Known as “The Greatest Show on Surf,” the San Clemente Ocean Festival at the San Clemente Pier offers two days of fun for the entire family. Over the past three decades, the festival has been dedicated to the promotion and support of ocean safety, the environment, and the community. Today, the sea-themed celebration, with its King Neptune event logo, draws nearly 50,000 visitors annually from Orange County, San Diego, and Los Angeles, and even as far as Hawaii and Australia. For this year’s festival on July 16-17, attendees can expect an array of activities, including the 6th annual Stand-up Paddleboard Surfing Championships, an Ocean Art Show, free bodysurfing clinics, lifeguard competitions, sand sculpture team competition, the 24th annual Woody Car Exhibit, live music, and much more.
Additionally, there are many activities catering to kids, including a Children’s Fishing Clinic, the 8th annual “Dolphin Dash” Kid’s Beach Run, a “Groms Rule” Surf Contest, a Kid’s SUP Sprint Race, and a Youth Pavilion that features all-day events like arts & crafts, game booths, face painting, performances, demonstrations, music, and entertainment. Kids also won’t want to miss the Mermaid Parade with King Triton’s daughters or the Great Rubber Duck Race.
Besides presenting their annual event, the San Clemente Ocean Festival, a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization, has been able to give back to the community by providing various grants and scholarships. Since 1993, the nonprofit has provided financial support to local organizations such as the San Clemente Junior Lifeguard Program, Ocean Institute’s Adopt-A-Class program, City of San Clemente Aquatics programs, Boys & Girls Club, and Meals on Wheels, in addition to providing scholarships for local high school graduates.
Whether you choose to be a participant or observer of the various ocean- and beach-themed activities offered this year, the San Clemente Ocean Festival promises to be an exciting two-day extravaganza. Admission is free, and the event offers free parking and shuttle service. For more information, visit oceanfestival.org.
