Smarter Car Renting

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

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

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

•  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.

Click here to see Hayward attractions

Hayward CA Area Attractions

• California State University-Hayward
• Garin and Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park
• Kaiser Foundation Hospital - Hayward
• St Rose Hospital
• Eden Medical Center (4.65 miles)
• Lake Chabot (5.18 miles)
• San Leandro Hospital (5.50 miles)
• Oakland Zoo (8.00 miles)
• Oakland Arena and Network Associates Coliseum (8.69 miles)
• Oracle Arena - Golden State Warriors (8.84 miles)
• McAfee Coliseum - Raiders and Athletics (8.84 miles)
• Mills College (10.76 miles)
• Great White Adventures (11.12 miles)
• Alameda Hospital (11.37 miles)
• Redwood Regional Park (11.40 miles)
• Kaiser Foundation Hospital - Redwood City (11.60 miles)
• Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet (11.65 miles)
• San Mateo County Expo Center (11.79 miles)

Hayward rental guide