San Clemente is just off Interstate 5, near the Orange County-San Diego County line. The town is also served by coastal rail stops, including the station near the pier, which makes it one of the easier beach towns to visit without driving.
If you do drive, expect beach parking to tighten quickly on summer weekends. Once parked near Avenida Del Mar or the pier, walking is usually the simplest way to enjoy the centre and waterfront.