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
$114
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Clemente in January
Estimated hotel price
$114
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 22m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving San Clemente, followed by Air Canada. The train journey from San Clemente to Zurich takes 12h 25m and costs around $1,702 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Seattle, expect to pay about $154 for a 35h 16m 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 Ace, 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 22m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving San Clemente, followed by Air Canada. The train journey from San Clemente to Zurich takes 12h 25m and costs around $1,702 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Seattle, expect to pay about $154 for a 35h 16m 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 Ace, 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 (1,441 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,726 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,684 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,066 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,183 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,851 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,088 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,171 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,716 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,523 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,471 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (894 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,628 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,654 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,370 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,133 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,174 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,351 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,431 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (11,732 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, 1360 reviews)
$170+
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Capistrano Surfside Inn
0 stars
Excellent (8.9, 178 reviews)
$166+
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Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North
2 stars
Excellent (8.7, 987 reviews)
$121+
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El Caminante Bar & Bungalows
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 99 reviews)
$200+
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Hilton Vacation Club Riviera Beach & Shores
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 458 reviews)
$135+
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The Volare, an Ascend Collection Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 589 reviews)
$91+
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Renting a car in San Clemente

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $39 per day, on average, or $77 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 29% 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. 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 $39 per day, on average, or $77 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 29% 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. 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

Compact

4 Adults, 2 Bags

$25/day

Compact

Intermediate

5 Adults, 3 Bags

$27/day

Intermediate
Find car rentals in San Clemente