Welcome to California, the ultimate road trip state! From the sun-kissed beaches of San Diego to the towering redwoods of Northern California, having a rental car is the key to unlocking every corner of the Golden State. This page is your all-in-one guide to renting a car in California. We’ve blended hard-to-beat rental deals with local expertise to ensure you not only save money but also have the knowledge to drive California’s roads like a pro. Whether you’re flying into LAX for a family vacation, planning a Pacific Coast Highway drive, or need wheels for a business trip in Silicon Valley, we’ll help you find the perfect car quickly, easily, and cheaply.
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Ready to hit the road? Enter your California pick-up location and dates above to see instant quotes. We work with every major car rental brand in California (and many local ones), bringing you a huge selection. From economy cars for LA traffic to convertibles for a coastal cruise, you’ll find it here. Our booking system is user-friendly, filter by car type, compare prices, and reserve in under 2 minutes. With free cancellation on most rentals, you can lock in a great rate now and adjust later if needed.
Why Rent a Car in California?
California is big and diverse, larger than many countries, and its attractions are spread out. Renting a car lets you:
Our California Car Rental Advantages
Today’s Top California Car Rental Deals
(Updated daily: these are a few sample deals available in California. Prices change frequently, but we’re committed to showing you the best offers of the moment.)
Driving in California: What to Know
Driving in California can be an adventure in itself, you’ll go from urban freeways to mountain roads to coastal highways. Here are key tips and unique California rules to keep you safe and stress-free:
Overall, California offers excellent driving experiences, just be prepared for variety. One day you might be in bumper-to-bumper LA traffic, the next day cruising an empty mountain byway. If you follow the rules above and stay alert, you’ll do great and enjoy some of the best views and destinations America has to offer.
Road Trip Ideas from California
California is synonymous with road trips. Here are three detailed itineraries showcasing different sides of the state, feel free to use these as inspiration for your own journey:
Pacific Coast Highway (Los Angeles to San Francisco)
Distance: ~450 miles via the scenic route (plan 2–3 days one-way).
Route: Start in Los Angeles. Take US-101 and then switch to Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) at Santa Monica, heading north along the coast all the way to San Francisco.
Highlights: This is California’s most famous drive for good reason. Begin by cruising through Malibu’s beachside vistas. Consider a stop in Santa Barbara for a stroll by the mission and a taste of local wine. As you continue north, the landscape shifts, by San Luis Obispo, get ready for the Big Sur stretch, often called one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world. Here, the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge into the Pacific Ocean, and the highway clings to cliffs. Must-sees: Morro Rock towering over Morro Bay, the elephant seal colony at Piedras Blancas, the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park where McWay Falls drops onto a beach. Take your time through Big Sur, pull off at turnouts to soak in the views (and let locals pass). Past Big Sur, enjoy artichoke fields in Castroville and the Monterey Bay area, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium or charming Carmel-by-the-Sea. Finally, approach San Francisco via the scenic 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach or continue on Highway 1 through Half Moon Bay. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge into SF if you can (from the south, you can loop around to enter over the bridge for that classic view).
Tips: Plan overnight stops. Many do one night in Cambria or San Luis Obispo, and another in Monterey or nearby. Lodging in Big Sur fills up, so reserve ahead (or stay in Monterey/Carmel and do Big Sur as a day trip loop). Gas up in bigger towns (Gas is scarce and pricey in Big Sur, e.g., only a couple of stations, with prices well above average). Cell service is spotty on the remote sections. Driving can be slow behind RVs, and that’s okay! Embrace the journey. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions, the curves are continuous. Lastly, check road conditions; mudslides occasionally close parts of Highway 1 in winter, in which case you’d detour to US-101. But when open, this road trip is pure magic for anyone who loves ocean views.
Desert Escape (Los Angeles to Las Vegas via Mojave)
Distance: ~270 miles (4–5 hours nonstop; easily 6–7+ hours with fun stops).
Route: From Los Angeles, take I-15 North through the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas, Nevada.
Highlights: This classic drive transports you from California’s urban sprawl to open desert and ends in the neon oasis of Vegas. Along the way, there are some quirky and worthwhile stops. About 2 hours out of LA, stretch your legs in Barstow or nearby Calico Ghost Town, an Old West mining town turned tourist attraction, pan for gold or tour the historic mine. Barstow is also home to the Route 66 Mother Road Museum if you’re a history buff. Further on I-15, you can detour a few miles to Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner in Yermo, a kitschy retro diner that’s a favorite pit stop for shakes and photo ops. As you continue, you’ll see the immense emptiness of the Mojave; don’t be surprised if you spot billboards far out advertising Vegas shows, it builds the anticipation! If you have time, a detour to Mojave National Preserve is beautiful (Kelbaker Road exit), you can see cinder cone volcanoes and the Kelso Dunes (though that’s an adventure requiring extra time). Approaching Nevada, you’ll cross stateliness and soon see the casinos of Primm on the border (maybe try the roller coaster at Buffalo Bills if it’s running!). Finally, roll into Las Vegas, preferably by evening when the lights of the Strip beckon, an incredible contrast to the silent desert you came through.
