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
$118
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Clemente in December
Estimated hotel price
$118
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 24m.

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 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 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 24m.

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 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 (8,180 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,556 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,159 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,481 reviews)
SWISS
Good (2,034 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,505 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,263 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,640 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (947 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,740 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,104 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,651 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,941 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,214 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,462 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,502 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (430 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,427 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,448 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,365 reviews)
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Where to stay in San Clemente

Average rates range from around $209 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $113 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 (8.8, 997 reviews)
$119+
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Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 99 reviews)
$330+
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San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 984 reviews)
$114+
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Hilton Vacation Club Riviera Beach & Shores
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 465 reviews)
$225+
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Capistrano Coast House
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 114 reviews)
$174+
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Casablanca Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8, 1533 reviews)
$109+
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Renting a car in San Clemente

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $46 per day, on average, or $93 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

Expect to pay $4.43 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 $53.15 and $70.86. Compact (Ford Focus 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 $46 per day, on average, or $93 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

Expect to pay $4.43 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 $53.15 and $70.86. Compact (Ford Focus 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

Intermediate SUV

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$39/day

Intermediate SUV

Pickup truck

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$46/day

Pickup truck
Find car rentals in San Clemente