Linda Lane Park in San Clemente holds the distinction of being one of the few playgrounds with beach access, as well as ocean views. I also loved watching the trains go by on the tracks below us.
Directions to Linda Lane Park in San Clemente: You can walk to it off the San Clemente Beach Trail at an access point north of the pier on Linda Lane. To reach it by car from I-5, exit at Avenida Palizada and follow it towards the beach until you reach Encino Lane. Turn right on Encino which turns into Linda Lane. MAP TO LINDA LANE PARK IN SAN CLEMENTE
Highlights:
- It's biggest selling point is that it's near the beach - so you'll enjoy beach weather and beach views
- Kids will like the whimsical colors and fish-shaped ladder on the smaller equipment
- Swings are in between the big kid/small kid equipment. Here: 2 bench swings, 2 baby swings.
- Watch the trains go by on the tracks below the park. (Note: In 2026, there is a lot of track work being done here due to land movement and ocean impacts. On my May 2026 visit it was an active construction site at the dead end of Linda Lane and up the beach trail which is closed to the north while work is being done.)
- Take a walk on the San Clemente Beach Trail.
Be Aware:
- We went on an especially blustery day so be prepared with windbreakers or jackets.
- To get to the slide on the 5-12 year old equipment, kids have to climb through a "hoop ladder" which can be pretty wide for the little ones. (Thanks to my son's orthodontist for that tip!)
- The fire pole was a little high for my non-risk taking 5 year old. There were also some of those funky loop ladders on the small equipment, which sometimes requires some extra supervision.
- Pay parking at the meters (park in a spot, make note of the spot number, then go to the machine and pay $1.50 an hour). The city website says the meters at Linda Lane are for 9am-10pm.
- You'll be competing for beach parking during busy summer months.
- The park is located on a corner and, although the traffic isn't super busy, there's definitely opportunities for kids darting out in the street towards the parking lot and beach.
- The equipment is from April/May 2011 and it does take a beating from being near the beach and salt air.
Checklist
- Pay parking between 9am and 10pm ($1.50/hour) - you can pay by credit card
- Recycled rubber and sand play surface
- NO restrooms
- Drinking fountain
- There is a picnic area near the back of the park with concrete picnic tables
- Lawn area and benches
- Official City of San Clemente web page for Linda Lane Park
- Nearest public library branch: San Clemente Public Library (we love the Friends of the Library bookstore here!)
Parks nearby Linda Lane Park
Originally published in May 2011.
