$36 Car Rental La Jolla, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around La Jolla

Renting a car in La Jolla offers the perfect blend of freedom and flexibility, making it a popular choice for beachgoers, outdoor enthusiasts, and family explorers. With a rental car, you can easily navigate to key attractions at your own pace, such as the scenic Mission Bay, located 5 miles away, or the beautiful Mission Beach, just 4 miles from La Jolla. Families can conveniently manage their luggage and travel plans, ensuring everyone stays comfortable during their outings. Additionally, a visit to the modern University of San Diego, situated 6 miles away, is easily accessible by car. Exploring nearby neighborhoods like Pacific Beach, only 3 miles from La Jolla, enhances your experience, allowing you to enjoy the Mission Beach Boardwalk and the picturesque Crystal Pier. Ocean Beach, located 6 miles away, also invites exploration with its charming coastal vibe. Whether you’re seeking a day of family fun or an outdoor adventure, a rental car provides the convenience to travel without the constraints of public transport, allowing you to make the most of your time in and around La Jolla.

Most popular car rentals in La Jolla

• Midsize SUV: This car option is a top choice among travelers in La Jolla, accommodating up to 5 passengers with ample space for up to 3 large suitcases. Perfect for families, couples, or small groups, the midsize SUV provides the versatility needed for beach outings or exploring the scenic surroundings. With its balance of comfort and capacity, it allows for easy luggage management and a relaxed travel experience, making it ideal for those looking to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of La Jolla.
• Standard SUV: The standard SUV is another highly booked option in La Jolla, comfortably fitting 5 travelers along with up to 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle is well-suited for couples, families, and groups, offering a slightly smaller footprint while still providing enough space for beach gear and personal belongings. Its flexible design makes it an excellent choice for those wanting to navigate both the city and coastal areas with ease, giving travelers the freedom to explore at their own pace.
• Economy: For those prioritizing budget-friendly travel, the economy car is a popular choice in La Jolla. This compact option accommodates 5 travelers and offers room for up to 2 medium suitcases, making it a practical selection for solo travelers, couples, or families. With its smaller size, the economy car is easy to maneuver through the bustling streets and tight parking spots of La Jolla, while still providing the flexibility to enjoy this beautiful coastal city without breaking the bank.

Top rated car suppliers in La Jolla

• Avis: Avis is a well-regarded choice for car rentals in La Jolla, featuring one convenient location in the area. Known for its reliable service, Avis offers a great selection of vehicles, with the Midsize SUV and Standard SUV being the most popular options among travelers. Renting from Avis allows you the flexibility to explore La Jolla and its surroundings comfortably.
• Budget: Budget is another excellent option for car rentals in La Jolla, also with one rental location in the area. This supplier is favored for its economical choices, especially the Midsize and Economy vehicles, allowing travelers to enjoy affordable rates while managing their transportation needs. With Budget, you can easily navigate La Jolla's attractions without breaking the bank.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental provides a solid choice for visitors to La Jolla, featuring one rental location nearby. Known for its value, Thrifty's most booked vehicles include Compact and Midsize options, making it an ideal supplier for those seeking efficiency and comfort during their trip. Renting from Thrifty allows you to experience all that La Jolla has to offer at your own pace.

Where to go in and around La Jolla

• Mission Beach: Located 4 miles away from La Jolla, Mission Beach is a vibrant neighborhood perfect for outdoor and family experiences. Visitors can enjoy the scenic Mission Beach boardwalk and visit nearby attractions such as Mission Bay, a great spot for beach vacations. The peak travel times are in March and from July to August, making it an ideal destination if you plan to visit during these months.
• Pacific Beach: Just 3 miles from La Jolla, Pacific Beach offers a mix of outdoor activities, beautiful beaches, and family-friendly venues. Key points of interest include Mission Bay, known for its stunning scenery, and Crystal Pier, a popular jetty. The area sees increased visitor numbers in April and from June to July, so consider timing your visit accordingly to experience the lively atmosphere.
• Ocean Beach: Situated 6 miles away from La Jolla, Ocean Beach is another delightful neighborhood for beach lovers and families. Visitors can explore the local shopping center and enjoy the picturesque beaches, with nearby attractions such as Mission Beach and Mission Bay. The area experiences peak arrivals in April and from June to July, which might enhance your experience if you plan your visit during these months.

10 tips to save on your La Jolla car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for 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 car well ahead of your trip. Booking early often leads to lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically have lower rental rates and are easier to park 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 surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might be unavailable. This can also impact 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, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the best option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
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 costs and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extended road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of extra fees.
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 January and February, as these months offer slightly low prices and average demand. Following this, April stands out with moderately low demand and slightly high prices, making it another good option. However, demand rises significantly from June through August, when prices remain average but rentals are busier. October sees a spike in prices, becoming the most expensive month for rentals as demand returns to average levels.

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	Slightly Low
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	Moderately Low	Slightly High
May	62.8°F (17.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
June	67.1°F (19.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Average
July	71.6°F (22.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Average
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	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	Average	Slightly High
November	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
December	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	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 $36.

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