San Onofre Beach Surfing

San Onofre has a long history as one of the leading surfing destinations along the California coast. A string of legendary surf spots are spread along San Onofre State Beach from Trestles in the north to Trails in the south. In between are famous breaks such as The Point, Church, Old Man's, and Dog Patch.

Trestles

Trestles is more difficult to reach than other breaks at San-O. Many surfers get dropped off by friends near the beach or make the long trek from inland or the south. With a number of breaks that work best under different conditions, surfers are almost never disappointed at Trestles. It is usually crowded.

Old Man's

Old Man's breaks just to the north of the nuclear power plant. Popular spots within the range of Old Man's carry tags such as The Point and Dog Patch. A broad reef stretches out from the shore here. Variations in the reef's outer edge create the various breaks along this section of the beach. Because of the slope of the sea floor here, waves arrive with less energy than elsewhere along this part of the coast. The waves break softly, making them especially popular with beginning and intermediate surfers.

Trails

Named for the six numbered paths that lead down to the beach from the sandstone bluffs, Trails is another very popular destination for surfers at San Onofre. The waves extend from the nuclear power plant south to the boundary of Camp Pendleton. Life Old Man's, the waves are fairly gentle, arriving with a slow, soft beach break. It is usually best for long boards.

Surfing Competitions at San Onofre - 2024

Annual Surfing Competitions

• March 23-24, 2024 - USA Surfing Prime, Church Beach, San Onofre
• June 18-22, 2024 - USA Surfing Championships (U18 Shortboard), Lower Trestles, San Onofre

San Onofre State Beach Hiking Trails

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.

Bluff's Beach Trail

Drop down to the beach from Trail 1 and enjoy a fascinating hike along the narrow strand of sand to Trail 6, about a 3-mile hike. The journey takes you along the foot of 100-foot-tall sandstone bluffs, eroded and sculptured into exotic shapes. Look to the ocean and perhaps spot migrating gray whales, dolphins, and harbor seals.

Panhe Nature Trail

The 1½-mile Panhe Nature Trail connects San Mateo Campground with Trestles Beach. Pick up the trail near the amphitheater where you will find an information kiosk pointing out important points along the trail, such as various plants, wildlife, and information about Native American life.

Other Inland Trails

A number of trails lead out from the San Mateo Campground into state beach property to the north and east. At the entrance station to the campground ask for a guide called San Mateo Trails at San Onofre State Beach, Backcountry Map and Information Guide.

Surfing Lessons and Camps

Summer Soul Surf Camp

Week-long day camps at San Onofre beginning in late June and ending in late August. Program designed for boys and girls ages 9 to 16. Learn ocean safety, physical fitness, and healthy eating - all while you're enjoy surfing and beach activities. (800) 522-1352

Endless Summer Surf Camp

Endless Summer's 5 or 7-day, overnight surf camps include lodging, meals, surfing equipment, and expert surf coaching. They operate from a deluxe campsite near Trail #4 in the Bluff Campground at San Onofre State Beach. Surf instruction is done with no more than three students per instructor. They also have day camps. Sessions run from early June through early September. Several sessions are designated for adults, but most are for girls and boys from ages 11 to 17.
Endless Summer Surf Camp

Surfboard Rentals

Stewart Surfboards

Rentals of a wide range of surfboards. Surfboard sales.
2102 South El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA
1 (800) 265-8882
Stewart Surfboard Rentals

San Clemente Surf School

Rental delivery service of wetsuits and surfboards.
San Clemente Surf School

369 Surf Shop

Rental delivery service of surfboards and stand-up paddleboards.
369 Surf Shop