San Clemente Pier - Metrolink Beach Train | California Travel Tips

In today's episode of "California Travel Tips," we hop on the Metrolink Beach Train for a day at San Clemente Pier. San Clemente is one of Southern California's most accessible beaches, thanks to the Amtrak station that sits literally right on the sand. A weekend Metrolink pass is just $10, which is a really awesome deal considering the price of gas these days.

Located just south of Dana Point and north of Oceanside, San Clemente is one of California's best surfing spots — home to legendary swells at places like Trestles, T-Street and Lost Winds.

When you arrive, head to Fisherman's Restaurant — one of the best restaurants in San Clemente Pier for a Bloody Mary (with a view!) — or snag one of the straw palapas on the south side of the Pier for a day of swimming and sunbathing. The Beach Garden Cafe, located just across the street from the Metrolink San Clemente station, serves up some of the best clam chowder in town.

Ready to get active? The 2.3-mile San Clemente Beach Trail is a great place to jog or cycle — stretching from North Beach above the pier down to San Clemente State Beach Park. If you're up for a longer ride, you can take it all the way up to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.

With an average year-round temperature of about 70 degrees, San Clemente weather is great no matter when you visit. In October, the city hosts its popular SeaFest — featuring surfing competitions and clam chowder contests along The Pier.

Metrolink Beach Train Rules:
It's OK to bring beach chairs, beach toys, beach umbrellas, towels, small pets in carriers, boogie boards, bicycles, fishing poles, ice chests, and strollers. No surfboards are allowed on the train, but there are plenty of places to get surfboard rentals in San Clemente. T Patterson Surf Shop (949-366-2022) and Terry Senate Surfboards (949-361-1740) are closest to the pier, and less than 1 mile from the San Clemente Metrolink Station.

STAY IN TOUCH WITH VERONICA HILL OF CALIFORNIA TRAVEL TIPS

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