- You are here! :
-
- /
- California
Search, compare and book your rental car
Over 1 million customers trusted us to book the best car rental deal for them
Up to 48 hours before pickup
We don’t charge extra fees such as credit card or reservation fees
An adventure of a lifetime, California is the place to go if you want to see the best of what the United States has to offer. Despite it being the third largest state, it is the most populous, and it’s not hard to see why. Located on the southwest coast, here you will find a massive variety of landscapes, places, and cultures to discover. From the glitz and glam of Hollywood and the natural wonders of Yosemite National Park, to the trailing vineyards of Wine Country and the perfect surf of the stunning Pacific Ocean beaches, there truly is no better place to explore than the magical land of California.
When planning your trip to California you have a number of airports to choose from situated throughout the state. The most popular airport (by number of passengers) is LAX, followed by San Francisco International and San Diego International. Regardless of your destination, you will find plenty of car rental agencies located there for you to choose from, both at the main airports and downtown in the major cities. These will vary from international brands such as Sixt, Enterprise, and Hertz, as well as some independent options which might be able to offer better deals for specific needs; such as Long Term Car Rental in downtown San Diego for a lengthier stay, or LA Luxury Car Rental if you want to ride in style.
Whilst many car rental agencies are available at the airports, if you want to rent a car downtown in one of the major cities in California, you’ll have no trouble finding options. This is a good choice if you want to settle into your accommodation first, or you simply want to avoid the additional cost of airport taxes. As this is a popular option with both tourists and travellers alike, there are plenty of public transport links that will take you from the main airports to the city centres, where you can find the best car rental agency for you.
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed about where to start looking for downtown car rental in California, don’t worry. We recommend checking out Hertz. Not only do they provide a great car rental service, but their website also has plenty of useful tips for making the most of the state when renting a car.
With over fifty thousand miles of good-quality freeways and highways connecting the entire state, California is a dream to drive around. This makes it a top choice for both experienced and amateur road-trippers alike. However, do remember that as California is such a large state it does have a varied terrain, so prepare for this adequately before your journey. From deserts to snowy mountaintops you will need to plan ahead depending on your route, and always make sure to pack a first aid kit, map, and blankets in your rental car for emergencies.
Renting a car is incredibly popular in California, so you will be sure to find plenty of agencies to choose from, including most of the internationally renowned companies you’ll have heard of. Enterprise has the most branches with 107 rental locations across the state, but you will also find Hertz, Avis and more in most big cities. You’ll be spoilt for choice, so it’s best to do research to get yourself the best deal for the type of vehicle you want and for how long. However, do note that independent agencies may be able to provide more specific local knowledge if you need it, and they may also be offering exclusive deals in order to compete with the larger firms, so do shop around.
A magnificent state with surprises around every corner, the best way to see most of California is by jumping in the car and heading on a road trip. And not only are the destinations incredible, but the journeys are wonderful too, with a terrific network of roads that boast of beautiful views and hidden connections down every turn. There are so many places you should see when you’re visiting California, so make sure to plan your trips prior to your visit so you don’t get overwhelmed by the possibilities.
An absolute must for every road trip fan is the Pacific Coast Highway. This famous route is a classic, with breathtaking scenic views of the ocean all the way along from LA to San Francisco and beyond. Make sure to stop off for a dip in the sparkling blue seas and grab a bite to eat at one of the many beachside towns that are along the way.
Or, if you fancy an alternative to the ocean views, head inland from San Diego to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This route will present you with jaw-dropping desert scenes as you make your way through the mountains to California’s largest State Park. With wildflowers, canyons, sculptures and more, this incredible area of natural beauty will have you feeling like you’re walking on another planet. Plus, Borrego Springs is known for being an International Dark Sky Community, which makes it perfect for stargazing.
