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. We recommend you stay at least 8 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
€121
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Clemente in January
Estimated hotel price
€121
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. The shortest flight to San Clemente from Ireland departs from Dublin and takes around 11h 05m.

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 €13 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Anaheim, expect to pay about €15 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 centre.

Car

Another option to get to San Clemente is to pick up a car hire from Los Angeles, which is about 95 km from San Clemente. You’ll find branches of Dollar and Thrifty, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to San Clemente, including Bus, FlixBus and Busbud. From Santa Barbara, the bus ride to San Clemente takes 193 km and will cost you around €33. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about €15 for a journey of 201 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. The shortest flight to San Clemente from Ireland departs from Dublin and takes around 11h 05m.

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 €13 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Anaheim, expect to pay about €15 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 centre.

Car

Another option to get to San Clemente is to pick up a car hire from Los Angeles, which is about 95 km from San Clemente. You’ll find branches of Dollar and Thrifty, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to San Clemente, including Bus, FlixBus and Busbud. From Santa Barbara, the bus ride to San Clemente takes 193 km and will cost you around €33. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about €15 for a journey of 201 km.

Airports near San Clemente

Airlines serving San Clemente

Lufthansa
Good (4,662 reviews)
KLM
Good (858 reviews)
SWISS
Good (924 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,485 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,598 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,302 reviews)
Air France
Good (981 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,557 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (475 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,939 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,126 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,482 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,784 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (229 reviews)
Finnair
Good (880 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,166 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
LOT
Good (682 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (916 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in San Clemente

Average rates range from around €240 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to €304 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)
€126+
San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
€159+
The Volare Ascend Hotel Collection
3 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
€120+
Comfort Suites San Clemente Beach
2 stars
Good (6.6, Good reviews)
€110+
Oceana Boutique Hotel
3 stars
Okay (5, Okay reviews)
€93+

Hiring a car in San Clemente

Expect to pay €0.97 per litre in San Clemente (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between €11.60 and €15.46.

Expect to pay €0.97 per litre in San Clemente (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between €11.60 and €15.46.