San Onofre State Beach Cabins

This three-mile trail takes you along the beach, with the dramatic bluffs towering above. The trail can be obstructed during high tide, so check the tide before you start. The trail reaches the inactive San Onofre Power Plant at one end and Camp Pendleton Marine Base (home of San Onofre State Beach cabins) at the other.

If you want to add some elevation to your hike, choose to follow one or more of the six trails leading from San Onofre Beach up the canyons carved into the bluffs. Trail conditions range from wide roads to narrow switchback stairways.

Trestles Beach and Trail are named after the train tracks that run nearby. Trestles Beach is famous for its surf break. It's about a 1.5-mile hike south from Calafia Beach Park to San Mateo Point, which is a good turnaround point.

Outdoorsy families can take advantage of beachside camping at San Mateo Campground, where the sites offer amenities such as fire pits, toilets, and hot showers. The campground is connected to Trestles Beach by a 1.5-mile trail. For families wanting more creature comforts, San Onofre State Beach cabins and cottages are located at nearby Camp Pendleton, and there are various hotels by San Onofre State Beach.

Many visitors to San Onofre State Beach enjoy swimming or wading in the ocean, especially on hot days. Those seeking more of a thrill can try out surfing at this historic site, which has been attracting surfers since the early 1900s. Some areas of the beach are rocky or have underwater reefs, and certain breaks, such as Trestles, are more appropriate for experienced surfers.

This trail, described above, is a good option for families with kids due to its modest length and smaller crowds. The train tracks run nearby, a draw for any train fans in your group. The trail ends at San Mateo Creek, a protected wetland that offers wildlife viewing.