Tips: One-way rentals: Many folks pick up in LA and drop in Vegas, we often have deals with no drop fee on this route, making it convenient. If you’re returning to LA, consider a different route back (like via Death Valley or Joshua Tree) to mix it up. Fuel up in Barstow or Baker: Gas can be extremely expensive at the lonely Desert oasis stations (like the one at Baker by the world’s tallest thermometer). Watch your speed. The freeway is long and straight, easy to speed unintentionally. The California Highway Patrol monitors I-15 regularly, including by airplane (you’ll see white lines on the road marking VASCAR timing zones). Also, winds can be strong through certain passes, keep both hands on the wheel if it’s gusty. Summertime travelers: the Mojave can be 110°F (43°C) or more. Ensure your car’s engine is in good shape (if the A/C cuts out or car feels hot, turn off A/C for a bit and/or pull over at a rest stop). Always have water for each passenger. Lastly, remember Nevada has a different time zone part of the year (Nevada and California are both Pacific Time; Arizona nearby is Mountain Standard year-round), not a big issue to Vegas though. Enjoy the journey and viva Las Vegas at the end!
Sierra Nevada Journey (San Francisco to Yosemite National Park)
Distance: ~200 miles from San Francisco to Yosemite Valley (approximately 4–5 hours drive).
Route: From San Francisco, take I-580/I-205 East to Manteca, then CA-120 East all the way into Yosemite National Park (via the Big Oak Flat Entrance).
Highlights: This road trip takes you from the Bay City to the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Start by crossing the Bay Bridge or San Mateo Bridge out of SF, heading into California’s Central Valley. Consider a quick stop in Livermore or Lathrop for snacks, once you head up CA-120, options get sparser. As you drive through the Valley, you’ll see miles of orchards and farms (almonds, apricots, etc.). Near Oakdale, known as the “Cowboy Capital” of California, you could visit a local creamery or grab a classic American diner meal. Heading into the Sierra foothills, the road winds by gold rush towns. Jamestown and Sonora are charming historic towns just off CA-120/108, if you have time, they’re worth a detour for antique shops and even a ride on a historic steam train at Railtown 1897 State Park in Jamestown. When you turn onto CA-120 toward Groveland, you’ll drive through oak woodlands that transition to pine forest. Groveland is a last chance to fuel up and grab any supplies before the park (also home to the Iron Door Saloon, one of California’s oldest saloons). Entering Yosemite, prepare for jaw-dropping scenery. As you descend into Yosemite Valley, you’ll emerge from a tunnel to the famous Tunnel View, offering a panoramic vista of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all at once (a perfect photo op). Drive into the valley floor to experience Yosemite’s splendor up close: towering granite walls on either side, Yosemite Falls (if in spring/early summer), and lush meadows. Park and explore by foot or the free shuttle, the valley is only 7 miles long.
Tips: Reservations: Note that in peak season (especially summer), Yosemite may require advance reservations to enter the park during certain hours/days. Check the National Park Service Yosemite website before your trip. If needed, arrive during off-peak times (early morning or late evening) to ensure entry, or book a reservation/pass. Driving in Yosemite: Speed limits are low (25-35 mph) and strictly enforced by park rangers. Watch for wildlife, deer, black bears, and even bobcats can cross roads, especially at dawn/dusk. Do not leave any food or scented items in the car when parked in Yosemite; use food storage lockers or carry food with you, this is to prevent curious bears from breaking into vehicles. Fuel: There’s a gas station at Crane Flat (on CA-120 near the park entry) and one in El Portal (Hwy 140 side), but prices are higher, so it’s wise to top off in Groveland. Chains in winter: If traveling in late fall, winter, or early spring, carry tire chains; Yosemite weather can change quickly and chain requirements go into effect during snow/ice (even if SF was sunny when you left!). Lastly, for the full experience, consider staying a night or two at Yosemite (lodges or camps) because a day-trip will be quite rushed, but if a day is all you have, it’s still absolutely worth it. The drive itself, passing from city to plains to mountains, really highlights California’s incredible geographic diversity in just a few hours.
(Want more road trip ideas? Check out our dedicated California Road Trips guide or ask us for a custom itinerary! We’ve got suggestions from Wine Country escapes to San Diego-to-Grand Canyon adventures.)
Frequently Asked Questions
California’s public transportation between cities is limited, for example, there’s no state-wide train network that efficiently connects all the tourist spots. Within cities, while places like San Francisco have decent transit, many SoCal areas (Los Angeles, San Diego) are very spread out. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) can handle point-to-point needs, but costs add up quickly if you’re sightseeing across distances. Renting a car often saves money and time when you have multiple places to visit. It gives you the freedom to go where buses don’t (think Big Sur vistas or a hidden beach cove). Plus, if you’re traveling as a family or group, having a car is usually far more convenient for carrying luggage, beach gear, or souvenirs, and more comfortable than crowded public transport. In short, a rental car lets you experience California on your own schedule, which often means seeing more in the same amount of time. (One exception: if your trip is just staying in dense areas of San Francisco or downtown LA with minimal roaming, you might skip a car for those days to avoid parking hassles. You can always rent only for the road trip portion.)
