Trestles

Lower Trestles breaks over a smooth cobblestone reef, producing fast, rippable walls with consistent peaks that work both left and right. On solid south swells, the right point can run for over 100 yards of open face. Southwest swell is most reliable, particularly during summer months when southerly swells arrive more consistently. Northeast winds work offshore. Tide has minimal impact on the quality of the break. The spot is best suited to intermediate and advanced surfers comfortable with steep takeoffs and high-performance maneuvers.

Lower Trestles became the spiritual home of American professional surfing starting in the 1980s. Kelly Slater claimed his first professional victory there in 1990 and went on to win the event six times across his career. The spot has been a mainstay of the World Surf League Championship Tour since 2000 and hosted the WSL Finals from 2021 to 2024, where three different women's world titles were decided in consecutive years. The break will serve as the surf venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Access involves a mile-long hike from the parking area on a mostly paved trail. The lot is located near the intersection of South El Camino Real and Cristianitos Road, east of Interstate 5. Parking requires a California State Parks pass or payment via the Yodel app, though a limited number of free spaces are sometimes available. The spot sits at the boundary between Orange and San Diego counties, being the northernmost beach of San Onofre State Beach but accessed from San Clemente proper.