Megan Lander | Student Life Editor
November 22, 2024
San Clemente, the beautiful “Spanish village by the sea,” is home to a coast of picturesque beaches. It is known for its surfing beaches, like Lowers Trestles, and recreational-family beaches like T-Street. Due to their popularity, these two locations attract tourists worldwide to catch the best wave or have the San Clemente local experience. They also hold surfing competitions such as the WSL where the top surfers in the world come to town to compete. While yes, Trestles and T-Street have a great reputation on the global stage, they can get extremely crowded when the surf is good or when the sun is out so locals prefer something secluded.
The perfect beach in San Clemente is Lost Winds, about four miles north of Trestles and one mile south of T-Street. The water is beautiful, has plenty of sand to lay out on, has volleyball courts, a lifeguard tower nearby, and is less crowded. This is a spot where locals prefer to hang out, especially high schoolers and college students. Senior Sophia Malone said “This is where me and my friends spend most of the time during the summer!” Without the constant noise of families, children running around, and the typical surfer bro, this beach is more relaxing on and off the shore.
This is a typical spot for the younger crowd because it is more isolated and a great place to spend time with friends by swimming, playing volleyball, or a round of spike ball. The sunsets are arguably some of the best in town with a completely open beach surrounded by train tracks, volleyball courts, and a variety of coastal succulents. Junior Ellie Martin said “I love walking my dog during sunset at Lost Winds.”
Lost Winds is welcoming to everyone, but expect a less structured beach experience. During the summer, this beach is flooded with high schoolers, college students, tourists, and people who usually think city beaches, like T-Street, are too overwhelming. You can’t go wrong with choosing Lost Winds for a beach day or simply a place to calm your mind with the ocean waves in the background. By popular vote, Lost Winds is considered the best beach in San Clemente due to its versatility, community, and beauty. Just be careful when walking up or down those stairs! They never get easier.
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