San Clemente

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=646 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Clemente_State_Beach San Clemente State Beach is located in the south end of the city of San Clemente, California. Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, it has been the most popular beach in the state of California since 1937. Significant number of visitors are attracted to this beach due to its intense winds and dramatic location. The majority of the visitors are water sport enthusiasts and those who wish to escape from inland heat and nearby metropolitan areas for the day.

Our Mission San Clemente State Beach The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Adramatic setting with sandstone crags, invigorating air, and an ideal climate entice visitors to San Clemente State Beach. California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (949) 492-3156. If you need this publication in an alternate format, contact interp@parks.ca.gov. CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service www.parks.ca.gov San Clemente State Beach 225 Avenida Calafia San Clemente, CA 92672 (949) 492-3156 www.parks.ca.gov/sanclemente © 2002 California State Parks (Rev. 2015) R ugged sandstone cliffs tower silently above the beach. Waves alternately lap at the shore and crash onto the sand. Rowdy seabirds seem to be darting and diving for their own amusement as well as for food. Sea lions call out boisterously. Surfers challenge the waves. Evening campfires glow on the bluff tops. Welcome to San Clemente State Beach. Since 1931, San Clemente has been one of the most popular beaches in California. Midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, the milelong beach attracts water sports enthusiasts and those seeking respite from the inland heat or nearby metropolitan areas. Visitor center “San Clemente, world’s best climate,” the slogan of the adjacent town of San Clemente, also describes San Clemente State Beach. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s and 70s almost year round, while evening temperatures generally hover between the 40s and 50s. Rainfall comes primarily between December and March. In the spring, the beach is often overcast  . PARK HISTORY Prior to its July 1, 1933, dedication ceremony, local residents assisted the State in purchasing 100 acres for a state beach from H.H. Cotton, codeveloper of the nearby city of San Clemente. Between 1934 and 1937, under the direction of the National Park Service, members of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) were based here. CCC enrollees built the infrastructure and the north campground. Rustic rockwork on picnic tables and road gutters are signature CCC features. They also finished converting a Spanish Colonial cottage to a visitor center. During World War II, the U.S. Coast Guard used the park as a logistical and training station. Despite improvements, the visitor center and campground retain their original flavor. NATURAL HISTORY The park’s sandstone bluffs present a visual history of its geology. The bluffs are remnants of marine terraces formed under the ocean eons ago and sculpted by countless California sycamore Riding the surf centuries of rain, wind, and sea, punctuated by the occasional cataclysmic flood or storm. The bluffs’ eroded canyon walls look like desert badlands; consequently, they have served as the shooting location for many western movies. PLANT COMMUNITIES Coastal sage scrub occupies the undeveloped bluff top and canyon areas. Monterey cypress, toyon or “Christmas berry,” acacia, sycamore, cholla cactus, aleppo pine, coyote brush, and buckwheat grow abundantly. Wild hyacinths, scarlet pimpernel, prickly pear cactus, Mariposa lilies, and California poppies color the park with blooms. San Clemente area species are found in the native rock garden and flowerbed at the campground’s hookup area. WILDLIFE Stands of eucalyptus trees on the east side of the park provide winter habitat for migratory monarch butterflies. Brush- covered slopes and ravines hide gray foxes, coyotes, ground squirrels, opossums, Audubon cottontails, raccoons, and striped skunks. Lizards and king and gopher snakes represent the reptile community. More visible is the avian population  —   mourning doves, northern mockingbirds, great horned owls, hawks, ravens, and even wild flocks of green Amazon parrots share the skies and trees with an almost infinite variety of shore birds. Visible at low tide, a rock formation at the park’s northern end is home to mussels, sea urchins, sea stars, limpets, and shore crabs. Offshore, California sea lions play and rest on the rocks. In early winter and spring, migrating California gray whales pass by. RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES The ocean dominates the park’s activities. Trails follow two of the scenic ravines that cut through steep sandstone cliffs, providing easy access to the beach from the day-use parking area. Swimming, surfing, paddle boarding, body surfing, snorkeling, and sunbathing are equally popular. While experienced surfers appreciate the cresting surf breaks, the beach also accommodates beginning board riders. Surf-fishing enthusiasts catch bass, croaker, corbina, and

