Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

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.

Article

Activities & attractions in San Clemente

Aerial Arts Class
Other

Where to Eat in San Clemente

If you’re looking for affordable options, Nick's - San Clemente (213 Avenida Del Mar) and South of Nick's - San Clemente (110 N. El Camino Real) are great picks.

When to visit San Clemente

San Clemente in December
Estimated hotel price
$117
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Clemente in December
Estimated hotel price
$117
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, Alaska Airlines, Southwest and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to San Clemente departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 09m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Clemente. 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 Priceless, among others, in Los Angeles.

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, Alaska Airlines, Southwest and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to San Clemente departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 09m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Clemente. 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 Priceless, among others, in Los Angeles.

Airports near San Clemente

SANSan Diego
LAXLos Angeles
SNASanta Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Airlines serving San Clemente

KLM
Good (1,492 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,900 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,865 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,302 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,392 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,916 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,173 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,564 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (905 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,555 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,748 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,559 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,727 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,907 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,185 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,381 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (399 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,193 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,428 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,262 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to San Clemente

Where to stay in San Clemente

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Hotel Avenida, San Clemente Beach and Calafia Inn.

Where to stay in popular areas of San Clemente

Most booked hotels in San Clemente

See all
Sea Horse Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 1366 reviews)
$217+
View
Capistrano Surfside Inn
0 stars
Excellent (8.9, 183 reviews)
$189+
View
Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, 995 reviews)
$128+
View
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 97 reviews)
$313+
View
Hilton Vacation Club Riviera Beach & Shores
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 469 reviews)
$183+
View
San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 975 reviews)
$108+
View

Renting a car in San Clemente

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $56 per day, on average, or $112 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, 5% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $4.32 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 $51.78 and $69.05. Compact (Kia Soul or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in San Clemente, while also 78% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $56 per day, on average, or $112 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, 5% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $4.32 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 $51.78 and $69.05. Compact (Kia Soul or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in San Clemente, while also 78% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in San Clemente

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$30/day

Supplier choice

Intermediate SUV

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$41/day

Intermediate SUV
Find car rentals in San Clemente