The Coastal town of San Clemente, California is the Southern most city in Orange County just before you cross the San Diego County line. Like neighboring Dana Point (where we live), San Clemente hugs the Pacific Coast and is known for ocean, hill, mountain views and a pleasant climate. San Clemente’s city slogan is “Spanish Village by the Sea” due to it’s Spanish colonial-style architecture. This beach town is also known for Surfing, Richard Nixon’s Western White House, Casa Romantica and the San Clemente Pier! We WUV San Clemente! The San Clemente Beach Trail – also known as the San Clemente Coastal Trail – is one of the city’s most beautiful attractions and runs next to the Pacific Ocean. But, is San Clemente Beach Trail Dog Friendly?
If you love Ocean Views and the sound of waves then the San Clemente Beach Trail is a MUST! Are dogs allowed on San Clemente beach trail? The answer is YES! San Clemente Beach Trail IS Dog Friendly! All Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash or shorter and are not allowed on the beach.
The trail has a few water fountains along the way but be sure to pack your Dog Friendly Water Bottle and Dog Water Bowl! The entire trail is in Full Sun! Even though the beach breezes tend to keep things cooler, sections of the trail can get very hot. Be sure to also check out the San Clemente Trail Rules for more information before you head out!
How Long is San Clemente Beach Trail?
The San Clemente Coastal Trail is 2.3 miles in one direction and has two main entrances:
- North entrance at San Clemente North Beach – Metrolink Station
- South entrance at San Clemente State Beach – Calafia
The entire San Clemente Coastal Trail hugs the ocean! Enjoy the view as you walk across San Clemente Beach Trail Bridge, along side the Coastal rail tracks, past T Street and behind the San Clemente Pier!
If you’re looking for a fun detour, head up Avenida Del Mar once you get to the Pier. Avenida Del Mar is the main street through downtown San Clemente. There are plenty of cute shops, dog friendly restaurants and places to grab a cool drink for the rest of your walk!
Is San Clemente Pier Dog Friendly?
San Clemente Pier is NOT Dog Friendly! Even if it was, Mom and Scooby walked it years ago when it was open to dogs but she did not feel it was safe for dogs. So many people fish from the Pier and scanning for fish hooks was just no fun!
There’s also no shade on the Pier and it gets hot! Mom says it’s more fun to look at the pier from the sides or from underneath. Viewing the Pier is the treat. Not being on it!
As a bonus, there are water fountains, restrooms and a concession stand just behind the Pier! It’s a great stop to refresh before the next leg of your walk!
Local’s Tip: San Clemente Farmer’s Market
Head out on the trail early on a Sunday morning to beat the heat (and the crowds) then stop at the San Clemente Farmer’s Market which is open from 9am to 1pm on Sundays near the San Clemente Library on Avenida Del Mar. You can find super delicious food to eat on the spot and to take home for the rest of the week!
Uncle Ryan (our Fabuwous Dog Trainer) – who’s in San Clemente – WUVS the fresh bread and pies from Julian Pie Company! Mom says their Razzleberry Pie is their BEST pie 🙂 When we have our training sessions on Sundays we ALWAYS make a stop at the Farmer’s Market!
San Clemente Weather
San Clemente has typically pleasant Mediterranean climate year-round which tends to average in the 70s but can get cool and windy or super hot and sunny at a moment’s notice! So, be sure to wear layers, suncreen and a hat and take your dog-friendly water bottle and dog water bowl with you on the San Clemente Beach Trail.
Mom recommends you walk in the early mornings or after the afternoon sun has cooled down. Avoid walking your dog in the middle of the day as the entire trail is in full sun with little shade relief. Even if it feels ok for you, full dogs bodies are closer to the heat radiating from the ground and your dog can heat up very quickly.
Where can I walk around San Clemente?
You can download a free copy of the San Clemente Beach Trail Map for an overview of the San Clemente Beach Trail (which is the turquoise trail hugging the coast) and the surrounding area. There’s lots to see and do along the trail! The best thing is to go without a time limit so you can relax, take in the views and meander into town!
We hope you WUV the San Clemente Beach Trail as much as all the furSmiths do! The views and ocean sounds are Amazing! In the meantime, enjoy the views from the San Clemente Beach Cam for a little piece of paradise!
