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.

Activities & attractions in San Clemente

Where to Eat in San Clemente

If you’re looking for affordable options, Rocco's Restaurant (203 N. El Camino Real) and Pierside Kitchen + Bar (610 Avenida Victoria) are great picks.

When to visit San Clemente

San Clemente in January
Estimated hotel price
$132
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Clemente in January
Estimated hotel price
$132
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, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to San Clemente departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 16m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Clemente. The train journey from San Clemente to Fullerton takes 0h 39m and costs around $14 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Anaheim, expect to pay about $16 for a 0h 44m trip. 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 Kyte, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to San Clemente, including Bus, Amtrak and FlixBus. From Bakersfield, the bus ride to San Clemente takes 201 km and will cost you around $32. From Paradise, the ticket costs about $70 for a journey of 386 km.

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, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to San Clemente departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 16m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Clemente. The train journey from San Clemente to Fullerton takes 0h 39m and costs around $14 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Anaheim, expect to pay about $16 for a 0h 44m trip. 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 Kyte, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to San Clemente, including Bus, Amtrak and FlixBus. From Bakersfield, the bus ride to San Clemente takes 201 km and will cost you around $32. From Paradise, the ticket costs about $70 for a journey of 386 km.

Airports near San Clemente

Airlines serving San Clemente

Lufthansa
Good (4,672 reviews)
KLM
Good (857 reviews)
SWISS
Good (930 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,503 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,606 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,300 reviews)
Air France
Good (979 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,563 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (475 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,940 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,131 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,482 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,809 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (878 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,166 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
LOT
Good (685 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (917 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in San Clemente

Average rates range from around $261 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $327 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North and Hampton Inn & Suites San Clemente.

Where to stay in popular areas of San Clemente

Most booked hotels in San Clemente

Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North
2 stars
Excellent (8.6, 508 reviews)
$136+
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection by Marriott
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 112 reviews)
$369+
San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 408 reviews)
$173+
Riviera Beach & Shores Resorts
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 197 reviews)
$172+
Residence Inn by Marriott Dana Point San Juan Capistrano
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 77 reviews)
$195+
The Volare Ascend Hotel Collection
3 stars
Excellent (8, 229 reviews)
$129+

Renting a car in San Clemente

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $52 per day, on average, or $103 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, 10% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.94 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 $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in San Clemente is Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Full-size rental cars (Nissan Altima or similar) are, on average, 62% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $52 per day, on average, or $103 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, 10% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.94 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 $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in San Clemente is Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Full-size rental cars (Nissan Altima or similar) are, on average, 62% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.