Smarter Car Renting

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

•  Credit Cards for Pick-Up: Many agencies require a credit card upon pick-up. Yes, Opie, we live in that kind of world. So make sure you are in good standing with your "plastic." Call the car rental agency in Santa Cruz before arrival or verify in the rental policy and rules to see which forms of payment they accept.

•  Under 25? Everyone over 25 assumes you are an awkward and unpredictable risk behind the wheel. Ridiculous, you say, without taking your eyes off the road. But be sure to check with Santa Cruz California car rental companies about their specific policies. Some agencies require the driver to be at least 25 while other rental companies may allow younger drivers to rent for an additional fee. Have more than one driver? Be sure to ask if additional charges apply for more than one person driving the rental car.

•  Fear of the Unknown: Unfamiliar with the streets of Santa Cruz? Consider adding a GPS navigation system to your rental. GPS provides turn-by-turn directions to a number of Santa Cruz attractions and businesses, and is offered by almost all Santa Cruz car rental agencies. The GPS helps you navigate like some mythical Greek God of Navigation! You can also add your own portable GPS on your handy windshield sucker, but remember to take it all with you when you turn in the car at the end of your trip.

Click here to see Santa Cruz attractions

Santa Cruz CA Area Attractions

• Cypress Outpatient Surgical
• Dominican Hospital
• Mystery Spot
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
• Santa Cruz Mystery Spot
• Seymour Marine Discovery Center
• Capitaurus Bigfoot Discovery Museum (5.46 miles)
• S.S. Palo Alto Concrete Ship (7.07 miles)
• Bethany College (7.41 miles)
• Montalvo Arts Center (19.04 miles)
• Hakone Gardens (19.22 miles)
• Community Hospital of Los Gatos (20.30 miles)
• Giant Artichoke (20.91 miles)
• Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park (22.01 miles)
• Bonfante Gardens (22.08 miles)
• Circus Trees at Bonfante Gardens (22.13 miles)
• Campbell Historical Museum (22.48 miles)
• Picchetti Winery (22.93 miles)

Santa Cruz rental guide