Calafia State Beach, San Clemente

Calafia State Beach in San Clemente is situated in a magical canyon of tall palms and red gold cliffs. As you walk down to it, you feel embraced by the cliffs around you. You cross the San Clemente Beach Trail and the railroad tracks and then make it to the sand which is bordered by large rocks. The sand is soft and beige, and the ocean is clean. In the distance, a headland juts out. In the evening, the palms look gorgeous silhouetted against the sky. People gather to watch the sunset, cuddling up in blankets against the chill of the California water. The cliffs turn a wonderful red at sunset. This is a very beautiful beach!

After, have a coffee at Bear Coast Coffee by the pier at T-Street Beach, the next beach up. It is a 30 minute walk along the San Clemente Beach Trail to get there, or an eight minute drive. Or have dinner at the Lantern District in Dana Point, a twelve minute drive north.
A nice hike to do early in the morning or at sunset is Sea Summit Trail, with winding staircases through the fragrant sagebrush and stunning views of the coastline.

Directions

Calafia State Beach is located at 399 Avenida Califia, San Clemente, CA 92672. There is a large parking lot. Parking is $5 an hour.

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