$67 Car Rental Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, CA

Reasons to book a car rental around Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Renting a car around Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers incredible freedom and flexibility for beachgoers, family explorers, and adventure seekers. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create a travel itinerary that suits your pace. For instance, you can visit the scenic Monterey Bay, located 12 miles away, or enjoy a relaxing day at Capitola Beach, just 4 miles from the Boardwalk. If you're interested in exploring educational sites, the University of California, Santa Cruz is a mere 3 miles away, providing a unique city experience. Additionally, a rental car allows you to venture into nearby neighborhoods like Westside Santa Cruz, which features attractions such as Natural Bridges State Park, or explore the charming city of Aptos, located 6 miles away, known for its beautiful beaches and the intriguing Mystery Spot. Even the Eastside Santa Cruz neighborhood, only 1 mile away, offers quick access to Capitola Beach and more. With a rental car, your trip becomes a seamless adventure, allowing you to explore Santa Cruz and its surroundings with ease and convenience.

Most popular car rentals near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle is a top choice for travelers looking for space and versatility. It comfortably accommodates up to 5 passengers and can carry up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups venturing around Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. With its elevated seating and ample cargo room, a midsize SUV allows you to explore the area with ease while ensuring everyone and their belongings travel comfortably.
• Economy: Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families, the economy car option is designed for those who prioritize efficiency and affordability. It fits up to 5 passengers and has room for 2 medium suitcases, making it a practical choice for short trips around Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This option is not only budget-friendly but also easy to maneuver, allowing you to navigate the beach town's streets with ease.
• Fullsize: If you need extra space, the fullsize car option is a great fit for larger families or groups. Capable of accommodating up to 5 passengers, it offers the flexibility to carry either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it a popular choice for travelers who require more luggage capacity while enjoying the convenience of exploring the attractions near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk at their own pace.

Top rated car suppliers near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

• Budget: Located only 0.9 miles from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Budget is a great option for travelers seeking friendly service and a smooth rental experience. With an overall rating of 7.6 out of 10, Budget is known for its short wait times and well-maintained vehicles. Popular choices include Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, making it easy to find the right fit for your adventure.
• Enterprise: Situated 1 mile away from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Enterprise provides an excellent selection of vehicles, primarily focusing on Midsize SUVs and Compact cars. This supplier is favored for its reliable service and convenient location, allowing you to pick up your rental with ease and start exploring the beautiful area at your own pace.
• Hertz: Just 0.7 miles from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Hertz is another top choice for car rentals. Known for its efficient service, this supplier offers an array of popular vehicles, including Midsize SUVs and Economy options. With a nearby location, you can quickly grab your rental and hit the road to discover the attractions and hidden gems of Santa Cruz.

Where to go in Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

• Westside Santa Cruz: This vibrant neighborhood is home to the renowned Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, an amusement park ideal for outdoor and family vacations. The area attracts travelers year-round, with peak visitor numbers from June to August. Alongside the boardwalk, you can explore Natural Bridges State Park, perfect for beach vacations, or visit the University of California, Santa Cruz, which adds a modern touch to the scenic landscape.
• Aptos: Located 6 miles from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Aptos is an inviting city known for its outdoor and beach experiences. The best time to visit is during peak seasons in April and June to July. Visitors can enjoy the nearby Rio Del Mar Beach, known for its picturesque views, or explore the quirky Mystery Spot, a fun exhibit that adds a cultural twist to your trip.
• Eastside Santa Cruz: Just 1 mile from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Eastside Santa Cruz offers a delightful mix of outdoor, beach, and family experiences. The area experiences peak visitor numbers from June to August. While here, you can relax at Capitola Beach or visit the intriguing Mystery Spot, ensuring a memorable addition to your itinerary. The close proximity to the beach and boardwalk makes it an excellent choice for travelers.

10 tips to save on your Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, 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 advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come with lower rental costs and are easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size cars offer a solid compromise between affordability, 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 premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age restrictions prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This option is generally the most advantageous. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which can also be 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: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind during your travels. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning to take long road trips, search for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car around Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

The best time to rent a car around Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is January, as it offers slightly low prices and demand. February follows with average pricing but still slightly low demand, making it another good option. March sees slightly low prices and average demand, which can be appealing. However, June through August become the most expensive months, with high demand and rental rates. July stands out as the busiest month of the year for rentals, followed closely by August.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	54.7°F (12.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	60.1°F (15.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	63.3°F (17.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	63.9°F (17.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	61.5°F (16.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average