Nuestra Misión Playa Estatal San Clemente La misión de California State Parks es proporcionar apoyo para la salud, la inspiración y la educación de los ciudadanos de California al ayudar a preservar la extraordinaria diversidad biológica del estado, proteger sus más valiosos recursos naturales y culturales, y crear oportunidades para la recreación al aire libre de alta calidad. El exhuberante lugar con riscos de arenisca, aire revitalizador y un clima ideal seduce a los visitantes a asistir a la Playa Estatal California State Parks apoya la igualdad de acceso. Antes de llegar, los visitantes con discapacidades que necesiten asistencia deben comunicarse con el parque llamando al (949) 492-3156. Si necesita esta publicación en un formato alternativo, comuníquese con interp@parks.ca.gov. CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 Para obtener más información, llame al: (800) 777-0369 o (916) 653-6995, fuera de los EE. UU. o 711, servicio de teléfono de texto. www.parks.ca.gov San Clemente State Beach 225 Avenida Calafia San Clemente, CA 92672 (949) 492-3156 www.parks.ca.gov/sanclemente © 2002 California State Parks (Rev. 2015) San Clemente. L os acantilados de arenisca escabrosa generalmente, de diciembre a marzo. se alzan silenciosos sobre la playa. Las Durante la primavera, la playa está olas bañan la costa y golpean la arena generalmente nublada . alternadamente. La ruidosas aves vuelan HISTORIA DEL PARQUE en picado y disfrutan de zambullirse por Un año antes a su fecha diversión y en búsqueda de alimento. Los conmemorativa, el 12 de febrero de leones marinos rugen enérgicamente. Los 1932, los residentes locales ayudaron surfistas desafían las olas. Las fogatas del al Estado con la compra de 100 acres atardecer brillan sobre los peñascos. para una playa estatal de H.H. Bienvenido a la Playa Cotton, un desarrollador Estatal San Clemente de la ciudad cercana de San Desde 1937, San Clemente. Entre 1934 y Clemente ha 1937, bajo la dirección sido una de las del Servicio de playas más Parques Nacionales, populares de los miembros California. del Cuerpo Civil A mitad del de Conservación, camino entre establecidos Los Ángeles en el parque, se y San Diego, la esforzaron por mejorar playa de una milla su infraestructura. El de largo atrae a los trabajo que realizaron incluyó fanáticos de los deportes el actual Centro de Visitantes acuáticos y a aquellos Centro de visitantes de estilo colonial español y que buscan alivio del calor la rústica zona de campamento continental o de las áreas del norte. El trabajo de labrado metropolitanas cercanas. de las mesas de pícnic y las “San Clemente, el mejor clima del alcantarillas de las rutas son la mundo”, el eslogan del pueblo adyacente marca registrada de la labor de San Clemente, también hacer referencia que realiza el Cuerpo Civil de a la playa estatal. Las temperaturas diurnas Conservación. Durante la Segunda son de entre 60 y 70 grados durante casi Guerra Mundial, la Guardia todo el año, mientras que las temperaturas Costera de los Estados Unidos vespertinas oscilan entre los 40 y los Sicómoro de utilizaba el parque como 50 grados. La temporada de lluvias es, California Desafío a las olas una estación de logística y de entrenamiento. A pesar de las modernas mejoras, el centro de visitantes y la zona de campamento aún conservan su toque original. HISTORIA NATURAL Los peñascos de arenisca del parque son una demostración visual histórica de su geología. Los restos de terrazas marinas se formaron bajo el océano hace eones y los peñascos son el producto de siglos inconmensurables de erosión por lluvia, viento y aguas marinas, agudizado por cataclismos o tormentas. El aspecto de los desiertos estériles de los peñascos con cañones de paredes erosionadas han sido el escenario de filmación de diversas películas de vaqueros. COMUNIDADES DE PLANTAS Los matorrales costeros ocupan la cima de los peñascos agrestes y los cañones. Crecen abundantemente el ciprés de Monterey, el toyon, las acacias, los sicómoros, el opuntia y los cactus choya, también los pinos de Alepo, los arbustos coyote (Baccharis pilularis) y el trigo sarraceno. Las camassias, las pimpinelas escarlatas, el opuntia, los lirios mariposa y las amapolas Californianas decoran el parque con coloridas flores. En la entrada a la zona de campamento, donde están los tomacorrientes, se encuentra un jardín rocoso y un lecho de flores que despliega las especies nativas típicas de San Clemente. VIDA SILVESTRE Los rodales de eucaliptos al este del parque proporcionan el albergue invernal de las mariposas monarcas migratorias. Las laderas y los barrancos cubiertos de vegetación son los escondites ideales para zorros grises, coyotes, ardillas terrestres, didélfidos, conejos del desierto, mapaches y mofetas rayadas. Las lagartijas y las serpientes de gopher y reales representan a la comunidad reptil. La población de aves es más visible  — tórtolas, sinsontes, búhos americanos, halcones, cornejas e i

