San Onofre State Beach

San Onofre State Beach stretches along the southern Orange County coast, a long shoreline that holds several distinct surf zones within a single park. Its northern end includes the famous Trestles reefs, while the southern beach known simply as San O offers a gentler, old-fashioned wave with deep roots in the sport.

The main San Onofre break is a mellow reef, with slow, rolling peaks that suit longboarders, beginners and the multi-generational families who have gathered here since the 1930s. The relaxed atmosphere on the sand, complete with palm shelters and woody wagons, is a living throwback to the earliest days of California surfing and its aloha spirit. Old Man's, Dogpatch and The Point each carry their own devoted following, and outrigger canoes and tandem teams share the mellow peaks.

Just up the beach, the cobblestone points at Trestles deliver world-class high-performance waves that draw professionals and contests to their fast, tapered, ruler-edged walls. Together the stretch offers something for every skill level, from first whitewater rides to elite competition, all within one state park boundary beside the old coast road.

Summer south swells bring the warmest, liveliest surf, though the reefs work through much of the year and winter adds northwest energy for the points. Access is by day-use permit through the park, with dirt bluff parking and short trails down to the sand; the main San O area has accessible parking close to the water. Retired power-station domes mark the site, an odd industrial contrast to one of the sport's most cherished stretches of coast. The San Onofre Surfing Club, one of the oldest in the country, has helped protect access and the easy-going culture here for generations.