2026 San Clemente Ocean Festival: Schedule, Events, Parking & Family Guide
One of San Clemente’s most celebrated summer traditions is returning to the pier!
The 48th Annual San Clemente Ocean Festival will take place Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the San Clemente Pier. Known as “The Greatest Show on Surf,” this two-day festival brings together ocean athletes, local families, artists, musicians and visitors for a weekend filled with surfing, swimming, paddling, beach races and classic Southern California fun.
2026 San Clemente Ocean Festival at a Glance
Dates: Saturday, July 18–Sunday, July 19, 2026
Location: San Clemente Pier and surrounding Pier Bowl area
Main events begin: Approximately 6:30 a.m. each day
Best for: Families, athletes, surfers, beach lovers and visitors of all ages
Watching the competitions, visiting the art show and enjoying the entertainment are great ways to experience the festival without competing. Registration is required for athletic events, and some family activities have separate entry fees.
All events and times are subject to change because of ocean, weather and surf conditions.
What Is the San Clemente Ocean Festival?
The San Clemente Ocean Festival is a community-focused celebration of ocean sports, beach culture and marine safety. It attracts world-class athletes, local competitors and spectators to one of Orange County’s most recognizable coastal settings.
The festival’s mission emphasizes a family-oriented beach experience supported by local volunteers and sponsors. Events range from elite lifeguard competitions to children’s beach races, live music and sand sculpting.
Saturday, July 18: Surfing, Lifeguards and Family Activities
Saturday begins early with the new Pier Bowl Surf Classic, featuring men’s and women’s age-group divisions on the north side of the San Clemente Pier. The first heats are scheduled for 6:30 a.m.
Additional Saturday highlights include:
City Lifeguard Pancake Breakfast
Start the morning with breakfast served by San Clemente lifeguards. The pancake breakfast is scheduled from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. north of the pier near Marine Safety.
Junior Lifeguard Competition
Young athletes ages 9 through 17 can test their skills in events such as Beach Flags, the Surf Race, Run-Swim-Run and Paddleboard Sprint. Competition is scheduled from 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the north side of the pier.
Dolphin Dash
The Dolphin Dash is a beach run designed for children ages 4 through 12. Race distances increase by age group:
- Ages 4–6: ½ mile at 9:00 a.m.
- Ages 7–9: ¾ mile at 9:20 a.m.
- Ages 10–12: 1 mile at 9:40 a.m.
Every finisher receives a special Dolphin Dash medal. Space may be limited, so advance registration is recommended.
International Lifeguard Competition
Elite lifeguards from California and around the world compete in surf races, rescue relays, paddleboard races, surf ski races, dory races and Ironman and Ironwoman events. The competition is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Woodies on the Pier
Classic wood-bodied automobiles will be displayed along the San Clemente Pier beginning at approximately 9:00 a.m. This is always a favorite photo opportunity and a fun tribute to Southern California surf culture.
Ocean Art Show
The Ocean Art Show opens at 9:00 a.m. in Parque Del Mar, featuring coastal paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, mixed media and handcrafted pieces from local and regional artists.
Live Entertainment
Saturday entertainment on the stage south of the pier is scheduled to include Sati, Hula Connection, The Hand Me Downs, Pillow Talk and performances by Kids These Days, Half Pickles and Petrichor.
Sunday, July 19: Beach Races, Groms and Sand Sculptures
Sunday offers another full schedule of athletic competition and family activities.
Groms Rule Surf Contest
Young surfers take over the waves beginning at 6:30 a.m. Divisions include boys and girls ages 10 and under, ages 11–14 and a Push-In Division for children ages 7 and under.
Sand Sculpture Team Competition
Teams begin sculpting south of the pier at 6:30 a.m., transforming the beach into a temporary gallery of castles, creatures and imaginative designs. Sculpting continues until approximately 2:00 p.m.
5K Beach Run/Walk
The shoreline 5K begins at 8:00 a.m. north of the pier. Participants run or walk near the water’s edge along San Clemente’s coastline. The event is open to a wide range of ages and abilities, with awards presented by age group.
Ocean Multisport Challenge
Sunday’s multisport events include:
- One Mile Ocean Swim
- Biathlon with a 1-kilometer swim and 5-kilometer run
- Run-Swim-Run
- Splash & Dash Relay
Athletes may enter an individual event or participate in several disciplines.
Ocean Paddle Series
The paddle series includes open-ocean racing for stand-up paddleboards, prone paddleboards, surf skis and ocean kayaks, along with shorter sprint competitions.
