Santa Monica Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Monica

Renting a car in Santa Monica provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Santa Monica Beach, the iconic Santa Monica Pier, and the family-friendly Third Street Promenade without worrying about public transportation schedules. Having your own vehicle also allows for convenient luggage management, making it easier to enjoy a day at the beach or a family outing. Additionally, Santa Monica is centrally located near other popular destinations like Los Angeles, which is home to attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain. You can also take a short drive to Venice, located only 4 km away, to experience Muscle Beach and Venice Beach. For those looking to explore further, Marina del Rey is just 6 km away and offers beautiful beaches as well. Whether you are travelling with family or seeking outdoor entertainment, renting a car in Santa Monica enhances your travel experience by offering the convenience to discover everything this vibrant area has to offer.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Monica

• Standard SUV: This car type accommodates 5 travellers and allows for up to 2 medium suitcases, making it an excellent choice for couples, families, or groups. With a standard SUV, you'll have the comfort and space needed to navigate Santa Monica and its surroundings while enjoying the flexibility to manage your luggage effortlessly.
• Luxury: The luxury option caters to 5 travellers and can hold up to 4 large suitcases, which is perfect for business travellers, couples, or small groups seeking a premium experience. Renting a luxury vehicle not only enhances your travel comfort but also elevates your overall experience while exploring Santa Monica.
• Midsize SUV: Accommodating 5 travellers with up to 3 large suitcases, the midsize SUV is a versatile choice for families, couples, or small groups. This option balances space and comfort, allowing you to enjoy your trip while ensuring that everyone and their belongings are well accommodated during your travels in and around Santa Monica.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Monica

• Enterprise: With three rental locations conveniently situated in the Santa Monica area, Enterprise is a popular choice among travellers. Known for its excellent customer service, this supplier offers a diverse range of vehicles, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your journey. The most booked cars include Luxury and Standard Convertibles, ideal for enjoying the scenic Californian coast in style. Renting from Enterprise allows for maximum flexibility and convenience during your stay.
• Sixt: Sixt operates one rental location in Santa Monica, providing a streamlined car rental experience for visitors. This supplier is noted for its friendly service and efficient processes, ensuring a pleasant experience from pick-up to drop-off. Sixt's most popular vehicles are Premium and Midsize SUVs, great for those who need extra space or are planning to explore the surrounding areas. With Sixt, you can enjoy a blend of comfort and style as you navigate Santa Monica.
• Hertz: Hertz has one rental location in Santa Monica, offering a selection of reliable vehicles to suit various travel needs. With a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, Hertz provides Midsize and Standard SUVs as their most booked options—perfect for families or groups looking for ample room. Renting from Hertz enables you to explore Santa Monica and its attractions with ease, making it a trusted choice for many visitors.

Where to stay around Santa Monica

• Santa Monica: Known for its stunning beach, Santa Monica Beach is an ideal spot for a beach holiday. This vibrant area offers a variety of restaurants, shopping options, and entertainment venues, making it perfect for families. Enjoy the iconic Santa Monica Pier, which features an amusement park and an aquarium, adding to the local charm.
• Venice: Located 4 km from Santa Monica, Venice is famous for its lively boardwalk and Muscle Beach. This area is great for families seeking outdoor experiences and beach activities. With numerous shops and eateries, visitors can enjoy a fun day out while soaking in the local culture and atmosphere.
• Marina del Rey: Approximately 6 km from Santa Monica, Marina del Rey is a picturesque area featuring beautiful beaches and a family-friendly environment. This waterfront community offers various dining options and shopping areas, making it a great choice for those looking to relax by the beach while still being close to Santa Monica's attractions.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for those summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise 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 trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to access lower rates and enjoy improved availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to navigate and park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also be a consideration for renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
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. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
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 should something unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning extended 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 to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Santa Monica

The best value period to rent a car in and around Santa Monica is November, when prices are lower and demand is moderate. September and May also offer good options, with moderately low prices and average demand. In contrast, July tends to be the most expensive month, accompanied by high demand. February also sees a spike in demand, making it a busier time for rentals. March and June can similarly experience higher prices due to increased activity.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Moderately Low	Moderately High
February	57.0°F (13.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Average
March	59.0°F (15.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Moderately High
April	62.4°F (16.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
May	64.9°F (18.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
June	69.1°F (20.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
July	73.6°F (23.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Moderately High
August	75.0°F (23.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
September	74.5°F (23.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
October	69.4°F (20.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
December	56.5°F (13.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average