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

•  Leave Nothing Behind: At a road trip's end, we find we've accumulated souvenirs, kitschy mementoes, and piles of brochures from tourist attractions. These treasures prove you really traveled -- that it wasn't just some wacky delusion. When dropping off your rental car, carefully check every door pocket, drink holder and storage bin for these keepsakes. The rental car company sure doesn't have any use for them.

•  Special Requests: Special requests can be noted at the time you make your Santa Monica rental car reservation. Nothing too crazy, though. If you are in need of an infant or toddler car seat, navigation system, ski rack or more, be sure to make note of it when booking online. Keep in mind that requests are not guaranteed and additional fees may apply.

Click here to see Santa Monica attractions

Santa Monica CA Area Attractions

• Bergamot Station
• Children's Nature Institute
• Gehry House
• Museum of Flying
• Pacific Park
• Saint John's Health Center
• Santa Monica Pier
• Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center
• UCLA Discovery Center
• Ocean Front Walk (1.81 miles)
• Venice Skill Center (1.84 miles)
• Venice Beach Freakshow (2.19 miles)
• Will Rogers State Historical Park (2.55 miles)
• VA Greater LA Hlthcare System (2.73 miles)
• Sturges House (3.32 miles)
• Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park (3.52 miles)
• UCLA Medical Center (3.69 miles)
• Fisherman's Village (3.73 miles)

Santa Monica rental guide