$13 Car Rental Santa Monica Beach, CA

Reasons to book a car rental around Santa Monica Beach

Renting a car around Santa Monica Beach offers great freedom and flexibility for your exploration and sightseeing adventures. With a rental car, you can visit nearby attractions at your own pace, making it easier to manage luggage and adjust your travel plans as needed. If you're traveling with family, a rental car provides ample space for everyone and their gear, ensuring a comfortable journey. For those seeking a romantic getaway, you can easily drive to scenic spots along the coast.

Key attractions such as Venice Beach, located 2 miles away, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier, less than 1 mile from the beach, are easily accessible by car. You can also venture to Rodeo Drive, just 7 miles away, for a taste of city experiences. Additionally, exploring the greater Los Angeles area and other neighborhoods like Downtown Santa Monica allows you to discover more of what the region has to offer. A rental car truly enhances your travel experience around Santa Monica Beach, giving you the convenience to explore this beautiful area fully.

Most popular car rentals near Santa Monica Beach

• Midsize SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases. This car type is ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore Santa Monica Beach and its surrounding attractions. The spacious interior ensures comfort during your travels, making it a great option for those needing extra luggage space while enjoying the freedom of the open road.
• Standard SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for couples, families, or groups who seek versatility and comfort. With a standard SUV, you'll have ample room for passengers and belongings, allowing you to navigate the Santa Monica area with ease and flexibility in your travel plans.
• Compact: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 medium suitcases. This car is ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families who prefer a smaller vehicle without sacrificing space for luggage. The compact size makes it easier to maneuver through busy streets and find parking near Santa Monica Beach, all while enjoying a comfortable ride.

Top rated car suppliers near Santa Monica Beach

• Sixt: Sixt is a popular choice among travelers with 2 rental locations near Santa Monica Beach, less than 1 mile away. They offer a variety of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Compacts being the most booked options. Customers appreciate the flexibility and convenience that renting from Sixt provides, allowing them to explore the surrounding attractions at their own pace.
• Avis: Avis stands out with 5 rental locations near Santa Monica Beach, also located less than 1 mile away. Known for their Midsize and Standard SUVs, Avis is favored by travelers looking for reliable vehicles. With multiple locations, Avis offers easy access and flexibility, making it an excellent option for those wanting to manage their itinerary effortlessly.
• Budget: Budget features 5 rental locations in proximity to Santa Monica Beach, all within less than 1 mile. Their most popular choices include Midsize and Standard SUVs, appealing to families and groups. With competitive rates and convenient pickups, Budget provides a practical solution for travelers wanting to explore the beach and nearby attractions comfortably.

Where to stay near Santa Monica Beach

• Santa Monica: Staying in Santa Monica offers convenient access to Santa Monica Beach, perfect for a beach vacation. The area is vibrant, with a mix of family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences. Nearby attractions include the Santa Monica Pier, a popular jetty with entertainment options, and Venice Beach, another beautiful stretch of coast. Dining options abound, with a range of restaurants and wineries in close proximity, making it easy to enjoy a meal after a day at the beach.
• Downtown Santa Monica: Downtown Santa Monica is a bustling neighborhood that places you right at the heart of the action. You'll find Santa Monica Beach within walking distance, complemented by local shopping areas and theme park rides for family fun. The neighborhood is known for its tourist precincts, providing a lively atmosphere filled with dining and entertainment options. Not to miss is the nearby Santa Monica Pier, which adds to the charm of this coastal destination.
• Los Angeles: While not directly in Santa Monica, staying in Los Angeles allows for easy access to Santa Monica Beach and its surrounding attractions. The metropolis offers a variety of experiences, from entertainment-themed venues to educational attractions. Popular destinations such as Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain are within reach, providing family-friendly activities. After exploring, indulge in the diverse food scene, including restaurants and wineries available throughout the city.

10 tips to save on your car rental around Santa Monica Beach

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and specific features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to lock in lower prices and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size options strike a great balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This also applies to renters over 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees, which is usually the best choice. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, 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 the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning on taking long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional 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 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. Following those months, April and May offer moderate rates and slightly lower demand. However, March tends to be the most expensive month, with both prices and demand on the rise. Additionally, August sees high demand and slightly higher prices, making it one of the busier months for rentals.

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	Slightly High	Slightly High
April	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
May	65.3°F (18.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
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	Average
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	Slightly Low
October	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	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	Average	Slightly High