VW Buses on the Pier
Vintage Volkswagen buses and other classic surf vehicles are scheduled to line the pier beginning at approximately 9:00 a.m.
Mermaid Parade
Sunday’s entertainment begins with a colorful Mermaid Parade at 9:00 a.m., featuring mermaids, sea creatures and plenty of ocean-inspired fun for children.
Great Rubber Duck Race
Festivalgoers can purchase and decorate rubber ducks throughout the weekend. On Sunday at approximately 4:00 p.m., lifeguards launch the ducks into the ocean for a wave-powered race to the finish.
Parking and Transportation Tips
Parking close to the San Clemente Pier is limited during major summer events, so arriving early or using public transportation is highly recommended.
Take Metrolink to the Pier
Metrolink’s Orange County and Inland Empire–Orange County lines provide weekend service to the San Clemente Pier Station, placing passengers within minutes of the festival. Weekend day passes are listed at $10, and up to three children age 17 and younger may ride free with each paying adult. Check the current train schedule before leaving.
Ride the Free San Clemente Trolley
The San Clemente Trolley operates its summer routes daily and is free to ride. Trolleys generally arrive every 15 to 25 minutes. Saturday service is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., while Sunday service runs from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Strollers and beach chairs are permitted, and the trolley is wheelchair accessible.
Because the athletic events begin before regular trolley service, competitors and early-morning spectators should plan another transportation option for arrival.
What to Bring
Bring sunscreen, hats, refillable water bottles, comfortable shoes and layers for a potentially cool or overcast morning. Beach chairs or blankets can be helpful, but keep your setup compact because the Pier Bowl area becomes crowded.
Families may also want to bring:
- Swimsuits and towels
- Sand toys
- Cash or cards for food, merchandise and activities
- A lightweight wagon for younger children
- A waterproof phone pouch
- Binoculars for watching offshore competitions
Always swim near staffed lifeguard towers and follow posted ocean-safety instructions.
Tips for Enjoying the Festival
Arrive early, especially for the surf contests, beach races and lifeguard competitions. Events are spread across the north and south sides of the pier, the pier itself and Parque Del Mar, so allow time to walk between activities.
Check the official event schedule again shortly before attending. Ocean conditions can affect race routes, starting times and the order of competitions.
After the festival, walk up Avenida Del Mar to explore downtown San Clemente’s restaurants, cafés and locally owned shops—or stay near the water and enjoy dinner with an ocean view.
Why the Ocean Festival Is So Special
The San Clemente Ocean Festival showcases many of the qualities that make San Clemente such a special place to live: an active outdoor lifestyle, a strong sense of community, respect for the ocean and generations of local surf culture.
Whether you come to compete, cheer on the junior lifeguards, admire the classic cars or spend a summer day with your family, the Ocean Festival is one of the best opportunities to experience San Clemente at its most energetic and welcoming.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 San Clemente Ocean Festival?
The festival will be held Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Where is the San Clemente Ocean Festival?
Most activities take place around the San Clemente Pier, with events on both sides of the pier, on the pier and in nearby Parque Del Mar.
Is the San Clemente Ocean Festival family-friendly?
Yes. Family highlights include the Dolphin Dash, Mermaid Parade, Groms Rule Surf Contest, sand sculpture competition, Ocean Art Show, classic vehicles and rubber duck activities.
Do I need to register?
Spectators do not need to register to watch the festival. Advance registration is required or strongly recommended for athletic competitions and organized races.
What is the best way to get to the Ocean Festival?
Metrolink provides direct weekend service to the San Clemente Pier Station. The free San Clemente Trolley is another option once regular service begins, although it may not operate early enough for the first competitions.
What happens if the surf or weather is poor?
Event times, courses and activities may be adjusted or canceled because of ocean, weather or surf conditions. Check the official festival schedule before attending.
Explore Life in San Clemente
Community traditions like the Ocean Festival are part of what makes living in San Clemente so unique. From its beaches and historic downtown to its coastal neighborhoods and outdoor lifestyle, San Clemente offers much more than a beautiful place to visit.
Considering buying or selling a home in San Clemente? Contact Holly McKhann for local real estate guidance, neighborhood expertise and help finding the right coastal community for your lifestyle.
Official festival schedule: https://www.oceanfestival.org/copy-of-youth-family-events-2025
Competition details and registration: https://www.oceanfestival.org/athletic-events-2026
Official festival homepage: https://www.oceanfestival.org/
San Clemente Trolley information: https://www.sanclemente.gov/198/San-Clemente-Trolley
Metrolink Ocean Festival information: https://www.octa.net/getting-around/rail/metrolink/metrolink-weekends/promotions/ocean-festival-2026