Trestles Beach, located in San Clemente, is world-renowned for its consistent, high-quality cobblestone point breaks. The area consists of five distinct surf spots—Uppers, Lowers, Middles, Church, and Old Man’s. Lower Trestles is best for advanced surfers, while Middles and Old Man’s offer welcoming waves for beginners and long boarders. Surfing at Trestles Beach is a must on your next trip!
We’re thrilled to share the magic of Southern California’s coastline with you. You’ve likely heard amazing stories about the incredible waves at Trestles Beach. Located inside San Onofre State Beach, this beloved stretch of coastline holds a special place in the global surfing community.
Every time we walk the winding path to the shoreline, we feel a deep sense of appreciation for our beautiful oceans and the people we share them with. Trestles Beach actually features five distinct surf breaks, offering an inviting experience for wave riders of all backgrounds and skill levels. We want to help you discover the joy of catching a wave here, so we gathered up our favorite tips to make your next paddle-out a complete success!
What are the different surf spots at Trestles Beach?
Trestles Beach consists of five unique cobblestone point breaks: Uppers, Lowers, Middles, Church, and Old Man’s. Each spot caters to different skill levels, so everyone can find a wave that feels like home.
Why is Lower Trestles ideal for advanced surfers?
Choose Lower Trestles if you want a high-performance wave that allows for sharp turns and aerial maneuvers. According to Surfline, Lower Trestles breaks perfectly in both directions, creating a skatepark-like canvas over a cobblestone reef. Because of this phenomenal consistency, the World Surf League frequently chooses Lower Trestles to host championship events. The lineup gets highly competitive, making Lower Trestles best suited for experienced, confident surfers who are comfortable navigating crowded waters.
Which Trestles breaks are best for beginners and long boarders?
If you prefer a relaxed and supportive environment, choose Old Man’s or Middles. These breaks sit slightly further south and offer a softer, slower-rolling wave. You will find a wonderful, welcoming community of longboarders sharing waves and cheering each other on. Church Beach also provides a long, forgiving ride that easily accommodates funboards, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to build their confidence in the water.
What should you know before planning your trip to Trestles?
Getting to Trestles Beach takes a little bit of effort, but we promise the journey is incredibly rewarding. There is no direct vehicle access to the beach, which helps preserve the area’s pristine, natural beauty for generations to come.
To reach the water, you will need to park near the Christianitos Road exit off the 5 freeway. From the parking area, you can enjoy a scenic 1.5-mile walk or bike ride down a paved path that winds alongside the train tracks and native wetlands. We highly recommend bringing a beach cruiser bike with a surfboard rack. It makes the trip down so much fun and gets you to the water with plenty of energy to paddle out!
At the end of the day, surfing at Trestles Beach is all about celebrating the ocean and having a wonderful time with friends. We deeply appreciate the unique natural landscape that makes this beach so special, and we encourage you to pack out whatever you pack in to keep the beach beautiful for everyone. Grab your favorite board, enjoy that sunny walk down the trail, and embrace the joy of catching a truly iconic California wave. Be sure to book your stay at San Clemente Cove today!