Mariposa Beach(San Clemente City Beach)

Located in the northern part of the city of San Clemente, Mariposa Beach is a beach area that is adjacent to San Clemente City Beach. The beach area is a narrow stretch of light brown sand that is hardly dry during the time of high tide due to constant contact with water. There is a railroad adjacent to Mariposa Beach running parallel along the beach’s length. 

The beach area does not have any lifeguards or any other amenities, so it’s best to prepare for your visit accordingly.

The beach offers many fun activities including beach walking, sunbathing, snorkeling, swimming, wildlife watching, surfing, beachcombing, tide-pooling, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and bodyboarding. We recommend reviewing a tide chart of the beach area before visiting the beach – during low tide the beach is an ideal quiet spot to bask in the sun. If you’re looking to surf or swim in the water, be wary of rip currents which can be dangerous. The waters around the beach are home to migrating whales, seals, sea lions, and you can also spot dolphins and Orcas (Killer whales) on occasion. During low tide, you can comb the beach for shells. There are many rock formations along the shoreline which offer great tidepools during low tide.

Mariposa Beach is easily accessible - it’s located near 260 West Escalones. There is a pedestrian walkway to the beach which begins at the intersection of West Mariposa and West Escalones. At the bottom of the walkway, there is a tunnel that passes underneath the railway tracks and opens into the beach. At the bottom of the walkway, there is also access to a footbridge connecting to San Clemente Coastal Trail (also known as San Clemente Pedestrian Beach Trail) which leads to other beaches along the San Clemente Shoreline. You can walk north through this trail to access North Beach which features fire rings while walking south will lead you to the famous surfing spot T-Street Beach. You can find free street parking at West Escalones and West Mariposa, but take care not to block any driveways.

There are many attractions near the beach - San Clemente State Beach is nearby and offers numerous activities including fishing, hiking, picnicking, and camping. The iconic San Clemente Pier south of Mariposa Beach is ideal for pier fishing and looking out into the majestic Pacific Ocean. If you like to shop, the nearby Outlets San Clemente offer some exciting shopping stores – both branded and designer. You can also play an engaging game of golf at the nearby San Clemente Municipal Golf Course.

If you're looking for a restaurant, Fig@313 offers a high-end dining experience set among beautifully landscaped gardens and serves a delicious array of poultry and seafood dishes. A more family-friendly option is Antoine’s Cafe which offers delicious breakfast dishes ranging from crepes to omelets. The modestly priced Pedro’s Tacos is a great dining option known for its seafood tacos.

If you’re looking for a hotel near Mariposa Beach there are many great nearby options. The 4-Star Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel is 19 minutes away and offers luxurious suites, a pool, a fitness center, and a spa. A more affordable option is the 3-Star Holiday Inn Express San Clemente N-Beach Area which offers well-furnished rooms and features many amenities including a heated pool and a fitness center. The modestly priced 2-Star Rodeway Inn San Clemente Beach is another good option.