San Clemente, California, USA has a variety of great surf spots.  The crowd is local tribe-like, but really good people just a tad frustrated at the growing surf crowds in their favorite spots.  Surf respectfully and it will be no problem.

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Surf

Break Type:  Beach

Gear:  Wetsuit seasonally

Ambience:  This is a large beach that stretches out long and is great for walking and hanging out.  Because it is about a 20 minute walk from the parking area to the beach, and generally Americans don't like to be far from their automobiles :) this beach is relatively uncrowded and feels remote and wild (except for the train that zips by every so often). 

Main Surf Spot:  Trestles

Link to current conditions: Surfline

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Logistics

Public Parking:  Yes.  Note that the beach is about a 20 minute walk from the parking area.  You can park on the street if there are spaces or a paid list here.  Here is where you park and then walk back across the highway and look for the trail next to the on-ramp for 5 South.  Follow the trail for about 5 minutes and when you see the sign Trestles Wetlands Natural Preserve" turn right.  The beach is another 1/4 mile down this path.  There are no services at the beach so bring food and water.

Public Showers:  No.

Public Restrooms:  No.

Transportation:  Need a car.

Nearest Airport:  Nearest Airport:  Los Angeles (LAX) or Orange County (SNA) - fly into SNA if you can much easier airport then LAX.

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Alternative Surf Spots

San Onofre Beach - note this is a CA State Park so you pay $15/day or buy a CA State Park pass.

T-Street Beach - Here you can park right across from the beach and there are showers and bathrooms.

Area

Lodging:

Lots of hotel and AirBnB options

Food:

Adele's at the San Clemente Inn

The Riders Club Cafe

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