Trestles Beach Trail San Onofre State Beach A Surfers Paradise

Trestles Beach attracts surfers from all over the world to experience the perfect wave. Trestles is named after the railroad bridge over San Mateo Creek near the entrance to the beach. The 3½-mile-long beach features five surf breaks: Cotton, Uppers, Middles, Lowers, and Church. Trestles Beach has no car access; visitors must take a winding paved trail to reach the beach.

When you reach the beach, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some of Southern California’s last remaining undeveloped coastal areas. The San Mateo Creek Lagoon, which serves as the entrance to Trestles Beach, is crossed by the signature Trestle Bridge. Over the years, winter rains have caused the creek to flood, washing sand and rocks down San Mateo Creek and out to sea. This phenomenon has contributed to creating the iconic surf break known as Trestles.

Directions Trestle Beach Trail

Exit 405 freeway at Christainitos Road at the south end of San Clemente. The trail to Trestles Beach is located just off Christainitos Road across the parking areas’ freeway bridge. There is a (parking fee required) parking lot and free street parking. The parking lot fills up fast, so arrive early on weekends. Walk across the freeway bridge, turn left down the trail, and right to the beach.

Trestle Beach trail Ends at the train trestle, and from there, walk along the beach to your destination. Another option to reach some of the best surfing spots is to take the old Pacific Coast Highway trail (closed to vehicles) to the lookout point. Then, follow the dirt road down to the beach. The main trail and the beach are posted with no dogs, so you must leave your four-legged friend home on this trek.

Is Trestles Locals Only?

You don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy Trestles Beach, but you do have to make the extra effort to visit this world-famous beach. Trestles Beach has a reputation as a locals-only beach, and you might spot some graffiti along the trail to discourage visitors. However, most locals are friendly, except for the lineup for a wave, where some surfers are very territorial. I have been visiting Trestles since the 1970s and have never encountered any issues with anyone. However, I no longer surf but still enjoy the beach.

Bikes, Skateboards, & Fat-Tired E-bikes

Surfers have found innovative ways of carrying their boards to the beach, such as using bike racks or skateboards. The most popular mode of transport to Trestles Beach is using fat-tired E-bikes. The introduction of E-bikes has made it much easier to reach Trestles Beach. Previously, the busiest section of the beach was near the train bridge, but with E-bikes, the entire stretch of the beach is now easily accessible. Trestles Beach can attract a large crowd on days with big surf, and surfers must share the waves with hundreds of others at the best breaks.

Hiking the Bluff San Onofre State Beach

If you plan to hike along the bluff at San Onofre, you will likely have the trail to yourself with occasional encounters with runners or mountain bikers. Along the bluff trail, you can enjoy the magnificent coast views at San Onofre State Beach. Several primitive trails from the bluff connect to different surf breaks along Trestles. When you use these trails, it is essential to exercise caution while crossing the railroad tracks.

Why are the waves so good at Trestles?

During heavy rainstorms, the lagoon overflows and empties into the sea. Sediment flow from the creek creates sandbars. Below the surface, there are many cobblestones. The tide and the swell’s angle all affect the waves’ quality.

Trestle Beach Train Bridge

The wooden Trestle bridge initially built in 1946 has been replaced with a new concrete structure. The new bridge is designed to save on upkeep and ensure the safe passage of trains over San Mateo Creek. Although Trestles Beach remains unchanged, a part of surfing history was lost by replacing the wooden bridge. One exciting feature of the new concrete bridge is the letters TRESTLES, which are built into the structure.

Trestles Trivia:

The Beach Boys song “Surfin USA” mentions Trestles. The Marine Corps used Middles to practice amphibious landings. Trestles Beach was nominated on the National Register of Historic Places for its role in the rise of Surf Culture. However, the Navy opposed the designation because about 2.5 miles of the designated area lies on Camp Pendleton property. Until 1971, the Marines patrolled Trestles Beach and chased off or even arrested surfers for trespassing.

Campgrounds Near Trestles

The hike or ride down the trail is worth the trip, and you will be rewarded by one of the last unspoiled (except for the train track) stretches of accessible Southern California coast. There is no overnight camping at San Onofre Beach, but there is a state campground along the bluff south of Trestles (old PCH) and an inland campground, San Mateo. San Mateo Campground connects to Trestles Beach via a trail. San Onofre State Beach. San Clemente State Beach is adjacent to Trestles.

Trestles Beach Before You Go

The beach at Trestles is sparse and difficult to access, but it offers a fantastic experience for those who traverse its rocky shoreline. Trestles Beach is located at the north end of San Diego County. Most people think it is an Orange County Beach.

Several surfing contests are held here during the year, and there is usually a shuttle bus to take you to the grandstands. Portable bathrooms are available at the beach entrance near the train bridge, but anything else you need will have to be carried in.

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San Clemente Beach Trail

Things to do in San Clemente

San Onofre State Beach

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