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 December
Estimated hotel price
$121
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Clemente in December
Estimated hotel price
$121
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, Alaska Airlines, Southwest and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to San Clemente departs from San Francisco and takes around 1h 23m.

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 Economy Rent a Car, 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 23 miles 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 San Francisco and takes around 1h 23m.

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 Economy Rent a Car, among others, in Los Angeles.

Airports near San Clemente

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

Airlines serving San Clemente

Lufthansa
Good (8,294 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,593 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,270 reviews)
SWISS
Good (2,111 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,459 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,244 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (984 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,654 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,676 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,709 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (2,023 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,689 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,430 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,192 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,546 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (438 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,416 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,385 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,802 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,525 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to San Clemente

Where to stay in San Clemente

Average rates range from around $186 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $120 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Hotel Avenida, San Clemente Beach and Americas Best Value Inn San Clemente Beach.

Where to stay in popular areas of San Clemente

Most booked hotels in San Clemente

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Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 1014 reviews)
$121+
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Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 102 reviews)
$356+
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San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1036 reviews)
$91+
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Hilton Vacation Club Riviera Beach & Shores
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 463 reviews)
$217+
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Residence Inn by Marriott Dana Point San Juan Capistrano
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 186 reviews)
$183+
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Capistrano Coast House
4 stars
Excellent (8, 124 reviews)
$146+
View

Renting a car in San Clemente

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $51 per day, on average, or $102 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 $4.66 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 $55.87 and $74.50. Economy (Mitsubishi Mirage or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in San Clemente, while also 35% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $51 per day, on average, or $102 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 $4.66 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 $55.87 and $74.50. Economy (Mitsubishi Mirage or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in San Clemente, while also 35% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in San Clemente

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$29/day

Intermediate

Intermediate SUV

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$37/day

Intermediate SUV
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