Trestles, Surf spot at San Onofre State Beach, California, US
Trestles is a surf spot on the California coast made up of three separate breaks: Upper Trestles, Lower Trestles, and Middle Trestles. Each area offers different wave conditions and appeals to surfers with varying skill levels.
The name comes from a wooden railway bridge that surfers used to pass under to reach the beach, which was replaced with a concrete structure in 2012. This change marked a turning point in how people accessed the area.
The area includes Panhe, a historical site of the Acjachemen Native American tribe, marking early interactions between indigenous peoples and Spanish explorers.
You can reach the beach through two main access points with parking available, one near Cristianitos Road and another at San Onofre State Beach. Walking distances to the water vary depending on which entry point you use.
This location was featured in The Beach Boys' song "Surfin' U.S.A." and regularly hosts professional surfing competitions. Lower Trestles in particular has become known as a venue for major international events.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.