I would reference the San Clemente Pier as well (if you want the beach. Downtown would be Del Mar Street.

Parts are, yes. I think north of the pier there are some stairs

The best place to rent bikes is the bike rental place at North Beach in San Clemente. it is just north (acdtually west) of the Trani station, Kaylani Coffee and the Flower stand. Couple of options for rides: Heading down the coast on the bike trail throiugh San Clemente is great, great scenery, close to the beach, etc. once you get to the Pier (about a mile or so south) there are food and drink options that are all pretty good. Heading south from there you go another mile or two to SC State park where the trail ends. This section is mainly flat and enjoyable. Again, reat scenery and very close to the water where you will see surfers, paddleboarders, every type of water activity, and some pretty decent volleyball. Heading north from thebike rental place you have about a 2-3 mile flat ride up to Doheney Start Park; the ride is ok but is lacking in view for half of the ride until you reachthe state park section. Continuing on past Doheney you come to Dana Point Harbor which has a few attractions and some decent reataurants. if you go the "the Harbor" don't miss stopping by at the very end and checking our "The Pilgrim tall sailing vessel.. Built (Hand Made) by Dennis Holland it is an amazing piece of workmanship. You can also take the river trail just south of Doheney state park into San Juan Capistrano. The ride will be somewhat boring until you get into San Juan... Great restaurants there too plus the MIssion. Further north you have the Newport - Huntington ride hich you can do. I suggest renting the bikes in Huntington and friding north to Bolsa Chica beach where the bluffs end; shis will give you some nice views of Long Beach and Palos Verdes. From there head south again; Once you pass the Huntington pier it is basically flat parking lot riding with minimum view of the water until you get to the Santa Ana River. Cross the bridge and you are in Newport which offers a fun ride along Seashore (Street) until about 39th or 40th street from thereyou hop on the "Boardwalk" (sidewalk) and ride along the sand. this is a fun ride (beachfront houses on the left beach and surfers on the right and TONS of people walking and riding on the boardwalk; BE CAREFUL. Great restaurants there too. And have fun! For quaint and cool its San Clemente For boring its Huntington For fun and exciting its Newport If you get to know San Clemente, you will love it. thanks

I the trail is real close - north of the train station.

Just read more of the reviews and it appears that dogs-walking is allowed.

You can ride your bicycle on the beach trail except across the bridge during the winter. From June 15 to sep 15 you have to walk your bikes in the pier bowl area. There are separated bike trails from the hwy from capistrano beach to north beach where you pick up the beach trail. You can so ride through doheny beach and Dana point harbor as well as take the bike trail from doheny beach east into San Juan capistrano.