San Clemente Ocean Festival

2014 San Clemente Ocean Festival
July 19th & 20th

The San Clemente Ocean Festival offers so much to see and do and only 2 days to do it in! There’s something for everyone: athletic competitions, an ocean and beach-themed art show, a free Saturday evening concert on the beach, fishing derbies, a Youth Pavilion with demonstrations, games and entertainment, a Woody car exhibit on the Pier, a sand sculpting competition, and the Great Rubber Duck Race for the event’s finale. Check it all out and more on July 19th & 20th at the San Clemente Pier.

You can start each morning of the Festival with a hot, delicious pancake breakfast on the beach, while supporting San Clemente Lifeguards. It’s a great way to fuel up with family and friends while planning the day’s activities.

Athletes can pre-register or sign up each day for a variety of ocean and beach competitions, including relays, beach runs, ocean swims, and the ever-popular dory boat races. The Festival welcomes one and all, from world-class athletes to weekend warriors. Check out the event website at OceanFestival.org for a full schedule of events and times.

The Ocean Festival offers lots of activities for the entire family to enjoy. On Saturday morning, children ages 4 to 12 can participate in the Dolphin Dash Kid’s Beach Run (near the Youth Pavilion). The Kid’s Fishing Clinic and Derby, at the end of San Clemente Pier, is another popular event. In the Youth Pavilion, south of the Pier, kids can receive glitter tattoos on Saturday and faces painted on Sunday, play games, make crafts, get youth ID cards, plus enjoy free entertainment and demonstrations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days. On Sunday, children can participate in the Mermaid Parade with King Neptune and Ariel, from the Youth Pavilion onto the Pier.

Claim your spot on the beach as the sun sets over Dana Point. Sit back and enjoy a salmon dinner and other mouth-watering fare prepared by Fisherman’s Restaurant. Enjoy the rockin’ sounds of World Tour – Legends of Rock, who will be performing from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Car enthusiasts can take a walk out on the Pier to admire the Woody Car Exhibit with a different set of these historic beauties on display both Saturday and Sunday. Stop and chat with the owners of these classic vehicles, many used for surfboard toting in the 50’s, 60’s, and beyond. Each Woody has its own personality, history, and story.

Like to ride the surf? The new Sport of Kings Stand-Up Paddleboard Contest takes place on Saturday for both men and women with boards 12’6″ and under. Starting from the sand, racers charge through the surf, rounding outside buoys, and then race with the waves back to the finish line on the sand. Don’t forget the Groms Rule Kid’s Surf Contest on Sunday for ages 14 and under.

South of the Pier on Saturday, San Clemente’s Body Surfing Club will be on hand to help those interested in learning the how-to’s of body surfing at its clinics. Stop by the Ocean Art Show at Parque Del Mar for a fun and unique item to take home with you. Feeling creative? Then gather your team and compete in the Sand Sculpting Competition on Sunday. Don’t miss the event’s grand finale…the Great Rubber Duck Race. Cheer your duck on to the beach and win a prize.

Avoid event traffic by using the free parking and shuttle service from San Clemente High School (700 Avenida Pico) from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. You can also hop on the Metrolink train to the San Clemente Pier or walk down the beach trail and take in the beautiful ocean views on your way to a fun-filled weekend.