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Car rental in Scotts Valley, CA

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Rental cars in Scotts Valley

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

Scotts Valley, EN

Car rental Scotts Valley adventure awaits

Scotts Valley offers the perfect blend of California's redwood forests and Silicon Valley innovation, creating a unique destination where nature meets technology. You'll discover charming downtown streets, scenic mountain trails, and easy access to both Santa Cruz beaches and San Francisco attractions. A car rental gives you the freedom to explore the Santa Cruz Mountains at your own pace while enjoying convenient access to major highways. You can venture from peaceful forest drives to bustling tech corridors within minutes. Your rental car becomes the key to unlocking this diverse region's hidden gems and popular destinations alike.

Recent reviews

Kato
Tesla Model 3 2021

Car was great. Adam great! I had difficulty with the Tesla app so that was only thing that took extra time in pick up and drop off. No big deal just used card. Highly recommend

Kato
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BMW M4 2015

Host was great, communicated well and was very helpful. Car was perfect, smooth, great car to drive. Would definitely rent it again.

Michael
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DELETHIA
Volkswagen Golf 2014

Car drove great. Host was very nice. Would rent again.

DELETHIA
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Gwendelyn
Toyota Prius c 2013

Great car,very clean. Convenient pickup and drop off

Gwendelyn
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Volkswagen Golf 2014

Car was clean and wonderful to drive! I would totally drive this car again. What a breeze

Keely
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Tesla Model 3 2021

Wonderful car, comfortable and clean—friendly host! Recommended~~

Stephanie
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Roman
BMW M4 2015

This car is an absolute beast! One of the most fun driving experiences I’ve ever had.

Roman
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Jessica
Ford Fusion 2013

The car was great. It was a comfortable ride, spacious for the family and luggage. Host makes the process easy and he's accommodating.

Jessica
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Ford Fiesta 2013

Quick to reply, easy pick up, easy drop off, good first time using Turo

Devin
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Naomi
Tesla Model 3 2023

Judy is really nice and made the pick up and drop off process easy. When I had any questions, she was quick to reply and very polite. The car was smooth, clean, and comfortable for a long drive. I drove to San Diego, then to Arizona, back to San Diego and back to drop off and had no issues with the car. I would definitely rent again in the future if needed!

Naomi
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Kade
Tesla Model 3 2023

The Tesla was great!!! We will certainly be renting again. Everything worked perfectly and I had no service issues during my trip with the family to Disneyland. The car was very clean and had no bad smells. Im a bigger guy 6ft 285lbs, and the Model 3 was a bit small for me to get in and out but certainly wasn't a huge issue. Just something to consider for bigger people. You get access to the Tesla lounges locations on I-5 when charging which is convenient because they have restrooms and snacks available as well. The pickup location was a little further that the ad had said, by about 4 miles. Its closer to Felton and slightly more difficult to get to if you are taking a bus or walking to get to the car like I usually do when I book a Turo. I'd recommend Ubering to the pickup location. There is a bus that runs near if you want to bus though. I had to have someone take me to pickup the car which was not what I had originally planned based on the ad. However the host was super accommodating and did let me return the car to the advertised location though, which was so helpful because I needed the bus station next to Nob Hill in Scotts Valley to get home. Also no access to the Tesla App was given this time unfortunately which was a little bit of an annoyance since I use it alot when renting Teslas. It helps me when I forget the key inside "I forget alot" and don't want to go all the back up to our hotel room to get it or want to check the charging status if Im out shopping while charging because I dont want to pay congestion fees at charging stations. But the owner said they might change in the future but wasn't sure when exactly. Again this wasn't a major problem and certainly won't prevent me from renting again. Just something to consider if you are someone who also enjoys App access and its something you are looking for when renting a Tesla. 😃

Kade
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Tesla Model 3 2023

The car was great and as advertised, the service was top tier. I would recommend this car and the wonderful host in the future.

Cassidy
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BMW M4 2015

This car is great. Runs and drives very well. Seems to be well maintained. I used this car for my Honeymoon, the wife was pleased with the comfort of the car. I was pleased with the overall experience of driving this M4 through the beautiful central California coast. Mateen is a great host. Easy pick up and drop off.

Robert
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Anne
BMW M4 2015

Mateen was a really kind, friendly, communicative and responsive host. He was very helpful when it came to explaining details about the car. The car was a great drive!!

Anne
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Brian R.
Toyota Prius Plug-In 2013

Super easy and great price. Definitely going to use this host again.

Brian R.
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Things to do and places to see in Scotts Valley

Scotts Valley provides access to stunning redwood parks, family-friendly attractions, and scenic mountain drives that showcase California's natural beauty. You can explore the Santa Cruz Mountains, visit local wineries, or take day trips to nearby coastal towns with your rental car. Popular destinations include Skyline Boulevard for breathtaking views, downtown Scotts Valley for shopping and dining, and the surrounding forest areas perfect for hiking and photography. Your rental car allows you to easily navigate between mountain trails and valley attractions while maintaining the flexibility to discover spontaneous adventures along winding country roads.


Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk nearby coastal excitement

The famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers classic California beach culture with thrilling rides, arcade games, and oceanfront dining just a short drive from Scotts Valley. You'll find ample parking options near the boardwalk, making it easy to spend a full day enjoying the beach and amusement park attractions. Your rental car provides convenient transportation between Scotts Valley's mountain setting and this iconic coastal destination.


Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park natural wonder

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park features ancient redwood groves and peaceful hiking trails that showcase some of California's most impressive natural scenery. The park offers designated parking areas and easy access to multiple trail systems suitable for various fitness levels. You can drive through scenic park roads while enjoying towering redwoods that create a cathedral-like atmosphere perfect for nature photography and quiet reflection.


Roaring Camp Railroads historic mountain adventure

Roaring Camp Railroads provides authentic steam train experiences through the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering unique perspectives of the region's natural beauty and logging history. The facility includes convenient parking areas and connects to various mountain destinations via historic rail routes. Your rental car allows you to easily reach this popular attraction while exploring other mountain communities and scenic overlooks in the surrounding area.


How to get to Scotts Valley

• By plane: San Jose Airport serves as the primary gateway, located in the heart of Silicon Valley with car rental options available
• By car: Highway 17 connects Scotts Valley directly to San Jose and Santa Cruz, while Highway 9 provides scenic mountain access
• By train: Limited rail service requires additional ground transportation, making car rental the most practical option for exploring the region


Top tips for renting a car in Scotts Valley

Book your rental car early on Turo to secure the best options for exploring both mountain terrain and coastal destinations around Scotts Valley. Consider choosing a car with all-wheel drive for confident handling on winding mountain roads, or select options with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy navigation through the Santa Cruz Mountains. Look for extras like heated seats for cool mountain mornings, keyless entry for convenience, and pet-friendly cars if you're traveling with furry companions to dog-friendly beaches and trails.

Frequently asked questions in Scotts Valley

What are the best parking options in Scotts Valley?

Downtown Scotts Valley offers convenient street parking and public lots near shops and restaurants, making it easy to explore the area with your rental car. The Scotts Valley Town Center provides ample free parking spaces for visitors accessing retail stores and dining establishments. Most residential areas feature wide streets with available curbside parking, though always check local signage for any time restrictions.

Which car type works best for Scotts Valley's terrain?

SUV rentals handle Scotts Valley's hilly terrain and winding roads exceptionally well, providing excellent visibility and stability for navigating the Santa Cruz Mountains. Economy cars work perfectly for daily driving around town and short trips to nearby locations like Santa Cruz or San Jose Airport. Full size cars offer comfortable seating and cargo space for families exploring California's scenic coastal regions from this central valley location.

What scenic driving routes start from Scotts Valley?

Highway 17 connects Scotts Valley to Santa Cruz, offering stunning mountain views and redwood forests perfect for a leisurely drive in your rental car. The winding roads through the Santa Cruz Mountains provide access to numerous hiking trails and scenic overlooks ideal for day trips. Route 9 leads through charming small towns and offers beautiful vistas of the California coastline when you reach the Pacific Ocean.

Where can I find gas stations around Scotts Valley?

Several fuel stations operate along Scotts Valley Drive, the main thoroughfare through town, ensuring convenient access for your rental car. Gas stations are readily available near the intersection of Mount Hermon Road and Highway 17, perfect for filling up before longer drives to San Francisco or Los Angeles. Additional fuel locations can be found along the route toward Santa Cruz, making it easy to keep your car ready for exploring California's diverse attractions.

How should I prepare for long drives from Scotts Valley?

Plan your route in advance when driving from Scotts Valley to destinations like San Francisco or Los Angeles, as mountain roads can add extra time to your journey. Ensure your rental car has sufficient fuel before departing, especially for trips through rural areas where gas stations may be less frequent. Check weather conditions during winter months, as mountain passes can experience fog or rain that affects driving visibility in this part of California.

What driving tips help in unfamiliar Scotts Valley areas?

Use GPS navigation when exploring residential neighborhoods in Scotts Valley, as many streets wind through hills and can be confusing for first-time visitors. Keep your driver license and car rental documentation easily accessible, as required by California law for all operators. Allow extra time when driving to locations like San Jose Airport or Santa Cruz during peak traffic hours, and familiarize yourself with local parking regulations before leaving your car unattended.

How does car rental insurance work on Turo?

No, you don't need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo. In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host's car would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you'll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that's right for you. On each trip, you're covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.* In New York state, you'll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you're covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.

What kind of license do I need to rent a car on Turo?

Turo accepts valid licenses (not expired, suspended, or revoked) that allow for full driving privileges; this includes driver's licenses issued outside of the US. Licenses that Turo doesn't accept in the US include any that have expired, have been altered, are conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Learner's permit/instruction permits are not accepted.

Is there long term car rental on Turo?

Yes there is — whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You'll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.

What documents and paperwork do I need to rent a car on Turo?

To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver's license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada. In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver's license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver's license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of cars. When you're booking your first trip, you'll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver's license and some other information. In most cases, you'll get approved immediately, and you'll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!

  1. * Est. daily price. Search for up to date price information.