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.

Article

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
$126
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Clemente in January
Estimated hotel price
$126
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 25m.

Train

The train station in San Clemente is called San Clemente Pier, and is located 0.7 miles 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 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 25m.

Train

The train station in San Clemente is called San Clemente Pier, and is located 0.7 miles 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 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

KLM
Good (1,428 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,639 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,019 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,595 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,106 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,817 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,096 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,685 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,055 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,440 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,509 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,547 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,335 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (880 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,099 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,618 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,339 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,414 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,485 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,150 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 Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North.

Where to stay in popular areas of San Clemente

Most booked hotels in San Clemente

See all
Sea Horse Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 1358 reviews)
$150+
View
Capistrano Surfside Inn
0 stars
Excellent (8.9, 177 reviews)
$211+
View
El Caminante Bar & Bungalows
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 96 reviews)
$202+
View
San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 882 reviews)
$57+
View
Hilton Vacation Club Riviera Beach & Shores
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 455 reviews)
$123+
View
The Volare, an Ascend Collection Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 585 reviews)
$85+
View

Renting a car in San Clemente

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $56 per day, on average, or $113 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, 23% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

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 (Nissan Versa or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in San Clemente, while also 79% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $56 per day, on average, or $113 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, 23% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

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 (Nissan Versa or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in San Clemente, while also 79% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in San Clemente

Intermediate SUV

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$38/day

Intermediate SUV

Pickup truck

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$54/day

Pickup truck
Find car rentals in San Clemente