Old Town San Diego Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Old Town San Diego

Renting a car in Old Town San Diego offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as the Old Town San Diego State Park, perfect for outdoor adventures and scenic experiences. You can also take a short drive to Mission Bay, located only 4 km away, where you can enjoy beautiful views and outdoor activities, or relax at Mission Beach, just 5 km from Old Town San Diego. This flexibility is especially beneficial for families, as you can manage luggage easily and customize your travel plans without relying on public transportation. Moreover, your rental car enables you to explore nearby neighborhoods like the Midway District and the Midway-Pacific Highway, both just 1 km away, which feature additional attractions such as the USS Midway Museum. By choosing to rent a car, you can effortlessly navigate through San Diego's vibrant city landscape and its surrounding areas, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.

Most popular car rentals around Old Town San Diego

• Midsize SUV: Accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 large suitcases, the midsize SUV is a popular choice for those exploring Old Town San Diego. This option is perfect for families, couples, or small groups who require flexibility and comfort during their travels. With ample room for both passengers and luggage, you can easily navigate the area and enjoy your adventure at your own pace.
• Standard SUV: Ideal for couples, families, and groups, the standard SUV can comfortably seat 5 travellers and holds up to 2 medium suitcases. This option strikes a balance between space and manoeuvrability, making it a great choice for those looking to explore Old Town San Diego while ensuring everyone travels comfortably. Enjoy the convenience of a spacious interior while maintaining the ability to navigate the city's streets with ease.
• Fullsize: The fullsize option accommodates 5 travellers and offers impressive luggage capacity, with room for 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for families or groups seeking to travel together without sacrificing comfort or space. With a fullsize vehicle, you'll have the flexibility to pack everything you need while enjoying the freedom to explore Old Town San Diego and its surroundings.

Top rated car suppliers around Old Town San Diego

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo Rent A Car is a popular choice among travellers, located 3 km away from Old Town San Diego. With an overall rating of 8 out of 10, they are known for their friendly service and clean vehicles, ensuring a pleasant rental experience. Most booked cars from Alamo include Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, making them a great option for those needing space and comfort while exploring the area.
• Sixt: Sixt also boasts a rental location 3 km from Old Town San Diego and is recognised for its friendly service. Travellers appreciate the helpful staff, ensuring a smooth rental process. Sixt primarily offers Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, ideal for visitors looking to explore the attractions around Old Town San Diego with ease and versatility.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental is conveniently situated 3 km from Old Town San Diego. While they may not have a specified rating, they are well-regarded for their efficient service and reliable vehicles. Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs are the most popular choices here, catering to those seeking a comfortable ride for their adventures in and around the vibrant Old Town neighbourhood.

Where to stay around Old Town San Diego

• Old Town San Diego: As the birthplace of California, Old Town San Diego offers a unique blend of history and vibrant culture. Here, travellers can explore historic sites and enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine. The area is a hub for family-friendly activities and is close to attractions like Balboa Park and Mission Bay, both perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Coronado: Located 8 km from Old Town San Diego, Coronado is known for its stunning beaches and family-friendly activities. Visitors can relax at Coronado Beach or explore the charming shops at Seaport Village. The USS Midway Museum is also nearby, providing a cultural experience that complements the outdoor adventures available in the area.
• Coronado Island: Situated 6 km from Old Town San Diego, Coronado Island features beautiful beaches and scenic views, perfect for outdoor and family experiences. The island is ideal for shopping and dining, with plenty of restaurants and wineries to choose from. Key attractions include Coronado Beach and the USS Midway Museum, making it a wonderful spot for relaxation and exploration.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Old Town San Diego

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option 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 travel dates. By booking early, you are more likely to access lower rates and greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles strike a good balance between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Other policies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refueling choices, which are acceptable as well. Just remember to return the vehicle empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worth the extra cost for the convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unforeseen expenses and offers peace of mind in case the unexpected occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance while booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning on taking long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Old Town San Diego

The best time to rent a car in and around Old Town San Diego is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. February also offers good value, with similar pricing but slightly higher demand. March and April see average prices and demand, making them decent options as well. However, June through August tend to be the most expensive months, with June experiencing lower demand but still high rates. August, in particular, is the busiest month for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
March	58.1°F (14.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	60.6°F (15.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
May	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	66.4°F (19.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
July	70.5°F (21.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	72.3°F (22.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	72.0°F (22.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
October	68.2°F (20.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average