$42 Car Rental La Jolla, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around La Jolla

Renting a car in La Jolla offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families or those looking to enjoy outdoor and beach experiences without the constraints of public transport. With a rental car, you can easily visit popular attractions such as La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Beach, both located within the city, where you can appreciate beautiful scenery and partake in various outdoor activities. Additionally, a short drive of 8 miles will take you to Hotel Circle, enhancing your city experience. For those wanting to venture further, Pacific Beach and North Pacific Beach are both just 3 miles away, featuring attractions like Crystal Pier and Mission Bay. La Jolla Shores, also within the area, offers beautiful parks and beaches. With a rental car, managing luggage becomes effortless, allowing you to enjoy your adventures without the hassle of public transport. This convenience makes it an ideal choice for travelers looking to explore all that La Jolla and its surroundings have to offer.

Most popular car rentals in La Jolla

• Compact: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 medium suitcases, making it ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families. The compact size is perfect for navigating the streets of La Jolla easily, allowing you to find parking without hassle. This option provides a great balance between space and fuel efficiency, ensuring you can explore the area comfortably without worrying about larger vehicle costs.
• Midsize SUV: This option accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it perfect for families, couples, or small groups. The midsize SUV offers more space for passengers and luggage, ensuring everyone travels comfortably. Its higher seating position also provides better visibility on the road, which can enhance your driving experience as you explore the scenic routes around La Jolla.
• Standard SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 2 medium suitcases, making it a suitable option for couples, families, or groups. The standard SUV offers a blend of comfort and versatility, providing enough room for passengers while still being manageable in urban environments. This vehicle is a great choice if you appreciate added cargo space without going for the larger SUV options.

Top rated car suppliers in La Jolla

• Avis: Avis has a rental location in La Jolla, providing travelers with convenient access to a range of vehicles. Known for reliability, Avis is a popular choice among visitors, especially for those seeking Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, which are frequently booked. This supplier's focus on customer satisfaction ensures a smooth rental experience, allowing you to explore La Jolla and its surroundings comfortably.
• Budget: Budget also features a rental location in La Jolla, making it easy for tourists to pick up a vehicle. This supplier is known for its affordability and value, catering to travelers looking for Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs. With Budget, you can enjoy a flexible travel experience while managing your itinerary and luggage efficiently.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental has a presence in La Jolla, offering a selection of vehicles that suit various needs. Most popular among travelers are the Midsize and Compact cars, which provide an economical option for those exploring the area. Thrifty is recognized for its straightforward rental process, making it an excellent choice for visitors looking to enjoy La Jolla's attractions with ease.

Where to stay in and around La Jolla

• Pacific Beach: Located 3 miles from La Jolla, Pacific Beach is ideal for those seeking an outdoor, family-friendly beach experience. The area features popular attractions like Crystal Pier and Pacific Beach Park, which are perfect for leisurely strolls and recreation. Visitors can also enjoy dining options at local restaurants and wineries nearby. The scenic Mission Bay adds to the charm, making it a great spot for families and beach enthusiasts alike.
• Mission Beach: Situated 4 miles from La Jolla, Mission Beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with a focus on outdoor activities and family fun. The Mission Beach Boardwalk is a highlight, inviting visitors for a scenic walk or bike ride. The beach itself provides a lively setting for sunbathing and water sports. With nearby dining options and attractions like Mission Bay, this neighborhood is perfect for those who enjoy an active beach lifestyle.
• Village of La Jolla: This neighborhood surrounds La Jolla and is known for its picturesque scenery and beach access. With attractions like La Jolla Cove nearby, visitors can enjoy stunning ocean views and opportunities for outdoor exploration. The Village also features shopping centers and a variety of eateries, making it a convenient base for travelers. Its proximity to Mission Bay further enhances the outdoor experience, especially during pleasant weather.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around La Jolla

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize filters on Expedia to help you discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy greater 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 congested 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 types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. Renters over 70 years old may also face similar restrictions. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
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 fees. This is typically the best option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also be convenient. 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 it might be worth the extra cost for the convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only 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 is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look 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 La Jolla

The best time to rent a car in and around La Jolla is September, when prices are typically at their lowest and demand is moderate. July can also offer good value, with slightly low prices despite high demand. The months of February and March are mid-range options, featuring average prices and demand. However, October tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and lower demand, while November also sees moderately high prices but remains quieter overall.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
March	58.1°F (14.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	60.8°F (16.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	62.8°F (17.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	67.1°F (19.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	71.6°F (22.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
September	72.9°F (22.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	68.4°F (20.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
November	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
December	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in La Jolla

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter La Jolla into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in La Jolla and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in La Jolla

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in La Jolla. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in La Jolla

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $42.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals