San Onofre State Beach is adjacent to acres of beautiful canyons and scenic trails. The beach and day camping areas can be accessed off the Basilone Exit off the 5 Freeway. Overnight camping facilities can be accessed by Exiting at Cristianitos, off the 5 Freeway, and going one mile inland to the San Mateo Campgrounds. The beach area has restroom facilities and fire pits along with areas for day-use camping.

Bordered to the south and east by the sprawling Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Reserve, San Onofre offers an opportunity to appreciate what Southern California's entire coastline may have looked like 100 years ago. Here you will find barren, windswept bluffs, native vegetation and a tidal wetland frequented by migratory birds and wild deer. In stark contrast to its primitive, natural side, San Onofre is also home to a nuclear-powered generating facility and a state-of-the-art military base.

Parts of Trails beach are patrolled by lifeguards and park rangers, but consider yourself at your own risk in all water safety judgments

Trestles and Old Man’s are patrolled by lifeguards, but not as frequently. So enjoy these areas at your own risk.

Old Man’s offers plenty of bathrooms and showers.

San Onofre State Surfing Beach offers bathrooms and showers

Reminders: There is a 3-day rain advisory after each rain storm, use caution as bacteria levels can increase during this period. The County Environmental Health staff advises swimmers that levels of bacteria can rise significantly in ocean and bay waters adjacent to storm drains, creeks and rivers. Swimmers should avoid coastal waters impacted by discharging storm drains creeks and rivers, and beach users should avoid contact with any runoff on the beach during dry or wet weather conditions. As an extra precaution remain 500 ft away on either side from any outfalls.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for San Onofre State Beach and 8,000 other beaches.