Celebrate the 4th of July in San Clemente with thrilling chair races in the morning, soak up the sun at the beach all day long, and end the night with a dazzling fireworks show at the San Clemente Pier. Don’t forget to catch the exciting Condo Squadron flyover in the early evening. It’s a seriously amazing experience you won’t want to miss!
To watch the fireworks, you’ll find plenty of room along the sandy shores and ocean trail. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the festivities with friends and family, soak up the sun, and create lasting memories on this special day. For front-seats to the fireworks show and a fun dining experience, secure a spot at Fisherman’s Restaurant at the pier. The free San Clemente Trolley will run extended hours from 11 am to 11 pm on July 4th.
In the morning, the Office Chair Downhill Derby features competitors that race downhill on a street on office chairs, showcasing their speed, agility, and creativity. Spectators gather to cheer on the participants as they navigate through twists, turns, and obstacles, creating a thrilling and entertaining experience for everyone involved.
Check out all the Orange County 4th of July Events this year!
San Clemente 4th of July Fireworks Show
Where: San Clemente Pier
Address: 615 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672
Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Office Chair Downhill Derby: 9:00 AM
Condo Squadron Flyover: Around 6:00 PM
Fireworks Start Time: 9:00 PM (20 minutes duration)
The City of San Clemente will restrict vehicular traffic from approximately 7-10 p.m. in the lower Pier Bowl area near the pier, and the 200 to 300 blocks of Avenida Victoria will be closed to vehicle access from 8:30-11 p.m.
Dogs will not be permitted on the coastal Beach Trail on July 4 and electric bicycles are prohibited on the Beach Trail and the beach at all times.
As parking and seating are limited in the pier area, arrive early and consider using San Clemente’s Trolley and remote parking options for convenience.
Pack all the necessary items before heading to the beach.
Fourth of July Office Chair Downhill Derby
Website: http://officechairrace.com/
Where: Avenida Rosa & Avenida Victoria, south of Avenida Del Mar (Down Town) and west of El Camino Real
Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Time: Between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM (as soon as there are enough racers to run a race)
Parking: Free public parking lots within a few blocks off of Avenida Del Mar, Avenida Cabrillo, Avenida Granada, and El Camino Real. There are two pay lots at the pier bowl.
The San Clemente 4th of July Office Chair Downhill Derby, also known as the “Half Mile of Horror, is a grassroots event organized by local residents. This unique and lighthearted derby captures the festive spirit of the holiday and brings the community together for a day of fun and excitement.
Each ride features a creatively customized, non-motorized office chair equipped with various wheels and a wide range of whimsical accessories, from streamers and surfboards to pinwheels, ship’s wheels, desks, rockets, and patriotic flags. Some participants opt for custom-built chairs, while others ingeniously combine office chairs with existing wheeled contraptions like hand trucks, dollies, skateboards, scooters, wheelchairs, lawnmowers, or even little red wagons, resulting in a vibrant and eclectic display of ingenuity and creativity.
Where to Watch
- The “Push Box” at the “Knoll”: The starting line is always exciting, and it’s at the top of the hill, which means an easy walk back to your car.
- The “Rosa S”: This serpentine section is the steepest and fastest part of the course, and offers some shade, and a place to sit.
- The “Trench” and the “45”: The intersection of Rosa and Victoria is the most popular spot to watch from as it has a view of the “Rosa S,” the “Trench,” the 45-degree left, and the finish line.
- The “Finish Line” at the “Five-Way”: The finish line gives you the chance to see the tight battles come right down to the final inches.
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Monique McArthur is a mother of two, writer, and creator of delicious recipes. In her spare time she enjoys exploring all that Orange County has to offer, traveling, shopping, running with her dogs and spending time with family.