San Clemente Pier - Metrolink Beach Train | California Travel Tips

In today's episode of "California Travel Tips," we hop on the Metrolink Beach Train for a day at San Clemente Pier. San Clemente is one of Southern California's most accessible beaches, thanks to the Amtrak station that sits literally right on the sand. A weekend Metrolink pass is just $10, which is a really awesome deal considering the price of gas these days.

Located just south of Dana Point and north of Oceanside, San Clemente is one of California's best surfing spots — home to legendary swells at places like Trestles, T-Street and Lost Winds.

When you arrive, head to Fisherman's Restaurant — one of the best restaurants in San Clemente Pier for a Bloody Mary (with a view!) — or snag one of the straw palapas on the south side of the Pier for a day of swimming and sunbathing. The Beach Garden Cafe, located just across the street from the Metrolink San Clemente station, serves up some of the best clam chowder in town.

Ready to get active? The 2.3-mile San Clemente Beach Trail is a great place to jog or cycle — stretching from North Beach above the pier down to San Clemente State Beach Park. If you're up for a longer ride, you can take it all the way up to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.

With an average year-round temperature of about 70 degrees, San Clemente weather is great no matter when you visit. In October, the city hosts its popular SeaFest — featuring surfing competitions and clam chowder contests along The Pier.

Metrolink Beach Train Rules:
It's OK to bring beach chairs, beach toys, beach umbrellas, towels, small pets in carriers, boogie boards, bicycles, fishing poles, ice chests, and strollers. No surfboards are allowed on the train, but there are plenty of places to get surfboard rentals in San Clemente. T Patterson Surf Shop (949-366-2022) and Terry Senate Surfboards (949-361-1740) are closest to the pier, and less than 1 mile from the San Clemente Metrolink Station.

STAY IN TOUCH WITH VERONICA HILL OF CALIFORNIA TRAVEL TIPS

[pearlobrien]

I AM going to San Clement this Oct. So excited. I AM 70 years old but I AM not dead
Love to watch the kids surf
have a drink
Life is good
😎

[bradschwartz]

DEFINTLY MAKING SAN CLEMENTE MY SECOND HOME.I, OVE THE PIER, THE SURFING.THE PEACE IT OFFERS.

[JesseAndMike]

That would be a great place to visit! The beach and water are always fun! Great vid! :D

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

It's fun! And the train was surprisingly clean — even the bathrooms. They also have tables and outlets for your electronics. Enjoy!

[knowhowwantmore]

MetroLink on the beach...AWESOME! I will definitely visit.

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

I wish! We usually travel only on the weekends; about twice a month. Thanks for the video suggestion. We will try to film this soon!

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Thanks guys! It's a cool little beach town. Next time I'll drive so I have more time to show the whole area. :)

[inLmgb]

lovely, wish I were there!! thanx for the video

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Hop on the Metrolink Beach Train for a ride to San Clemente Pier, one of California's best surfing destinations! San Clemente Pier - Metrolink Beach Train!

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Yes, this is on the top of our list. We get many requests for it! :)

[metrolinkscrra]

Our ride on the Metrolink Train from San Bernardino to San Clemente Pier and train ride heading back to San Bernardino.

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Thank you. Unfortunately we didn't have much time to shoot since we had to catch the return train home! :)

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Oooh. That would be fun! Do you recommend any particular companies?

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

I'll be in LA in a couple weeks, so I'll try to make this happen. :)

[RedroomStudios]

judging by the crowds on that pier I am guessing you went on a weekend?  that was one thing we learned last time we were in California... if you are someone who doesnt like fighting the crowds, hit the popular spots during the week and get off the beaten track on weekends, catch trains and ferries going in the opposite direction from the crowds!  

[izackvloguk]

Could you go to six flags magic mountain :) if so that would be amazing!!!

[wideolink]

take a boat ride from Sacramento to San Francisco

[evansyou]

let's go to Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Calabasas

[BeautyByLayah]

do youguys travel everyday...anyways Universal Studios!!please

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

I'll be in LA in a couple weeks, so I'll try to make this happen. :)