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 23 miles 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 Las Vegas and takes around 1h 16m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Clemente. The train journey from San Clemente to Fullerton takes 0h 39m and costs around $14 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Woodland Hills, expect to pay about $14 for a 0h 43m trip. The train station in San Clemente is called San Clemente Pier, and is located 0.7 miles 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 59 miles 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 Amtrak. From Ontario, the bus ride to San Clemente takes 40 miles and will cost you around $12. From Santa Barbara, the ticket costs about $64 for a journey of 120 miles.

Plane

Although San Clemente doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to John Wayne Airport, OC (SNA), which is located 23 miles 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 Las Vegas and takes around 1h 16m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Clemente. The train journey from San Clemente to Fullerton takes 0h 39m and costs around $14 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Woodland Hills, expect to pay about $14 for a 0h 43m trip. The train station in San Clemente is called San Clemente Pier, and is located 0.7 miles 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 59 miles 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 Amtrak. From Ontario, the bus ride to San Clemente takes 40 miles and will cost you around $12. From Santa Barbara, the ticket costs about $64 for a journey of 120 miles.

Airports near San Clemente

Airlines serving San Clemente

Lufthansa
Good (4,666 reviews)
KLM
Good (853 reviews)
SWISS
Good (941 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,530 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,618 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,306 reviews)
Air France
Good (985 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,582 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (485 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,960 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,122 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,469 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,849 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (870 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,174 reviews)
LOT
Good (684 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (924 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (827 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (833 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in San Clemente

Average rates range from around $271 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

Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection by Marriott
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 113 reviews)
$376+
Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North
2 stars
Excellent (8.6, 505 reviews)
$137+
San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 416 reviews)
$168+
Riviera Beach & Shores Resorts
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 198 reviews)
$175+
Residence Inn by Marriott Dana Point San Juan Capistrano
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 77 reviews)
$194+
The Volare Ascend Hotel Collection
3 stars
Excellent (8, 228 reviews)
$130+

Renting a car in San Clemente

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $47 per day, on average, or $94 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, 3% 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 Full-size rental cars (Nissan Altima or similar) are, on average, 62% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $47 per day, on average, or $94 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, 3% 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 Full-size rental cars (Nissan Altima or similar) are, on average, 62% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.