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.

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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 January
Estimated hotel price
$114
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Clemente in January
Estimated hotel price
$114
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 10m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving San Clemente, followed by Train. The train journey from San Clemente to San Luis Obispo takes 5h 32m and costs around $54 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Chicago, expect to pay about $420 for a 46h 06m 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 Midway, 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 10m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving San Clemente, followed by Train. The train journey from San Clemente to San Luis Obispo takes 5h 32m and costs around $54 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Chicago, expect to pay about $420 for a 46h 06m 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 Midway, 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 (1,455 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,786 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,752 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,206 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,220 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,876 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,116 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,308 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,534 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,741 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,519 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (896 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,685 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,727 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,181 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,397 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,362 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,167 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (387 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,891 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 Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North.

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, 1361 reviews)
$199+
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Capistrano Surfside Inn
0 stars
Excellent (8.9, 180 reviews)
$153+
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Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North
2 stars
Excellent (8.7, 989 reviews)
$109+
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Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 93 reviews)
$325+
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San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 914 reviews)
$68+
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Hilton Vacation Club Riviera Beach & Shores
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 462 reviews)
$196+
View

Renting a car in San Clemente

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $41 per day, on average, or $82 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 6% cheaper than airport locations in San Clemente.

Expect to pay $3.26 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 $39.07 and $52.09. Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in San Clemente, while also 77% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $41 per day, on average, or $82 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 6% cheaper than airport locations in San Clemente.

Expect to pay $3.26 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 $39.07 and $52.09. Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in San Clemente, while also 77% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in San Clemente

Intermediate SUV

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$36/day

Intermediate SUV

Convertible

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$74/day

Convertible
Find car rentals in San Clemente