Santa Cruz Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Cruz

Renting a car in Santa Cruz allows you the freedom and flexibility to explore attractions at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key sites such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a popular amusement park ideal for family experiences. The Mystery Spot offers a unique cultural experience, while Natural Bridges State Park provides stunning beach scenery. Having a car makes it convenient to manage luggage and plan flexible travel itineraries.

Additionally, you can venture to nearby destinations like Capitola, which is only 6 km away and features its own beautiful beach and attractions. Westside Santa Cruz and Live Oak are also easily accessible, with highlights including the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Capitola Beach. For families seeking outdoor adventures or beach-related activities, a rental car ensures you can explore these areas comfortably. With easy navigation around Santa Cruz and the surrounding locales, renting a car is an ideal choice for a satisfying and leisurely trip.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Cruz

• Economy: This car type accommodates 5 travellers with space for up to 2 medium suitcases. The Economy option is ideal for solo adventurers, couples, and families looking to explore Santa Cruz comfortably. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate through the city while providing a cost-effective solution for your transportation needs.
• Standard Convertible: Perfect for couples and business travellers, the Standard Convertible can hold up to 4 travellers and 2 medium suitcases. This stylish option allows you to enjoy the beautiful Californian weather and scenic views as you drive around Santa Cruz. It's a great choice if you're looking to add a fun and memorable touch to your trip.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car is ideal for families or groups, accommodating 5 travellers with room for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option offers ample space and comfort for longer journeys, making it a popular choice for those who need extra luggage capacity while exploring Santa Cruz. With its generous interior, the Fullsize ensures everyone travels comfortably, no matter the adventure.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Cruz

• Enterprise: Known for its commitment to customer satisfaction, Enterprise has a rental location in Santa Cruz that provides a wide range of vehicle options. The most booked cars include Standard SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, making it an excellent choice for those needing extra space for luggage or passengers. Renting from Enterprise ensures you have the flexibility to explore Santa Cruz and its surroundings comfortably.
• Hertz: With a convenient rental location in Santa Cruz, Hertz is a popular choice among travellers. They offer a variety of vehicles, with Economy and Fullsize cars being the most booked options. Hertz is well-regarded for its reliable service, allowing you to enjoy your journey through Santa Cruz and beyond with ease and confidence.
• Avis: Avis provides a solid option for car rentals in Santa Cruz, featuring a rental location that caters to diverse travel needs. Most commonly booked vehicles include Standard Convertibles and Economy cars, which are perfect for enjoying the scenic coastal drives. Avis is known for its friendly service, helping you to make the most of your trip around Santa Cruz.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

• Westside Santa Cruz: This vibrant neighbourhood is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering proximity to attractions such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Natural Bridges State Park. Westside Santa Cruz is also close to Capitola Beach, where you can enjoy the sun and surf. With a variety of dining options, including local restaurants and wineries, you'll have plenty of choices to unwind after a day of adventure.
• Aptos: Located 11 km away from Santa Cruz, Aptos is an excellent destination for beach lovers and those seeking scenic views. Visitors can explore Rio Del Mar Beach and enjoy the amenities of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Aptos is also known for its golf courses and nearby state parks, making it an ideal spot for outdoor activities. The area features a range of dining establishments, including local restaurants and wineries.
• Capitola: Just 6 km from Santa Cruz, Capitola is a charming city that offers a delightful beach experience for families. Capitola Beach is a popular highlight, along with the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the intriguing Mystery Spot exhibit. The neighbourhood boasts a variety of restaurants and wineries, ensuring that you’ll have access to great food and local drinks to complement your stay.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Santa Cruz

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for extra space, a convertible for enjoying the summer sun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize Expedia's filters to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to obtain lower rates and benefit from better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a suitable balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always confirm age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most convenient option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well—just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Santa Cruz

The best time to rent a car in and around Santa Cruz is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its lowest. June can also offer good value, with average prices and steady demand. However, by September, prices tend to rise to slightly high levels, coinciding with increased demand. March stands out as the busiest month, typically bringing higher rental rates, while April and November also see moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
February	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
March	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
April	54.7°F (12.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	60.1°F (15.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
July	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
August	63.3°F (17.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
September	63.9°F (17.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	61.5°F (16.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Average
November	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	High	Slightly High
December	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average