Car Rental - San Luis Obispo

 

Rent a car in San Luis Obispo to explore California’s Central Coast region and beyond. This balmy town is known for its plethora of sandy beaches and volcanic peaks, making it the perfect base for peaceful coastal vacations.

San Luis Obispo is in the heart of the state, almost midway between the bright lights of Los Angeles and the bohemian atmosphere of San Francisco. LA is three hours south, while San Francisco is less than four hours north.

For shorter road trips, it only takes one-and-a-half hours in your San Luis Obispo car rental to get to Santa Barbara and as little as 30 minutes to reach Santa Maria.

We have a handful of car rental locations sprinkled across San Luis Obispo, including at the airport. Browse and reserve a range of vehicles online and we’ll have it ready for when you arrive, including large SUVs for the whole family and stylish sedans for a romantic road trip. 

San Luis Obispo Locations

A Quick Guide to San Luis Obispo

sunset over wheat field overlooking bishop peak

Bishop Peak

787 Patricia Drive, CA, 93405

Jutting out to the coast, Bishop Peak is a mighty 1,559-foot volcanic peak among the dramatic Nine Sisters range. Hikers ascend along tree-shaded trails to the summit before taking in sweeping scenes of the surrounding orange farms, wineries and not-too-distant Pacific Ocean. It takes two hours to reach the top, where you can enjoy a pleasant picnic against the romantic backdrop. 

pismo beach and pier sign

Pismo State Beach

555 Pier Avenue, Oceano, CA, 93445

Take a 20-minute drive to the coast for a balmy afternoon at Pismo State Beach. A Central Coast location with a Southern California feel, visit this golden 23-mile stretch of shoreline for sunny picnics, surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking and sailing.

Make sure to explore Monarch Butterfly Grove between October and February to see thousands of colorful butterflies take to the skies. Bring your family here in a holiday car rental from our San Luis Obispo location. 

montana de oro state park

Montaña de Oro State Park

3550 Pecho Valley Road, Los Osos, 93402

Montaña de Oro is one of California’s most scenic state parks, where orange-gold wildflowers cover the hills. Follow Bluff Trail for spectacular views of the glittering ocean, below beaches and impressive rock formations. Valencia Peak Trail leads to the highest point at 1,350 feet above sea level.

Courtyard by Marriott

1605 Calle Joaquin, CA, 93405

Enjoy modern amenities like a large outdoor pool at this Marriott hotel – in a convenient downtown location. Rooms are spacious and tranquil with crisp white furnishings, reflecting the soothing aromas of the on-site spa. Get a facial or massage after working up a sweat in the fitness center. Relax here after a long day spent driving your rental car in San Luis Obispo.

Granada Hotel & Bistro

1126 Morro Street, CA, 93401

This 1920s industrial-chic hotel offers 17 luxury rooms with hand-crafted steel windows, exposed brick walls and hardwood floors. The Granada is in the heart of Downtown and close to many popular restaurants, but guests often stay at the on-site restaurant, the Bistro, for dinner. Enjoy classic French cuisine before relaxing in your rustic room.

Hotel Cerro

1125 Garden Street, CA, 93401

Hotel Cerro offers polished quarters with comforting furnishings, like exposed brick walls and Egyptian cotton sheets. The hotel spa is connected to the yoga studio and is the perfect way to wind down after a dip in the rooftop pool and cocktails on the terrace.

Luna Red

1023 Chorro Street, CA, 93401

Reserve a table at this popular Downtown restaurant to enjoy flavorful tapas on the well-lit outdoor patio. The De La Luna paella comes with roast chicken and house-made chorizo and the popular craft tacos are loaded with crispy rockfish. Rock up in a sleek business car rental and enjoy a bite to eat with your San Luis Obispo work colleagues.

Ember Restaurant

1200 E Grand Avenue UNIT 101, CA, 93420

Take a 20-minute drive to Arroyo Grande via the US-101 South to sample fine-dining at Ember. Serving Californian classics with an Italian twist, notable dishes include oak-grilled filet mignon and fresh pappardelle pasta with slow-cooked beef.

Novo Restaurant

726 Higuera Street, CA, 93401

Enjoy a romantic dining experience by the creek at Novo. They’re open for brunch and lunch, but dinner is the best time to visit. Start with the crispy calamari or warmed goat’s cheese with marinated olives, then move on to maple glazed duck breast or the lavender lamp chops.

Driving In and Around San Luis Obispo

  • Marsh Street Parking Structure (93401) is close to Mitchell Park and many popular stores and restaurants like Barnes & Noble and Luna Red. Renting a  car in San Luis Obispo makes it easier to get around.
  • Public Parking Lot 10 (93401) gives easy access to the major stores on Higuera Street and the popular Thursday farmers’ market.
  • On-street parking meters are enforced across Downtown and are available to use for up to two hours at a time.

 

  • U.S. Route 101 (US-101) is a major north-south running highway between Los Angeles and Crescent City that connects the city to the wider Central Coast area.
  • California State Route 227 (SR 227) is an alternative route to the US-101 that links San Luis Obispo to Arroyo Grande. Your car rental means you get to avoid public transport.
  • Higuera Street runs through central Downtown and connects to the US-101 in the west.

 

How to Get From San Luis Obispo Airport to Downtown

Downtown San Luis Obispo is just a 15-minute drive from the airport with your rental car:

  1. From the rental lot, head north-east on Aero Drive to Broad Street.
  2. Turn left on to CA-227.
  3. Continue on to Broad Street.
  4. Turn right on to Marsh Street.
  5. At the third cross street, turn left on to Morro Street.

 

How to Get From San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles

Hop in your holiday or business rental car and take Broad Street from Downtown to get on to the US-101 South and continue to CA-154 East in Santa Barbara County. Use the first exit to get back onto US-101 South from San Marcos Pass Road and continue on North Los Angeles Street to drive into the city.

 

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