This is a very cool coastal trail that spans pretty much the whole San Clemente coastline. Great views and always really cute women walking this trail :)
I live nearby and come every now and then to walk with my wife in the morning when not busy or after some appetizers at the Fishermans on the pier. It's such a gorgeous stretch of coastline. The engineers did an excellent job of making it one seamless trail by building a bridge over the rocky parts and packing down the terrain adjacent to the train tracks. I've seen dolphins, pelicans in formation skirting past a breaking wave, amazing sunsets, etc. It's a great way to start or end the day and feel some gratitude for my present surroundings regardless of the daily circumstances.
What more can I say. I'm at the beach. Sun, sand and BEACH!!! The weather could not have been better! Loved all my walks!!!
After eating at the Pier, the sand-packed walking trail is just out the door. It is not right on the water, but the only thing between you and the water is the beach, and sometimes a train.The trail is really wide and hard packed, so it's easy to walk. Alot of walkers, dog walkers, joggers, strollers, and bikers use the trail, but because it is so wide and long, you will occassionally pass someone, but you are pretty much just enjoying the plantings and the ocean waves as you walk.Park down at the north beach after 5:00 for free. Start at the north end of the trail and 1/2 way to the end of the trail is the San Clemente Pier. Get the earlybird dinner at the Fisherman's restaurant, and walk back, while watching the sunset over the ocean. Just another day in Paradise.
The Coastal Trail is second only to the beaches as the best feature of San Clemente. You can stay near the north beach and walk in to the southern beaches. The trail is well maintained, populated without being crowded, and bordering the beautiful beaches of San Clemente.
The Ocean is on one side, coastal homes on the other. Beautiful. Flat gravel surface. Free except for parking
Easily accessible parking lot next to the train station and entrance to the trail. Trail is packed sand/dirt and easy to walk on along the railway and plantings with the Pacific ocean on the other side of the tracks. Quite a sight! We passed many dog walkers along the path from the parking lot to the Pier - a very pleasant walk. Restrooms on the beach near the rail station are primitive - use only if absolutely necessary!
The Coastal Trail which will eventually extend from North Beach to Califia is a nice strollif you are old and a running track for those inclined. Beautiful scenery of the sand and seaalong the way especially from the elevated structure on Mariposa Point. Sections of it canget warm on sunny days and one caveat is beware of the bike riders who often whoosh by youwith little or no warning as bells on bikes are seldom used in California unlike Europe wherethe "rring rring" is ever present.
this is the best thing san clemente has done for itself. well used, a great place to walk and be sure to stop at ellies at north beach for a cup of coffee before you set out to walk.enjoy
Did this trail a couple times while in San Clemente. It is a nice trail along the beach and a good place to chat with people.