$45 Car Rental South Coast Plaza, CA

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What you need to know for your South Coast Plaza car rental

Reasons to book a car rental around South Coast Plaza

Renting a car near South Coast Plaza offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility for your exploration of Costa Mesa and its surroundings. This popular shopping destination is not only ideal for shopping enthusiasts but also for business travelers and luxury vacationers who appreciate the convenience of easy luggage management. With a rental car, you can explore key attractions such as Disneyland® Resort and Anaheim Convention Center, both located 8 miles away, or take a scenic drive to the beautiful Huntington Beach Pier, just 7 miles from South Coast Plaza. Families can enjoy nearby Newport Beach, a mere 5 miles away, featuring stunning coastal views and the iconic Newport Beach Pier. If you're looking for a vibrant neighborhood experience, the Anaheim Resort, only 7 miles from South Coast Plaza, offers additional attractions like Knott's Berry Farm. Additionally, the city of Irvine, also 5 miles away, is home to the University of California, Irvine and the Orange County Great Park. Renting a car ensures you can create a personalized itinerary, making it convenient to experience all the family-friendly, business, and leisure opportunities this area has to offer.

Most popular car rentals near South Coast Plaza

  • Midsize SUV: This option is perfect for families, couples, or small groups, comfortably accommodating up to 5 travelers with room for 3 large suitcases. The midsize SUV provides ample space for both passengers and luggage, making it an excellent choice for those heading to South Coast Plaza for a shopping spree or other excursions. With its combination of comfort and versatility, you can explore the area at your own pace while enjoying the freedom of a larger vehicle.
  • Fullsize: Ideal for families or groups, the fullsize car fits up to 5 travelers and can handle up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it a great option for those who need extra room for luggage, especially if you're planning a longer stay or want to bring back plenty of shopping finds from South Coast Plaza. The spacious interior ensures that everyone travels comfortably, allowing for a more enjoyable experience as you navigate the local area.
  • Standard SUV: If you're traveling with couples, families, or groups, the standard SUV is a reliable choice that accommodates up to 5 passengers and up to 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle strikes a balance between size and efficiency, providing enough room for comfortable travel while being easy to maneuver in urban settings. Perfect for those looking to enjoy the flexibility of exploring Costa Mesa and its surroundings, the standard SUV offers a great way to manage your travel plans.

Top rated car suppliers near South Coast Plaza

  • Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a top choice for travelers seeking a reliable rental experience near South Coast Plaza. Located 2 miles away, Alamo is praised for its friendly service and short wait times. Customers frequently opt for their Midsize SUV and Premium SUV vehicles, which are well-maintained and comfortable. With an overall rating of 7.4 out of 10, Alamo provides an excellent balance of convenience and quality, making it a popular option for those looking to explore the area.
  • Enterprise: With 4 rental locations and the closest being 2 miles from South Coast Plaza, Enterprise is known for its exceptional customer service. Rated 7.2 out of 10, travelers appreciate the helpful staff and the wide selection of vehicles available. Midsize SUV and Premium SUV are among the most booked options, catering to a variety of needs. Enterprise stands out for its friendly and accommodating service, making it a great choice for families and individuals alike.
  • Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental offers convenience with 3 locations, all within 2 miles of South Coast Plaza. This supplier is a favorite for those seeking Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles. While specific ratings are not provided, travelers often highlight the accessibility and variety of options available. Thrifty is a solid choice for anyone looking to manage their travel plans with flexibility and ease, ensuring a smooth experience while exploring the beautiful surrounding areas.

Where to go near South Coast Plaza

  • Newport Beach: Located 5 miles away from South Coast Plaza, Newport Beach is a vibrant city perfect for family and outdoor experiences. Popular activities include shopping at local centers and enjoying the beautiful beaches. Key highlights include the Newport Beach Pier, the University of California, Irvine, and Crystal Cove Beach. Visitors tend to peak between April and July, making spring and summer ideal times to explore this coastal gem.
  • Anaheim Resort: About 7 miles from South Coast Plaza, Anaheim Resort is known for its entertainment and cultural experiences. This neighborhood features attractions such as Disneyland® Resort, Anaheim Convention Center, and Knott's Berry Farm. With visitor numbers peaking in April, July, and September, planning your stay during these months allows you to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and numerous events available.
  • Irvine: Situated 5 miles from South Coast Plaza, Irvine offers a blend of family, city, and business experiences. Visitors can explore highlights like the University of California, Irvine, Orange County Great Park, and Tanaka Farms. The best visiting times are from March to April and July, when there is a notable increase in traveler arrivals, making it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and local attractions.

