Welcome!
San Clemente State Beach offers a variety of programs are offered year-round for all ages including but not limited to School Field Trips, Junior Rangers, Campfire Programs, Guided Hikes, Nature Walks, and Volunteer Projects. All programs are offered courtesy of California State Parks.
Please check our monthly calendar of events for scheduled programs or email: Cryssie.Moreno@parks.ca.gov and Sara.Steffen@parks.ca.gov.
Forms
Junior Rangers
Junior Rangers is one of California State Parks’ most popular programs. It is offered in over 70 state parks.
Junior Ranger activities cover a variety of topics, including animals, plants, history, weather, recycling and park careers. They are tailored to the local environment and the resources of the park where the program is held. Each activity provides a worthwhile experience that promotes further thought and action by the child, rather than just instruction.
The Junior Ranger program, in inspiring children to become resource stewards, is truly a promise to the future of California and the world.
Programs are catered to children ages 7-12.
For more information, please email Cryssie.Moreno@parks.ca.gov or call (949)-987-3725.
2026 DATES:
Saturday, March 14th at 9:00am
Saturday, March 28th at 9:00am
Saturday, April 11th at 9:00am
Saturday, April 25thth at 9:00am
Saturday, May 9th at 9:00am
Saturday, May 23rd at 9:00am
WHERE:
225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, CA 92673
Meet at the tables west of campsite #28
Google Maps Location - San Clemente State Beach Picnic Tables
Apple Maps Location - San Clemente State Beach Picnic Tables
Nature Hikes and Beach Walks
Join us to explore the beauty of our local parks and beaches! We will host a walk at the different South OC State Beaches each month.
We ask that participants wear closed toed shoes, bring water and sun protection. Bring binoculars and a camera if you have them.
2026 EVENT DATES:
- Doheny State Beach: Meet at Doheny State Beach Visitor Center
- Sat, March 7th 9am-10am
- Sat, April 4th 9am-10am
- San Clemente State Beach: Meet at San Clemente State Beach Visitor Center
- Sat, April 4th 9am-10am
- San Onofre State Beach: Meet in the parking lot of the San Mateo Campground Amphitheater
- Sat, March 7th 9am-10am
- Sat, March 14th 6pm-8pm (Sunset to Twilight)
- Sat, April 18th 7:30pm (Family Night Walk)
Beach Walks: Doheny State Beach
Join a park naturalist to learn about the amazing adaptations of species that thrive in this unique environment. We'll walk approximately 1 miles along the shore, keeping an eye out for crabs, shorebirds, and maybe even a dolphin pod offshore! This program is an easy, flat walk suitable for all ages. Please bring comfortable walking shoes or sandals, water, and binoculars if you have them! Approximately 1 hour.
Nature Hikes: San Clemente Nature Trail
Immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of the San Clemente Nature Trail, a precious pocket of Coastal Sage Scrub. Discover why this ecosystem is so vital and learn about the native plants and animals that call it home! This loop trail of approximately 1.5 miles features uneven terrain with some moderate inclines and declines. Suitable for ages 5+. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended. Bring water, sun protection and a camera to capture the stunning views. Approximately 1 hour.
Nature Hikes: San Onofre State Beach
- Dogs are only allowed on trails, not on beaches
- Rain cancels
- Waiver required for minors (Parental/Guardian Permission Form)
- Questions? Email: Cryssie.Moreno@parks.ca.gov (Doheny & San Clemente) or Laurel.Gifford@parks.ca.gov (San Onofre)
Little Rangers
Join us every first and third Thursday of each month at 10am for fun, nature themed activities designed for ages 2-6. From crafts and stories to outdoor exploration, Little Rangers is a perfect way to connect with nature and discover the park! Enjoy nature themed programs and hands-on activities.
Meet at picnic tables in day use parking lot behind campsite #28. Free with park entrance fee. Email Sara.Steffen@Parks.ca.gov for more information. Rain cancels.
WHEN:
Wednesday, March 4th at 10am
Wednesday March 18th at 10am
WHERE:
225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, CA 92673
Meet at the tables west of campsite #28
Google Maps Location - San Clemente State Beach Picnic Tables
Apple Maps Location - San Clemente State Beach Picnic Tables
Panhe: A Native American Gathering & Celebration
Join us for a free, family-friendly cultural event celebrating Indigenous heritage, stewardship, and community connection.
The event features Native American singers and dancers, storytelling and speakers, basketry and plant demonstrations, museum exhibits, children’s activities, and local vendors and artisans.
PANHE honors the sacred Acjachemen/Juaneño village site while promoting cultural preservation and environmental protection. Free admission with off-site parking and shuttle service available.
WHEN:
Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 10am-3pm
WHERE:
San Mateo Campground within San Onofre State Beach
Offsite parking and shuttle service available
Adopt-A-Beach
What is Adopt-A-Beach®?
hen a group "adopts" a beach, they commit to cleaning it at least three times per year, although school groups can fulfill their obligation with a single cleanup. Groups are encouraged to re-adopt at the end of the year. The Adopt-A-Beach® program fosters feelings of pride and ownership as volunteers begin to care for "their" beach, helping to tackle the urgent problem of marine debris head-on.
The process is simple and has been received with great enthusiasm by corporations, service and professional organizations and hundreds of California schools. Contact your local beach manager directly or the Adopt-A-Beach® program at coast4u@coastal.ca.gov or (800) COAST-4U for more information.
Programs for Scouts
For more information regarding scouts at San Clemente State Beach, please reach out to our Scouts program coordinator.
Scouts Program Coordinator:
Name: Liz Carson
E-mail: Liz.Carson@parks.oc.gov
Phone: (949)244-8680