The Ultimate Guide to Parking at Lowers

Southern California by no means has a shortage of consistent, great waves. Malibu and Topanga in Los Angeles. Blacks, Cardiff, and Swamis in San Diego.

And perhaps best of all, Lower Trestles, where fun, rippable, right and left handers can be found year-round.

A short, ten minute drive from the city of San Clemente and you’ll find yourself at one of the premier cobblestone point breaks in the world. With waves come crowds, however, and Lowers is of no exception.

The walk can also be quite the hassle if you’re unsure where to start, but don’t fret. Here’s your guide to finding parking at one of the most prestigious (and packed) points in California. 

State Lot: 

The old faithful.

Two-thousand square feet of pure parking bliss. Easy access in and out of spots, all-day parking, and even a port-a-poty for those whose morning coffee may be sitting poorly. The lot is located just two left turns off the freeway. You’ll tend to find locals hunting down spots here. Its spacious parking layout makes handling e-bikes a simple task. The only downside: you must have a California State Park pass to enter this exclusive club (or pay the day-use fee of fifteen dollars). That, and arrive any time after sunrise on a good swell and you’ll be forced to look elsewhere. 

Carl’s Jr: 

Bordering the state lot is the Carl’s Jr. parking lot. Once a vibrant parking scene, the CJ’s property has become a deserted wasteland.

A place that was formerly utilized by surfers and consumers alike has steadily declined into emptiness. You might find a sleeping trucker or take note of a run-down, partially abandoned Nissan, but rarely will you catch a surfer emerging from these parts.

Perhaps fear of being towed gradually increased among the Lowers crowd.

Or maybe the e-bike wave of 2020 opened opportunities for other, less dangerous, parking locations never before thought possible. 

In the lineup, you might even catch a grizzled local reminiscing on days of old. Way back when the Carl’s Jr. lot was always bustling with life. Unfortunately, those days are long gone. 

Street parking: 

The most cost-efficient option you’ll find: free all-day parking. It really doesn’t get much better than that. That being said, as with all Lowers parking spots, there’s always some sort of catch.

Street parking operates in a similar manner to the Lowers lineup. Spots disappear quickly, especially in the summer. There will be e-bikes whizzing by, families unpacking, and groms sprinting across the street at unforeseen times, so avoid distractions.. If you see an open spot, jump on it.

Don’t be afraid to assert authority. Shout “I got it” out the window, throw on the blinkers, and make an illegal u-turn if need be. Fail to capitalize and it will be thirty minutes before you get another opportunity. 

If all else fails, you can choose to trek a bit further back towards San Mateo, but there’s no guarantee spots will be available over there either. 

Marine Base: 

If you’re in San Clemente and have military base privileges, you’ve got a golden ticket. Exit the freeway at Basilone Road, and make a left. There you’ll be able to enter on base. You can park on the sand at Church, another pristine California right-point. From there, it’s just a ten minute walk (or four minute run) to Lowers. 

San Onofre State Beach: 

A mile down the road from Lowers you’ll find one of the best longboard waves the California coast has to offer. San Onofre State Beach (or SanO) is one the most iconic surf spots in the world thanks to its picturesque waves and beachfront parking.

Park here and you might forget entirely about venturing up towards Trestles. 

For those set on experiencing the high-performance waves at Lowers, parking at SanO can be a solid backup option. It’s the shortest distance for those making the trek without an e-bike. Plus, it offers a beautiful walk that passes through Church and Middles along the way. So what’s the catch? Unless you’re willing to wake up at 4am or surf an hour before sunset, you’re not getting in without partaking in a line that can reach two hours in length. 

San Mateo Campsite: 

If you’re staying at the San Mateo campground. You have the option to simply park there and walk. A bold endeavor, I might add, as your legs will likely be worn out before you even step foot in the water.

Not the best idea when you’re going toe-to-toe with some of the best surfers in the world. 

Trails State Beach: 

Even further south of Lowers is Trails State Beach. There’s almost always parking here thanks to its size and poor wave quality (sorry trails enthusiasts).

If you park here you’ll need some sort of secondary transportation to get down to Lowers (E-bike preferred).

You’ll only need to use this

lot for access if there’s a special event occurring, such as the Olympics or Trestles WSL pro. You’ll also need a state park pass, or be required to pay the daily fee. 

After parking: 

Once you tackle parking, your journey down to Lower’s is relatively simple. Cross the freeway and head down the old PCH highway until you see a dirt path on your right. If you don’t feel like walking, hop on a skateboard, bike, or even an E-bike. Every second counts when you’re looking to score one of the most perfect, and crowded, waves in the world.