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. Built in 1928 by city founder Ole Hanson as part of his "Spanish Village by the Sea," the pier has been knocked down and rebuilt twice by major storms, most recently in 1985. The Beach Trail runs the length of town alongside the rail line, with a weekend Metrolink stop right at the pier, so a passing train is part of the scenery.
Free (paid parking)
San Clemente State Beach
A bluff-top state beach south of the pier with picnic areas overlooking the coast — cross under the active train tracks through a tunnel to reach the sand below. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1934 and 1937, the park sits on bluffs roughly 150 feet above the water, with picnic areas taking in sweeping ocean views before the trail drops down through the tunnel to the beach.
Day-use parking fee applies
Outlets at San Clemente
An ocean-view outdoor mall in a Spanish-style village setting, with dozens of stores, free parking with many ocean-view spots, and a kids' play zone. A small train ride and the free San Clemente Trolley, which stops right at the outlets, make it easy to combine bargain shopping with a sea breeze and room to roam.
Free; ocean-view play areasFarmers 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.
Monster Dash & Creepy Crawl Fun Run
A city Halloween fun run from the San Clemente Community Center, with online registration. Tip: the same afternoon has Treat Street on Avenida Del Mar (3–5pm), so families can run in the morning and trick-or-treat downtown after.
Paid registration (fee on city registration page)
Treat Street on Avenida Del Mar
Downtown shops on Avenida Del Mar and El Camino Real hand out treats to trick-or-treaters. Tip: look for the purple balloon outside participating businesses, which signals the shop is giving out candy.
Free
San Clemente Pumpkins & Harvest Festival (Outlets at San Clemente)
A pumpkin patch with a Ferris wheel, kiddie rides, inflatables, a petting zoo, carnival games, face painting and a hay maze. The Outlets also run a Big Jack scavenger hunt from Oct 1, with a prize at Customer Service. Tip: weeknight evenings are free and quieter, and parking is free.
Free Wed–Fri; $10 at the door Sat–Sun ($8 presale); unlimited wristband $25 ($20 presale)
Santa's Village by the Sea & Puttin' on the Glitz
Avenida Del Mar closes for carolers, street musicians, vendor booths and a silent disco, while the city's event at the community center has a sledding hill, holiday crafts and visits with Santa. Santa drives down Avenida Del Mar between 4 and 4:30pm. Tip: take the free SC Trolley special-event route from the Outlets (about every 15 minutes), since downtown streets are closed.
Free
San Clemente Village Art Faire
A juried monthly art and craft fair on the lawns around the San Clemente Library and Community Center. Tip: the organizer marks the Dec 12 date with an asterisk, so check the site before you go.
Free
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
Pumpkin Splash (San Clemente Aquatics Center)
Kids swim into a floating pumpkin patch, pick a pumpkin to decorate (while supplies last), and play on inflatables and Halloween activities. A swim test is needed for the giant 50M inflatable, but not for the small Dolphin inflatable in the activity pool. Tip: presale closes 5pm the Friday before, and non-swimmers need a parent in the water within arm's reach.
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, San Clemente State Beach and Outlets at San Clemente. Our guide lists 3 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
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. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
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 3 things to do, 16 local eats, 11 local shops and 1 farmers market — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
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.