Car Hire California

Parking in California

• Pershing Square Garage (Los Angeles): A well-known downtown parking facility located at 532 S Olive St, offering convenient and affordable parking right in the heart of the city.
• Fifth & Mission / Yerba Buena Garage (San Francisco): One of San Francisco's largest city-operated garages with around 2,585 spaces.
• Embarcadero Center Garage (San Francisco): A centrally located multi-building garage complex at the Embarcadero, offering EV charging stations and easy access to the waterfront and Financial District.

Electric car hire

California is arguably the best state in the US to drive an electric vehicle, and Hertz makes it easy with electric car hire in California.

With flat freeways, year-round sunshine, and an expansive EV charging network, driving electric in California just makes sense. Whether you're cruising Pacific Coast Highway or navigating city streets, an EV delivers a quiet, comfortable, and emissions-free experience.

Charging points

California leads the country in EV infrastructure by a significant margin. As of September 2025, the state surpassed 201,000 publicly available and shared EV charging ports, 68% more than the number of petrol nozzles statewide.

Congestion charges

California does not have congestion charges. However, toll roads and express lanes are common, particularly around Los Angeles and the Bay Area. These are typically electronic, so it's worth checking your rental's toll option before setting off while travelling with your rental car to San Diego or LA.

Key Roads in California

• Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1): A legendary scenic drive hugging the California coastline, offering breathtaking ocean views from LA to San Francisco.
• Interstate 5 (I-5): The main north-south artery connecting San Diego, Los Angeles, and Sacramento.
• Interstate 101: A key route running through the heart of Los Angeles and up to San Francisco, passing wine country and coastal towns.

Toll roads

• Bay Bridge (I-80): Connects San Francisco to the East Bay with an electronic toll collected on westbound lanes.
• 91 Express Lanes (SR 91): A busy toll corridor between Orange County and Riverside, with variable pricing based on demand.
• Golden Gate Bridge (US-101): Toll collected electronically heading southbound into San Francisco.

Driving Tips: When You Are in California

California's roads cover everything from wide urban freeways to narrow mountain switchbacks, so there's a bit of variety to prepare for. Here’s how you can effectively navigate Californian roads while travelling with your rental car to LA or San Francisco:

• Traffic in Los Angeles and the Bay Area can be intense during peak hours. If you're on I-405 or the Bay Bridge, give yourself extra time; the locals will tell you the same.
• Many freeways and bridges use electronic tolling. Check whether your Hertz rental includes a FasTrak option so you can use express lanes and toll roads without delays.
• Keep an eye out for cyclists and pedestrians, especially in San Francisco and beach communities like Venice and Santa Monica.
• Handheld phone use while driving is illegal in California, just as it is back home in Australia, so get your navigation sorted before you start moving.

Best hotels in California

The Beverly Hills Hotel

9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA

A Hollywood icon known for its pink facade, lush gardens, and timeless glamour.

Fairmont San Francisco

950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA

A historic hilltop landmark with sweeping Bay views and grand interiors.

Hotel Del Coronado

1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, San Diego, CA

A celebrated beachfront Victorian resort with iconic white architecture and ocean views.

Popular Restaurants in California

Musso & Frank Grill

6667 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles

A Hollywood institution, open since 1919, famous for classic steaks, and has the positive reviews of several celebrity guests.

Juniper & Ivy

2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego

A celebrated farm-to-table restaurant from chef Richard Blais, known for inventive California cuisine in a converted warehouse space in Little Italy.

Tadich Grill

240 California St, San Francisco

California's oldest restaurant, established in 1849, renowned for its classic seafood, cioppino, and old-world dining atmosphere.

Best places to visit in California

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Valley, CA

A world-famous destination of towering waterfalls, granite cliffs, and ancient sequoia groves.

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica, CA

An iconic coastal landmark featuring an amusement park, street performers, and sweeping Pacific Ocean views.

Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco, CA

One of the world's most recognisable landmarks and a stunning gateway to the Bay Area.

FAQs

1. What do I need to bring for a Hertz car rental in California?

You'll need your existing valid driver's licence held for one year and passport for identification to rent a car. A credit card in your name is required for security deposit. If your licence is not in English, you need to carry an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence to rent a car.

2. What are the age rules for renting in California?

You must be at least 21 to rent a car in California. If you're under 25, a young driver surcharge may apply, and vehicle choice may be slightly limited.

3. What payment types are accepted?

A credit card is the easiest and most widely accepted option. Some locations may accept debit cards, but additional requirements often apply.

4. Does the rental come with a full tank of fuel?

In most cases, yes. Cars are provided with a full tank and should be returned the same way. Refuelling before drop-off is generally more cost-effective.

5. What is Hertz's cancellation policy in California?

Pay-at-location bookings are generally flexible. Prepaid bookings may also be cancelled, though fees may apply if cancelled close to the pickup time.