The San Clemente center point is about 1 mile north of Downtown San Clemente and 1 mile northwest of Trestles International Surfing Beach.
With its Mediterranean climate, moderate temperatures, and sunny skies, San Clemente is a popular place to visit in any season. Throughout the summer season, temperatures top out in the mid- to upper 70s. In December and January, the weather is slightly cooler, with average highs in the mid-60s. The San Clemente area enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, which makes it ideal for outdoor adventures.
San Clemente is home to several family-friendly annual festivals and year-round events. If you visit in July, don't miss the San Clemente Ocean Festival, which takes place over a weekend packed with events like a paddleboard surfing championship, a fishing derby, a beach run, lifeguard competitions, and a pancake breakfast. On the first Sunday of every month, stroll along Avenida Del Mar and stop by the Village Art Faire to peruse local arts and crafts.
Make your stay in San Clemente an even better deal by applying group discounts. AAA members can get 10 percent off standard room rates at the Travelodge San Clemente Beach and other area hotels. AARP members and senior travelers save an average of 5 percent at the Rodeway Inn San Clemente Beach, while government employees and members of the military get guaranteed low rates at the Comfort Suites - San Clemente Beach.
Get top-notch value at these highly rated mid-range hotels in San Clemente.
The Comfort Suites - San Clemente Beach features a range of partial, family, and deluxe suites, some of which come equipped with whirlpools. All include mini fridges and microwaves, as well as pillow-top beds and sofa beds for extra space. Go for a swim in the outdoor pool, work up a sweat in the fitness center, and enjoy the free breakfast buffet in the morning. Bring the kids along, and children under 18 can stay with parents for no additional charge.
The Hampton Inn & Suites San Clemente Beach has small and large suites that include LCD TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, and mini fridges. Relax in the spa tub, swim some laps in the outdoor pool, and stock up on snacks in the on-site convenience store. Attractions like downtown San Clemente, Dana Point Harbor, and Mission San Juan Capistrano are just a short drive away, and with free on-site parking, you won't even have to pay extra to drive. Fill up on oatmeal or freshly baked waffles, or grab an On the Run breakfast bag if you're in a rush.
All rooms at the San Clemente Inn include kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves so you can make your favorite meals or snacks from the comfort of your room. Have a drink at the hotel's lounge, play a few games of pool in the billiards area, or soak up the sun by the outdoor pool. For assistance with booking tours of the San Clemente area, just ask the helpful front desk staff.
If you're looking for a more intimate place to stay, set your sights on the Always Inn San Clemente Bed and Breakfast. Choose the Sea Mist, Ocean Dance, or the Palm Whisper room, and enjoy amenities like mini fridges, jetted bathtubs, and designer toiletries. You'll love waking up to a delicious continental breakfast, and the kids will appreciate the bed and breakfast's supervised children's activities.
Most of the action is focused on the waterfront in San Clemente. Take a stroll along the San Clemente Pier, check out the surfers, and have a bite to eat at the Fishermen's Restaurant and Bar at the end of the pier. Walk along the San Clemente Coastal Trail, where you can walk or run while feeling the ocean breeze. Head straight for the San Clemente State Beach for long stretches of sand and great waves.
The San Clemente area has a long history of surfing, and the best place to learn more is at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center. Scope out the surfboards on display, and make a return visit to see the rotating multimedia exhibits.
Whether you need a budget-friendly vacation or want to splurge on an upscale stay, make San Clemente your destination.
San Clemente is famous for its hills and the ocean, in combination with the scenic mountainous views and a very pleasant climate. The city is decorated with architecture from the Spanish Colonial style, better known for its slogan “ 'Spanish Village by the Sea,. The city is studded with beautiful hiking trails, beaches and piers, in addition to the Surfing Heritage & Culture Center, which is a great place for tourists who want to try their hand at old school Californian surfing. Other great places include the Courtney's Sand Castle Universal Playground, the famous Artifex Brewing Company and a long list of bars and restaurants that cater to all kinds of tastes. Finding a reasonable hotel in this city is not a hard task, since the tourism of this city is almost always flourishing.
San Clemente houses a fine range of luxury class to cheap hotels that can accommodate a large number of travelers at one time. Most of the hotels you will find in this city are located near the sandy beaches, to offer you a glimpse of the fin life of San Clemente. Among other names, Best Western Plus Casablanca Inn is one of the reasonably facilitated San Clemente hotels that offer great discounts online, which you can opt for and save lots of cash to spend otherwise. Apart from that, The Rodeway Inn, Inn at Calafia Beach, Casa Tropicana and America's Best Value Inn Budget Lodge are common cheap hotels for tourists who need great facilities at affordable prices.
In case your budget is not limited, a number of hotels in San Clemente cater to a very high-end clientele, including celebrities and politicians alike. San Clemente is also known for Richard Nixon's comfortable winter home, which is located in this very city. The Hampton Inn & Suites, Seahorse Resort, Holiday Inn Express, and The Little Inn by the Beach are some of the most famous hotels in San Clemente that cater to tourists looking for luxury before anything else.
