San Clemente's beaches are strung below the bluffs, with the rail line adding a very Southern California soundtrack. The pier beach is the easiest for a short visit, while T-Street and San Clemente State Beach pull in surfers and families.
Trestles is the famous surf name, but it takes more effort to reach and is better treated as a surf pilgrimage than a casual swim stop. Bring water and check access conditions before heading that far south on foot.