Tierra Grande Park in San Clemente, also known as Red Barn Park, is located in Talega which is a planned community in the foothills of San Clemente featuring "acres and acres devoted to private and public parks."
Where is Talega exactly? Take the I-5 to San Clemente, follow Avenida Vista Hermosa or Avenida Pico east.
You'll find a California kid's paradise surrounded by million dollar homes and natural landscaping: oaks, chaparral, sycamores for shade, and every kind of sports field/court imaginable.
(Note: Sand has been replaced with wood chips. I need to get out and get photos of the new surface.)
How to Get to Red Barn Park in San Clemente: Tierra Grande Park is at the top of the development. From Avenida Vista Hermosa, turn onto Avenida Talega near the Talega Ralphs Shopping Center. Drive into the development until the road reaches Camino Tierra Grande. Turn left on Camino Tierra Grande and left onto Via Garona/parking lot. (Address: 399 Camino Tierra Grande, San Clemente) MAP to Tierra Grande Park in San Clemente
Recommended by: Connie
Highlights:
- Farm theme complete with corral, tractor truck, and a ride-on farm horse in a corral
- HUGE covered picnic area with seating for more than 100, includes 2 outdoor sinks and grills
- Kids love the wood bridges and tunnels in the barn
- 4 big kid swings, 3 baby swings, 1 accessible swing
- A variety of "spinners" - one big and round and 3 more stand-on spinners.
- Small grass hill right off playground good for rolling and reclining to watch the clouds go by
- Small bike path all the way around park
Be Aware:
- A local mom (thanks, Mary!) told me slides get hot in the summer
- Red Barn has plenty of spots for adults to bump their heads - so keep an eye out for bars and ledges above you
- Regular drop-off points for the little ones on the big equipment- fire poles and ladders with open access for toddlers to fall
- If you let them loose on the field, little ones might be tempted to climb the soccer nets
- Some wear on the play structure pain reported on a 2025 visit
Nature Connections:
- Make a game out of finding the shady spots and the sunshine-y spots
- Roll down the small grassy hill by the playground
- Lie on the grass and watch the clouds
- Spot local birds and wildlife - we saw a scrub jay when we were there
- Pick up fallen sycamore leaves and sticks to make a fairy house
Checklist:
- Dedicated parking lot with plenty of spots
- Play surface is bark and recycled rubber
- Bathrooms are open air style with unprotected skylights and stainless steel toilets - no paper towels
- Covered picnic area for shade, plus plenty of sycamores surrounding playground
- Really nice benches for viewing the kids - and a curb all the way around the perimeter
- Soccer field
- 2 baseball/softball diamonds
- Lighted basketball court (2 half courts with one full court in between)
- 2 horseshoe pits
- Definitely bring a lunch to this park to enjoy the spacious, shaded picnic area
- Recycle trash bins all around park
- 3 drinking fountains - one near picnic area
- Official City of San Clemente website description of Tierra Grande and reservation info
- Nearest public library: San Clemente branch of OC Public Libraries
Parks Nearby Red Barn Park in San Clemente:
Originally published in July 2008.
