Car Rentals in California Desert, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around California Desert

Renting a car in California Desert offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area and its attractions at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can efficiently manage your luggage and create a travel plan that suits your needs. This option is particularly appealing for families or those seeking adventure and scenic experiences in the great outdoors.

Within easy reach of California Desert, you can visit key attractions such as the Kern County Fairgrounds, located 5 km away, and the Bakersfield Museum of Art, situated 9 km from your base. The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science, also 9 km away, is perfect for family and cultural experiences. Exploring nearby destinations like Bakersfield, just 9 km away, allows you to enjoy additional sites like The Park At River Walk and Kern County Raceway Park. Other interesting neighbourhoods, such as Venola and Oleander - Sunset, provide more opportunities for leisure and culture. A rental car ensures you can make the most of your trip by providing easy access to these diverse experiences without the constraints of public transport.

Most popular car hires around California Desert

• Midsize: Accommodates up to 5 travellers with space for 3 large suitcases, making it an excellent choice for couples and families. This car type strikes a balance between comfort and practicality, allowing you to enjoy the freedom of exploring California Desert without worrying about luggage space.
• Fullsize: Perfect for families or groups, this option can comfortably fit 5 travellers along with either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium ones. The extra room is ideal for those planning longer stays or carrying additional gear, ensuring that everyone can travel together without feeling cramped.
• Compact: Suitable for up to 5 travellers with capacity for 3 medium suitcases, the compact car is a smart choice for solo travellers, couples, or small families. Its smaller size makes it easier to navigate through urban areas while still providing ample space for your essentials, offering flexibility for your travel plans in the California Desert.

Top rated car suppliers around California Desert

• Budget: Budget has a rental location situated 17 km away from California Desert, making it a convenient choice for travellers. It is particularly popular for its Economy and Compact vehicles, which provide an affordable and efficient way to navigate the region. Many customers appreciate Budget for its straightforward booking process and flexibility, allowing you to adjust your plans as needed while exploring the beautiful attractions around California Desert.
• Avis: With a rental location also 17 km from California Desert, Avis is renowned for its reliable service and quality vehicles. It offers a selection of Midsize SUVs and Compact cars, catering to various travel needs, whether you're embarking on an adventurous road trip or simply exploring the area. Avis is praised for its customer support and ease of pick-up, ensuring a smooth start to your journey.
• Hertz: Located 17 km away from California Desert, Hertz is a popular choice among travellers looking for a diverse fleet of vehicles. Their offerings include Economy and Fullsize SUVs, making it perfect for those who require space and comfort during their travels. Hertz is well-regarded for its efficient service and well-maintained vehicles, helping you get on the road quickly and enjoy your exploration of the stunning desert landscapes.

Where to stay around California Desert

• Bakersfield: Located 9 km away from California Desert, Bakersfield is a vibrant metropolis ideal for outdoor and family adventures. Visitors can explore the Kern County Fairgrounds, perfect for family activities, and enjoy the beautiful scenery at The Park At River Walk. For those seeking excitement, the Kern County Raceway Park offers thrilling motor racing experiences. Bakersfield is also home to a variety of dining options and shopping centres, making it a convenient base for your stay.
• Oleander - Sunset: Situated 7 km from California Desert, Oleander - Sunset offers a blend of family and business-themed experiences. The area features a range of entertainment options, including the Kern County Fairgrounds and the Bakersfield Museum of Art for culture enthusiasts. The neighbourhood is also conveniently located near several restaurants, ensuring you have easy access to dining during your stay.
• Venola: Venola is located 6 km away from California Desert and is perfect for families and business travellers alike. Visitors can enjoy the local shopping centres and recreational areas. Notable attractions include the Kern County Fairgrounds and Bowlero Bakersfield for some fun-filled activities. Venola also offers a variety of dining options, making it a suitable choice for those looking for both convenience and entertainment during their stay.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around California Desert

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match 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 are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, 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 prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the vehicle empty in this instance.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, although the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen incidents during your trip. Adding car hire insurance is straightforward 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 licence and ID: A valid driver's licence is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around California Desert

The best time to rent a car in and around the California Desert is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is also low. This period offers great value for those looking to explore the area. Following January, May is another good option, as it has slightly low prices despite high demand. However, August tends to be the most expensive month with slightly high prices and average demand, making it a busier time for rentals. September through November typically see average prices with varying demand levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
February	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
March	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	67.3°F (19.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Slightly Low
June	68.9°F (20.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
July	77.0°F (25.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
August	79.0°F (26.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	73.9°F (23.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Average
October	59.2°F (15.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	61.0°F (16.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
December	51.6°F (10.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average