Where is San Clemente, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 11, 2026

Where is San Clemente, California Located in the United States? - San Clemente is a city located in the Orange County in California, United States. San Clemente lies between 33.4269 Degrees North latitudes and -117.6124 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of San Clemente, Orange, California

Where is San Clemente Located in Orange, California

About Map: The map shows the location of San Clemente in Orange County, in the U.S. state of California.

San Clemente Map, California, USA

About San Clemente Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.

About San Clemente, Orange County, California

San Clemente is located in Orange County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the southern part of the state in the state of the United States along the Pacific coastline at the southern edge of Orange County. The city was incorporated in 1928 and was named after San Clemente Island, reflecting its Spanish colonial-inspired heritage, and it developed as a seaside resort community before expanding into a residential coastal city.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of San Clemente is 64,293 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 3,300 people per square mile.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, San Clemente covers a total area of approximately 19.5 square miles (about 50.5 square kilometers), including about 18.7 square miles (48.4 square kilometers) of land and 0.8 square miles (2.1 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

San Clemente is situated south of Dana Point and north of Oceanside, positioned along coastal bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The city features sandy beaches, rolling hills, and a historic downtown district with Spanish-style architecture. Interstate 5 and Pacific Coast Highway provide major transportation routes connecting San Clemente to Los Angeles and San Diego.

Top Attractions

San Clemente offers beaches, piers, and outdoor recreation areas that support tourism and coastal activities. Popular destinations include the San Clemente Pier, Trestles Beach, and Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens. The city hosts surfing events and community festivals that reflect its reputation as a prominent Southern California beach destination.

Transportation

San Clemente is served by Interstate 5 and Pacific Coast Highway, offering convenient highway access throughout Southern California. Public transportation includes Metrolink and Amtrak rail services connecting the city to regional destinations. The nearest major airport is John Wayne Airport, located approximately 30 miles to the north.

Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official San Clemente City Website.

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San Clemente City Facts

CitySan Clemente
StateCalifornia
CountyOrange County
CountryUnited States
RegionSouth Orange County
IncorporatedFebruary 28, 1928
Founded1925
Total AreaApproximately 19.5 sq mi (50.5 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 18.7 sq mi (48.4 km2)
Water AreaApproximately 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km2)
ElevationApproximately 233 ft (71 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 64,000+
Population (2020 Census)64,293
Population DensityApproximately 3,400 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
ZIP Codes92672, 92673, 92674
Area Code949
Major HighwaysInterstate 5, Pacific Coast Highway
Public TransitMetrolink (San Clemente station), OCTA Bus
Major AttractionsSan Clemente Pier, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, San Onofre State Beach
Official Websitehttps://www.san-clemente.org/

Transportation and Connectivity in San Clemente, California

Transportation TypeDetails
Airport NameJohn Wayne Airport / San Diego International Airport
IATA CodeSNA / SAN
PortPort of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach (Regional Access)
Major HighwaysInterstate 5, Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1), Ortega Highway
Train ServiceAmtrak Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink service
Local Bus/Transit ServiceOrange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)
  • Interstate 5 (I-5): Main north-south highway connecting San Clemente with Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego.
  • Pacific Coast Highway: Scenic coastal route providing access along the California coastline.
  • Ortega Highway: Connects San Clemente with inland communities and Riverside County.
  • Amtrak Pacific Surfliner: Provides coastal rail service between San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles.

Top Places to Visit in San Clemente, California

Landmark NameType
San Clemente PierHistoric Ocean Pier
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and GardensHistoric Landmark and Cultural Center
San Clemente State BeachBeach and Recreation Area
Trestles BeachSurfing Destination
San Clemente Coastal TrailWalking and Cycling Trail
Calafia State ParkCoastal Park
Surfing Heritage and Culture CenterSurf Museum
San Clemente OutletsShopping Center
Los Molinos Historic DistrictHistoric Neighborhood
Marblehead Coastal TrailScenic Trail

Driving Distances from San Clemente, California to Nearby Cities

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
Dana PointCalifornia5 mi10 minutes
San Juan CapistranoCalifornia7 mi15 minutes
Laguna BeachCalifornia25 mi35 minutes
IrvineCalifornia35 mi45 minutes
AnaheimCalifornia45 mi55 minutes
Los AngelesCalifornia65 mi1 hour 15 minutes
Long BeachCalifornia55 mi1 hour
RiversideCalifornia60 mi1 hour 15 minutes
San DiegoCalifornia65 mi1 hour 10 minutes
Palm SpringsCalifornia120 mi2 hours

Colleges and Universities Near San Clemente, California

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
Saddleback CollegePublicCommunity CollegeTransfer programs, career training, business, and health sciences
California State University, San MarcosPublicUniversityBusiness, education, science, and health programs
University of California, IrvinePublicUniversityResearch, engineering, medicine, and sciences
California State University, FullertonPublicUniversityBusiness, arts, education, and professional programs
Capistrano Unified School DistrictPublicK–12 DistrictPrimary and secondary education

Waterbodies Near San Clemente, California

Pacific Ocean, San Mateo Creek, San Juan Creek, Talega Creek, and nearby coastal waterways along Orange County’s southern coastline.

Golf Courses Near San Clemente

San Clemente Municipal Golf Course, Talega Golf Club, Marbella Country Club, Monarch Beach Golf Links, and Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club.

San Clemente, California — Key Historical Facts

  • San Clemente was founded in 1925 by Ole Hanson, who planned the city as a Spanish-style coastal community.
  • The city was named after Saint Clement, with its coastal location shaping its early development.
  • San Clemente grew as a residential and beach community connected to Southern California’s coastal transportation routes.
  • The city became known as the “Spanish Village by the Sea” because of its architecture and ocean setting.
  • Today, San Clemente is recognized for its beaches, surfing culture, historic sites, parks, and coastal lifestyle.

Stadiums and Sports Facilities Near San Clemente

Facility NameTypeLocation
Thalassa StadiumHigh School Sports StadiumSan Clemente, California
Vista Hermosa Sports ParkCommunity Sports FacilitySan Clemente, California
San Clemente Aquatics CenterAquatic Sports FacilitySan Clemente, California
Angel Stadium of AnaheimProfessional Baseball StadiumAnaheim, California
Honda CenterProfessional Sports ArenaAnaheim, California

References

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