Car Hire West Coast USA

lae · #1 (**permalink**) 19th August 2008, 04:40 PM

Hi,
Taking a week off in October after a business trip to East Coast and would like to drive from San Francisco to LA.

Any suggested itineries would be welcomed and also can anyone recommend a reliable car hire outfit for a one way rental.

BAM1748 · #2 (**permalink**) 19th August 2008, 04:57 PM

Alamo rental - and of course Highway 1. Driven it many times, and it never fails to excite. (Have also done I5, good fast 8 laner if your a truck enthusiast)

Pull up a Felton (just sth of San Francisco) for the redwoods, then Santa Cruz for the classic pier and boardwalk, Monteray Bay for the aquarium, Big Sur for the views, San Simeon for the Castle and into LA LA Land.

straitman · #3 (**permalink**) 19th August 2008, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAM1748

Alamo rental - and of course Highway 1. Driven it many times, and it never fails to excite. (Have also done I5, good fast 8 laner if your a truck enthusiast)

Pull up a Felton (just sth of San Francisco) for the redwoods, then Santa Cruz for the classic pier and boardwalk, Monteray Bay for the aquarium, Big Sur for the views, San Simeon for the Castle and into LA LA Land.

I fully agree with the recommendations from BAM1748. The view from the cliffs as you roar along just Sth of SFO does take a little getting used to. Remember you are on the ocean side and it's a long drop in places.

If you decide to go to Hearst Castle you would probably need to book ahead and allow a good half day +

Maca44 · #4 (**permalink**) 20th August 2008, 06:30 AM

I have used Drive Away Holidays International & Local Car Rentals Book Today! several times now, and have had no problems whatsoever, you pay in Australia in AUD and their rates include all insurances. I am off the USA again today, and have an Avis vehicle booked through them. Last time it was a Hertz, they just get the best price available.

If driving the coast road, apart from all the other things to see try to visit Solvang just out of Santa Barbara, very unique little Danish village.

Optics · #5 (**permalink**) 20th August 2008, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAM1748

Alamo rental - and of course Highway 1. Driven it many times, and it never fails to excite. (Have also done I5, good fast 8 laner if your a truck enthusiast)

Pull up a Felton (just sth of San Francisco) for the redwoods, then Santa Cruz for the classic pier and boardwalk, Monteray Bay for the aquarium, Big Sur for the views, San Simeon for the Castle and into LA LA Land.

I agree with both recommendations here. I used Alamo last year and the rates are very competitive and the car/service etc is good. And Hwy 1 is a very good drive, the scenery is spectacular. Have fun

.

mainly tailfirst · #6 (**permalink**) 20th August 2008, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Optics

I agree with both recommendations here. I used Alamo last year and the rates are very competitive and the car/service etc is good. And Hwy 1 is a very good drive, the scenery is spectacular. Have fun

.

I also agree with BAM1748's suggested itinerary, take Hwy1 and have a nice two day drive. Hearst Castle is simply amazing. As for car hire, Enterprise is pretty competitive as well. Make sure you get a GPS kit for your drive though, you'll thank yourself when you get to LA.

mt

Alanslegal · #7 (**permalink**) 20th August 2008, 07:53 PM

I have used this booking agent in the past.

Cheap Car Hire | Cheap Car Rental USA Canada

Example, for USD$60 per day for a convertible or a luxury 4dr sedan inclusive of all taxes plus cdw, sli to $1M ... is a good bargain to me.

Plus no one way rental surcharge if in California which is perfect for pick up at SFO and return at LAX.

straitman · #8 (**permalink**) 21st August 2008, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maca44

If driving the coast road, apart from all the other things to see try to visit Solvang just out of Santa Barbara, very unique little Danish village.

Forgot about Solvang. What a great place.

lae · #9 (**permalink**) 1st November 2008, 11:03 AM

Thanks to the advice from fellow Frequent Flyers.

Ending up hiring a Mustang from Hertz on the company CDP rates which was about the best deal anyway.

Had a great 4 days driving down Highway One and now that she has seen the photos the wife wants to do it with me next year when she can get some time off work. (There go all my FF points!!)

Ended up buying a Tom Tom from Walmart which proved invaluable in San Fransisco and LA and now will use it at home once I purchase the local map.

Once again thanks for the tips.

Lae

drron · #10 (**permalink**) 1st November 2008, 12:37 PM

Sorry but hiring a Mustang from Hertz doesnt always mean you will get one.On several occasions now have put in for a mustang but not received it.The small print says or similar.Now a Ford Taurus is not similar to me but often what i have been assigned.Complaining that it is by no way similar usually brings out the response-sorry but thats all that is left.
However some other suggestions.If you have a shopper with you there is a huge outlet at San Jose-the great mall of the bay.At Gilroy on US101 is another outlet and this place is the garlic capital of the world.Down 101 a little further is Salinas with the National Steinbeck museum if that is your thing.Then cut back to the coast-though if you have done it before you can continue down 101 through wine country and a few old spanish missions.I would though cut through to Monterrey from Salinas and down the coast.
Again after 1 has joined 101 and you are on the Ventura freeway(101) there is another large outlet at Camarillo.