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Car hire San Diego

Car hire in San Diego

A Californian city just south of Los Angeles, San Diego is famous for its beaches and parks. The city can be accessed by road from the east via interstate 8, while drivers can utilise interstate 15 to drive to the sunny destination from LA.

What I need to know

There are a vast selection of San Diego car rental providers, meaning that whether you’re planning a big American road trip, or you just want a small vehicle to take you from A to B, you will be well catered for. Compare car hire suppliers using the Holiday Autos site to ensure you find the perfect vehicle for your trip.

Where to pick up my car

If you’re flying into San Diego International Airport there are a number of companies that operate from Admiral Boland Way, adjacent to the terminals. There are a number of other San Diego car hire offices in the city, with a few to choose from in both Little Italy and The Gaslamp Quarter.

Best Car Hire Companies San Diego

thrifty
thrifty
thrifty

Car Hire Reviews San Diego

  • “The pick-up was easy, it took 5 minutes from arriving at the desk to driving out the car, and the return took even less time.”
    Diane T

Where to go

San Diego boasts many tourist attractions, from its beaches and parks to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and a plethora of museums. However, there is plenty more to see in California and on the west coast of the USA in general, while Mexico is just a short drive away too.

Nearby San Diego

Using interstate 5, it is a mere 30 minutes by car to Tijuana - the Mexican border town and famous party destination. Alternatively, take a the half hour drive from the centre of San Diego to the San Diego National Wildlife Reserve - a perfect option for animal lovers.

Longer drives

While you’re on the west coast, you’ll no doubt want to visit Los Angeles - the home of the Hollywood hills and countless A-list celebrities. A trip from San Diego to Hollywood takes just 2.5 hours by car. If you’re up for a 6-hour road trip, head north to Las Vegas, famed for its casinos, shows and extravagance.

Eating and drinking

Italian food fans in San Diego won’t want to miss out on the delicious cuisine in Little Italy, whereas if you love Asian food, Clairemont features a wide variety, including sushi, ramen, Thai, Chinese and Korean barbeque. The East Village also offers a number of great restaurants and bars, including establishments specialising in craft ale.

Things to do

The number one attraction in San Diego is its zoo, which is arguably the most famous zoo in the world. For seafood, surfing and whale watching you can head to Point Loma, or visit the 1,200-acre Balboa park, which contains museums, theatres and is also home to the aforementioned zoo.

Sightseeing

Delve into the past by exploring the city’s Old Town, which is a protected historical park. Cultural highlights include the San Diego Museum of Art, the Air & Space Centre, the Natural History Museum and the Maritime Museum.