Bluffing Good!

Hike the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail in San Diego County

Woman hiking the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail to San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

What if we told you there was a pristine stretch of coast with beautiful beaches, unique geological history, and picturesque sandstone cliffs with limited foot traffic in San Diego County? We promise we aren’t bluffing! Head to the northernmost point of the county, San Onofre State Beach, to find the 5-mile San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail that explores both cliffs and coast.

Woman hiking the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail overlooking San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

Woman sitting on a bluff top bench overlooking the Pacific ocean on the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail overlooking San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

Woman walking along the sand towards a lifeguard tower on San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

Park at one of the many lots and trailheads (there are six). We recommend Trail 1 just after the first restroom south of the park gate ($15 day use fee, or get an annual State Parks pass) and begin at the dirt path. The trail immediately offers incredible north-south views of the Pacific coastline; enjoy them from a bench before heading down the steep trail. There are often surfers at the beach because of consistent waves. To the north is the inactive nuclear power plant; try to spy San Clemente just past the rather ominous buildings.

Woman walking on the sandy beach next to a rocky section on San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

Woman standing on a bluff overlooking the sandstone rock canyon formation above San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

Woman walking beneath a trio of giant palm trees and the sandstone cliff formations at San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

Head south on the sand, looking for gliding pelicans and scampering sandpipers along the water. The rugged canyon walls, sculpted by ages of winds and water, are a scenic geological gem throughout the trek. You’ll pass five trails on the beach stroll. Go up and down for more of a workout, or simply wait until Trail 6 to return to the bluff trail. Note: If the tide is high, you will have to maneuver over loose rocks; the rocky beach is a tough slog but also offers gentle, meditative sounds as waves crash and roll over the stones.

Lifeguard tower at San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

Sign to Beach Trail 2 at San Onofre State Park in San Diego County

San Onofre Bluffs Trail overlooking San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

Just before the Trail 2 marker, you’ll see a large gap in the bluffs. This is the Cristianitos Fault. There’s also a notable change in rock color—the light hues of the silt and sandstone San Mateo Formation lie to the north, while the Monterey Formation to the south offers much darker claystone cliffs. Continue past the earthquake fault line, which hasn’t been active for over 100,000 years (and we hope it stays that way!), until you reach your Trail 6 ascent. Along the bluff trail on the return trip, pass multiple vista-friendly benches and the San Onofre Bluffs Campground, a serene overnight option with 157 sites (reserve in advance) for those who find it tough to leave the bluffs. ’Nuff said!

To get to the San Onofre Bluffs Loop, parking lot, and campground, take exit 71 (Basilone Rd./San Onofre) off the I-5. Turn left (if coming from San Diego) or right (if coming from the north) and follow the Old Pacific Highway south for just under 3 miles to the park entrance. Always be aware of the tides. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Matt Pawlik

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View