$12 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 vibrant surroundings at your own pace. This option is particularly appealing for outdoor enthusiasts, family explorers, and weekend travelers who appreciate the convenience of managing their luggage and having flexible travel plans. With a rental car, you can effortlessly visit notable attractions like Santa Monica Beach, located 9 miles away, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier, just 10 miles from Santa Maria. Additionally, Hollywood Boulevard is only 12 miles away, perfect for those seeking cultural experiences.

Exploring nearby destinations becomes a breeze with a rental vehicle. You can easily drive to Santa Monica, where you can enjoy the beach, pier, and Santa Monica College. Beverly Hills is another fantastic option, only 11 miles away, featuring attractions like Rodeo Drive and Universal Studios Hollywood. For a taste of coastal beauty, Malibu is just 9 miles away, offering scenic views and access to Pepperdine University. Overall, a rental car enhances your travel experience, making it easy to enjoy everything Santa Maria and its surroundings have to offer.

Most popular car rentals around Santa Maria

• Midsize SUV: This option is perfect for families, couples, or small groups, comfortably fitting up to 5 travelers along with 3 large suitcases. Midsize SUVs are particularly popular among outdoor enthusiasts and weekend travelers, as they provide ample space for luggage while allowing for easy navigation of both urban and rural areas around Santa Maria.
• Fullsize: Ideal for larger families or groups, the fullsize car accommodates up to 5 travelers with flexibility for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it a versatile choice for those planning extensive exploration in and around Santa Maria, offering convenience for cultural experiences and outdoor adventures alike.
• Economy: A great choice for solo travelers, couples, or smaller families, the economy car fits up to 5 travelers with space for 2 medium suitcases. This option provides an economical way to explore Santa Maria, making it especially appealing for those seeking a budget-friendly and efficient car rental experience while enjoying the freedom of independent travel.

Top rated car suppliers around Santa Maria

• Enterprise: With over 5 rental locations, Enterprise is a leading choice for travelers looking to explore Santa Maria and its surroundings. The nearest location is conveniently located just 4 miles away, making it easy to pick up your vehicle. Popular options include Midsize SUVs and Mini Vans, perfect for families or groups needing extra space. Enjoy the flexibility to explore attractions at your own pace.
• Hertz: Hertz operates 2 rental locations near Santa Maria, with the closest being 5 miles away. Known for its reliable service, Hertz offers a selection of Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, catering to various travel needs. This flexibility allows you to manage your luggage easily and adapt your itinerary as desired while enjoying the scenic routes around Santa Maria.
• Budget: Budget also features 2 rental locations in proximity to Santa Maria, with the nearest one only 3 miles away. This supplier is well-regarded for its affordability and provides a range of vehicles, including Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs. Renting from Budget allows you to explore the area without breaking the bank, making it a great option for cost-conscious travelers.

Where to go around Santa Maria

• Santa Monica: Located 9 miles from Santa Maria, Santa Monica offers a vibrant beach experience with attractions like Santa Monica Beach, ideal for a beach vacation, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier, perfect for leisurely strolls. The area is also known for its shopping precinct and educational venues such as Santa Monica College, making it suitable for family and cultural experiences. Visitor numbers peak in April and June to July, so planning your visit during these times could enhance your experience.
• Beverly Hills: Situated 11 miles from Santa Maria, Beverly Hills is a premier destination known for its upscale shopping along Rodeo Drive. The city offers attractions such as Universal Studios Hollywood for entertainment and Hollywood Boulevard, a famous street with historical significance. This area attracts visitors year-round, with peak times in March to April and July. It's a fantastic location for those seeking a blend of city and family experiences.
• Malibu: Just 9 miles from Santa Maria, Malibu is renowned for its stunning beaches and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy Santa Monica Beach and its family-friendly atmosphere, as well as Pepperdine University, which adds a touch of modern educational charm. The area experiences peak visitor arrivals from June to August, making it an ideal time for beach lovers and families looking to enjoy the sun and surf.

10 tips to save on your Santa Maria 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 extra space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option 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 car well ahead of your travel dates. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to lock in lower rates and benefit from greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come at a lower rental price and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size cars strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and some 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 before making a reservation.
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 most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, 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 the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only accept credit cards as a form of payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of 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 value period to rent a car in and around Santa Maria is May, when prices are lower and demand is moderate. April also offers a quieter experience, with slightly low demand and average prices. June through August see higher demand and slightly elevated prices, particularly in July, which tends to be the busiest month. Following this peak, December stands out as the most expensive month, alongside high demand during the holiday season.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
February	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	59.0°F (15.0°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
April	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	65.3°F (18.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	69.8°F (21.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
July	74.3°F (23.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	75.7°F (24.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
September	75.0°F (23.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
December	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High