Car Rental in Santa Cruz East

Santa Cruz East covers the eastern parts of this coastal city on Monterey Bay, with 2 car rental companies available in the area. From here, it's 7 km to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 45 km to Monterey via Highway 1. The location is excellent for exploring the beautiful coastline and redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park with its magnificent sequoia trees is 12 km north via Highway 9 - one of the region's most impressive natural experiences. Capitola Village, a charming small beach town, is reached in 10 minutes south along Soquel Avenue. UC Santa Cruz campus with views over Monterey Bay is 8 km west.

Highway 1 south toward Monterey is one of California's most beautiful drives - plan at least 1.5 hours for the route and stop at Natural Bridges State Beach along the way. Avoid Highway 17 toward San Jose during fog or rain - the road is winding and can be slippery. Parking at the Boardwalk is expensive in summer; rent a compact car to make it easier to find a spot.

How long does it take to drive from eastern Santa Cruz to Monterey? Approximately 1 hour via Highway 1, a distance of about 45 km with beautiful coastal views along the way. Can I drive to San Francisco from Santa Cruz?

Yes, San Francisco is about 120 km north, either via Highway 1 along the coast (2.5 hours) or faster via Highway 17 and I-280 (1.5 hours). Is GPS or car seats available from rental companies in eastern Santa Cruz? Yes, both rental companies offer accessories like GPS and car seats for an additional fee - book in advance to guarantee availability.

We compare prices from all major providers at Santa Cruz East so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.