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
$113
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Clemente in January
Estimated hotel price
$113
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 Phoenix and takes around 1h 25m.

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.

Bus

Amtrak operates bus routes 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 Phoenix and takes around 1h 25m.

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.

Bus

Amtrak operates bus routes to San Clemente.

Airports near San Clemente

SANSan Diego
LAXLos Angeles
SNASanta Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Airlines serving San Clemente

KLM
Good (1,446 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,758 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,707 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,128 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,215 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,864 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,100 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,226 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,729 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,530 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,494 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (896 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,676 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,673 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,175 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,379 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,357 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,153 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (381 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,825 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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Sea Horse Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 1363 reviews)
$170+
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Capistrano Surfside Inn
0 stars
Excellent (8.9, 180 reviews)
$163+
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Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North
2 stars
Excellent (8.7, 988 reviews)
$109+
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Residence Inn by Marriott Dana Point San Juan Capistrano
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 178 reviews)
$159+
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San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 910 reviews)
$72+
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Hilton Vacation Club Riviera Beach & Shores
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 461 reviews)
$153+
View

Renting a car in San Clemente

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $32 per day, on average, or $65 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 35% cheaper than airport locations in San Clemente.

Expect to pay $3.14 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 $37.70 and $50.27. Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in San Clemente, while also 77% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $32 per day, on average, or $65 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 35% cheaper than airport locations in San Clemente.

Expect to pay $3.14 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 $37.70 and $50.27. Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in San Clemente, while also 77% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in San Clemente

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$26/day

Supplier choice

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$27/day

Intermediate
Find car rentals in San Clemente