Smarter Car Renting

Here are car rental tips from the road trip-seasoned editors of RoadsideAmerica.com:

•  Special Requests: Special requests can be noted at the time you make your Santa Clara rental car reservation. Nothing too crazy, though. If you are in need of an infant or toddler car seat, navigation system, ski rack or more, be sure to make note of it when booking online. Keep in mind that requests are not guaranteed and additional fees may apply.

•  Damaged: Always carefully eyeball your vehicle before leaving the rental agency, whether you're in Santa Clara or East Podunkville. The last renter may have pulled in after a meteor shower! Prior scratches, dents, and other vehicle damage can cause extra headaches and costs if not noted before you leave the rental car lot. If you see any damage on the car's exterior and interior before you leave, make sure it's noted on the rental car papers, and point it out to an agency employee. This will resolve any questions that could arise when you return. And avoid meteor showers.

•  Book your reservation in advance. Rates can vary drastically, even for the same rental car in Santa Clara California. By booking your car early, you can avoid last minute rate increases. It can also help assure your desired vehicle-type will be available at high demand car rental locations.

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Santa Clara CA Area Attractions

• 3 Com Park
• De Saisset Museum
• Great America
• Harris-Lass Historic Museum
• Headen-Inman Historical Museum
• Kaiser Foundation Hospital - Santa Clara
• Paramount's Great America
• Triton Museum of Art
• O'Connor Hospital (2.59 miles)
• Winchester Mystery House (2.65 miles)
• Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum (2.86 miles)
• Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (3.49 miles)
• Babe the Muffler Man (3.79 miles)
• San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin (3.80 miles)
• HP Pavillion - San Jose (4.08 miles)
• San Jose Holiday Parade (4.13 miles)
• World's Largest Permanent Outdoor Monopoly Board (4.41 miles)
• Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site (4.45 miles)

Santa Clara rental guide