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 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 Phoenix and takes around 1h 29m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Clemente. The train journey from San Clemente to Burbank takes 0h 31m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from San Diego, expect to pay about $36 for a 2h 56m trip. 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 Midway and NextCar, 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 Phoenix and takes around 1h 29m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Clemente. The train journey from San Clemente to Burbank takes 0h 31m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from San Diego, expect to pay about $36 for a 2h 56m trip. 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 Midway and NextCar, 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

KLM
Good (1,477 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,860 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,807 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,314 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,268 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,901 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,147 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,547 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,455 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (900 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,542 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,720 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,733 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,830 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,184 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,374 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (391 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,430 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,172 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,221 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.

Where to stay in popular areas of San Clemente

Most booked hotels in San Clemente

See all
Capistrano Surfside Inn
0 stars
Excellent (8.9, 179 reviews)
$171+
View
Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, 991 reviews)
$138+
View
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 94 reviews)
$314+
View
San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 960 reviews)
$99+
View
Hilton Vacation Club Riviera Beach & Shores
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 463 reviews)
$202+
View
Casablanca Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1453 reviews)
$114+
View

Renting a car in San Clemente

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $53 per day, on average, or $105 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, 3% more expensive than at Los Angeles Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $4.09 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 $49.06 and $65.41. Compact (Kia Niro or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in San Clemente, while also 72% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $53 per day, on average, or $105 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, 3% more expensive than at Los Angeles Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $4.09 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 $49.06 and $65.41. Compact (Kia Niro or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in San Clemente, while also 72% cheaper than other types, on average.

Best car rental deals in San Clemente

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$44/day

Supplier choice

Full-size

5 Adults, 2 Bags

$46/day

Full-size
Find car rentals in San Clemente