$46 Car Rental Santa Maria, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Maria

Renting a car in Santa Maria offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the beautiful surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly appealing for wine country enthusiasts, adventurers, and families looking to create memorable experiences together. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and travel plans, making it convenient to visit nearby attractions such as the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, located just 15 miles away, or the Santa Maria Fairpark, right in the heart of the city. If you're up for a short drive, the Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve is only 14 miles away, providing ample opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Additionally, a rental car allows you to explore nearby cities like Nipomo, just 7 miles from Santa Maria, and Arroyo Grande, 14 miles away, both featuring their own unique attractions. Grover Beach, located 16 miles from Santa Maria, also offers scenic spots such as Pismo Beach Pier and Pismo State Beach. Whether you're seeking romance, outdoor activities, or family fun, having a car at your disposal ensures a seamless and enjoyable travel experience in and around Santa Maria.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Maria

• Midsize: This car type is an excellent choice for couples and families, comfortably fitting up to 5 travelers along with up to 3 large suitcases. The midsize car strikes a perfect balance between space and maneuverability, making it ideal for exploring Santa Maria and its surrounding attractions. With ample room for passengers and luggage, you can enjoy your journey without feeling cramped.
• Economy: Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families, the economy car accommodates up to 5 travelers and up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is budget-friendly and offers great fuel efficiency, making it a smart choice for those looking to explore Santa Maria and its beautiful wine country without breaking the bank. The economy car allows for a flexible travel experience, ensuring you can easily navigate the area.
• Fullsize: Ideal for families or groups, the fullsize car can fit up to 5 travelers along with either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This spacious option is perfect for those who need extra room for luggage and comfort during their travels. With the fullsize car, you can enjoy a more relaxed journey while discovering Santa Maria and its surroundings, making it a popular choice among travelers.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Maria

• Budget: Budget is a popular choice for travelers in Santa Maria, featuring 2 rental locations in the area. Customers appreciate the flexibility and convenience of renting from Budget, making it easy to explore local attractions. The most booked cars with Budget are Midsize and Economy vehicles, providing great options for those looking to balance comfort and affordability while navigating the region.
• Avis: Avis offers a premium car rental experience with its single location in Santa Maria. This supplier is favored for its selection of Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, catering to families and groups needing extra space. Avis is known for its reliable service and well-maintained vehicles, making it a solid option for travelers looking to enjoy the beautiful Central Coast of California.
• Enterprise: With a location in Santa Maria, Enterprise is recognized for its excellent customer service and wide range of vehicle options. The most popular rentals include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, ideal for those wanting comfort and space. Travelers often commend Enterprise for its friendly staff and ease of the rental process, ensuring a smooth experience throughout your journey in and around Santa Maria.

Where to go in and around Santa Maria

• Nipomo: Located 7 miles away from Santa Maria, Nipomo offers a variety of outdoor activities and scenic experiences. Visitors can explore the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, a popular dune for scenery vacations, or enjoy family outings at the Santa Maria Fairpark. Nature enthusiasts can visit the Nipomo Native Garden, a lovely preserve. The best times to visit are February, July, and September, when traveler arrivals peak.
• Arroyo Grande: Situated 14 miles from Santa Maria, Arroyo Grande is known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor recreational areas. Key attractions include the Pismo Beach Pier, a lovely jetty, and Pismo State Beach, perfect for beach vacations. Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is also nearby for additional scenic enjoyment. The peak travel months are April and June to July, making it an ideal time for visitors.
• Grover Beach: 16 miles away from Santa Maria, Grover Beach is another fantastic destination for outdoor and beach activities. The area features Pismo Beach Pier and Pismo State Beach, which are excellent for relaxing beach days. Visitors can also explore the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area for stunning scenery. The peak visiting times here are similar to Arroyo Grande, occurring in April and June to July, making these months the most vibrant.

10 tips to save on your Santa Maria car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car to save money, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to access lower rates and better availability, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically 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 surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the best choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which are acceptable as well; just remember to return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unexpected occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent 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 Santa Maria

The best time to rent a car in and around Santa Maria is February, when both prices and demand are slightly low, offering great value. January also provides a quiet atmosphere with low demand and prices. Moving into March, demand rises significantly, making it an average month for rentals. As summer approaches, June sees the highest prices and demand, followed closely by July, which remains busy and pricey. August settles into slightly high prices but lower demand compared to the peak months.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	53.8°F (12.1°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	56.7°F (13.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
May	59.0°F (15.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	65.7°F (18.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	66.4°F (19.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	66.7°F (19.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	63.7°F (17.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	57.9°F (14.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Santa Maria

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Santa Maria

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $46.

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