We live in Riverside, and we like to take the train to San Clemente Beach. The ride is nice and calming if you give the kids something to do. When you get there you can cross the street to do a little shopping or get something to eat at the local eateries or go towards the water and not leave the beautiful gentle beach all day until the train picks you back up at 4pm.

When you find a family suitable event to attend you buy a parking pass along with your ticket, so you're able to park in a quite parking structure instead of the crazy busy small parking lot the bowl provides. A bus takes everyone from your parking structure to the event and takes you back at the end. You are allowed to bring your own food to have dinner or lunch if you want. They allow alcohol. So you can arrive early and enjoy dinner then watch the show.

Apart from the wide array of shops, where you can find clothes, toys, furniture, books, etc..., in the center of the quad they've made a kid center. In front of the men and kid's Macy's is the pick up spot for the train that runs around the center mall. You buy your tokens at the kiosk. During the summer they turn on the sprinkler fountains that the kids can run through in their bathing suits. You can have a picnic on the grass right there if you like as well.

In the beginning you get a color and that represents your pirate. You're suppose to cheer him on throughout the show. You should arrive early. They have a very entertaining preshow with a girl that walks on the ceiling. The food is alright and they do give you alot. The show includes a boat for a stage with a little water around it that they utilize within the show. The actors, which are more like acrobats, spend their time fighting while flipping and tumbling. Lots of pizazz.

The beach is nice and clean and the waves are not too rough on a normal day. The parking situation is a bit strange, You park at the top of the hill and walk down the paved path with all your stuff and try not to roll down. Then when your going home you have to drag everything back up the hill along whit your tired salty kids. All in all, still enjoyable.