Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Solana Beach
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Solana Beach
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Solana Beach
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Solana Beach
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
Solana Beach, California, is a coastal gem offering beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. While walkable, a car unlocks its surrounding treasures.
Explore Coastal Wonders. With a rental car, accessing stunning beaches like Fletcher Cove and Tide Beach becomes effortless. You can easily hop between different spots to catch the best surf or sunset.
Discover Hidden Gems. Venture beyond the immediate vicinity to find charming towns and scenic overlooks. A car gives you the freedom to explore the less-traveled paths and uncover unique experiences.
Convenience for Families. If you're traveling with family, especially with kids and beach gear, a rental car provides invaluable convenience. Say goodbye to lugging everything on foot or waiting for public transportation.
Before booking a rental car in Solana Beach, understand the rental terms to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
3.5 square miles
Population
Approximately 13,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Coastal exploration and day trips
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during commute hours
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Solana Beach require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver fees.
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. Additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) and supplemental liability protection (SLP) are available. A security deposit is typically required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies generally require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
Classic:
from £24 / $30 / €27 per day
Executive:
from £48 / $60 / €54 per day
7 Seater:
from £56 / $70 / €63 per day
Automatic:
from £36 / $45 / €41 per day
SUV:
from £28 / $35 / €32 per day
Peak season (June to August): Demand increases, prices rise by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available
*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 Solana Beach, follow these steps to ensure a smooth and cost-effective rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking your car rental well in advance.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documents when you collect your rental car.
Solana Beach offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere, perfect for a driving vacation. Navigating the area is generally easy.
Solana Beach is a charming coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, art galleries, and laid-back vibe. While compact, a car allows you to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.
Top Attractions to Discover
Fletcher Cove
A popular beach with a playground, picnic areas, and stunning ocean views.
Cedros Avenue Design District
Home to unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
Tide Beach Park
Known for its tide pools and scenic beauty.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public parking garages are available in the Cedros Avenue area.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but it can be limited during peak season.
Park & Ride
Consider parking further away from the beach and walking or biking to avoid congestion.
Gas Stations in Solana Beach
Major Brands
Find stations such as Chevron, Shell, and Mobil in and around Solana Beach.
Refueling Tips
Refuel before returning your rental car to avoid extra charges.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Solana Beach
Avoid Rush Hour
Traffic can be heavy during commute hours, especially on Highway 101.
Check the Weather
Solana Beach has mild weather year-round, but it's always good to check the forecast.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps for real-time traffic updates and directions.
Plan for Beach Parking
Arrive early at popular beaches to secure parking, especially during summer.
Railway Stations
Solana Beach Station
Serves Amtrak and Coaster trains, providing connections to San Diego and Los Angeles.
Airports
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Located approximately 20 miles south of Solana Beach, it is the closest major airport.
Renting a car in California is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road.
If you're a US resident, your state-issued license is sufficient. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
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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 Solana Beach 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.
Coastal charm! Getting around was a breeze, and the beaches were stunning. So relaxing.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 23.01.2025
Perfect stop on our road trip! Solana Beach was beautiful; easy to get around, and the coastline was breathtaking.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 06.12.2024
Such a relaxing coastal getaway! Having a car made exploring Solana Beach and its surroundings so convenient. The beaches were pristine, and the town itself had a charming, laid-back atmosphere. A perfect stop on our road trip.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 29.03.2025
Great little beach town! Met up with friends for a quick visit and had a blast exploring the area. The only downside was the surprisingly limited selection at the local grocery store.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 16.07.2025
Chill vibe, good eats
Kevin Lee
Reviewed: 12.03.2025
Low-key, pretty chill
Ava Jones
Reviewed: 17.04.2025
Relaxing, pretty decent.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 25.02.2025
Solana Beach was delightful! Meeting friends there made it even better. Exploring the coast with a car was super convenient and scenic.
Katherine Wilson
Reviewed: 19.07.2025
Meh, kinda pricey.
Maria Garcia
Reviewed: 08.04.2025
Wonderful weekend getaway! Getting around was effortless, and the beaches were breathtaking.
Brianna Taylor
Reviewed: 30.06.2025
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Solana Beach was lovely! Having a car made exploring so easy. The beaches were gorgeous, but the little cafe near the pier was a bit overpriced for what it offered. I'd still recommend it though!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 16.12.2024