The ultimate destination for a beach vacation in California, San Clemente is famous for its white sandy beaches, alpine scenery, Spanish colonial-style architecture, Mediterranean climate, abundant sunshine, rich surfing culture, and laid-back vibe.
With over five miles of shoreline, the charming beach town offers an eclectic array of seaside activities, including surfing, whale watching, beach walking, and fine dining.
There’s no shortage of off-shore adventure in San Clemente either. The city’s vibrant downtown district is home to a fabulous collection of restaurants, shops, and galleries.
After a day packed with both oceanside and off-shore adventures, you’ll need a comfy place to retire to. From beachfront resorts to colonial-style hotels to cute and quirky boutiques, here are my top cool and unusual hotels in San Clemente, California (in no particular order)…
1. The Volare, Ascend Hotel Collection – a modern, trendy and Instaworthy design hotel that features sleek and modern interiors
Displaying a coherent blend of urban comfort and contemporary design, The Volare has rightfully earned its place on the list of San Clemente’s top hotels. The hotel’s prime location in the city center, top-end amenities, and excellent service make it every vacationer’s top choice.
The Volare perches in a lovely beach community downtown and overlooks the gorgeous Pacific Ocean. It puts you within walking distance of over three hundred boutique restaurants and shops, farmer’s markets, and San Clemente’s bustling nightlife.
Back at the base, guests can enjoy American and Continental cuisines at a refined restaurant, continue their fitness regimens in a gym, and wash off their worries in an outdoor pool. You can eventually retire to your room which will feature a mini-fridge, a coffee machine, a flat-screen TV, and a work desk.
Address: 111 Avenida de la Estrella, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for The Volare, Ascend Hotel Collection
2. Beachcomber Inn – a cool and chic cottage-style boutique inn that overlooks the beautiful San Clemente Beach
Combining the beauty of the Pacific Ocean with quaint aesthetics, Beachcomber Inn has been welcoming guests since 1953.
Set in a cottage-style building overlooking San Clemente Beach, the historic inn accommodates guests in airy studios and one-bedroom apartments with cable TVs, sofa beds, and complimentary Wi-Fi. While most units offer full kitchens, one has a microwave, a coffee maker, and a mini-fridge.
Shared facilities include a private garden with BBQ grills, picnic tables, lawn chairs, and BBQ grills.
Address: Address: 533 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for Beachcomber Inn
3. Sea Horse Resort – a trendy oceanfront hotel offering gorgeous views and where pets are also welcome
Gentle ocean breezes greet vacationers upon arrival at Sea Horse Resort. Occupying three boutique properties on the Pacific Ocean’s shoreline, the high-end resort is an ideal base for a relaxing tropical vacation.
Contemporary rooms are thoughtfully designed to provide guests with a luxurious stay. From plush bedding to coffee machines to cable TV, you can enjoy a range of amenities in the room. The furnished balconies expose you to the stunning Pacific Ocean.
One- to two-bedroom suites have full kitchens and living rooms with dining areas. Parking is complimentary for all guests, as are beach towels, umbrellas, and chairs.
Address: 602 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for Sea Horse Resort
4. The Patriots Boutique Motel – a cool laid back boutique motel embraced in the stunning coastal city of San Clemente
If you’re looking for a low-key place to stay with easy access to downtown attractions, The Patriots Boutique Motel is a fabulous choice. Perched off the Interstate 5 freeway, the 2-star hotel is hardly a 5-minute walk from Downtown shops, bars, and restaurants.
Tropical-inspired rooms offer pillow-top mattresses, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and mini-fridges. There’s also an ocean-view suite with a full kitchen, a separate sitting area, and a private patio.
Surfing lessons are offered for a fee, while coffee is served in the lobby for free.
Address: 711 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for The Patriots Boutique Motel
5. Nomads Hotel – a colorful, kitsch, and fun party hotel that is close to great restaurants and major shops
‘Surf, Eat, Sleep’, that’s the mantra of vacationers staying at Nomads Hotel. The eclectic hotel offers a broad range of lodging options to meet the needs of every type of traveler.
