Car Rentals in Santa Cruz, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Santa Cruz

Renting a car in Santa Cruz allows for the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This option is particularly appealing for families and those looking to enjoy outdoor and beach-related experiences. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, perfect for adventure and family fun, or the Mystery Spot, which offers a unique cultural experience. Natural Bridges State Park provides an excellent beach experience for relaxation and recreation.

Additionally, having a car makes it easy to explore nearby destinations like Capitola, located 6 km away, where you can enjoy Capitola Beach and additional attractions like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Mystery Spot. You can also visit Live Oak, featuring the same attractions, or Eastside Santa Cruz, where you can discover Santa Cruz Harbour and various beaches. With a rental car, you can manage your luggage easily and create flexible travel plans, ensuring that your holiday is tailored to your preferences and interests.

Most popular car hires in Santa Cruz

• Economy: This car type accommodates up to 5 travellers and provides space for up to 2 medium suitcases. The Economy option is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families looking for a cost-effective and fuel-efficient vehicle. Renting an Economy car in Santa Cruz allows for easy manoeuvrability and parking, making it a practical choice for exploring the area at your leisure.
• Standard Convertible: Perfect for couples or business travellers, the Standard Convertible can hold up to 4 travellers and offers room for 2 medium suitcases. This stylish option allows you to enjoy the scenic views of Santa Cruz while providing a fun driving experience. It's an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of excitement to their journey.
• Compact: The Compact car is a versatile option that accommodates up to 5 travellers and provides space for up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes it ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families who need a bit more luggage capacity. Compact cars offer the convenience of easy parking and fuel efficiency, making them suitable for navigating the vibrant streets of Santa Cruz.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Cruz

• Avis: Avis has established itself as a leading car hire supplier in Santa Cruz, boasting one rental location in the area. Offering a range of vehicles, Avis is particularly popular for its Midsize SUV and Compact options, making it an excellent choice for travellers seeking comfort and flexibility. With the freedom to explore Santa Cruz and its surroundings at your own pace, Avis ensures a convenient and enjoyable driving experience.
• Hertz: Another top choice for car hire in Santa Cruz is Hertz, which also features one rental location in the vicinity. Known for its reliable service, Hertz offers Midsize SUVs and Compact cars that cater to the needs of various travellers. Whether you are planning a day trip or a longer journey, Hertz provides the flexibility and convenience required to make the most of your time in Santa Cruz.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

• Aptos: Located 11 km from Santa Cruz, Aptos is perfect for travellers seeking outdoor and beach experiences. This city is home to highlights such as Rio Del Mar Beach, ideal for a beach holiday, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which is suitable for adventure and family fun. With nearby attractions including a national state park, visitors can enjoy stunning scenery and recreational activities. Additionally, Aptos offers various dining options, including restaurants and wineries, making it a delightful spot for food enthusiasts.
• Capitola: A mere 6 km from Santa Cruz, Capitola attracts families and outdoor lovers alike. Key points of interest include Capitola Beach, a wonderful destination for beach holidays, alongside the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which is great for family adventures. The area also features the Mystery Spot, an intriguing exhibit that adds a cultural touch to your stay. With a range of nearby restaurants and wineries, Capitola is a charming choice for those looking to relax and explore.
• Lower Ocean: Situated within Santa Cruz, Lower Ocean is a village that appeals to families and beachgoers. Visitors can enjoy the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which provides outdoor excitement for all ages. Additionally, Capitola Beach is within close proximity, offering a scenic beach experience. The Mystery Spot is also nearby, providing a unique cultural attraction. With various restaurants available, Lower Ocean presents a convenient and enjoyable base for exploring the area's offerings.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Santa Cruz

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise 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 is advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance often results in lower rates and enhanced 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 strike a good balance between price, 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 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most favourable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well, but ensure you return the vehicle 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 hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can prevent unnecessary expenses and provide peace of mind in the event of unexpected incidents during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Santa Cruz

The best value period to rent a car in and around Santa Cruz is January and February, when prices are moderately low and demand is at its lowest. March tends to see average pricing but high demand, making it a busier time for rentals. Mid-range months like May and June can also offer decent options, with average prices and demand. However, by September, prices typically rise to moderately high levels, coinciding with increased demand as summer travel wraps up.

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