$11 Car Rental Santa Monica Beach, CA

Reasons to book a car rental around Santa Monica Beach

Renting a car around Santa Monica Beach provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. This popular choice is ideal for beachgoers, active outdoor enthusiasts, and road trippers who want easy luggage management and adaptable travel plans. With a rental car, you can quickly visit nearby attractions like the Santa Monica Pier, located just 0.3 miles away, or head to Venice Beach, which is only 2 miles from Santa Monica Beach. For those interested in city experiences, Rodeo Drive is a mere 7 miles away, offering a taste of luxury shopping and dining.

A car rental is especially beneficial for families or couples seeking a romantic getaway, as it ensures everyone travels together comfortably. Exploring destinations like Beverly Hills and West Hollywood becomes hassle-free with your own vehicle, allowing you to enjoy iconic sites such as Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Boulevard. Whether you’re planning a day at the beach or a scenic drive along the coast, having a rental car makes it easy to create unforgettable memories while discovering all that Santa Monica Beach and its surroundings have to offer.

Most popular car rentals near Santa Monica Beach

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle comfortably accommodates 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases. It’s an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups looking to enjoy the scenic surroundings of Santa Monica Beach. The Midsize SUV offers both space and comfort, making it ideal for day trips and beach outings while allowing you to carry everything you need for a fun-filled day by the ocean.
• Economy: Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families, the Economy car fits 5 travelers and offers room for up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is great for those who want to explore Santa Monica Beach at their own pace without the need for extensive luggage space. Its compact size makes it easier to navigate through traffic and find parking, enhancing your overall beach experience.
• Fullsize: Accommodating up to 5 travelers, the Fullsize car can carry either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it ideal for families or groups. This option provides ample space for everyone’s belongings, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey around Santa Monica Beach. With a Fullsize vehicle, you can effortlessly manage your luggage while enjoying the flexibility of exploring the beautiful coastal area.

Top rated car suppliers near Santa Monica Beach

• Sixt: Sixt is a popular choice among travelers, featuring 2 rental locations nearby, with the nearest just 0.2 miles from Santa Monica Beach. This supplier is particularly favored for its Midsize and Luxury SUVs, making it ideal for those seeking comfort and style during their exploration. Customers appreciate the modern fleet and efficient service, ensuring a smooth rental experience.
• Avis: With 5 rental locations and the closest being 0.9 miles away from Santa Monica Beach, Avis is another top option for car rentals. Travelers often opt for Midsize and Standard SUVs, which provide ample space for luggage and passengers. Avis is known for its reliable vehicles and straightforward rental process, making it a solid choice for those looking to navigate the Santa Monica area with ease.
• Budget: Budget also boasts 5 rental locations, with the nearest just 0.9 miles from Santa Monica Beach. This supplier is well-regarded for offering Midsize and Standard SUVs, catering to families and groups. Budget provides competitive rates and a user-friendly rental experience, ensuring travelers can enjoy their time in Santa Monica without any hassle.

Where to go in Santa Monica Beach

• Beverly Hills: Located 7 miles away from Santa Monica Beach, Beverly Hills is a vibrant city known for its shopping and entertainment. Visitors can explore iconic locations such as Rodeo Drive, perfect for a city vacation, and enjoy attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood, suitable for family outings. For a blend of leisure and luxury, Beverly Hills offers a range of activities including shopping malls and local landmarks.
• West Hollywood: Situated 9 miles from Santa Monica Beach, West Hollywood is a bustling city that attracts travelers seeking a mix of family-friendly activities and nightlife. Highlights include the famous Sunset Strip, ideal for city vacations, and Universal Studios Hollywood, which provides family entertainment. The area is known for its vibrant shopping venues and film studio experiences, catering to both leisure and business travelers.
• Venice: Just 3 miles away from Santa Monica Beach, Venice is a lively city perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers. Visitors can enjoy the iconic Venice Beach, known for its vibrant atmosphere, and explore the Venice Beach Boardwalk, a popular tourist precinct great for family outings. With its close proximity to Santa Monica Pier, Venice offers a unique blend of beach experiences and local attractions.

10 tips to save on your Santa Monica Beach car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added 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 before your trip. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to benefit from lower rates and better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise 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—may not be available. Renters over the age of 70 might also face similar restrictions. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, requiring you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is typically the most economical. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable—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 the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards as a form of payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance while booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent any additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car around Santa Monica Beach

The best value period to rent a car around Santa Monica Beach is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. May also offers good value with both prices and demand remaining slightly low. However, as summer approaches, rental prices climb, particularly in July and August, which are the busiest and most expensive months for rentals, featuring high demand and slightly high prices. September and October then see a return to average pricing and demand levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	59.0°F (15.0°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
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	Slightly Low	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	Slightly High
September	75.0°F (23.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High