Renting a Car in San Diego—Everything You Need to Know First
Renting a Car in San Diego is one of the biggest trip decisions travelers struggle with—and honestly, I get it. San Diego’s breezy coastal highways, tucked-away surf towns, and famously spread-out neighborhoods make exploring feel like a choose-your-own-adventure story. But at the same time, the city’s trolley system, walkable urban pockets, ferries, rideshares, and bike paths can make ditching the car even easier.
As a local who bounces between beaches, breweries, neighborhood hikes, and waterfront neighborhoods weekly, I’ve collected all the real insights travelers wish they knew—so this guide blends the practical with the insider-only tips that save money, time, and headaches.
Below, you’ll find an honest, boots-on-the-ground breakdown of exactly when renting a car makes your trip better—and when it’ll just drain your wallet and raise your blood pressure.
Let’s dive in.
Renting a Car in San Diego — When It’s Absolutely Worth It
If your itinerary stretches beyond downtown, you’ll quickly understand why locals rely heavily on cars. SD isn’t structured like San Francisco or New York—it’s more like a string of gorgeous micro-destinations tied together by scenic highways.
You’re Exploring Coastal Neighborhoods Beyond the Trolley
The San Diego Trolley is awesome for places like Gaslamp, Old Town, the Convention Center, and Mission Valley…but it doesn’t reach:
- La Jolla
- Pacific Beach
- Ocean Beach
- Sunset Cliffs
- Mission Beach
- Point Loma (Cabrillo National Monument)
- Torrey Pines
Google Maps Embed: Mission Beach Parking Lots (https://goo.gl/maps/JHuwr1xRmdcG6eXG9)
If you’re planning to hit the beaches, coves, and sunset overlooks, renting a car in San Diego gives you total freedom.
You Want the Classic California Scenic Drives
Some of the most stunning routes require a car:
- La Jolla → Torrey Pines → Del Mar coastline drive
- Point Loma → Cabrillo National Monument cliff drive
- The 59-Mile Scenic Drive loop through SD’s top sights
These routes are the reward for driving here.
Day Trips Are On Your List
A car becomes priceless for:
- Julian for apple pie
- Mount Laguna for hikes and stargazing
- Encinitas and Carlsbad for surf-town exploring
- Coronado’s Silver Strand coastal drive
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (spring wildflowers!)
Google Maps Embed: Torrey Pines State Reserve (https://goo.gl/maps/Gh8CG8k2VsQ2)
Rideshares can get expensive. Transit won’t reach these spots.
Renting a Car in San Diego — When You Definitely Don’t Need One
Here’s where renting a car in San Diego becomes more hassle than help.
You’re Staying Mainly in Downtown
Gaslamp, Little Italy, the Embarcadero, the Waterfront Park, and Seaport Village are super walkable.
In fact, walking + scooter rentals + the trolley is faster and cheaper than trying to park.
Your Itinerary Is Trolley-Friendly
The Trolley’s Green, Blue, and Orange Lines cover:
- Old Town
- Mission Valley
- SDSU
- UTC (huge mall & dining)
- Barrio Logan
- Convention Center
- Waterfront Park
Google Maps embed: Old Town Transit Center (https://goo.gl/maps/pVwJ7dwFZNyjYxpD9)
Parking Stress Isn’t Your Thing
Here’s the local truth:
Parking in beach neighborhoods is war by 10 a.m.
Especially:
- La Jolla Cove
- Pacific Beach
- Mission Beach
- Ocean Beach near Newport Ave
If you hate hunting for spots or paying $20–$35 per garage downtown, skip the car.
You’ll Drink at Breweries (San Diego Has 150+)
If your trip includes:
- North Park breweries
- Miramar “Beer Mecca” spots
- Little Italy tasting rooms
…you’ll want rideshare convenience.
