California State Parks invites veterans, active and reserve military personnel to spend this year’s Memorial Day at one of 142 State Parks Offering Free Admission.
Veterans, active duty, and reserve military personnel must show a valid military I.D. or proof of honorable discharge (DD Form 214), in order to receive free admission.
Begun in 1868, Memorial Day is a day to reflect and remember U.S. Military personnel who gave their lives in service to their country.
Providing a free day to the Armed Forces and veterans is a small way of honoring all men and woman for their service and sacrifice.
South OC Beaches California State Parks
San Clemente State Beach
San Clemente State Beach is located at 225W. Calafia Avenue in San Clemente.
A California state beach since 1937.
It is popular among water sport enthusiasts, and anyone who wishes to escape from inland heat and nearby metropolitan areas for the day.
The beautiful mile long beach stretches between the curling ocean surf and the foot of a steep bluff.
Doheny State Beach
25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive in Dana Point.
Doheny State Beach is located in the city of Dana Point, California and is one of California’s most popular state beaches and attracts almost one million visitors per year. Doheny has a day use surfing beach at its northern end and a five-acre lawn with picnic facilities and volleyball courts.
This state beach is 3 miles south of the city of San Clemente on Interstate 5 at Basilone Road.
San Onofre Bluffs and San Onofre Surf Beach are located south of San Clemente on I-5 (Exit Basilone Road).
The San Mateo Campground is located on the outer edge of San Clemente; 1 mile inland from I-5 (Exit Cristianitos)
San Onofre State Beach is one of California’s most popular beaches and hosts surfers, swimmers, sunbathers, campers, kayakers, birders, fishermen and bicyclists.
It has almost 2.5 million visitors per year and it is one of the top five most-visited state parks in California. Whales, dolphins and sea lions can be seen offshore from time to time.
The state beach has three distinct areas: the San Onofre Bluffs, the San Mateo Campground and the San Onofre Surf Beach.
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is located at 8471 North Coast Highway in Laguna Beach.
Crystal Cove State Park’s rolling surf, sandy beaches, tidepools, gently sloping hills, and deeply wooded canyons and ridges provide a delightful contrast to its urban surroundings.
Located off busy Pacific Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove is one of Orange County’s largest remaining examples of open space and natural seashore.
