$29 Car Rental Third Street Promenade, CA

These Third Street Promenade insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 15, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental around Third Street Promenade

Renting a car near Third Street Promenade provides the freedom and flexibility to explore Santa Monica and its surrounding attractions at your own pace. With a rental car, you can conveniently manage your luggage while visiting nearby sites like Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica Pier, both located less than 1 mile away. This option is particularly appealing for families and those seeking romantic experiences, as it allows for comfortable travel together. Additionally, you can easily drive to iconic destinations like Rodeo Drive, which is 7 miles away, or venture into the greater Los Angeles area, featuring attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain. Having a rental car makes it easy to navigate through Downtown Santa Monica and visit other nearby locations like Venice Beach. Whether you're planning leisurely outings or day trips, a rental car ensures you can explore the area without the constraints of public transportation schedules. Enjoy the convenience of having your own vehicle to enhance your sightseeing experience around Third Street Promenade and beyond.

Most popular car rentals near Third Street Promenade

• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is a popular choice for travelers around Third Street Promenade, accommodating up to 5 people with room for 3 large suitcases. This makes it an ideal option for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore the area comfortably. With its spacious interior, you can easily manage your luggage while enjoying the freedom to discover local attractions at your own pace.
• Standard SUV: The Standard SUV offers a great balance of space and maneuverability, accommodating up to 5 travelers with capacity for 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle is perfect for couples, families, or groups seeking a flexible travel option while visiting Third Street Promenade. With this car type, you can enjoy the convenience of easy luggage management and the ability to explore nearby attractions without hassle.
• Compact: For those traveling solo or with a partner or family, the Compact car is an excellent choice. It comfortably fits up to 5 travelers and allows for 3 medium suitcases, making it a versatile option for various travel needs. Renting a Compact car near Third Street Promenade gives you the flexibility to navigate the area while managing your luggage easily, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Top rated car suppliers near Third Street Promenade

• Sixt: With 2 rental locations near Third Street Promenade, Sixt is a popular choice among travelers. The nearest location is less than 1 mile away, making it easily accessible. Sixt is well-known for its friendly service and offers a great selection of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Compacts being the most booked options.
• Avis: Offering 5 rental locations less than 1 mile from Third Street Promenade, Avis provides excellent convenience for travelers. This supplier is particularly favored for its diverse range of vehicles, with Midsize and Standard SUVs being the most popular choices among customers. Avis is committed to delivering a smooth rental experience.
• Budget: Budget also boasts 5 rental locations situated less than 1 mile from Third Street Promenade, making it a convenient option for tourists. Known for its value, Budget offers Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs as the top booked vehicles. This supplier provides affordable rental options without compromising on quality.

Where to stay near Third Street Promenade

• Santa Monica: Staying in Santa Monica places you in a vibrant city known for its family-friendly and outdoor experiences. With attractions like Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica Pier nearby, you can enjoy a mix of beach relaxation and entertainment. The area features a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining, making it easy to find something to suit your taste.
• Downtown Santa Monica: As a neighborhood that encompasses Third Street Promenade, Downtown Santa Monica is perfect for those looking for shopping and outdoor fun. You'll find shopping areas, restaurants, and attractions such as the Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach close at hand. This lively area offers a blend of urban excitement and beachside charm, ideal for family outings and entertainment-themed activities.
• Los Angeles: Although a bit farther from Third Street Promenade, staying in Los Angeles allows for a broader exploration of the city. You can easily access renowned attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain. Los Angeles provides a plethora of nearby dining and entertainment options, making it a great base for a diverse experience that includes both city and beach adventures.

10 tips to save on your car rental around Third Street Promenade

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you need an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. Booking early often secures lower rates and provides better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come at a lower rental rate and are easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size cars offer a solid compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and some vehicle categories—like SUVs or luxury models—may not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals mandate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling arrangements, which are acceptable as well, but ensure you return the vehicle empty in this 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 only accept credit cards as a form of payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's simple to add car rental 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 essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car around Third Street Promenade

The best value period to rent a car around Third Street Promenade is December, when prices are lower and demand is more moderate. May also offers reasonably priced rentals with average demand, making it a solid choice. On the other hand, July is typically the most expensive month, with higher prices and steady demand. March can also be busy and costly, as it generally sees the highest demand for rentals during this time.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
February	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Moderately High	Moderately High
March	59.0°F (15.0°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Moderately High	Moderately 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	Average	Moderately Low
June	69.8°F (21.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
July	74.3°F (23.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Moderately High
August	75.7°F (24.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Moderately Low
September	75.0°F (23.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
December	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Moderately Low