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. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything San Clemente has to offer.

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
C$ 167
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Clemente in April
Estimated hotel price
C$ 167
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 Air Canada, United Airlines, Delta and other airlines departing from Canada. The shortest flight to San Clemente from Canada departs from Vancouver and takes around 2h 56m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Clemente. The train station in San Clemente is called San Clemente Pier, and is located 1.1 km from the city centre.

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 Thrifty and Ace, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to San Clemente, including FlixBus, LuxXpress and Greyhound. From Palm Springs, the bus ride to San Clemente takes 167 km and will cost you around C$ 65. From San Diego, the ticket costs about C$ 97 for a journey of 298 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 Air Canada, United Airlines, Delta and other airlines departing from Canada. The shortest flight to San Clemente from Canada departs from Vancouver and takes around 2h 56m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Clemente. The train station in San Clemente is called San Clemente Pier, and is located 1.1 km from the city centre.

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 Thrifty and Ace, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to San Clemente, including FlixBus, LuxXpress and Greyhound. From Palm Springs, the bus ride to San Clemente takes 167 km and will cost you around C$ 65. From San Diego, the ticket costs about C$ 97 for a journey of 298 km.

Airports near San Clemente

Airlines serving San Clemente

Lufthansa
Good (7,197 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,353 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,847 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,645 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,885 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,861 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,684 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,550 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,283 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (838 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,544 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,915 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (8,011 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (387 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,319 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,411 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,331 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,233 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,302 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,207 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in San Clemente

Average rates range from around C$ 348 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to C$ 453 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Rodeway Inn 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

Holiday Inn Express San Clemente North
2 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
C$ 176+
San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
C$ 163+
Residence Inn by Marriott Dana Point San Juan Capistrano
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
C$ 272+
The Volare Ascend Hotel Collection
3 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
C$ 159+
Laguna Inn and Suites
2 stars
Good (6.9, Good reviews)
C$ 138+
Best Western Capistrano Inn
2 stars
Good (6.9, Good reviews)
C$ 159+

Renting a car in San Clemente

Expect to pay C$ 1.29 per litre 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 C$ 15.43 and C$ 20.58. The most frequently booked car type in San Clemente is Full-size (Chevrolet Express or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Chevrolet Aveo Sedan or similar) are, on average, 84% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Expect to pay C$ 1.29 per litre 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 C$ 15.43 and C$ 20.58. The most frequently booked car type in San Clemente is Full-size (Chevrolet Express or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Chevrolet Aveo Sedan or similar) are, on average, 84% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.