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 08m.

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 08m.

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

Lufthansa
Good (8,093 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,530 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,072 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,440 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,418 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,972 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,246 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,614 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,889 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (939 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,730 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,598 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,854 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,257 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,205 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,415 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,463 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (413 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,394 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,299 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 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 (8.8, 987 reviews)
$152+
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Capistrano Coast House
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 100 reviews)
$184+
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Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 97 reviews)
$356+
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Hilton Vacation Club Riviera Beach & Shores
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 468 reviews)
$270+
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San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 972 reviews)
$120+
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Casablanca Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1478 reviews)
$126+
View

Renting a car in San Clemente

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $50 per day, on average, or $99 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 1% cheaper than airport locations in San Clemente.

Expect to pay $4.39 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 $52.69 and $70.26. The most frequently booked car type in San Clemente is Economy (Chevrolet Spark or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Kia Soul or similar) are, on average, 77% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $50 per day, on average, or $99 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 1% cheaper than airport locations in San Clemente.

Expect to pay $4.39 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 $52.69 and $70.26. The most frequently booked car type in San Clemente is Economy (Chevrolet Spark or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Kia Soul or similar) are, on average, 77% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in San Clemente

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$34/day

Supplier choice

Intermediate SUV

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$41/day

Intermediate SUV
Find car rentals in San Clemente