San Clemente, CA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- General park curfew
- 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Steed Memorial Park
- Midnight to 6:00 a.m.
- Park Semper Fi
- Sunset to sunrise
- Linda Lane/Parque Del Mar/T-Street
- Midnight to 4:00 a.m.
- Vehicle removal authority
- Cal. Vehicle Code § 22651(n)
- Default penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine
Summary
San Clemente closes its municipal parks nightly under Municipal Code Section 9.12.060. The general rule bars anyone from remaining in a City park between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., but several named parks run on different clocks: Richard T. Steed Memorial Park closes at midnight, Park Semper Fi closes at sunset, and Linda Lane Park, Parque Del Mar and T-Street Park close at midnight and reopen at 4:00 a.m. Cars left in park lots past curfew can be towed.
A No person shall remain or be in any municipal park between the hours of ten (10:00) p.m. and six (6:00) a.m. except as provided below.B No person shall remain or be in Richard T. Steed Memorial Park between the hours of twelve (12:00) midnight and six (6:00) a.m.C No person shall remain or be in Park Semper Fi after sunset and before sunrise.D No person shall remain or be in any of the following municipal parks between the hours of twelve (12:00) midnight and four (4:00) a.m.: Linda Lane Park; Parque Del Mar; and T-Street Park. ... H ... No vehicle will remain parked in any City park parking lot past the posted curfew set forth in this section, or said vehicle shall be removed pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 22651 sub.(n).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Traffic: Supplement 30 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
citywide, then carves out different hours for specific parks. Richard T. m. Park Semper Fi closes at sunset and reopens at sunrise rather than on a fixed clock. m. from there south to the Calafia Beach parking lot. The City Manager may modify curfew hours for an approved event, and the City must post notices at each park stating the applicable hours. Any vehicle still parked in a City park lot after the posted curfew is subject to removal under California Vehicle Code Section 22651(n), so a car left overnight can be towed at the owner's expense in addition to any citation.
010, punishable as a misdemeanor (up to $1,000 and six months in jail) or, at the City Attorney's discretion, as an infraction with escalating fines of $100, $200 and $500 for repeat offenses within a year.
Violations & Fines
Remaining in a City park or on a covered trail after curfew violates Section 9.12.060 and is unlawful under Section 9.12.070. Because the curfew chapter sets no unique fine, enforcement falls back on the Code's general penalty, Section 1.16.010: a misdemeanor conviction carries up to $1,000 and six months in county jail, while an infraction citation escalates from $100 for a first offense to $200 for a second and $500 for each later offense within a year. Vehicles left in park lots past curfew are also subject to towing under Vehicle Code Section 22651(n).
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do San Clemente's parks close at night?
Can the City change park curfew hours for a special event?
What happens if I leave my car in a park parking lot overnight?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Clemente
California rules heatmap·Compare San Clemente to another location·View the California curfew laws overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Park Curfew in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle park curfew.