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 Miami Gardens 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.

•  Fear of the Unknown: Unfamiliar with the streets of Miami Gardens? Consider adding a GPS navigation system to your rental. GPS provides turn-by-turn directions to a number of Miami Gardens attractions and businesses, and is offered by almost all Miami Gardens 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.

•  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 Miami Gardens Florida 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.

Click here to see Miami Gardens attractions

Miami Gardens FL Area Attractions

• St. Thomas University
• Hollywood Medical Center (2.14 miles)
• Calder Race Course (2.41 miles)
• Pro Player Stadium - Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins (2.79 miles)
• Parkway Regional Medical Center (3.30 miles)
• Aventura Hospital & Medical Center (3.54 miles)
• Gulfstream Race Track (3.91 miles)
• Spanish Monastery (4.18 miles)
• Memorial Hospital Pembroke (4.54 miles)
• Graves Museum of Archaeology and Natural History (5.72 miles)
• St Catherine's Rehab Hospital (6.24 miles)
• Barry University (6.89 miles)
• Memorial Hospital West (7.33 miles)
• C.B. Smith Park (7.36 miles)
• Nova Southeastern University (7.63 miles)
• Tree Tops Park (8.03 miles)
• Broward General Medical Center (9.27 miles)
• Flamingo Gardens (9.28 miles)

Miami Gardens rental guide