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
$119
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Clemente in January
Estimated hotel price
$119
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 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 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 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 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 Los Angeles
SNASanta Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Airlines serving San Clemente

Lufthansa
Good (8,237 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,575 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,225 reviews)
SWISS
Good (2,079 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,464 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,589 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,254 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,650 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,731 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,662 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (967 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,220 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,986 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,199 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,658 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,532 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,429 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (430 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,490 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,606 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to San Clemente

Where to stay in San Clemente

Average rates range from around $197 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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Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, 99 reviews)
$382+
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Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 1007 reviews)
$122+
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San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 996 reviews)
$95+
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Hilton Vacation Club Riviera Beach & Shores
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 460 reviews)
$225+
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Capistrano Coast House
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, 121 reviews)
$139+
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Casablanca Inn
3 stars
Good (7.9, 1564 reviews)
$113+
View

Renting a car in San Clemente

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $48 per day, on average, or $96 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 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. The most frequently booked car type in San Clemente is Economy (Mitsubishi Mirage or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Toyota RAV4 or similar) are, on average, 42% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $48 per day, on average, or $96 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 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. The most frequently booked car type in San Clemente is Economy (Mitsubishi Mirage or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Toyota RAV4 or similar) are, on average, 42% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in San Clemente

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$28/day

Compact

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$29/day

Supplier choice
Find car rentals in San Clemente