From the small parking lot along Highway 101, a small, inconspicuous trail leads down to the mouth of San Onofre Creek. A beautiful cream-colored obelisk marks the start of the beach. Though you’ll need a tide of +3 or lower to explore very far, this secluded beach provides access to 3-mile-long shuttle walks in either direction, west to Gaviota State Park or east to Arroyo Hondo Trestles.
San Onofre Beach - Gaviota Coast
The Best Beach Walks in Gaviota & Fun Things to do in Gaviota
Overview
Mileage: 1-3 mi •
Region: Gaviota Coast
Things to do: Beach Walking, Tide Pooling
Things to do: Beach Walking, Tide Pooling
Beach Walk Details
- Length : 3 miles east to the Arroyo Hondo trestles (Vista Point); .5 miles to the Vista Del Mar beach access; 2.5 miles west to Gaviota Beach.
- Tide Notes : Low tides - 2.5 or lower - required to go very far in either direction.
- Cautions : You have to cross the railroad tracks.
- UseFees : None
- Canine : Not appropriate for dogs except at very low tides due to rocky nature of the coastline.
Find Other Similar Trails
Beach Regions:
Gaviota Coast
Beach Activities :
Beach Walking
,
Tide Pooling
Links & Resources
Get Directions To The Trailhead
Driving Directions
Get Directions to San Onofre Beach which is located at 34.469628,-120.186825.
Print Directions
Gallery
Beach Walk Details
- Length : 3 miles east to the Arroyo Hondo trestles (Vista Point); .5 miles to the Vista Del Mar beach access; 2.5 miles west to Gaviota Beach.
- Tide Notes : Low tides - 2.5 or lower - required to go very far in either direction.
- Cautions : You have to cross the railroad tracks.
- UseFees : None
- Canine : Not appropriate for dogs except at very low tides due to rocky nature of the coastline.
Access / Parking
- San Onofre Beach is 7 miles beyond (west of) Refugio Beach.
- Continue to the Mariposa Reina turnoff (8 miles from Refugio).
- Cross the freeway, then head back towards Refugio (east) on the freeway.
- The beach is 1.2 miles and is marked by a wide dirt area for parking.
Things to Know
Be careful crossing the railroad tracks when walking to and from the beach. San Onofre is known as a “clothing optional” beach, which means that you may encounter nudists here. If this offends you, there are many other beaches from which to choose.
Background
On the Walk
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Last Updated: Monday, November 10, 2014
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