Smarter Car Renting

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

•  Damaged: Always carefully eyeball your vehicle before leaving the rental agency, whether you're in Santa Cruz 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.

•  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.

•  Many States, One Car: If renting a car for a longer road trip, check with the car rental companies in Santa Cruz, California to see if they have policies about crossing state lines that affect the final rate you pay. May be no effect, but don't assume you can crisscross the globe with unlimited mileage impunity. There may be a GPS tracker in the car!

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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