San Clemente Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around San Clemente

Renting a car in San Clemente offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it an ideal choice for families and those seeking outdoor or beach experiences. Key attractions like the San Clemente Pier, San Clemente State Beach, and Casa Romantica are all easily accessible, allowing you to enjoy the local culture and scenic beauty. Additionally, you can venture to nearby destinations such as Laguna Beach, just 20 km away, where you can visit Treasure Island Beach and Heisler Park. Dana Point, located 9 km from San Clemente, features Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach, perfect for a fun day out. If you’re interested in history, San Juan Capistrano, only 10 km away, offers the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. Having a rental car ensures that you can explore these attractions and surrounding cities without relying on public transport, making your trip to San Clemente enjoyable and convenient.

Most popular car rentals in San Clemente

• Fullsize: The Fullsize car option is a popular choice for those travelling with family or in groups. It accommodates up to 5 travellers along with the capacity for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an ideal selection for visitors needing extra space for luggage while exploring the attractions in and around San Clemente comfortably and conveniently.
• Midsize: If you're travelling as a couple or with a small family, the Midsize option is an excellent fit. This vehicle can comfortably seat up to 5 travellers and has room for up to 3 large suitcases. Its balance between space and efficiency makes it a popular choice among those looking to enjoy the scenic drives around San Clemente while managing their luggage effectively.
• Economy: The Economy car option is perfect for solo travellers, couples, or small families who prefer a compact and budget-friendly vehicle. It accommodates up to 5 travellers and allows for up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for those who want to navigate San Clemente easily while enjoying the flexibility of a smaller car that’s easy to park and manoeuvre.

Top rated car suppliers in San Clemente

• Hertz: With a rental location conveniently situated in San Clemente, Hertz is a popular choice among travellers seeking flexibility. Known for its wide selection of vehicles, the most booked options include Fullsize and Midsize SUVs, perfect for those looking to explore the stunning Californian coastline and surrounding attractions. Hertz is committed to providing a seamless rental experience, allowing you to enjoy your adventure with ease.
• Enterprise: Enterprise also boasts a rental location in the San Clemente area, making it easily accessible for visitors. This supplier is favoured for its diverse fleet, particularly the Compact SUV and Midsize options, which are ideal for navigating the city's scenic routes. Enterprise prioritizes customer satisfaction and convenience, ensuring that your car rental experience is smooth and tailored to your travel needs.

Where to stay around San Clemente

• Laguna Beach: Located 20 km from San Clemente, Laguna Beach is ideal for families seeking outdoor and beach experiences. Visitors can explore popular spots like Treasure Island Beach and Thousand Steps Beach for a classic beach holiday. Heisler Park offers a scenic urban park atmosphere perfect for family outings. The area also features shopping centres and a variety of restaurants and wineries to enhance your stay.
• Dana Point: Just 9 km away from San Clemente, Dana Point is a great choice for those looking for outdoor and family activities. The picturesque Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach are highlights for beach lovers, while Salt Creek Beach Park offers additional recreational opportunities. The city also has shopping centres and a selection of restaurants and wineries to cater to your culinary needs.
• San Juan Capistrano: Situated 10 km from San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano provides a unique blend of family, outdoor, and cultural experiences. Key attractions include the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano and the charming Los Rios Historic District. The area is also nearby to Dana Point Harbor, catering to those interested in scenic views and beach activities. With shopping centres and restaurants available, your stay will be both enjoyable and convenient.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around San Clemente

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for warm summer days, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, leverage the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are generally more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which can also be acceptable. Just ensure you return the vehicle empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the convenience it offers might justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. It’s simple to include car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required for car rental.

Best time to rent a car in and around San Clemente

The best value period to rent a car in and around San Clemente is January and February, when prices are moderately low and demand is at its lowest. March also offers similar benefits, with low demand continuing. As the year progresses, April to June sees average prices and increasing demand, especially in June. By September, prices become moderately high, and demand remains steady. October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
February	56.3°F (13.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Moderately Low
March	57.7°F (14.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately Low
April	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
May	62.4°F (16.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Average
June	66.2°F (19.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
July	70.7°F (21.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
August	72.1°F (22.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Moderately High
September	72.0°F (22.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Moderately High
October	67.6°F (19.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Moderately High
November	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
December	56.5°F (13.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average