San Clemente is a huge city, often visited by tourists who are looking to just enjoy a peaceful time under the sun. After all, what could entice one to visit California more than the sun-kissed beaches and the roaring waves?
A few San Clemente hotels, that have been built independently or as a boutique, can often provide you with a very personal and quaint experience that you will share with your loved ones over and over again. Travelodge San Clemente Beach, The Patriots Boutique Motel, Hotel Miramar, and places like Comfort Suites San Clemente are all independent accommodations that cater to loyal guests all year round.
Below are reviews of the city of San Clemente, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
The variety of different open spaces makes it feel more of a resort town than a tourist trap.
Beautiful underrated coastal town with many options for restaurants, bars, and grocery stores.
Free shuttle to shops/restaurants.
Clean city overall; No trash on the streets, no graffiti ; access to beach areas is nice.
The vast variety of restaurants was great and shopping centers. I absolutely loved all the cactus, succulents and flowers, they smelled amazing!
I like San Clemente; a clean city. I loved the San Clemente pier. I wish they had more shops though. I enjoyed the restaurant near the pier too.
Lots of nice walking areas to browse shops. Quaint settings in a few places. The downtown was not overcrowded and had cute places for coffee & pastries, and nice little shops to look at. It was fun to walk around the pier area at the beach.
The shopping and restaurants and walking around was wonderful ! Beautiful place.
The charming beach community? I came here to feel the vibe and it was there...
I like the small shops and restaurants. Glad NOT to see big box stores and acres of big apartments. It's quaint, clean and beautiful.
Location is very convenient and the staff is very friendly and helpful. Rooms are clean and comfortable.
Downtown San Clemente was fun with many shops and restaurants. The pier was a great attraction. When I was there 1/8-1/13 2026 the weather was beautiful!
San Clemente is such a terrific beach town. Great shopping, restaurants, and love the pier.
We love the restaurants and shops.
Fun place to go. Local spots are fun and very nice people.
The beach scenery!
I like that everything is nearby and the trolley took us to other sites in the area. It's a nice and peaceful place and walking on the pier and on the beach chases the blues away!
We love the beaches of San Clemente! Also the close proximity of Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano.
Weather, shopping
Beach life!
San Clemente a great place to visit. Hotel is in easy walk to the ocean. Pleasant eating establishments just down the road a bit. San Clemente residents were friendly and helpful.
San Clemente was adorable and we will be back … but not to stay at the Hampton Inn. We are now in a lovely AirB&B in Oceanside!!!
The San Clemente Pier and surrounding shops and restaurants are chill. All are friendly, safe and clean.
Great city to relax in while taking a step back in time!
San Clemente is a great city to visit and hope one day maybe to live there.
Clean. Always enjoy being at the beach.
Great restaurants. Loved going down to the coast.
Beautiful city.
San Clemente has great people, great food and great weather....we love it there!
Ocean and beach!
Love San Clemente. Would love to live here permanently!
Beautiful city and very clean!
Restaurants and stores are within walking distance.
Beautiful City
I love this city, it is the perfect beach town without the heavy tourism! No riff raff; the whole town is asleep by 9:00pm very quiet.
Good beaches and weather!
San Clemente is so picturesque with all of the Spanish style buildings, reminds me of Santa Barbara, and lots of families in little carts driving around, so family oriented! Not to mention absolutely gorgeous ocean views.
I love San Clemente and the ocean!
Beaches!
Just a nice area. I have been there many times.
BEACH and CUISINE!
The staff made great efforts to keep us all comfortable. Very sweet beach town
Mom & Pop restaurants, the car show and the shopping (both retail and thrift)!
Clean and inviting hotel.
San Clemente is a small town with great restaurants, nice walking paths, and beautiful beaches.
The rooms were very clean, and the bed was comfortable. We live in San Clemente but needed a local hotel. We were happy to learn We had a excellent hotel to recommend to visitors.
San Clemente is a great beach town!
The restaurants, the view and the people!
San Clemente is a charming town brimming with retail, bars, cafes, and restaurants mostly all located off the Main Avenue Del Mar. If you arrive in town to go to the beach, there is a place to rent chairs and umbrellas for $5 each just across from the pier.
I loved how close everything was! Lots of fun things to do within walking and driving distance!
The city of San Clemente is so walkable, dog friendly, and full of little gems to explore!
Town was like paradise.
Small town feeling; beaches and pier area.
Everything it's a beautiful city and within walking distance also the free trolly rides
So close to the beach and quiet at night so we slept soundly. Not a lot of traffic to hinder our movements from place to place.
San Clemente is a fun place to visit! Not only is it on the ocean with beaches and piers, but there are many fun shops, bars, and restaurants in the downtown area and golf close by. It is small enough to be easy to get around in, but large enough to offer many fun options.