Top Family Activities in San Clemente: A Local’s Guide

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I have spent at least one week of every summer in San Clemente for my entire life. When I was a kid, my family had a timeshare there (they still do, actually). So as an adult, I decided to buy one as well so that I my kids could grow up with the same traditions. There are many things to do in San Clemente, besides simply going to the beach (although that is at the top of my list). Here are my favorite things to do in San Clemente—these are must-do experiences that I recommend for anyone visiting this charming beach town.

Introduction to San Clemente

Nestled along the sparkling coastline of Orange County, California, San Clemente is the perfect place for a relaxing family getaway. Known as the “Spanish Village by the Sea,” this charming town is famous for its red-tiled roofs, whitewashed buildings, and laid-back beach vibe. Its location about halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles allows San Clemente to offer easy access to both cities while maintaining its own unique, small-town feel.

Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll along the scenic San Clemente Beach Trail, soaking up the sunshine at San Clemente Beach, or enjoying the ocean breeze from the iconic San Clemente Pier, you’ll find plenty of ways to unwind and explore. The charming downtown area is filled with inviting restaurants, cozy cafes, and local shops, making it a great spot to wander and discover hidden gems.

With its mild climate, stunning coastal views, and welcoming atmosphere, San Clemente is a true Southern California treasure—ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy some sea, sand, and sunshine. It won’t take you long to see why we keep coming back here year after year.

Where to Stay in San Clemente

There are many great hotel options in San Clemente

• San Clemente Cove Resort – this is year we own a timeshare. Most rooms have beautiful ocean and pier views, plus kitchens and a bedroom separate from the living room. There are restaurants, coffee shops and ice cream shops just across the street.
• Beachcomber Inn – a cottage-style inn that is right next to the San Clemente Cove, and just across from the beach.
• San Clemente Inn – this is where I grew up staying; there is a pool and spa, a full rec room, mini golf, basketball, and so much more. There are daily activities on site, and the beach is just a walk away. This hotel is adjacent to the state park campground. Read a full overview of the San Clemente Inn here.
• Hampton Inn & Suites San Clemente – this hotel is just across the freeway from the San Clemente Inn. It’s a short drive to the beach and to Avenida Del Mar.
• Holiday Inn Express San Clemente – This hotel is a more affordable option. It’s located near the outlet mall and just a short drive from Avenida Del Mar and the beach.

San Clemente Pier

The Pier is a great place for fishing, sunset watching, walking or dining. Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar is located on the pier and offers beautiful ocean views and excellent weeknight specials. We love having dinner there and then walking the pier and watching the surfers.

Avenida Del Mar

Avenida Del Mar is the downtown hub in this cute beach town. You’ll find all kinds of boutiques, specialty stores, ice cream shops and restaurants. It’s a fun vibe, and even my kids enjoy walking this street and stopping in the various shops.

Camping or Vintage Trailers at the State Beach

San Clemente State Beach is one of my favorite places to go beach camping. When I was a kid, that was the only place we’d beach camp, so I have many great summer memories made there. The campground sits on a bluff overlooking the ocean, and has both hook-up and non-hook-up sites. If you don’t love the idea of “roughing it,” you can also book a stay in the on-site vintage trailers at the campground.

Read more about the San Clemente State Beach campground here.

Visit the Beach

Of course there are many excellent beach options here. You can watch the surfers at Trestles beach, or pick a spot close to the pier–where you will have access to snacks for purchase. My kids love taking surfing lessons during the summer, which are given just north of the pier.

T-Street Beach is one of the most popular family-friendly beaches in San Clemente. It features a swing set on the sand, making it a hit with kids, and is great for boogie boarding and surfing. Families will find it pretty easy to enjoy a day here with plenty of space and fun activities.

Calafia Beach is another popular choice for families, thanks to its easy parking and direct access to the sand. North Beach offers a small playground right on the sand, making it convenient for families with younger children. Linda Lane Park features a fish-themed playground that is ideal for families looking for a fun break from the waves. San Clemente State Beach is a scenic spot popular with surfers and is known for its beautiful sandstone bluffs.

If you’re looking for other spots that are a bit quieter, consider Parque del Mar, a scenic park near the beach. It’s perfect for a sunset picnic with beautiful ocean views and an inviting atmosphere. Enjoying these San Clemente experiences is pretty easy, with accessible parking and a variety of family-friendly options for a relaxing day by the coast.

South Swell Hand Dipped Ice Cream

Located on Avenida Del Mar, South Swell Hand Dipped Ice Cream is a fun ice cream shop. You can choose to have a bar, cup or banana hand dipped and then loaded with all kinds of fun toppings.

Day Trip to Balboa Island or Other Charming Beach Towns

I know that Balboa Island isn’t in San Clemente, but I have to mention it. Every summer we stayed in our timeshare, we’d spend one day venturing over to Balboa Island. It’s about a 35-minute drive from San Clemente to Balboa Island, and there is plenty to do there to occupy the family for the day. You can spend time on the beach, head out for a parasail ride or harbor tour, visit shops and restaurants, hang at the arcade, ride the Ferris wheel, and the list goes on and on.

If you do go there, make sure you get a Balboa Bar. That’s another hand-dipped ice cream treat that’s worth the calories.

