San Onofre State Beach - Surfing Beach(Dogpatch, Old Man’s Beach, San O, Surf Beach)

Located near the United States Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and the decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generation System plant, San Onofre State Beach-Surfing Beach is situated in San Diego County. The beach has three alternate names - Surf Beach, Old Man’s, and San O. The beach is situated within San Onofre State Beach, a state park spread over 3,000 acres. San Onofre State Beach-Surfing Beach has light brown sand, rocky reefs, and water with mild waves. 

The beach has many amenities including lifeguards, toilets, fire pits, picnic areas, and volleyball courts. It also offers access to people with disabilities.

San Onofre State Beach-Surfing Beach offers numerous activities including surfing, bodysurfing, surf-skimming, tide-pooling, snorkeling, swimming, wildlife watching, hiking, picnicking, fishing, camping, sunbathing, beach walking, paddle boarding, and volleyball. The water near the beach has moderate waves making it ideal for amateur surfers. However, if you plan to swim or engage in any water sports, be sure to look out for great white sharks. If you want to see the large array of fish here, there are rocky reefs near the shoreline and many tidepools. You’ll also find sea lions here, as well as dolphins and migrating whales in the water around San Onofre State Beach-Surfing Beach. If you like fishing, walk to the northern and southern parts of the beach where you’ll find perch, halibut, and croakers in the water. However, make sure you follow the local fishing regulations.

San Onofre State Beach-Surfing Beach is easily accessible from California Interstate Highway 5(via Exit -71 from Basilone Road). There are paid parking lots present near the entrance to the beach.

The state park hosts around 400 species of migratory and resident birds including endangered species like Cassin's auklet and black-footed albatross. San Onofre State Beach also has hiking trails that you can use to explore its various parts including the wetlands around San Mateo Creek, a nearby geological fault line, and oceanfront bluffs. Another attraction near the state park is the Native American Acjachemen historical village called Panhe which is 8,000 years old.

If you're looking for a restaurant, there are many nearby dining options. Ramos House Café s is 21 minutes away by car and serves delicious Southern US and Mexican dishes. Another great option is Cafe Del Sol Mexican Restaurant has great breakfast burritos, tortas, and quesadillas. Another option is the modestly priced Surfin Donuts Coffee House which serves great sandwiches and donuts.

If you are looking for a hotel near San Onofre State Beach-Surfing Beach, there are many great options. The Casa Laguna Hotel and Spa is a 27-minute drive and offers a variety of amenities including a restaurant, a spa, a hot tub, and pool, and a complimentary continental breakfast. A more affordable option is the Rodeway Inn San Clemente Beach which features vibrant Spanish architecture and offers complimentary continental breakfast. If you like to camp, another great modestly priced accommodation option is the Campgrounds at San Onofre State Beach. The state park has two campsites, both of which accommodate RVs and tents. The Bluffs Campground provides a rustic oceanfront camping experience but doesn’t have any amenities, but the San Mateo Campground has showers, electrical and water hook-ups, picnic areas, and fire pits.