Orange County family guide
Things to Do in San Clemente with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
San Clemente on the map
📍 Where San Clemente is
San Clemente sits in Orange County, Southern California. Nearest major airport: John Wayne / Orange County (~23 mi / 36 km). It's roughly 56 mi (91 km) from Downtown LA and 56 mi (90 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.
Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.
Things to do in San Clemente
San Clemente Pier & Beach Trail
A laid-back pier, a flat beachfront trail past the train tracks, and gentle sand — easy, free, and quintessentially SoCal.
Free (paid parking)
Outlets at San Clemente
An ocean-view outdoor mall with a kids' play zone and a small train — combine bargain shopping with a sea breeze and room to roam.
Free; ocean-view play areasFamily attractions near San Clemente
The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from San Clemente.
Doheny State Beach
Gentle waves, a grassy picnic lawn, and tide pools make this the classic easy beach day for families with little ones.
Free walk-in; parking ~$15/car
Dana Wharf Whale Watching
Head out from the harbor to spot dolphins year-round and gray or blue whales in season — a genuine ocean adventure for all ages.
~$50 adult / $35 kid
Catalina Island (Dana Point Express)
Hop the ferry for a car-free island of glass-bottom boats, snorkeling, and golf-cart tours — a memorable big-day adventure.
Ferry ~$80 adult round trip
Mission San Juan Capistrano
California's storybook mission with koi ponds, gardens, and the famous returning swallows — a calm, photogenic history lesson.
~$14 adult / $10 kid
Ocean Institute
Touch tanks, tall ships, and marine labs right on the Dana Point harbor. Pair it with a harbor walk and ice cream.
~$12.50/person weekends
Zoomars Petting Zoo & Los Rios District
Brush goats, ride a pony, and dig for gems in California's oldest neighborhood — then grab a treat at the historic Los Rios cottages.
~$14/personFarmers markets in San Clemente
San Clemente Village Certified Farmers' Market
On Avenida Del Mar in the walkable downtown village — produce plus a charming beach-town stroll.
Festivals & annual events in San Clemente
What San Clemente is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival
A decades-old chamber tradition that closes Avenida Del Mar for live music stages, craft and nonprofit booths, kids' activities and food vendors. Walkable from the pier.
2026 festival (Aug 8) has passed; the chamber opens 2027 planning in January
San Clemente Ocean Festival
A two-day pier-side festival of lifeguard competitions, ocean swims and paddle races, plus a pancake breakfast, rubber duck race, woodie car show and kids' beach activities.
The 48th annual ran Jul 18-19, 2026 and has passed; 2027 dates not yet posted
Local restaurants in San Clemente
Gibroni's Pizza
Detroit-style pizza plus games and a kids menu (buttered pasta, tenders) — a fun, birthday-friendly neighborhood spot.
Orange County Creamery
Handcrafted grass-fed ice cream and fruit sorbets on the Avenida Del Mar strip — the perfect after-dinner family treat.
The Riders Club Cafe
Surfer-friendly burger joint grinding beef fresh daily with house pickles.
Antoine's Cafe
34-year downtown spot for omelets, crepes, benedicts, and breakfast burritos.
Sonny's Pizza & Pasta
Family-run since 1980 serving thin-crust pizza and Italian classics.
Cassano's Pizza
Old-world family pizzeria on El Camino Real with award-winning slices.
South Swell Donuts
Downtown hand-dipped ice cream and donut shop, an Avenida Del Mar treat.
Poke + Roll 808
Downtown Hawaiian-Japanese fusion with poke, sushi, ramen, and udon.
Nomads Canteen
Casual contemporary-American spot downtown with a broad family menu.
Avila's El Ranchito
A family-owned Mexican mainstay since the 1960s serving tacos, enchiladas, and combo plates kids happily devour.
Sol Agave
A locally rooted contemporary Mexican kitchen with fresh, lighter takes on classics in a lively family-friendly room.
Pizza Port
A beachy family-owned pizza-and-brewpub (since 1987) with gourmet pies, arcade games, and a fun casual vibe.
Sonny's Pizza
Local favorite of 40-plus years known for homemade sauces, thin-crust pizza, and old-world Italian charm.
Bear Coast Coffee
Independent pier-front coffee shop with ocean views, friendly staff, and a casual stop-in vibe for families.
Sugar Blossom Bake Shop
South County favorite since 2010 known for gorgeous custom artisan cakes and from-scratch sweets.
Local shops in San Clemente
Downtown Boutique
Family-owned Avenida Del Mar boutique with curated apparel, accessories, and local candles.
Skylar & Skyler
Coastal-lifestyle boutique with apparel, home goods, and accessories for the whole family.
The San Clemente Store
A collaborative of local artisans selling locally made gifts, home decor, and souvenirs.
Strands Knitting Studio
Welcoming yarn studio with classes for all levels plus trunk shows and yarn tastings.
Angel Wings
Fun, eclectic women's clothing-and-gift store with shoes, accessories, and home decor.
Oui Boutique
Women's boutique known for timeless, eclectic dresses for all ages and sizes.
The COVE
Locally owned shop for stylish coastal-living apparel and accessories.
Ivy's Boutique
Fun, unique quality gifts for friends, family, or yourself.
Gifts On Del Mar
Personal, memorable gifts on a budget in the heart of downtown.
Designs by Nature
Specialty shop with a deep selection of fossils and minerals.
Beach Town Books
Independent bookstore with a curated selection and local author events.
Seasonal & outdoors near San Clemente
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from San Clemente.
More Orange County family guides
San Clemente family FAQ
What are the best things to do in San Clemente with kids?
Family favorites in and around San Clemente include San Clemente Pier & Beach Trail and Outlets at San Clemente. Our guide lists 2 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in San Clemente?
Yes — free family spots near San Clemente include San Clemente Pier & Beach Trail and Outlets at San Clemente. Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Where can families eat in San Clemente?
Local, family-friendly spots in San Clemente include Gibroni's Pizza, Orange County Creamery, The Riders Club Cafe and Pedro's Tacos, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal San Clemente guide cover?
Our San Clemente family guide includes 2 things to do, 16 local eats, 11 local shops and 1 farmers market — all hand-curated, locally owned, and sorted by distance from you.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in San Clemente
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near San Clemente on one map — then book on your favorite site.