San Clemente is a fantastic starting point for day trips throughout southern Orange County. From here, you can easily explore nearby coastal towns like Laguna and Huntington Beach. Laguna Beach, about 25 minutes north, is a vibrant art and beach destination with beautiful beaches, art galleries, and unique attractions. Huntington Beach, approximately 40 minutes north, is famous for its lively surf culture, iconic pier, and relaxed California vibe. These day trips make it easy to experience the best of southern Orange County beyond San Clemente.

Aquatic Center

The Aquatic Center is a community pool that you can take the whole family to. Kids love the water slides and play structures, or simply doing cannonballs into the pool. Admission prices are subject to change. But the current costs in 2026 are $9 for kids and $13 for adults (non-resident rate).

The Coastal Trail

The San Clemente Beach Trail is a family-friendly path that runs along the coastline, ideal for walking and biking. This coastal trail is a popular 2.3-mile path that takes you from Calafia Beach to North Beach. It connects key parts of the city and makes it easy to explore San Clemente’s charming, walkable downtown.

You can access the trail from North Beach, Calafia State Beach, and San Clemente Pier, all of which have parking lots, so it’s pretty easy for families to get started. I have never walked the entire length, however, I love jogging this path in the morning. You’ll pass restrooms periodically and even a coastal coffee shop along the way as well.

San Clemente Outlets

Get some shopping done or hit up the movie theater at the San Clemente Outlets. These outlets include many popular shops, such as Lululemon, Nike, Hurley, Journeys, and so many more. Plus you’ll find several food options located here, so you can really make a day of it.

Dana Point

Dana Point Harbor is just a short drive north of San Clemente and is where you will find several things to do, such as whale-watching tours and dolphin safaris. There are many restaurants you can choose from; many with beautiful harbor views. You can also catch a ferry to Catalina Island from here.

San Juan Capistrano

Just a bit north of San Clemente is San Juan Capistrano. Visit the mission there, have tea at the famous Tea House on Los Rios Street, or spend some time shopping. Check out my complete list of the best things to do there.

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Cultural Attractions

San Clemente is more than just sandy beaches and surf—it’s a town rich in history, art, and culture. One of the must-see San Clemente attractions is the Casa Romantica Cultural Center. It’s a beautifully preserved historic home that offers fascinating exhibits, lush gardens, and sweeping views of the coastline. It’s a wonderful spot for families to learn about the town’s heritage and enjoy cultural events throughout the year.

The San Clemente Pier is another iconic landmark. It’s perfect for a sunset stroll, fishing, or simply taking in the panoramic ocean views. As you explore the charming downtown, you’ll find unique galleries, boutiques, and restaurants that reflect the town’s creative spirit.

Don’t miss the Ole Hanson Beach Club, named after San Clemente’s visionary founder. It stands as a testament to the town’s Spanish-inspired architecture and vibrant community life. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or just soaking up the local vibe, San Clemente’s cultural attractions offer something for everyone.

Getting Around San Clemente

Exploring San Clemente is a breeze, thanks to its walkable layout and convenient transportation options. The free San Clemente Trolley is a favorite among visitors and locals alike, making it easy to hop between the pier, beach, and downtown without worrying about parking.

As mentioned above, the San Clemente Beach Trail and coastal trail are perfect for a scenic walk or bike ride, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and easy access to parks and sandy beaches. Many of the town’s top attractions are within walking distance, so you can spend your day strolling from the beach to your favorite café or boutique.

If you prefer to drive, parking is available throughout the town (usually for a fee). But with so much to see along the trail and in the heart of San Clemente, you might just find that exploring on foot or by bike is the best way to soak in the sights and sounds of this beautiful coastal town.

Local Events and Festivals

San Clemente’s lively calendar of events and festivals brings the community together and offers visitors a taste of local culture. One of the highlights of the year is the San Clemente Fiesta, held every August, where the town comes alive with live music, delicious food, a festive parade, and a spectacular fireworks show. And it’s all set against the backdrop of the beautiful San Clemente Pier.

Every Sunday, the local farmers’ market is the place to be for fresh produce, handmade goods, and tasty street food, making it a fun outing for families. During the summer months, the pier transforms into an open-air venue for free concerts and movie nights. There’s nothing like relaxing under the stars with the sound of the waves in the background. Whether you’re visiting for a special event or just want to experience the friendly, welcoming spirit of the town, San Clemente’s events and festivals are sure to make your trip memorable.

Insider Tips

To make the most of your visit to San Clemente, here are a few insider tips from a local’s perspective. First, check the town’s official website or visitor center for the latest updates on events, attractions, and seasonal activities. You never know what fun surprises might be happening during your stay.

If you’re looking to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience, consider planning your trip during the week or in the off-season. We’ve visited in January and October before, and have had beautiful clear skies for both. And because of Santa Ana winds, we had clear views of Catalina Island.

Don’t miss the breathtaking sunset views from the San Clemente Pier—bring your camera and settle in for a truly unforgettable evening. Be sure to spend some time exploring the charming downtown, where you’ll find unique shops, art galleries, and some of the best restaurants in Southern California. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, San Clemente’s blend of beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and relaxed atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a memorable and relaxing California beach vacation.