Car Rental Santa Monica to San Francisco
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Planning a drive from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA? Easily find and compare rental cars across several suppliers. You can also drive in the reverse direction from San Francisco to Santa Monica.
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Attractions Along the Road

Santa Monica
- Santa Monica Pier
- Third Street Promenade
Half Moon Bay
- Half Moon Bay State Beach
- Mavericks Beach
San Francisco
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Alcatraz Island
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Lombard Street
- Golden Gate Park
Malibu
- Malibu Pier
- Zuma Beach
- Point Dume State Beach and Preserve
Santa Barbara
- Stearns Wharf
- Santa Barbara Mission
- Butterfly Beach
San Luis Obispo
- Bubblegum Alley
- Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
Morro Bay
- Morro Rock
- Morro Bay State Park
Big Sur
- Bixby Creek Bridge
- McWay Falls
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Point Sur State Historic Park
Monterey
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Cannery Row
- 17-Mile Drive
Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Carmel Beach
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Santa Cruz
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Natural Bridges State Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Santa Monica to San Francisco?
The distance between Santa Monica and San Francisco is approximately 383 miles (616 km) if driving along US-101 N. The estimated travel time is 6-7 h.
Is it possible to rent a minivan for a one-way trip from Santa Monica to San Francisco?
Yes, you can rent a minivan for a one-way trip between these two locations. Popular models like the Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Traverse, and Chrysler Pacifica are available from companies such as Hertz, Avis, and Budget.
Can I rent an SUV for a one-way trip from Santa Monica to San Francisco?
Yes, you can rent an SUV from Santa Monica to San Francisco. Available models typically include the Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota RAV4, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Major rental companies like Sixt, Avis, Budget, and Hertz offer these options.
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