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 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 Ontario Airport (ONT), which is located 43 miles from San Clemente. San Diego Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Southwest, Alaska Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to San Clemente departs from San Francisco and takes around 1h 26m.

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 Ontario Airport (ONT), which is located 43 miles from San Clemente. San Diego Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Southwest, Alaska Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to San Clemente departs from San Francisco and takes around 1h 26m.

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
ONTOntario

Airlines serving San Clemente

Lufthansa
Good (8,032 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,524 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,007 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,423 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,396 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,959 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,220 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,592 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,749 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (921 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,726 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,568 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,794 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,092 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,195 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,399 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (408 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,344 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,445 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,262 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 Calafia Inn San Clemente Newly renovated.

Where to stay in popular areas of San Clemente

Most booked hotels in San Clemente

See all
Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, 994 reviews)
$112+
View
El Caminante Bar & Bungalows
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 100 reviews)
$82+
View
Hilton Vacation Club Riviera Beach & Shores
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 470 reviews)
$167+
View
Residence Inn by Marriott Dana Point San Juan Capistrano
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 185 reviews)
$197+
View
San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 972 reviews)
$90+
View
Casablanca Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1478 reviews)
$104+
View

Renting a car in San Clemente

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $46 per day, on average, or $91 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 11% cheaper than airport locations in San Clemente.

Expect to pay $4.81 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 $57.69 and $76.92. Compact (Kia Soul or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in San Clemente, while also 76% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $46 per day, on average, or $91 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 11% cheaper than airport locations in San Clemente.

Expect to pay $4.81 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 $57.69 and $76.92. Compact (Kia Soul or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in San Clemente, while also 76% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in San Clemente

Intermediate SUV

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$45/day

Intermediate SUV

Luxury

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$55/day

Luxury
Find car rentals in San Clemente