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
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 Burbank takes 0h 27m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about $14 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 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 Ace and Kyte, 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 $32. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about $32 for a journey of 125 miles.
Airlines serving San Clemente
Where to stay in San Clemente
Average rates range from around $273 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
Renting a car in San Clemente
Renting a car in San Clemente costs $47 per day, on average, or $94 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, 3% 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 Compact (Nissan Rogue 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, 59% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.
Best car rental deals in San Clemente
Supplier choice
5 Adults, 5 Bags
$33/day
Premium
5 Adults, 5 Bags
$52/day