San Clemente travel guide

San Clemente Tourism | San Clemente Guide

You're Going to Love San Clemente

With a population of 63.522, San Clemente is a must-see destination in California, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. San Clemente deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Activities & attractions in San Clemente

Where to Eat in San Clemente

If you’re looking for affordable options, Rocco's Restaurant (203 N. El Camino Real) and Pierside Kitchen + Bar (610 Avenida Victoria) are great picks.

When to visit San Clemente

San Clemente in January
Estimated hotel price
$132
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Clemente in January
Estimated hotel price
$132
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to San Clemente

Plane

Although San Clemente doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to John Wayne Airport, OC (SNA), which is located 36 km from San Clemente. San Diego Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to San Clemente departs from Oakland and takes around 1h 24m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Clemente. The train journey from San Clemente to Burbank takes 0h 28m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about $14 for a 0h 39m trip. The train station in San Clemente is called San Clemente Pier, and is located 1.1 km from the city center.

Car

Another option to get to San Clemente is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 95 km from San Clemente. You’ll find branches of Ace and Kyte, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to San Clemente, including Bus, FlixBus and Busbud. From Long Beach, the bus ride to San Clemente takes 64 km and will cost you around $14. From Ontario, the ticket costs about $23 for a journey of 72 km.

Plane

Although San Clemente doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to John Wayne Airport, OC (SNA), which is located 36 km from San Clemente. San Diego Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to San Clemente departs from Oakland and takes around 1h 24m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Clemente. The train journey from San Clemente to Burbank takes 0h 28m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about $14 for a 0h 39m trip. The train station in San Clemente is called San Clemente Pier, and is located 1.1 km from the city center.

Car

Another option to get to San Clemente is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 95 km from San Clemente. You’ll find branches of Ace and Kyte, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to San Clemente, including Bus, FlixBus and Busbud. From Long Beach, the bus ride to San Clemente takes 64 km and will cost you around $14. From Ontario, the ticket costs about $23 for a journey of 72 km.

Airports near San Clemente

Airlines serving San Clemente

Lufthansa
Good (4,623 reviews)
KLM
Good (850 reviews)
SWISS
Good (927 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,466 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,607 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,294 reviews)
Air France
Good (973 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,547 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (476 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,930 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,125 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,484 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,746 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (877 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,161 reviews)
LOT
Good (682 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (916 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in San Clemente

Average rates range from around $256 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $327 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North and Hampton Inn & Suites San Clemente.

Where to stay in popular areas of San Clemente

Most booked hotels in San Clemente

Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North
2 stars
Excellent (8.6, 508 reviews)
$136+
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection by Marriott
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 113 reviews)
$370+
San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 409 reviews)
$171+
Riviera Beach & Shores Resorts
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 199 reviews)
$172+
Residence Inn by Marriott Dana Point San Juan Capistrano
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 77 reviews)
$193+
The Volare Ascend Hotel Collection
3 stars
Excellent (8, 226 reviews)
$128+

Renting a car in San Clemente

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $53 per day, on average, or $106 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 9% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in San Clemente (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in San Clemente is Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Chevrolet Bolt or similar) are, on average, 60% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $53 per day, on average, or $106 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 9% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in San Clemente (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in San Clemente is Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Chevrolet Bolt or similar) are, on average, 60% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.