Nothing beats a coastline crawl from Santa Monica to Malibu with the flexibility of a car rental. In one day you can stroll the pier, surf First Point, and picnic at hidden coves—no rideshare clock ticking. Here’s a practical route with parking and vehicle tips tailored for beach days.
Smart route and where to park
Start early in Santa Monica for pier photos and breakfast. Garage parking by the promenade fills later; street meters enforce time limits. Venice is next for the Boardwalk and Abbot Kinney. Continue along the PCH to Topanga State Beach, then to Malibu’s classic stops: Surfrider, Zuma, and Point Dume. Bluff‑top lots are limited at pocket beaches—arrive off‑peak, never block driveways, and obey posted signs.
What to drive for a beach day
Sand‑friendly mats and a roomy trunk help. Families will love the space of a van rental at LAX while small crews can pick a nimble compact. If you’re bringing boards or coolers, an SUV rental carries the load without sacrificing comfort. For smooth pick‑ups, consider counters like Avis at LAX or Budget at LAX.
Timing and little wins
- Beat traffic: Arrive before 9 a.m. on weekends; plan a late lunch to skip peak midday congestion.
- Tide check: Low tide unlocks more sand at pocket coves like El Matador.
- Gear: Pack reef‑safe sunscreen, hats, and a change bag to keep sand out of seats.
If you prefer British phrasing, compare car hire prices in Los Angeles with Hola Car Rentals—totals are clear, and coverage is easy to understand.
Why Hola Car Rentals for your coast day
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
- All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage.
- Cashback on tolls when your route uses pay roads.
- No additional fees—save up to 60% on comparable rates.
Sun, sand, and an easy pickup: book now with Hola Car Rentals and spend more time on the water, less time in line.
Sample day plan
Morning: Santa Monica Pier and beach walk, then roll to Venice for the canals. Midday: Park near Surfrider or Malibu Lagoon for lunch and a quick swim. Afternoon: Zuma for wide open sand, then a golden‑hour climb to Point Dume. Wrap with tacos on the way back.
Parking etiquette on the coast
Respect residents—no blocking gates or shoulder parking beyond posted signs. Use paid lots when marked, keep valuables out of sight, and rinse feet at beach showers to keep sand off upholstery. If you’re carrying an umbrella, chairs and a cooler, a Payless at LAX simplifies loading and unloading at each stop.
What makes Hola Car Rentals different
- Transparent totals: the price you see includes the coverage you pick.
- All‑Inclusive+ protections: maximum coverage and liability options.
- Free Cancellation: change plans up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
Want a smaller footprint for alley parking and tight beach lots? Reserve early and pick compact categories from partners like Dollar at LAX or Thrifty at LAX through Hola Car Rentals.
Traffic and tide timing
Weekends see slow‑downs on PCH around noon; aim for earlier swims and a later lunch. Check tide charts before committing to pocket beaches—at high tide, sand can disappear and parking fills. On the return, canyon roads like Topanga or Kanan save minutes back to US‑101 when the coast backs up.
Food and rinse stops
Look for beach lots with showers to knock sand off gear before loading. Pack a cooler with water and fruit; many Malibu lots allow short picnics—always pack out trash. If you need a last‑minute board or umbrella, Venice and Santa Monica shops open early.
When you reserve through Hola Car Rentals, you see all major brands side‑by‑side and can pick the collection point that fits your morning start.
