The railroad runs the length of town at the base of the bluffs, taking up prime ocean frontage. The tracks and fence would seem barriers to beach access, but locals are used to it and know where the pass-throughs are. Some are at El Portal and Buena Vista, at the foot of Mariposa and Escalones, at Linda Lane Park, and where Esplanade meets Paseo de Cristobal. The most direct routes to the main beach, pier and Amtrak station are Avenida del Mar or Avenida Granada off El Camino Real in the center of town. It is a bit removed from the ocean, however.
Access is via two short, steep trails.
The state park entrance booth is off Avenida Calafia. Continue down to the base of Avenida Calafia for free parking at a county park. At the southern end of Avenida del Presidente by the city limit and behind a fenced-off area is the old Western White House, President Richard M. Nixon's retreat from 1968 to 1974. The beach below the estate is another prime surfing spot, but access is restricted and you must approach from water level on either side. A submerged reef offshore sets up thick walls of water that peel left and explode at the beach.