Flying to SNA - first time. Any tips?

Question

Sadly a friend is in hospice in San Juan Capistrano (her home & hubby are in San Clemente).

Hubby said just visiting a day would be fine. So, my plan is to fly into SNA which has a direct flight for me (SkyWest for Alaska Airlines). I'm looking at arriving on a Thursday afternoon departing Saturday afternoon. Planning to rent a car (as I don't want to add stress or more "duties" to the husband).

Thrifty and Dollar car rentals are the cheapest but they are not at the terminal (require shuttle), Alamo and Budget are the best prices for at the terminal. Thoughts or tips or suggestions on car rental?

Thinking of staying near the San Clemente Pier which is about 7 minutes from their house, 15 minutes from her hospice care. Open to staying somewhere totally different if OC TA folks advise.

Anything I should know?

Hotel referral that would be walking distance to pier or near something for me to do in my spare time. I'm looking at: Casa Tropicana Boutique Beachfront Hotel or San Clemente Cove or Oceanfront Hacienda or Sea Horse Resort. I don't need fancy just clean and safe.

Answer

Flying into John Wayne Airport (SNA) for the first time is fairly straightforward. It’s a smaller airport compared to LAX, with a compact layout, short walking distances, and generally lighter crowds, which makes arrivals and departures quicker and less stressful. Since you’re planning a short stay from Thursday afternoon to Saturday afternoon, you’ll likely find SNA very convenient.

Car rental considerations:

Alamo, Budget, and Enterprise all have on-terminal counters, which means you can pick up your car without taking a shuttle. This saves time and is more convenient, especially if you want to minimize stress during a brief visit.
Thrifty and Dollar are off-site, requiring a short shuttle ride. While cheaper, the shuttle can add 15–30 minutes each way, depending on traffic and wait times. For a short 2-day trip, the time savings from an on-terminal rental may outweigh the modest cost difference.
Booking in advance is key. Sometimes Alamo/Budget offer early-bird rates or discounts that make them competitive with off-terminal rentals.
Check the car size — a compact or intermediate car is easy to park around San Clemente and along the pier.

Hotel considerations near San Clemente Pier:

Casa Tropicana Boutique Beachfront Hotel: Charming, clean, small property right by the pier. Ideal if you want to be steps from the beach and have a quiet, boutique-style stay.
San Clemente Cove Hotel: Right on the water, clean and simple accommodations. Great location for beach walks, coffee shops, and casual dining nearby.
Oceanfront Hacienda: Boutique oceanfront, walkable to pier and local eateries. Offers a cozy, intimate setting.
Sea Horse Resort: Smaller, more budget-friendly option with proximity to the pier. Good if you just need clean, safe lodging and a convenient location.

Other tips for your stay:

Parking is usually easy near the pier and hotels, but check ahead if the property has on-site parking.
San Clemente is very walkable — if you have spare time, stroll along the pier, Del Mar Street for boutique shops, or enjoy a coffee by the ocean.
For dining, try casual beachfront cafes or small local restaurants within walking distance, such as Nick’s San Clemente or Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar. Perfect for a quiet lunch or dinner in between visits.
Traffic around SNA and the 5 freeway is generally manageable, but Thursday afternoon and Friday morning can be slightly busier due to commuting — allow extra time when driving to the hospice or hotel.
Bring layers — coastal San Clemente can be breezy, especially in the evenings, even in spring or summer.

Overall, your plan to stay near the pier is excellent — it’s convenient for visiting your friend, gives you easy access to the beach, and provides safe, pleasant accommodations. Choosing an on-terminal rental like Alamo or Budget will minimize logistics and stress for your short trip.