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Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car offers in Santa Monica. Compare prices and make reservations in one place. Simple. See real-time rates from Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Sixt and other major brands across downtown, the Santa Monica Boulevard corridor and hotel pick-up spots. Grab a compact for beach parking or a convertible for a breezy ride up Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu, Beverly Hills or LAX in under an hour.
Santa Monica offers several rental options focused on convenient neighborhood and hotel locations:
| Location Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown/Third Street | • Walking distance from hotels • Multiple rental companies • Close to shopping and dining |
• Higher rates than outlying areas • Parking challenges during pickup • Traffic congestion in tourist areas |
| Santa Monica Blvd Corridor | • Often lower rates • Easier parking for pickup/drop-off • Good selection of vehicles |
• Less pedestrian-friendly area • May require transportation to reach • Limited premium options at some locations |
| Hotel-Based Rentals | • Maximum convenience • Premium service standards • Possible special hotel guest rates |
• Limited selection • Higher rates • May require advance reservations |
Major Rental Companies in Santa Monica:
On average, car rentals in Santa Monica cost around $52 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $22 per day.
Shop different pick-up spots: Compare quotes from downtown, Santa Monica Blvd corridor and even LAX. Boulevard stores often beat beachfront/hotel desks by 10-15%, even after a short rideshare to get there.
Start on a weekday: Kicking off the rental Mon-Thu usually avoids the weekend beach surge and can shave 10-20% off the price.
Think off-season: Late fall and winter (non-holiday weeks) bring 20-30% rate drops plus wider vehicle choice, including those hard-to-get convertibles.
Run the "weekly" math: In Santa Monica a 5-7-day booking often triggers a weekly rate that is 15-25% cheaper than paying per day.
Santa Monica has specific rules that visitors should understand:
| Area | Options | Local Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown/Third Street | • Public structures • Metered street spaces • Private lots |
• First 90 minutes free in city structures • Promenade structures fill quickly on weekends • Evening rates often charged as a flat rate |
| Beach Areas | • Large beach lots • Limited street spaces • Some private lots |
• Beach lots fill by midday on summer weekends • Pay at central kiosks in beach lots • Street spaces extremely limited near pier |
| Montana Ave/Ocean Park | • Metered street spaces • Some free side streets that have time limits |
• Read signs carefully as restrictions can be complex • Residential permits required in many areas • Time limits strictly enforced |
| Residential Areas | • Permit spaces in most areas • Limited visitor spaces |
• Most residential streets require permits • Overnight permits may be needed • Street cleaning restrictions strictly enforced |
Key Local Driving Rules:
Book a rental car so you can get to:
Venice Beach – boardwalk
Malibu – coast, beaches
Beverly Hills – Rodeo Drive
Getty Center – art museum
Topanga State Park – trails
Hollywood – Walk of Fame
Is Santa Monica a good location for renting a car in Los Angeles?
Yes, especially if you want to see the coast, beaches and the westside. From Santa Monica, you get a relaxing home base and can easily drive to PCH, Malibu, Beverly Hills and mountain routes. You'll find traffic is usually less intense than in central Los Angeles.
How does parking work in Santa Monica?
In downtown Santa Monica, you can park for free for 90 minutes in city lots. After that, they charge by the hour. Beach lots charge a flat rate for the day, usually $12-20, and rates are higher on summer weekends. You'll usually need a permit to park in neighborhoods. Always read signs carefully because the city is strict about ticketing.
Is a convertible worth the extra cost in Santa Monica?
For many visitors, yes. Many people feel that driving the Pacific Coast Highway with the top down is a true California experience. Just be aware of the morning fog that often appears in late spring and summer. The afternoons are usually clearer.
How challenging is street parking near the beach?
It's very challenging, especially on weekends and in the summer. You can count on beach lots more, even though they cost money. For your best chance at a spot, you should arrive before 10 a.m. You can also park in a downtown lot and walk to the beach.
Can I easily return my rental to LAX if flying out?
Yes, most companies will let you make a one-way rental to LAX for a small fee or no fee at all. The drive from Santa Monica to LAX takes about 20-35 minutes, depending on traffic. You should allow extra time during morning and evening rush hours.
Do I need a car for my entire Santa Monica stay?
Not necessarily. You'll find Santa Monica is very walkable. It also has good public transportation and rideshare options. You might want to rent a car just for the days you plan trips outside the local area, instead of for your whole stay.
What's the best vehicle for coastal exploration?
You'll get the most memorable experience on coastal drives in a convertible. However, a midsize car gives you a good mix of saving money and being comfortable. If you plan to explore canyons or mountains too, a small SUV will give you more flexibility.
Are there any toll roads near Santa Monica?
You won't find any toll roads right in the Santa Monica area. The closest toll roads are the Metro ExpressLanes on the I-10 and I-110 freeways farther east. Using them is optional and you need a transponder.
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