San Clemente State Beach 225 Avenida Califia • San Clemente, CA 92672 • (949) 492-3156 The mile-long beach stretches between the curling ocean surf and the foot of a steep bluff. Midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, the park attracts water sports enthusiasts and those seeking respite from the inland heat or an escape from nearby metropolitan areas. Activities include swimming, surfing, picnicking, fishing, hiking and skin diving. PARK FEES are due and payable upon entry into the park. The campsite fee covers one vehicle. Extra vehicles are allowed for a fee. There is no charge for a towed-in vehicle. If a towed-in vehicle is detached and driven out of the park please be sure to display a camping receipt in the windshield for re-entry. VEHICLE PARKING: Vehicles must be parked in legally marked spaces and must be parked on paved areas only. Maximum camper or trailer length is 30 feet. Dayuse vehicles may not be parked in numbered stalls. CAMPSITES: Eight people maximum are allowed per campsite. The RV campground provides water, electrical and sewage hookups. The tent area provides fire pits, tables, shade ramadas and nearby water. Articles my not be tied to or hung from trees or brush. GROUP CAMPS: Group Camp #1 is limited to 50 people and 20 vehicles. It is located on a bluff overlooking the ocean; beach access is by a steep, paved trail. Group Camp #2 is a tent-only campsite and limited to 50 people and 10 vehicles. Maximum vehicle length is 20 feet; you can drive in or back in. It has a partial blue water ocean view; beach access (approximately 1/8 mile) is by two fairly steep service roads. Stores, shops, restaurants and laundry facilities are available in town. FIRES AND FIREWOOD: Fires are allowed only in established fire rings, and must be attended at all times. Fires are not allowed on beaches. Collecting dead or downed wood is prohibited. CHECK-OUT TIME is noon. Please vacate your site by that time. Check-in time is 2 p.m. No unaccompanied person under 18 years of age allowed without a note of parental consent. QUIET HOURS are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators, TVs and radios may only be operated between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Radios and other soundproducing devices must not be audible beyond your immediate campsite. SPEED LIMIT: The maximum speed limit is 15 mph and is strictly enforced. When pedestrians and children are present, even 15 mph might be too fast. Use good judgment. DOGS must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under your supervision at all times. They are not permitted on the trails or beaches (except for service dogs). Noisy and/or vicious dogs will be removed from the campground upon complaint. Please clean up after your pets. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night. ALCOHOL and glass containers are not allowed beyond your campsite. (Sec. 4326) DAY-USE hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. year round. The day-use area has 26 picnic sites, each with a stove, table and shade ramada; one group area that can accomodate 150 people; a 200-car parking lot and comfort stations with flush toilets. Discover the many states of California.TM CAMPING RESERVATIONS: You may make camping reservations by calling (800) 444-7275 (TTY 800-274-7275). To make online reservations, visit our website at www.parks.ca.gov. ALTERNATE FORMAT: This publication is available in alternate formats by contacting (800) 777-0369, 711, TTY relay service. to park entrance 66 68 67 65 64 63 60 62 61 11 9 15 13 17 21 19 10 8 23 22 14 12 25 24 16 18 26 20 72 71 trail to b e a c h Day Use 27 28 32 70 69 57 59 58 7 5 3 6 4 2 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 1 54 56 29 30 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47 49 51 53 55 trail t o beach to walk-in entrance Overflow 73 beach #2 78 82 83 85 81 84 80 99 79 91 90 92 95 100 158 156 134 104 107 129 106 124 108 127 122 120 110 119 114 118 Pacific Ocean 113 125 123 152 135 151 133 150 136 132 137 130 115 #1 146 128 141 143 145 144 147 148 149 LEGEND Map not to scale. Accessible Feature Group Picnic Area Railroad Tracks Campfire Center Multi-use Trail Restrooms Dump Station No Bicycles RV Campground Entrance Station Parking Showers Fence Paved Road Telephone Group Campground Picnic Area Tent Campground © 2009 California State Parks 138 140 139 142 121 118 116 155 154 153 131 126 109 112 157 102 105 111 89 159 101 103 94 160 75 74 77 96 93 88 76 98 97 86 87 Avenida del Presidente San Clemente State Beach For Emergencies Dial 9-1-1 Interpretive Programs: Campfire programs, Junior Rangers and hikes are conducted by park staff during summer months. Check entrance station upon arrival for scheduled programs.