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
$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 70 km 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 Denver and takes around 2h 24m.

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 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 70 km 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 Denver and takes around 2h 24m.

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 Priceless, among others, in Los Angeles.

Airports near San Clemente

SANSan Diego
LAXLos Angeles
ONTOntario

Airlines serving San Clemente

Lufthansa
Good (7,974 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,511 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,944 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,458 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,352 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,936 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,212 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,585 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (914 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,684 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,571 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,769 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,727 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,000 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,193 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,392 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (405 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,238 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,434 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,313 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 Calafia Inn.

Where to stay in popular areas of San Clemente

Most booked hotels in San Clemente

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Capistrano Surfside Inn
0 stars
Excellent (8.9, 181 reviews)
$205+
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Sea Horse Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1365 reviews)
$196+
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Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, 995 reviews)
$124+
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Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 97 reviews)
$363+
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San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 974 reviews)
$96+
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Hilton Vacation Club Riviera Beach & Shores
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 469 reviews)
$139+
View

Renting a car in San Clemente

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $49 per day, on average, or $97 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 6% cheaper than airport locations in San Clemente.

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 (Kia Soul or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in San Clemente, while also 75% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $49 per day, on average, or $97 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 6% cheaper than airport locations in San Clemente.

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 (Kia Soul or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in San Clemente, while also 75% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in San Clemente

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$31/day

Supplier choice

Intermediate SUV

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$43/day

Intermediate SUV
Find car rentals in San Clemente