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 Burbank takes 0h 28m and costs around €10 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about €13 for a 0h 36m 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 FlixBus, Busbud and Greyhound. From Ontario, the bus ride to San Clemente takes 64 km and will cost you around €22. From Santa Barbara, the ticket costs about €60 for a journey of 193 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 Burbank takes 0h 28m and costs around €10 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about €13 for a 0h 36m 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 FlixBus, Busbud and Greyhound. From Ontario, the bus ride to San Clemente takes 64 km and will cost you around €22. From Santa Barbara, the ticket costs about €60 for a journey of 193 km.

Airports near San Clemente

Airlines serving San Clemente

Lufthansa
Good (4,607 reviews)
KLM
Good (848 reviews)
SWISS
Good (929 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,446 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,595 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,280 reviews)
Air France
Good (974 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,546 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (476 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,928 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,124 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,480 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,718 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (226 reviews)
Finnair
Good (879 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (833 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,160 reviews)
LOT
Good (681 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (911 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (835 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in San Clemente

Average rates range from around €241 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to €306 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)
€127+
San Clemente Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
€158+
The Volare Ascend Hotel Collection
3 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
€119+
Comfort Suites San Clemente Beach
2 stars
Good (6.6, Good reviews)
€112+
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 €11.56 and €15.42.

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 €11.56 and €15.42.