Smarter Car Renting

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

•  Car Types: When selecting a car type, remember it's not just about how cool you'll appear. The car selection page details show an average of how many people and how many pieces of luggage can comfortably fit in each car type. Pay attention to the specifics to be certain they meet your needs before booking.

•  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 Golden before arrival or verify in the rental policy and rules to see which forms of payment they accept.

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

Click here to see Golden attractions

Golden CO Area Attractions

• Astor House Museum
• Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum
• Colorado School of Mines
• Coors Brewing Company
• Golden Gate Canyon State Park
• Golden Pioneer Museum
• Heritage Square
• Mother Cabrini Shrine
• Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum
• White Ranch Park
• Dinosaur Ridge (4.01 miles)
• Keystone Resort & Conference Center (4.56 miles)
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre (4.80 miles)
• Crystal Palace Antiques (5.43 miles)
• Colorado School of Trades (5.64 miles)
• Colorado Christian University - Lakewood Campus (6.47 miles)
• Exempla Lutheran Medical Center (6.62 miles)
• Lakewood Surgical Center (6.86 miles)

Golden rental guide