If you’re visiting from abroad, driving in California is generally straightforward and often easier than in many other countries (wide roads, mostly automatic cars, English road signs). However, a few things to adjust to: 1) Distances are in miles, speeds in miles per hour, and fuel in gallons. If you’re used to kilometers, remember that 1 mile ≈ 1.6 km (so 60 mph ~ 100 km/h). 2) Traffic flows on the right-hand side. If you’re from a left-side country (UK, Australia, etc.), pay extra attention at intersections until you’re comfortable. The car will likely have the driver’s seat on the left side; it feels odd at first, but you’ll adapt quickly. 3) At multi-way stop signs, the rule is first come, first go, if you and another car arrive simultaneously, the car on the right has right-of-way. 4) Right on red: you can turn right at a red traffic light after coming to a complete stop (unless a sign says “No Right on Red”). This is different from many countries and can be convenient, but always yield to pedestrians and cross traffic. 5) Freeway exits can be on the right or left, though majority are on the right, watch the signs in advance. 6) Units: Speed limits like “65” mean 65 mph (~105 km/h). Gas prices “per gallon”, note a gallon is ~3.79 liters. 7) Driving culture: Californians often cruise a bit above the limit on freeways (5-10 mph over is common flow), but speeds vary; keep to the right if you want to go slower. Use turn signals (indicators) for lane changes, sadly not everyone does, but you should. Overall, if you follow the rules, use GPS for guidance, and take it easy until you get used to the car, you’ll be fine. And our support team is just a call away if you have any confusion on the road.
California is full of scenic drives. A few favorites: Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), especially the Big Sur section between Monterey and San Luis Obispo (as we detailed above). Highway 395 along the Eastern Sierra, stunning mountain vistas, with stops like Mono Lake and Mammoth Lakes. Joshua Tree National Park has a loop road through otherworldly desert rock formations and Joshua trees. 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach (near Monterey), a short toll road through beautiful coastline and golf courses (costs about $11 for cars, but worth it for Lone Cypress photo op). Sonoma and Napa Valley roads, rolling vineyards, especially pretty in autumn harvest season. Highway 49 (Gold Rush country), winds through historic towns in the Sierra foothills with pastoral scenery. Death Valley’s Badwater Road & Artist’s Drive, surreal desert landscapes below sea level (not in summer though!). Lake Tahoe’s perimeter road (NV Hwy 28 & US 89), jaw-dropping alpine lake views. And we can’t forget Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles for city views, or Angeles Crest Highway above LA for twisty mountain scenery. All these drives are accessible with a standard rental car (no 4x4 needed, except sometimes in winter for mountain routes). If you have a particular region you’re visiting, ask us for a recommendation, California has dozens of scenic byways. Pack your camera, and enjoy the ride!
A few California-specific laws to note: Helmet and headset laws, motorcyclists must wear helmets (as a driver you likely won’t deal with this, but good to know if you rent a scooter or motorcycle). It’s illegal for a driver to wear a headset or earplugs in both ears while driving (you can have one earbud for phone calls, but not two, so don’t drive with noise-cancelling headphones on!). Smoking in Cars, it is illegal to smoke or vape in a car if any minor (under 18) is present, even with windows down. Open container, you cannot have open alcoholic beverage containers accessible in the car, even passengers (except in limos/RVs under certain conditions). Move Over law, as mentioned, if there’s a vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder (police, tow truck, etc.), move to another lane away from it or slow down significantly. License plates, California requires both front and back plates on cars (your rental will have them), and it’s illegal to cover them (don’t put those souvenir plate covers on). Noise, excessive use of the horn (outside of necessary warning) is technically illegal; using it in anger in quiet zones could get you cited. Tire squealing or street racing, obviously illegal. And one more quirky one: in California, you’re actually not allowed to use the roadway as a “personal bathroom” (yes, people have tried to claim emergency stops for that reason!), basically, don’t stop on freeway shoulders unless it’s a real emergency. Most of these won’t come up, but it’s always good to drive prudently and be respectful of local rules.
Gas (petrol) prices in California are higher than the U.S. average, currently around $4 to $5 per gallon for regular unleaded, depending on the region (cheaper in the Central Valley, pricier along the coast and remote areas). We recommend renting on a full-to-full fuel policy, which most companies use: you get the car with a full tank, and you refill it to full just before returning. This is the most cost-effective approach, because you’ll pay pump prices. If you don’t return it full, the rental company will charge a much higher per-gallon rate (often $7-10/gal). Some companies offer a prepaid fuel option where you pay for a full tank upfront at a competitive rate and can bring it back empty, but unless you’re certain you’ll use nearly the whole tank, it’s usually not worth it (you don’t get credit for unused fuel). So, plan to stop at a gas station within ~5-10 miles of the drop-off location. Keep your receipt in case they ask for proof. One exception: if you have an early morning flight, you might consider prepaying to save time, but otherwise, fueling yourself saves money. Also note: California has many gas station brands; any will do, but some upscale ones (Chevron, 76) might be slightly pricier. It’s okay to use cheaper stations like ARCO, the rental car doesn’t mind, just use the correct octane (87 regular for most cars).