$13 Car Rental Montara State Beach, CA

These Montara State Beach insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 18, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental around Montara State Beach

Renting a car around Montara State Beach offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the beautiful coastline and nearby attractions at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create a travel plan that suits your needs. For example, the charming Miramar Beach is only 5 miles away, perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean. If you are looking for more urban experiences, both Golden Gate Park and San Francisco Bay are within 15 and 14 miles respectively, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant city life. Additionally, the nearby cities of Montara and Moss Beach, both less than 1 mile away, offer more opportunities for exploration. Families traveling with kids will appreciate the convenience of a car for easy access to these destinations without the hassle of public transport. Whether you are interested in beach experiences or city adventures, a rental car makes it convenient to visit multiple attractions around Montara State Beach, ensuring a memorable trip tailored to your preferences.

Most popular car rentals near Montara State Beach

• Midsize SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases—ideal for families, couples, or small groups. This car type provides ample space for both passengers and luggage, making it a popular choice for those looking to explore the scenic areas around Montara State Beach. With a comfortable interior and good visibility, a midsize SUV is perfect for navigating the coastal roads while enjoying the beautiful views.
• Standard SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 2 medium suitcases—ideal for couples, families, or groups. The standard SUV offers a balance of space and maneuverability, making it suitable for both city driving and outdoor adventures. Its versatile trunk space allows for easy packing, ensuring that you have everything you need for a day at the beach or a road trip along the coast.
• Compact SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 medium suitcases—ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families. The compact SUV is a great option for those who want a smaller vehicle that still provides enough room for passengers and their belongings. It combines the benefits of an SUV's higher driving position with the ease of parking and handling, making it a practical choice for exploring the area around Montara State Beach.

Top rated car suppliers near Montara State Beach

• Alamo Rent A Car: Located 9 miles from Montara State Beach, Alamo Rent A Car is a popular choice among travelers due to its friendly service and convenient location. With an overall rating of 7.2 out of 10, Alamo provides a reliable rental experience. The most booked vehicles with this supplier include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, making it a great option for those looking for spacious and comfortable rides to explore the scenic coastline.
• Sixt: Also situated 9 miles from Montara State Beach, Sixt is well-regarded for its top-notch customer service and diverse vehicle selection. This supplier is particularly popular for Midsize SUVs and Luxury SUVs, catering to travelers who desire a blend of comfort and style. Sixt's commitment to customer satisfaction ensures a smooth rental experience, allowing you to enjoy your trip at your own pace.
• Budget: Just 8 miles from Montara State Beach, Budget offers car rentals at competitive rates, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. Known for its Midsize and Standard SUVs, Budget provides a variety of vehicles suitable for exploring the beautiful surroundings. With its convenient location and focus on value, Budget makes it easy to manage your itinerary and luggage while enjoying your adventure.

Where to stay near Montara State Beach

• Montara: Located less than 1 mile from Montara State Beach, Montara offers a scenic experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Travelers can explore nearby attractions such as Golden Gate Park and San Francisco Bay. The area also boasts various dining options, including local restaurants and wineries, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to immerse themselves in both nature and local cuisine.
• Moss Beach: Situated only 1 mile from Montara State Beach, Moss Beach is perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy recreational areas and explore the natural beauty of the nearby national state park. With close proximity to Miramar Beach and dining options featuring local wineries, Moss Beach provides a charming coastal atmosphere for a memorable stay.
• Half Moon Bay: Located 7 miles from Montara State Beach, Half Moon Bay is known for its stunning scenery and beautiful beaches. This vibrant area features attractions like Pillar Point Harbor and Miramar Beach, ideal for beach vacations. The local dining scene includes various restaurants and wineries, making it a great spot for travelers looking to indulge in local flavors while enjoying the coastal views.

10 tips to save on your car rental around Montara State Beach

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car to save money, utilize filters on Expedia to help you discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re 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 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 fees, 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 before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure that you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You might incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience could make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unforeseen expenses and provides additional peace of mind in case something unexpected occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance while booking on Expedia is simple.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, look for rental options 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 around Montara State Beach

The best time to rent a car around Montara State Beach is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is also low. March offers average prices with slightly low demand, making it another good option. However, from June through August, prices tend to rise as demand peaks, especially in July, which is the busiest month. While October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand, August remains the most expensive period for rentals in the area.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	49.3°F (9.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
April	56.1°F (13.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
May	65.7°F (18.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	68.0°F (20.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	63.7°F (17.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	68.0°F (20.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	58.3°F (14.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	47.8°F (8.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average