$47 Rental Cars in Santa Cruz, CA

Reserve your car fast and hassle-free on the free Orbitz app

Free cancellation on most cars, plus option to book now and pay later

Read verified reviews from travelers like you!

Top Car Deals in Santa Cruz

Don't see what you're looking for?

See all car rentals in Santa Cruz
View all cars

Find the best car rental deals in Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz is a city with a hippie heritage that’s still evident in the local lifestyle. This laid-back destination calls for a laid-back mode of transport – and there’s no better way to relax than cruising down the leafy streets in a rental car.

Orbitz can help you find a rental car so you’ll be able to easily explore Santa Cruz’s own beautiful beaches, lively boardwalk and varied cultural attractions, as well as the sky-high redwood forests and lush vineyards scattered across the surrounding countryside. Reserve a car in advance and you can have your pick of the best prices from companies including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Cruz Cars and more.


Santa Cruz and Beyond: Three Destinations by car

Outside of the city, you’ll find some gorgeous driving routes leading to great day trip destinations. Here are just a few options.

Monterey

Follow Route 1 south for spectacular views of Monterey Bay before ending up in the city of Monterey itself. With a famous aquarium, the chance to go whale watching and plenty of water sports facilities, this coastal city is ideal for a nature-focused trip. Continue south to experience the beauty of the famous Big Sur stretch of coast.

Journey time: Around 45 minutes

Distance: Approximately 43 miles

Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Going for a hike in a redwood forest is an unmissable Santa Cruz experience. This is the oldest state park in California, dating from 1902 – but that’s nothing compared to the ages of the giant redwoods here. Some are as much as 2,500 years old, and up to 50 feet in circumference.

Journey time: Around 40 minutes

Distance: Approximately 21 miles

Capitola

Take one look at the quirky, colorful houses and golden-sand beach of this little coastal town and you’re sure to be enchanted. And because it’s so close to Santa Cruz, you can easily drive here for lunch with a view and get back to the city with most of the afternoon ahead of you.

Journey time: Around 10 minutes

Distance: Approximately 6 miles