$82 Car Rental Downtown Monterey, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Downtown Monterey

Renting a car in Downtown Monterey opens up a world of possibilities for exploration and adventure. This popular choice offers the freedom to navigate the scenic coastal roads, making it ideal for those who appreciate outdoor experiences and breathtaking scenery. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Cannery Row, located just 1 mile away, or Fisherman's Wharf, a mere 0.4 miles from Downtown. If you're eager for a beach day, Asilomar State Beach is only 3 miles away, presenting a perfect spot to unwind. Additionally, a car allows you to venture to nearby cities like Pacific Grove and Seaside, both within 3 miles, where you can further enjoy attractions like Point Pinos Lighthouse and Fort Ord Dunes State Park. The convenience of a rental car means you can manage your luggage effortlessly and tailor your travel plans to your preferences, whether you're a wine lover or an adventurer. Experience the flexibility of your own schedule and discover the beauty of the Monterey area at your own pace.

Most popular car rentals around Downtown Monterey

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle is a favorite among travelers in Downtown Monterey, comfortably accommodating 5 people along with up to 3 large suitcases. It is perfect for families, couples, or small groups seeking adventure. The midsize SUV offers a balance of space and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for exploring the scenic coastal roads and attractions at your own pace.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car option is another popular choice, fitting 5 travelers with room for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it ideal for families or groups who want to enjoy the freedom of traveling together without compromising on comfort or luggage space. With a fullsize vehicle, you'll have ample room to pack all your essentials for a memorable trip in and around Downtown Monterey.
• Standard SUV: Offering a bit of versatility, the standard SUV fits 5 travelers and accommodates up to 2 medium suitcases. This makes it a suitable option for couples, families, or small groups who want to enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery of Monterey. With its manageable size, the standard SUV provides a great compromise between space and agility, allowing you to explore the area with ease.

Top rated car suppliers around Downtown Monterey

• Enterprise: With 3 rental locations nearby, the nearest only 0.4 miles from Downtown Monterey, Enterprise provides exceptional convenience for travelers. Known for their friendly service, they maintain an overall rating of 7.2 out of 10. Most popular among customers are their Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, perfect for exploring the beautiful attractions in and around Monterey at your leisure.
• Budget: Located 2 miles away from Downtown Monterey, Budget is a great choice for those seeking value and efficiency. They specialize in Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, making them a solid option for various travel needs. With their straightforward rental process and commitment to providing budget-friendly options, you can enjoy your trip without breaking the bank.
• Hertz: Hertz operates 2 miles from Downtown Monterey, offering a reliable rental experience. This supplier is popular for their Midsize and Economy vehicles, which are ideal for navigating the scenic routes of the region. Their well-established reputation ensures a smooth rental process, allowing you to focus on enjoying your Monterey adventure.

Where to go around Downtown Monterey

• Pacific Grove: Located 2 miles away from Downtown Monterey, Pacific Grove offers a delightful outdoor, beach, and scenic experience. Visitors can explore popular attractions such as Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf, and the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse. The city features beautiful bays and beaches, making it a great destination for those seeking recreational areas and shopping opportunities. April through July sees a peak in traveler arrivals, while numbers slightly decrease from October to December.
• Seaside: Seaside is situated 3 miles from Downtown Monterey and is known for its outdoor and beach experiences. Travelers can enjoy attractions like Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf, as well as the adventure-filled Fort Ord Dunes State Park. With a mix of shopping areas and amusement parks, Seaside caters to a variety of interests. Peak visitor numbers occur in March and from June to July, with a drop in arrivals from October to December.
• New Monterey: Just 1 mile from Downtown Monterey, New Monterey is perfect for outdoor, beach, and scenic activities. Key points of interest include Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf, and San Carlos Beach - The Breakwater. This neighborhood features shopping areas and a boardwalk, appealing to those looking for vibrant local experiences. Peak visitor numbers are seen from June to August, while December to February tends to experience lower traveler traffic.

10 tips to save on your Downtown Monterey car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car to save money, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars tend to be more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, 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 luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to 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 car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is usually the most economical. Others might offer 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: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payments.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Downtown Monterey

The best value period for renting a car in and around Downtown Monterey is January, when both prices and demand are slightly low. February also offers a quiet time with average prices but low demand. March continues this trend with slightly low prices and average demand. However, things pick up in the summer, particularly in July and August, when rental prices spike and demand is at its highest, making it the most expensive time to rent a car.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	54.5°F (12.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	63.0°F (17.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	63.9°F (17.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	64.0°F (17.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	61.3°F (16.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
November	55.9°F (13.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average