Surfers of San Onofre rejoice.
The parking lot, which was washed away during the heavy waves and weather of this past winter, has officially been restored to its former glory.
Access is open; cue the line of vintages VWs loaded with single-fins.
Getty Images
In a social media post from the California State Parks, they announced:
“Great News! The storm damage and drainage repairs at Surf Beach in San Onofre State Beach, undertaken by California State Parks and Camp Pendleton, are now finished! The park road and beachfront parking areas are once again accessible to vehicles, welcoming everyone to relish in the beauty of this iconic California State Park.
“We extend our gratitude to our visitors for their understanding and patience during the repair process following the storm.”
Back in early February, the iconic dirt lot was totally destroyed, leaving neo-hipsters devastated, ukulele sessions around a campfire silenced, lines of retro longboards along the seashore absent. The dirt lot was closed indefinitely. No reopen date in sight.
But then, crews got to work.
And a few short months later, the lot was reopened.
Speaking to the Orange County Register, one frequent San-O surfer said:
Related: Iconic San Onofre Beach Parking Lot Destroyed by Historic Storms
“It’s what makes San O special, to be able to drive down and park right on the sand where you surf. It’s the entire surf culture – it’s a social spot, it’s the quality of surf and waves. There’s no place like it in the vicinity, without traveling great distances, which is why it was so sad it was gone for so long.”
Think the line to get a coveted spot at San-O used to be hectic? With the restoration, and folks foaming at the mouth to return, it’s going to be a new level of crowded.
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