San Onofre State Beach, CA
The California drought of 2011-2017 was devastating in many ways. The fact that the state park showers got turned off to conserve water was a minor inconvenience in the big picture, but a bummer nonetheless. And Southern California’s water quality can often be questionable, so most people who go in the ocean like to take a good rinse after they get out.
If ever there was a shower that speaks to local culture, it’s San Onofre (aka San O)—It’s so more than just the rusty pipes, valve, and showerhead. This has been an iconic surf spot going back to surfing’s roots… and the showers are part of the ritual.
Today, the shower areas are creatively adorned with homemade benches and board racks, palm palapas, and stonework steps (and the showers themselves are surrounded by bamboo). It makes you feel miles (and even decades) from reality.
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