City hosts fireworks show at the San Clemente Pier
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Date and Time
Thursday Jul 4, 2024
9:00 PM - 9:30 PM PDT
Approximately 9:00pm
The show runs approximately 20 minutes in length.
Location
San Clemente Pier
Fees/Admission
This event is free
Website
Contact Information
For questions regarding the July 4th Fireworks Display, please contact the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department at (949) 361-8264.
Description
City of San Clemente will host its annual Independence Day celebration for the community featuring a spectacular fireworks display at 9 p.m. from the Municipal Pier. This beloved event promises to light up the sky with a breathtaking fireworks show, providing an unforgettable evening for residents and visitors alike. The show runs approximately 20 minutes in length. To prepare for this activity, the City would like to inform the public of a series of anticipated changes to traffic, trolley routes, and other pertinent reminders.
Beach Use & Fireworks Preparations:
On Wednesday, July 3rd, at noon, the end of the pier will close for preliminary fireworks preparation; the entire pier will close on July 4th at 8 a.m. and remain closed for the entire day. The Fisherman’s Restaurant will remain open and accessible to patrons.
All ocean access, including swimming, surfing, and wading, will be closed 1,000 feet in both directions from the pier from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The purpose is to protect people from the dangers of fireworks fallout. The show risks delays or cancellation if the public does not comply with the closure. The municipal beach and pier will be closed to the public immediately after the fireworks display until the morning of Friday, July 5th.
Continuing an annual tradition, beachgoers can enjoy a flyover by the Condor Squadron, consisting of four AT-6 aircraft World War II trainers along participating coastal cities. The flyover will begin in Huntington Beach and conclude in San Clemente where it will fly over the coast and conduct a 360 in the air, making two passes through each city. The full flyover schedule is as follows:
- Huntington Beach, 5:30 p.m.
- Newport Beach, 5:35 p.m.
- Laguna Beach, 5:45 p.m.
- Dana Point. 5:50 p.m.
- San Clemente, 6:00 p.m.
Beach users are reminded that smoking and the consumption of alcohol is prohibited on all City beaches and park sites. Members of the public are also reminded that SCMC states that no person shall take off, land, or operate an unmanned aircraft or “drone” over any City-permitted events open to the public unless granted written or electronic permission by the City. Dogs are not permitted on the coastal beach trail on July 4th.
Additionally, per SCMC 12.32.130, e-bikes are prohibited on the beach trail and beach at all times, this includes walking, pushing, or riding regardless of whether the battery is actively being operated/utilized. Those in violation of these ordinances may be cited accordingly.
Parking and Transportation:
To assist with downtown parking, the San Clemente Trolley will be in service from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The regular trolley route will be available from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Beginning at 6 p.m. the Trolley route will be adjusted to accommodate street closures in the Pier Bowl. The closure will impact stops 1, 3, 4, 14, 15, & 16. Trolley riders looking to utilize the service after the fireworks show can access the trolley at Stop 2, located at the Community Center on the corner of Avenida Del Mar and Calle Seville. Check for any changes to the hours of operation by visiting www.san-clemente.org/trolley.
For pedestrian safety and to avoid major traffic problems, San Clemente Police Services will be restricting vehicular traffic between approximately 7 and 10 p.m. in the entire lower Pier Bowl area adjacent to the pier. After the fireworks show finishes, pedestrians should take caution, especially with the increased crowds, to stay clear of the train tracks. Although intersections/streets will not be closed, please expect all Pier Bowl streets to be impacted and drivers should take extra precautions when leaving the downtown area.
To maintain a safe emergency vehicle access path to the Pier Bowl, the 200-300 blocks of Avenida Victoria will be closed to vehicle access from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Following the fireworks show, San Clemente Police Services will conduct traffic control and assist people in exiting the Pier Bowl, systematically diverting vehicles to freeways and surface streets. Although major intersections/streets along El Camino Real will not be closed, please expect delays and practice patience while navigating out of the pier bowl area. All intersections on El Camino Real from El Portal to Avenida Gaviota will be set to flashing red lights with deputies stationed along the route.
Safety and Guidelines:
For the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, please abide by the following guidelines:
- When leaving the beach, please remove all trash and personal belongings. Any trash and litter remaining on the beach will end up polluting the ocean.
- The City of San Clemente has ordinances prohibiting any fireworks, including Safe & Sane fireworks within City limits.
- Alcohol consumption and smoking are prohibited on the beach and pier.
- Please follow all posted signage and instructions from event staff and safety personnel.
- San Clemente Police Services will strictly enforce these ordinances.
