OC Opens Beach Parking: San Clemente Beach Hours, Information

SAN CLEMENTE, CA —Orange County officials announced limited parking at county-run beaches starting Monday, May 18. Most lots are open with restrictions, calling for reduced capacity, though neighbors can breathe a bit easier as cars will not be flooding community streets.

San Clemente beaches have been actively reopening their shores since May 5, according to city council member Chris Hamm. Within its borders, San Clemente residents enjoy city, state, county and private beaches.

"We have an active use policy for all city beaches to make sure they remain open, from 4 a.m. to midnight, daily," according to Hamm.

Sunbathing and sitting is discouraged, he says. You can do just about anything else, as long as it's active.

"Be courteous to those sharing the beach with you," he said. The beach trail is open for walking and jogging, he says. The pier is open for walking, only, and directional arrows show the way to walk up and down the pier.

"We understand there are many anglers who are interested in returning to the pier, and are continue to petition the state and county to allow this use as soon as we can," he said.

At county-operated beaches, parking is now open with reduced capacity at Salt Creek, Strands, and Baby beaches in Dana Point, the county reported on their website.

"As a lifelong resident and surfer, I know our city's passion for the beach is strong," Hamm said. "The health and safety of our residents is our priority. Be kind to one another and keep working to stop the spread."

The coastal lot is open at Aliso Beach in South Laguna, with the inland lot remaining closed. Aliso Beach parking may also close during times of high surf, be advised, and check before you go.

Parking at Capistrano Beach remains closed for maintenance. Beaches remain open for active recreation only.

"County beaches are open for active recreation only," according to an Orange County Parks news release. The social distancing between family groups is expected, according to officials.

What you can, and cannot do on Orange County Beaches:

• Visitors to the beach can shell-seek, walk, run, swim, surf, paddleboard, boat, kayak and boogie board.
• You cannot sunbathe, build sandcastles, play volleyball, spikeball or other games, bring coolers, umbrellas or grills.

According to Emergency Services Director Mark Ghilarducci, reopening parking is another part of the phased reopening that began earlier this month.

All county beach parking lots have been closed since March 25 to encourage local,
neighborhood-based recreation and to reduce the potential for crowding of open spaces, according to OC Parks Director Stacy Blackwood.

These closures have proved to slow both volume and intensity of visitation to the beaches and open areas, while simultaneously providing needed access for Orange County residents to pursue healthy outdoor exercise, she wrote in a letter to Ghilarducci earlier this month.

County-run beaches are open seven days a week, and parking is $1 an hour to be paid using "pay and display" machines. Orange County Annual Beach, county parks and beaches parking passes are also available. If you're interested in an annual parking pass, they are available online. Senior and veteran discounts apply.

If you're hitting the county beaches, here are the hours:

• City of Laguna Beach: Aliso, Table Rock, West, Camel Point, Thousand Steps, Treasure Island beaches: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays. 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Sunday. Restroom facilities closed.
• Capistrano Beach: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
• Poche Beach: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
• Salt Creek: 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily
• Strands Beach: 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily
• Baby Beach: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
• Bayside Beach: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Be sure and send us a picture from the beach to post on Patch! we want to know what you're active use looks like when you visit. Send pictures, and a little bit about your beach trip, to your Orange County Patch Editor:Ashley.Ludwig@Patch.com for a chance to have your photo featured.