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 April
Estimated hotel price
$123
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Clemente in April
Estimated hotel price
$123
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, 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 15m.

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 47m 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 Kyte and Sixt, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to San Clemente, including LuxXpress, FlixBus and Amtrak. From Santa Barbara, the bus ride to San Clemente takes 120 miles and will cost you around $33. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about $36 for a journey of 125 miles.

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, 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 15m.

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 47m 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 Kyte and Sixt, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to San Clemente, including LuxXpress, FlixBus and Amtrak. From Santa Barbara, the bus ride to San Clemente takes 120 miles and will cost you around $33. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about $36 for a journey of 125 miles.

Airports near San Clemente

Airlines serving San Clemente

Lufthansa
Good (4,678 reviews)
KLM
Good (845 reviews)
SWISS
Good (950 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,622 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,257 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,582 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (488 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,601 reviews)
Air France
Good (979 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,109 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,434 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,983 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,996 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (856 reviews)
LOT
Good (677 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (812 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (934 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,169 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (837 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in San Clemente

Average rates range from around $292 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $327 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of San Clemente

Most booked hotels in San Clemente

Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection by Marriott
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 112 reviews)
$401+
Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North
2 stars
Excellent (8.6, 510 reviews)
$154+
San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 421 reviews)
$178+
Riviera Beach & Shores Resorts
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 37 reviews)
$220+
Residence Inn by Marriott Dana Point San Juan Capistrano
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 77 reviews)
$186+
The Volare Ascend Hotel Collection
3 stars
Excellent (8, 229 reviews)
$149+

Renting a car in San Clemente

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $57 per day, on average, or $114 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, 20% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in San Clemente is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica 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, 63% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in San Clemente costs $57 per day, on average, or $114 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, 20% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in San Clemente is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica 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, 63% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.