However, you can only stay here if there’s a funky side to you. The hip rooms won’t sit well with those looking for a typical tropical vacation.
The kaleidoscopic rooms feature unique themes. While some have a Bali-inspired interior, some are designed like boats. In-room amenities include premium linens, wet bars, mini-fridges, microwaves, Keurig coffee makers, Apple TV, and high-speed internet.
The hotel’s staff will also personally guide you through your vacation in San Clemente.
Address: 101 Avenida Serra, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for Nomads Hotel
6. Always Inn San Clemente Bed & Breakfast by Elevate Rooms – a quirky-chic B&B that offers spacious rooms for a unique stay
This Tuscany-style inn in the heart of the historic San Clemente district welcomes you to a vintage lodging experience complemented by present-day comforts. The laid-back bed-and-breakfast is extremely popular with honeymooners and couples.
Individually decorated rooms boast traditional furnishings and local artwork. Each room is fitted with blackout curtains, a cable TV, a private whirlpool tub, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Belgian chocolates, cookies, a full breakfast, and bottled water are offered to all guests for free.
Address:177 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for Always Inn San Clemente Bed & Breakfast by Elevate Rooms
7. Casa Tropicana – an upscale boutique hotel that is the perfect beach getaway
Standing across the road from the San Clemente Pier, Casa Tropicana features magnificent Spanish-inspired architecture and a tropically influenced interior with original art.
The artistic rooms come with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and mini-fridges. Some rooms also offer fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, living areas, kitchens, and ocean views.
As a guest, you’ll also enjoy some free perks such as parking, a 24-hour coffee station, and loaner beach towels and chairs. Communal areas include sundecks with ocean views.
Address: 610 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for Casa Tropicana
8. North Beach E – a cool and relaxed property that is the perfect home away from home
This spacious, well-kept property steps from North Beach is a perfect pick for nuclear families holidaying in San Clemente. Its basic interior, warm ambiance, and premium amenities will make you feel just at home.
The airy living room features an L-shaped sofa, a flat-screen TV, a console, and a chess table. Next to the living room is a dining area with seating for six adjoining which is a fully equipped kitchen.
Head upstairs to the traditionally decorated bedrooms which deviate slightly from the modern design downstairs. One bedroom features an extra-large double bed, while the other has two sofa beds and two large double beds.
Address: San Clemente, 92672, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for North Beach E
9. North Beach D – chic and modern self-catering accommodation that is within walking distance from the beach
An amazing option for big families vacationing in San Clemente, North Beach D is a well-maintained holiday home steps from the gorgeous North Beach.
The sophisticated property offers a fully functional kitchen with a 2-person breakfast bar, a dining area with seating for eight, and a living room with a fireplace and a flat-screen TV.
The upstairs has a storage room, a sitting area with a flat-screen, and four well-appointed bedrooms, two of which open to spacious and well-furnished patios.
Address: San Clemente, 92672, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for North Beach D
10. Hideaway Unit D – easily one of the coolest apartments to stay in San Clemente perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
This loft-style apartment provides all the comforts that you have at home. From hardwood floors to streamlined furnishings to upscale amenities, you’ll love everything about this cute property located steps from San Clemente City Beach.
There’s a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a well-equipped kitchen, an adjoining dining area, a small courtyard with a picnic table and chairs, and a bedroom sleeping up to two people.
Address: San Clemente, 92672, United States
- To book, check prices or availability for Hideaway Unit D
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Beth was born under a wandering star, with drama in her veins and ink in her pen. After stints studying theatre in Dublin and Utrecht she used her creative streak to see as much of the world as she could on as little money. She toured Italian Schools with a children’s theatre troop, lived as an au-pair in both Rome and Washington DC, explored the British countryside, worked her way through much of Europe, Salsa danced in Cuba and road tripped down America’s west coast where she discovered her spiritual home; Portland, Oregon. In between adventures she resides peacefully with her family, cats and ukulele.