10 tips to save on your South Coast Plaza car hire

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Streamline your search by specifying vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to secure your vehicle well ahead of your travel date. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to access lower prices and have a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver and 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 types of vehicles—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This may also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements mandate a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is typically the most advantageous option. Other agreements may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
  7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies accept only credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected costs and provides extra peace of mind in case of unforeseen incidents during your travels. It’s easy to add insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring 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 South Coast Plaza

The best value period to rent a car around South Coast Plaza is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand remains average. Following this, April and May also offer good rental options, as they have slightly low demand and average pricing. However, June through August see higher prices and increased demand, with August being the most expensive month for rentals. This trend continues into the summer, making it a peak time for car rentals.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconDemandprice iconPricing
January58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
February57.9°F (14.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March59.0°F (15.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
April61.3°F (16.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
May63.3°F (17.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
June66.9°F (19.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July71.1°F (21.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.5°F (22.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September72.5°F (22.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October68.9°F (20.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November63.7°F (17.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
December58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low

Car Rental Information

 
Popular car types
SUV, Full Size, Economy
 
Car suppliers available
 
Our best deal of the day
$45
 
Our second best deal of the day
$50
 
Our third best deal of the day
$51
 
From the airport to your hotel
Airport Transportation
 
From popular domestic and international airports
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Frequently asked questions

Can I rent a car near South Coast Plaza?
Yes, you'll be able to rent a car close to South Coast Plaza to explore this leading attraction and others around Costa Mesa. There are tons of benefits to booking a car rental with Expedia, including having an easy way to travel that's faster than public transportation. Then there's the flexibility to go wherever and whenever you choose. After you've been to South Coast Plaza, drive on over to nearby attractions such as Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Orange County Fairgrounds and Orange Coast College.
How much is car rental near South Coast Plaza?
Begin your search for a cheap $45 car rental close to South Coast Plaza by entering your travel dates and pick-up and drop-off points. That's how inexpensive a rental car can be around this well-known attraction, but there are a range of factors that'll determine the price — your vacation dates are just the start. Whatever your budget and desired car type, Expedia has exclusive offers from a wide range of car rental companies that'll get you driving away for less.
Which car rental companies have a drop off near South Coast Plaza?
No matter if you're renting a car from Avis, Enterprise or National Car Rental, you can drop it off at one of the outlets' rental car return depots near South Coast Plaza. Be aware that most car rental companies will charge a supplementary fee if the drop-off and pick-up locations are not the same. Once you drop your rental car at South Coast Plaza, why not grab some comfy walking shoes and continue exploring?
How much is parking near South Coast Plaza?
To find the latest prices for parking at South Coast Plaza, check the official website. Traveling on a shoestring? Check to see if there are discounted rates or even free parking at South Coast Plaza.
Are there electric car charging stations near South Coast Plaza?
Use apps or go online to search for electric car charging stations close to South Coast Plaza. For added peace of mind, consider staying in one of our hotels with electric car charging stations. Charge up overnight, and you don't need to stress about being stranded with a dead battery on your travels.
What is the closest airport to South Coast Plaza?
Roughly 3 mi southeast of South Coast Plaza, John Wayne Airport (SNA) is Costa Mesa's closest major airport. Another way to reach this popular attraction is by landing at Long Beach Municipal Airport (LGB), which is around 30 mi to the northwest.
Where is South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa?
South Coast Plaza is about 6 mi southwest of central Costa Mesa.
What else is there to do near South Coast Plaza?
Get more out of your Costa Mesa trip by planning a few day trips. After checking out South Coast Plaza, put on some classic driving songs and hit the road toward Segerstrom Center for the Arts, South Coast Plaza or Orange County Fairgrounds.
What time does South Coast Plaza open and close?
Look up South Coast Plaza's official website for the most accurate visitor information, including opening and closing hours. Seasonality, special events and public holidays may impact operating hours, so a little planning will help ensure your visit is as smooth as possible.

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