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
$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 11m.

Train

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 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 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 11m.

Train

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 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

KLM
Good (1,465 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,826 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,775 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,248 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,243 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,889 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,132 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,389 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,542 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,745 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (900 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,539 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,703 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,776 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,182 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,370 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,424 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,190 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (388 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,985 reviews)
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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

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Capistrano Surfside Inn
0 stars
Excellent (8.9, 180 reviews)
$157+
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Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North
2 stars
Excellent (8.7, 986 reviews)
$114+
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Residence Inn by Marriott Dana Point San Juan Capistrano
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 180 reviews)
$197+
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San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 917 reviews)
$87+
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Hilton Vacation Club Riviera Beach & Shores
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 463 reviews)
$164+
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The Volare, an Ascend Collection Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 596 reviews)
$93+
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Renting a car in San Clemente

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $39 per day, on average, or $78 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 28% cheaper than airport locations in San Clemente.

Expect to pay $3.29 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 $39.52 and $52.69. Compact (Kia Niro or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in San Clemente, while also 72% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $39 per day, on average, or $78 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 28% cheaper than airport locations in San Clemente.

Expect to pay $3.29 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 $39.52 and $52.69. Compact (Kia Niro or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in San Clemente, while also 72% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in San Clemente

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$37/day

Supplier choice

Intermediate SUV

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$44/day

Intermediate SUV
Find car rentals in San Clemente