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 January
Estimated hotel price
C$ 177
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Clemente in January
Estimated hotel price
C$ 177
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 Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, Delta and other airlines departing from Canada. The shortest flight to San Clemente from Canada departs from Vancouver and takes around 2h 51m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Clemente. The train journey from San Clemente to Burbank takes 0h 27m and costs around C$ 15 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about C$ 19 for a 0h 39m trip. The train station in San Clemente is called San Clemente Pier, and is located 0.7 miles 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 59 miles 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 Bus, FlixBus and Amtrak. From Santa Barbara, the bus ride to San Clemente takes 120 miles and will cost you around C$ 44. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about C$ 44 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 Air Canada, Turkish Airlines, Delta and other airlines departing from Canada. The shortest flight to San Clemente from Canada departs from Vancouver and takes around 2h 51m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Clemente. The train journey from San Clemente to Burbank takes 0h 27m and costs around C$ 15 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about C$ 19 for a 0h 39m trip. The train station in San Clemente is called San Clemente Pier, and is located 0.7 miles 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 59 miles 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 Bus, FlixBus and Amtrak. From Santa Barbara, the bus ride to San Clemente takes 120 miles and will cost you around C$ 44. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about C$ 44 for a journey of 125 miles.

Airports near San Clemente

Airlines serving San Clemente

Lufthansa
Good (4,665 reviews)
KLM
Good (852 reviews)
SWISS
Good (942 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,539 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,614 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,306 reviews)
Air France
Good (984 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,585 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (484 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,958 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,120 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,469 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,860 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (229 reviews)
Finnair
Good (872 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,177 reviews)
LOT
Good (685 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (923 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (827 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (833 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in San Clemente

Average rates range from around C$ 371 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to C$ 446 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, Excellent reviews)
C$ 188+
San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
C$ 239+
Residence Inn by Marriott Dana Point San Juan Capistrano
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
C$ 264+
The Volare Ascend Hotel Collection
3 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
C$ 179+
Laguna Inn and Suites
2 stars
Good (7.1, Good reviews)
C$ 132+
Best Western Capistrano Inn
2 stars
Good (6.9, Good reviews)
C$ 178+

Renting a car in San Clemente

Expect to pay C$ 1.42 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$ 17.01 and C$ 22.68. The most frequently booked car type in San Clemente is Standard (Chevrolet Express or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Mazda Mazda3 or similar) are, on average, 74% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Expect to pay C$ 1.42 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$ 17.01 and C$ 22.68. The most frequently booked car type in San Clemente is Standard (Chevrolet Express or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Mazda Mazda3 or similar) are, on average, 74% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.