Renting a Car in San Diego — Cost Breakdown (Full Local Reality Check)
Daily Rental Cost
Depending on season:
- Economy: $38–$58/day
- Standard: $55–$85/day
- SUV: $90–$150/day
- Convertible: $120–$180/day (worth it for scenic drives)
Parking Costs
This is where travelers get surprised:
- Beach neighborhoods: $15–$25 for lots, if you find one
- Downtown garages: $20–$35
- Balboa Park: Free
- Coronado: Free in most neighborhoods
Gas Cost
CA gas averages $5–$6.50/gal depending on the neighborhood.
Hidden Fees to Watch
- Airport “concession recovery” fees
- After-hours return fees
- Young renter surcharges
- Refueling charges
Local Tip: The cheapest rentals are often in Mission Valley or Kearny Mesa—skip the airport pickup if you want to save $$.
Renting a Car in San Diego — Insider Local Hacks You Won’t Find on Google
Park Once, Explore All Day
If you’re doing La Jolla:
- Park at the La Jolla Cove Parking Garage
- Walk to Children’s Pool, Cove, Museum of Contemporary Art, Coast Walk Trail
In Coronado:
- Park near Glorietta Bay
- Walk to Hotel del Coronado, Coronado Beach, Orange Ave shops
Use the Coaster Train for Coastal Day Trips
Instead of driving north, take the COASTER:
- Old Town → Encinitas → Carlsbad → Oceanside
Then rent a scooter or walk to beaches.
Parking Trick for Mission Beach
Park at South Mission Beach near the jetty—larger lot, fewer crowds—then walk the boardwalk north.
Combine Car + Transit for Maximum Efficiency
Locals do this all the time.
Example:
- Drive to Old Town (huge free lot)
- Take the trolley downtown to avoid parking fees
Renting a Car in San Diego — Pros & Cons (Quick Decision Guide)
Pros
- Freedom to explore harder-to-reach neighborhoods
- Perfect for scenic coastal drives
- Easy day trips
- More efficient with kids or gear
- Access to early morning hikes and sunrise viewpoints
Cons
- Parking costs & hassle
- Beach congestion
- Gas is expensive
- Rental fees vary wildly
- Downtown is more walkable without a car
- Rideshare is plentiful everywhere
FAQs — Common Questions Travelers Ask About Renting a Car in San Diego
Is renting a car necessary in San Diego?
Not always. If your itinerary includes La Jolla, Torrey Pines, or multiple beach towns, then yes. If you’re staying mostly downtown, no.
Is parking hard in San Diego?
Near beaches: often brutal. In downtown: expensive but doable. Balboa Park and Coronado: surprisingly easy.
Is there good public transportation?
The Trolley is fantastic for urban areas but does not service most coastal attractions.
Is San Diego walkable without a car?
Downtown, Little Italy, and waterfront areas are extremely walkable. Neighborhoods like La Jolla or Pacific Beach are not.
Is rideshare better than renting?
For short trips, yes. For multi-day coastal exploring, renting wins.
What’s the cheapest way to rent a car in San Diego?
Rent from off-airport locations in Mission Valley or Kearny Mesa.
Can I get around San Diego using only transit?
Yes—if your trip is downtown-focused. No—if beaches and nature are your priority.
You Might Also Like:
- Transportation in San Diego: Complete Guide
- How to Get to Coronado Without a Car (Ferry VS Drive)
- Transportation Tips for Padres Games at Petco Park
Conclusion — So, Should You Rent a Car in San Diego?
If your dream San Diego trip includes sunrise hikes, spontaneous detours, surf-town hopping, and breezy drives along cliffside coastal roads, then renting a car in San Diego will absolutely elevate your adventure. But if you want a low-stress weekend filled with waterfront strolls, Little Italy dinners, and easy transit rides, you can skip the car entirely.
Your perfect setup depends on your version of San Diego—and now you have the insider playbook to choose. Ready for your next travel deep-dive?
Check out “How to Use the San Diego Trolley” for your next Wandering California adventure.
