Welcome to San Clemente State Beach. Park Service, members of the Civilian Riding the surf Since 1931, San Clemente has Conservation Corps (CCC) were been one of the most based here. CCC enrollees centuries of rain, wind, and sea, punctuated popular beaches built the infrastructure and by the occasional cataclysmic flood or storm. in California. the north campground. The bluffs’ eroded canyon walls look like Midway Rustic rockwork on desert badlands; consequently, they have between Los picnic tables and road served as the shooting location for many Angeles and gutters are signature western movies. , CCC features. PLANT COMMUNITIES the mile- They also finished Coastal sage scrub occupies the long beach converting a Spanish undeveloped bluff top and canyon areas. attracts Colonial cottage to a Monterey cypress, toyon or “Christmas water sports visitor center. During berry,” acacia, sycamore, cholla cactus, enthusiasts and World War II, the U.S. Coast aleppo pine, coyote brush, and buckwheat those seeking respite Guard used the park as a grow abundantly. Wild hyacinths, scarlet from the inland heat or logistical and training station. pimpernel, prickly pear cactus, Mariposa nearby metropolitan areas. Visitor center Despite improvements, the visitor lilies, and California poppies “San Clemente, world’s best center and campground retain their color the park with blooms. San climate,” the slogan of the adjacent original flavor. Clemente area species are found town of San Clemente, also describes in the native rock garden and San Clemente State Beach. Daytime NATURAL HISTORY flowerbed at the campground’s temperatures are in the 60s and 70s almost The park’s sandstone bluffs hookup area. year round, while evening temperatures present a visual history of generally hover between the 40s and 50s. its geology. The bluffs are WILDLIFE Rainfall comes primarily between December remnants of marine terraces Stands of eucalyptus trees on the east and March. In the spring, the beach is formed under the ocean eons side of the park provide winter habitat often overcast . ago and sculpted by countless California for migratory monarch butterflies. Brush- sycamore covered slopes and ravines hide gray PLEASE REMEMBER foxes, coyotes, ground squirrels, opossums, Audubon cottontails, raccoons, and striped • Rip currents — brownish, river-like waters • Quiet hours are skunks. Lizards and king and gopher snakes pushing out to sea from the shore — occur from 10 p.m. until represent the reptile community. sporadically here. If you are caught in one, 6 a.m. Sound- More visible is the avian population — do not try to swim against it to shore. producing devices mourning doves, northern mockingbirds, Relax and swim parallel to the beach until must be off great horned owls, hawks, ravens, and even you reach calm water, then head for shore. between the hours wild flocks of green Amazon parrots share • Do not climb the bluffs! They are unstable of 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. the skies and trees with an almost infinite and extremely dangerous. The earth No noise should variety of shore birds. crumbles under the weight of people and travel beyond Visible at low tide, a rock formation at the animals. Stay on the trails. your campsite. park’s northern end is home to mussels, sea • Dogs must be on a six-foot leash at all times • Fires are allowed urchins, sea stars, limpets, and shore crabs. and must not be left unattended. Keep at campsites only Offshore, California sea lions play and rest dogs inside your vehicle or tent during in the provided on the rocks. In early winter and spring, nighttime hours. Noisy or vicious dogs will fire ring. No fires migrating California gray whales pass by. be removed from the campground. Except are permitted on for service animals, no dogs are allowed the beach. RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES on trails or the beach. • Collecting of dead The ocean dominates the park’s activities. • Vehicles must be parked in legally marked wood is prohibited. Trails follow two of the scenic ravines that spaces and must remain on the pavement • Articles may not be cut through steep sandstone cliffs, providing at all times. Day-use and guest vehicles tied, nailed, or hung from trees or brush. easy access to the beach from the day-use must park in the day-use parking lot. • Do not feed any wild animals or birds. parking area. Swimming, surfing, paddle • Bicycles are not permitted on the dirt trails. • Camping reservations are recommended boarding, body surfing, snorkeling, and Riders under age 18 must wear helmets. year round. To make group or family sunbathing are equally popular. While • Alcoholic beverages are permitted only in campsite reservations, call (800) 444-7275 experienced surfers appreciate the cresting individual campsites, not on the beach. or visit www.parks.ca.gov/sanclemente. surf breaks, the beach also accommodates beginning board riders. and over. For current regulations, see CAMPING AND PICNICKING Surf-fishing enthusiasts catch bass, croaker, www.wildlife.ca.gov/fishing. The family campground sits high atop the corbina, and barred perch. In season during The Nature Trail and the Butterfly Trail bluffs. Each of 160 sites has a fire ring and high tide, grunion come ashore to lay their skirt the edge of the park. In summer, picnic table. Water faucets are nearby. The eggs in the sand. Grunion may be caught park staff conduct campfire programs, family campground has 72 RV spots, with only by hand. A valid California fishing Junior Ranger programs, and hikes. Event electric and water hookups. license is required for all anglers age 16 schedules are posted around the park. Two group-camping areas can each hold 50 people. Each campground has hot showers, flush toilets, and sinks. Group camp #1 holds up to 20 RVs; Group camp #2 takes tent-only campers with a maximum of 10 vehicles. A picnic area displays sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean from bluffs 150 feet above the beach. Two group picnic areas are also available. The visitor center adjoins the 200-space parking area.

ACCESSIBLE FEATURES • Restrooms, showers, seven campsites, the visitor center, the Butterfly and Multi-Use Trails, and picnic sites near parking are accessible. Assistance may be needed on the steep trails to the beach. • Accessibility in state parks is continually improving. For recent updates, visit www.access.parks.ca.gov.

NEARBY STATE PARKS • three miles south of San Clemente off I-5 (Basilone Road exit) (949) 492-4872 / 492-0802 • 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive Enjoying the ocean Dana Point 92629 (949) 496-6171 / 492-0802

This park receives support in part through a nonprofit organization. For information, contact the San Onofre Foundation 3030 Avenida del Presidente San Clemente, CA 92672 (949) 366-8599 www.sanonofreparksfoundation.org to Santa San Clemente Ana State Beach 5

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Trail: Hike © 2011 California State Parks (Rev. 2015) B E A C H Trail: Accessible Los Riverside Railroad Angeles 91 Fence 405 5 Santa 15 Accessible Feature Long Ana Cleveland Beach NF 1 Campfire Center RV Sanitation Station P Parking Pacific Doheny SB Ocean San Onofre SB Campground Ranger Station Restrooms Camp Pendleton USMC Campground: Group Picnic Area: Group Showers San Clemente SB 5 Campground: RV Picnic Area Oceanside