Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
McKinleyville
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
McKinleyville
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
McKinleyville
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
McKinleyville
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
McKinleyville offers a unique blend of natural beauty and local attractions. While there are transportation options, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the area at your own pace and discover hidden gems that might be missed otherwise.
Explore Redwood National and State Parks. A rental car allows you to easily access the stunning Redwood forests, scenic drives, and hiking trails in the surrounding Redwood National and State Parks.
Visit Local Beaches. McKinleyville is near beautiful beaches like Clam Beach County Park. Having your own car makes it easy to pack beach gear and enjoy the coastal scenery.
Convenient Transportation for Families. If you're traveling with family or a group, a rental car provides the space and convenience needed to transport luggage, beach gear, and other essentials.
Before renting a car in McKinleyville, it's important to be aware of the terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
20.5 square miles
Population
Approximately 16,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Exploring natural attractions and coastal drives
Rush Hours
Minimal traffic congestion
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in McKinleyville require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is typically held on the renter’s credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, so check if the rental includes unlimited mileage or has restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €12
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €36
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €48
Automatic:
from £25 / $31 / €30
SUV:
from £15 / $19 / €18
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To book a car in McKinleyville, follow these steps for a seamless experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use car rental comparison sites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's an economy car or an SUV.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
McKinleyville is a charming town in Humboldt County, California, known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. A car is essential for exploring the region.
McKinleyville provides access to stunning natural attractions. Renting a car is a practical option for traveling to nearby parks, beaches, and scenic spots.
Top Attractions to Discover
Clam Beach County Park
A beautiful beach known for clamming and scenic views.
Mad River
A popular spot for fishing and kayaking.
Humboldt State University Natural History Museum
Features exhibits on the natural history of the region.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Lots
Available in downtown McKinleyville and near popular attractions.
On-Street Parking
Check for time limits and parking regulations.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer free parking for guests.
Gas Stations in McKinleyville
Chevron and Shell
Located along Central Avenue.
Local Gas Stations
Various independent stations throughout the town.
Refueling Tips
Plan ahead, as gas stations may be limited in more remote areas.
Useful Tips for Visiting McKinleyville
Check Weather Conditions
McKinleyville can experience varying weather, so check the forecast.
Drive Safely
Be aware of wildlife crossings, especially in rural areas.
Plan Your Route
Use navigation apps to plan your route and avoid getting lost.
Respect Nature
Follow park regulations and leave no trace.
Airports
Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV)
Located approximately 5 miles south of McKinleyville.
Renting a car in McKinleyville is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road.
A valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as McKinleyville as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Wonderful spontaneous weekend! McKinleyville was charming, and having a car let us see so much.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 10.07.2025
Relaxing, low-key vibe
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 09.08.2025
Chill, good enough.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 05.12.2024
Coastal charm, easy access; perfect relaxing getaway.
Owen Peterson
Reviewed: 09.09.2024
Low-key, pretty chill
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 28.01.2025
Family vacation in McKinleyville was fantastic! Exploring the Redwood National Park and surrounding areas with our rental car was incredibly convenient and made for some amazing memories.
Noah Wilson
Reviewed: 21.11.2024
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McKinleyville was a pleasant surprise! Having a car made exploring the area so easy. It was the perfect pit stop on our road trip, a quick and convenient place to refuel both ourselves and the vehicle.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 03.10.2024