$31 Car Rental La Jolla, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around La Jolla

Renting a car in La Jolla provides you with the freedom to explore this beautiful coastal city and its surroundings at your own pace. Whether you're looking to spend a day at the picturesque La Jolla Cove or relax on La Jolla Beach, having a rental car makes it easy to manage your luggage and tailor your travel plans to your preferences. With attractions like Hotel Circle just 8 miles away, you can seamlessly blend city experiences with your beach adventures. Families will appreciate the convenience of a rental car, allowing them to visit nearby destinations such as Pacific Beach and North Pacific Beach, both located just 3 miles from La Jolla. These neighborhoods offer exciting outdoor activities at Crystal Pier, Pacific Beach Park, and Mission Bay. Additionally, exploring La Jolla Shores Park is simple with your own vehicle, ensuring that you can enjoy all the family-friendly experiences that this area has to offer. Overall, a rental car enhances your visit to La Jolla by providing flexibility and ease, making it the ideal choice for tourists seeking a memorable experience.

Most popular car rentals in La Jolla

• Compact: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 medium suitcases, making it ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families. The compact size is perfect for navigating the streets of La Jolla easily, allowing you to find parking without hassle. This option provides a great balance between space and fuel efficiency, ensuring you can explore the area comfortably without worrying about larger vehicle costs.
• Midsize SUV: This option accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases, making it perfect for families, couples, or small groups. The midsize SUV offers more space for passengers and luggage, ensuring everyone travels comfortably. Its higher seating position also provides better visibility on the road, which can enhance your driving experience as you explore the scenic routes around La Jolla.
• Standard SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 2 medium suitcases, making it a suitable option for couples, families, or groups. The standard SUV offers a blend of comfort and versatility, providing enough room for passengers while still being manageable in urban environments. This vehicle is a great choice if you appreciate added cargo space without going for the larger SUV options.

Top rated car suppliers in La Jolla

• Avis: Avis has a rental location conveniently situated in La Jolla, making it a great choice for travelers looking to explore the area. Known for its reliable service, Avis offers a selection of vehicles that are perfect for various needs. The most booked cars from Avis include Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, providing ample space and comfort for your adventures around La Jolla.
• Budget: Budget also features a rental location in La Jolla, catering to travelers seeking affordable options without compromising on quality. With a focus on value, Budget’s most popular vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, allowing you to enjoy flexibility and convenience while exploring the picturesque landscapes and attractions of La Jolla.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental has a location in La Jolla, offering a variety of vehicles that are well-suited for different travel plans. Popular options include Midsize and Compact cars, ideal for navigating the charming streets of La Jolla. With Thrifty, you can enjoy a practical and economical choice for your car rental needs.

Where to stay in and around La Jolla

• Pacific Beach: Located 3 miles away from La Jolla, Pacific Beach is a vibrant neighborhood ideal for outdoor and family experiences. Visitors can enjoy the scenic Crystal Pier, relax at Pacific Beach Park, and explore the beautiful Mission Bay. The area offers a variety of dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it a great spot for food lovers. With its bustling boardwalk and shopping center, Pacific Beach is perfect for those looking to soak up the sun and enjoy beach activities.
• Mission Beach: Only 4 miles from La Jolla, Mission Beach is a lively neighborhood known for its outdoor and family-friendly atmosphere. The Mission Beach Boardwalk provides a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls, while the nearby Mission Bay offers stunning views and recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the beach itself, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. With numerous dining options available, Mission Beach is an excellent choice for those seeking a fun and engaging beach experience.
• Village of La Jolla: Surrounding the area of La Jolla, the Village of La Jolla offers a charming experience for those interested in beach, outdoor, and scenic activities. Attractions such as La Jolla Cove and the beautiful Mission Bay are easily accessible, providing opportunities for breathtaking views and outdoor adventures. The village features a variety of shopping centers and restaurants, making it a delightful place to explore local cuisine and boutique shopping while enjoying the coastal atmosphere.

10 tips to save on your La Jolla car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. Booking early often leads to lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically have lower rental rates and are easier to park 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 categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might be unavailable. This can also impact renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
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 best option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you 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 added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected costs and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extended road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of extra fees.
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 La Jolla

The best time to rent a car in and around La Jolla is September, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. This month offers great value for travelers. July can also be a good choice, as prices are slightly low despite high demand. However, October tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and lower demand. November follows with moderately high prices, while demand remains steady.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in La Jolla

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in La Jolla

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $31.

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