Welcome!
San Onofre State Beach offers a variety of programs are offered year-round for all ages including but not limited to School Field Trips, Junior Rangers, Campfire Programs, Guided Hikes, Nature Walks, and Volunteer Projects. All programs are offered courtesy of California State Parks.
Please check our monthly calendar of events for scheduled programs or call (949)366-8503.
In addition all visitors of San Onofre State Beach are welcome to attend programs and events at our neighbor park, San Clemente State Beach. Day-Use entrance into the park is free of charge with proof of purchase of current day-use or camping fees from San Onofre State Beach.
Forms
Junior Rangers
Junior Rangers is one of California State Parks’ most popular programs. It is offered in over 70 state parks.
Junior Ranger activities cover a variety of topics, including animals, plants, history, weather, recycling and park careers. They are tailored to the local environment and the resources of the park where the program is held. Each activity provides a worthwhile experience that promotes further thought and action by the child, rather than just instruction.
The Junior Ranger program, in inspiring children to become resource stewards, is truly a promise to the future of California and the world.
Programs are catered to children ages 7-12.
For more information, please email Cryssie.Moreno@parks.ca.gov or call (949)-987-3725.
2026 DATES:
Saturday, March 14th at 10:15am
Saturday, March 28th at 10:15am
Saturday, April 11th at 10:15am
Saturday, April 25th at 10:15am
Saturday, May 9th at 10:15am
Saturday, May 23rd at 10:15am
WHERE:
San Onofre San Mateo Campground
Meet at Picnic Tables near Camp Host Site #1 (CH 1)
Nature Hikes and Beach Walks
Join us to explore the beauty of our local parks and beaches! We will host a walk at the different South OC State Beaches each month.
We ask that participants wear closed toed shoes, bring water and sun protection. Bring binoculars and a camera if you have them.
2026 EVENT DATES:
- Doheny State Beach: Meet at Doheny State Beach Visitor Center
- Sat, March 7th 9am-10am
- Sat, April 4th 9am-10am
- San Clemente State Beach: Meet at San Clemente State Beach Visitor Center
- Sat, April 4th 9am-10am
- San Onofre State Beach: Meet in the parking lot of the San Mateo Campground Amphitheater
- Sat, March 7th 9am-10am
- Sat, March 14th 6pm-8pm (Sunset to Twilight)
- Sat, April 18th 7:30pm (Family Night Walk)
Beach Walks: Doheny State Beach
Join a park naturalist to learn about the amazing adaptations of species that thrive in this unique environment. We'll walk approximately 1 miles along the shore, keeping an eye out for crabs, shorebirds, and maybe even a dolphin pod offshore! This program is an easy, flat walk suitable for all ages. Please bring comfortable walking shoes or sandals, water, and binoculars if you have them! Approximately 1 hour.
Nature Hikes: San Clemente Nature Trail
Immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of the San Clemente Nature Trail, a precious pocket of Coastal Sage Scrub. Discover why this ecosystem is so vital and learn about the native plants and animals that call it home! This loop trail of approximately 1.5 miles features uneven terrain with some moderate inclines and declines. Suitable for ages 5+. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended. Bring water, sun protection and a camera to capture the stunning views. Approximately 1 hour.
Nature Hikes: San Onofre State Beach
- Dogs are only allowed on trails, not on beaches
- Rain cancels
- Waiver required for minors (Parental/Guardian Permission Form)
- Questions? Email: Cryssie.Moreno@parks.ca.gov (Doheny & San Clemente) or Laurel.Gifford@parks.ca.gov (San Onofre)
Panhe: A Native American Gathering & Celebration
Join us for a free, family-friendly cultural event celebrating Indigenous heritage, stewardship, and community connection.
The event features Native American singers and dancers, storytelling and speakers, basketry and plant demonstrations, museum exhibits, children’s activities, and local vendors and artisans.
PANHE honors the sacred Acjachemen/Juaneño village site while promoting cultural preservation and environmental protection. Free admission with off-site parking and shuttle service available.
WHEN:
Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 10am-3pm
WHERE:
San Mateo Campground within San Onofre State Beach
Free offsite parking and shuttle service available at Concordia Elementary School from 9:30am - 3:00pm
Parking will be very limited at the event site, so all visitors are encouraged to park and use the shuttle at Concordia Elementary.
Adopt-A-Beach
Junior Rangers is one of California State Parks’ most popular programs. It is offered in over 70 state parks.
Junior Ranger activities cover a variety of topics, including animals, plants, history, weather, recycling and park careers. They are tailored to the local environment and the resources of the park where the program is held. Each activity provides a worthwhile experience that promotes further thought and action by the child, rather than just instruction.
The Junior Ranger program, in inspiring children to become resource stewards, is truly a promise to the future of California and the world.
Programs are catered to children ages 7-12.
For more information, please email Cryssie.Moreno@parks.ca.gov or call (949)-987-3725.