$13 Car Rental Santa Monica, CA

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. This option is particularly appealing for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking entertainment-themed experiences. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions like Santa Monica Beach, known for its beach experiences, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The family-friendly Third Street Promenade is also within reach, making it convenient to enjoy outdoor activities together.

Additionally, a rental car allows for easy exploration of popular nearby destinations. Los Angeles, where Santa Monica is located, offers attractions such as Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain. A short drive of 3 miles can take you to Venice, famous for its Muscle Beach and Venice Beach. Marina del Rey, just 4 miles away, features Marina Beach and scenic views. With a car, you can manage your luggage effortlessly and create flexible travel plans, ensuring you make the most of your visit to Santa Monica and beyond.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Monica

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle is a top choice for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travelers with space for up to 3 large suitcases. The midsize SUV offers a perfect blend of comfort and versatility, making it ideal for those looking to explore the beautiful surroundings of Santa Monica. With ample room for luggage and beach gear, it allows for a stress-free travel experience, ensuring you can enjoy your adventure without worrying about space.
• Economy: The economy car is a practical option that fits up to 5 travelers and allows for 2 medium suitcases. This car type is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families looking for an efficient and budget-friendly rental. With its compact size, the economy car is easy to maneuver in Santa Monica, making it suitable for city driving while still offering enough room for your travel essentials. It's a great choice for those wanting to explore the area without excess baggage.
• Standard SUV: Ideal for couples, families, or groups, the standard SUV accommodates up to 5 travelers and provides space for 2 medium suitcases. This option combines comfort with capability, making it a favorite among those seeking a versatile vehicle for their Santa Monica trip. Whether you're enjoying a day at the beach or heading out for a scenic drive, the standard SUV ensures you have enough space for your belongings while delivering a comfortable ride.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Monica

• Hertz: Hertz is a well-regarded car rental supplier with one rental location in Santa Monica. Travelers appreciate the convenience of their services and often opt for Economy and Midsize SUVs, which are popular choices for navigating the city and surrounding areas. Hertz is known for maintaining a fleet of well-kept vehicles, ensuring a reliable driving experience during your trip.
• Enterprise: With three rental locations in Santa Monica, Enterprise stands out for its extensive presence and customer-friendly service. Many travelers favor Midsize and Standard SUVs from Enterprise, which offer ample space for luggage and comfort during drives. The company is recognized for its helpful staff and flexible rental options, making it a popular choice for both leisure and business travelers.
• Sixt: Sixt operates one rental location in Santa Monica and is known for its selection of Midsize and Luxury SUVs. Travelers often choose Sixt for its premium vehicle offerings and exceptional service. The attention to detail in vehicle maintenance and cleanliness adds to the positive rental experience, making Sixt a great option for those looking to explore Santa Monica in style.

Where to stay around Santa Monica

• Santa Monica: Known for its iconic Santa Monica Beach, this vibrant area offers a blend of family-friendly activities, shopping, and dining options. Visitors can easily access attractions such as the Santa Monica Pier, while enjoying the beautiful coastline. The best time to visit is during the warmer months when beach activities are in full swing.
• Venice: Located 3 miles away from Santa Monica, Venice is famous for its bustling boardwalk and Muscle Beach. This area is ideal for travelers seeking an outdoor and beach experience, with ample opportunities for shopping and enjoying local eateries. Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach are both popular spots for sunbathing and beach fun.
• Marina del Rey: Situated 4 miles from Santa Monica, Marina del Rey offers a picturesque waterfront experience. This family-friendly destination features Marina Beach and is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is also home to a variety of restaurants and shopping options, making it a great choice for a relaxing stay close to Santa Monica.

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

Best time to rent a car in and around Santa Monica

The best time to rent a car in and around Santa Monica is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand remains average. May also offers a great value, with both lower prices and demand. As the year progresses, March and April see average prices but rising demand. However, August stands out as the most expensive month, with high demand making it a busy time for rentals. July and December also experience higher prices and demand levels.

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

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Santa Monica

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Santa Monica

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $13.

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