Car Hire San Diego

With miles and miles of famous beaches and all year round sunny weather, it's easy to see why San Diego is a favourite destination for so many holidaymakers. Excellent facilities for tourists and many scenic drives await those visiting the city. A great way to start your trip to San Diego is by driving along the 59-Mile Scenic Drive. The drive begins at Broadway and will take you to many of the city's most popular attractions. The route is marked by yellow signs with pictures of seagulls on them, so simply follow the signs to stay on track.

There are a few attractions in San Diego which are a must for anyone spending time in the area. Just a short distance east from the harbour is Balboa Park, the largest cultural park in North America. Here you will find many museums, ranging from historical to scientific, as well as art galleries, gardens and restaurants. Slightly north of the park is the San Diego Zoo, lauded as the best zoo in the country. Home to many animals not found in zoos anywhere else in the world, a visit is sure to be a day of fun for both young and old. If you are lucky enough to be in San Diego around February, be sure to drive to a high point along the coast and do a spot of whale watching. California Grey Whales migrate south each year and are often close to the shore. The San Diego Maritime Museum is also a great city attraction, hosting many great displays on the city's marine past and home to the Star of India, the oldest active sail ship in the world.

Spend a day in Temecula Wine Country, just one hour outside of San Diego. This area is home to approximately 30 wineries, all of which have tasting rooms and are in close proximity to one another. You can also visit the affluent beach communities of Orange County, California, including Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach or Mission Viejo, among many others. From the Dana Point Pier in Orange County, you can take a ferry out to the famously beautiful Catalina Island. As your next stop after San Diego, head just a few hours north to America's second largest metropolis, Los Angeles.

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Car Hire Suppliers and Depots in San Diego

Our car hire suppliers in San Diego include Avis and Hertz.

Our supplier depots are conveniently located at the San Diego International Airport. Additionally, we have depots at several locations near the city centre. Explore the interactive map in the search form to find which San Diego depot is convenient for you to pick up your car hire.

Parking and Tolls in San Diego

Meters and car parks are available throughout the city and beach communities, accepting coins, pre-paid meter cards, and occasionally credit cards (newer machines only). Find more information on pre-paid meter cards here.

If you're travelling outside of the city, you are likely to encounter toll roads. Tolls in the U.S. can vary greatly, from less than $1 to upwards of $10. If possible, research your route beforehand and carry cash. Change is usually available through tellers at toll booths. Occasionally, you will need coins in various denominations for unmanned booths.

Useful Driving Distances and Day Trip Ideas in San Diego

• San Diego to San Diego International Airport (4km and 10min)
• San Diego to Temecula (95km and 1hr)
• San Diego to Laguna Beach (120km and 1hr 45min)
• San Diego to Dana Point Pier (Catalina) (110km and 1hr 30min)
• San Diego to Los Angeles (195km and 2hr 30min)

Book your Car Hire in San Diego with Auto Europe

Compare suppliers quickly and easily with Auto Europe to find a car that suits your needs and budget. Offering over 60 years of experience and expertise, Auto Europe promises the lowest rates for our customers. Book your car hire in San Diego with Auto Europe over our safe, reliable and secure online booking system. For more information, read our Car Rental FAQ page, read our Terms and Conditions, or Contact Us.