Car rental in California
California, the "Golden State", is the most populated state in the USA and the third largest in area. It is the state of a thousand landscapes, from the misty redwood forests in the north to the sunny beaches in the south, from Yosemite Park and Death Valley in the east to San Francisco and Los Angeles in the west. You can see the rows of vines in Napa Valley, pampering spa towns and of course its two famous symbols - Beverly Hills and Silicon Valley.
For the tourists California is the edge of the Pacific Ocean or the home of Hollywood, but for many Americans it is mainly considered the "car country", since unlike other central places like New York, almost everything is done in California by car.
Ofran operates in California with the two brands from largest rental company - Alamo and National - both companies are ranked first in consumer surveys year after year.
Alamo and National offer advanced 24/7 road services and one-way rentals on favorable terms, so that you can enjoy your trip comfortably with no worries.
These companies have thousands of car rental stations in central locations at all major airports, parks, tourist sites and busy city centers. The vehicle groups offered are diverse and range between small, medium, family vehicles, SUVs, luxury vehicles and minivans, all of which have automatic transmissions.
Working with the major companies in California allows us to offer you a higher availability of vehicles, however, especially if you're planning to rent a car during summertime, please note it is recommended to book a car in advance, even more so if you're intending to rent a large vehicle, or a minivan.
The road system in California is developed and easy to drive, but the distances are long which makes public transportation less efficient and the rental car a desirable solution. Even for tourists, renting a car in California is the most convenient, cheapest and fastest way to move from place to place, including the trip from the airport to the city.
Car rental in California is recommended both if you intend to stay in the Los Angeles area and if you intend to go out into nature, parks or other cities in the country and for longer trips.
Exclusive for rentals with Alamo
◾ The freedom to choose
At the main airports in the USA, including the Los Angeles and San Francisco airports in California, the exclusive program called – Choice, is activated and offers the car renter a selection of models to choose from in each group.
For the list of stations where Choice option is available, click here.
◾ Save time
you can also speed up standing in line with the Save Time service that allows you to check in online in advance for the car rental and also at central stations you can get the rental voucher from a kiosk instead of standing in line! To check in online, click here.
◾ Toll roads
In the USA there are many toll roads. In order to save unnecessary dealing with small change during your trip, the car rental stations offer renting a Tollpass device ( similar to the Route 6 device) with which you can pass on these roads and receive the charge in a centralized manner from the rental company and pay via CC.
Please note that some toll roads are exempt by the TollPass device, for example in Montreal, Kansas and South Carolina. It is your responsibility to verify this before traveling on toll roads. Driving on a toll road without payment is subject to fines.
For more information about the included and excluded roads, visit the following website: https://www.tollpassgo.com/
Please note that there are toll roads in Orange County, Riverside and the San Diego area, and most of the bridges crossing the San Francisco Bay are subject to a fee. Many of the roads have a Carpool Lane - a lane that is sometimes located in the center of the road and is intended for vehicles with two or more passengers. Be careful about this as the fines can be high.
◾ Interstate highways
California is crossed by several interstate highways, which make driving a rental car a particularly quiet and comfortable experience. Route 5 crosses the state from the Mexican border to Oregon and is ideal for those driving between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Highways 10, 15 and 40 are desert roads that go to Phoenix and Las Vegas, while Highway 80 crosses north of Eldorado National Park towards Reno. The city of Fresno is the main gateway to the famous Yosemite Park.
◾ Special lanes
On highways there is sometimes a sign with the inscription "HOV" (High Occupancy Vehicle lanes - this is a lane for multi-passenger vehicles that at certain times of the day a vehicle is not allowed to pass through these lanes unless it carries the number of passengers indicated on the sign.
◾ Turns on US roads
In some US states, different rules are applied than in Israel regarding right and left turns at traffic lights.
Turning right: In some areas turning right is allowed even when the traffic light is red, when of course there is still an obligation to give the right of way to pedestrians and crossing vehicles. If you are not sure what the rule is in the state you are traveling to, you can wait for a green light.
Turning left: In addition, there are states where even when the traffic light is fully green, turning left does not always give you the right of way, but the right of way is first of all the traffic coming in front.
The exception to this case is when your traffic light also shows a green arrow - then the right of way is yours.
◾ Credit cards in the USA
Please note - the rental companies in the USA do not allow Diners or Debit credit cards to be presented as a deposit credit card. An international credit card in the name of the driver of other credit companies must be presented.
For more tips on renting a car in the USA click here.
Renting a car in California with Ofran will allow you to explore all of its sites and attractions, in the pace that's comfortable to you and enjoy California in comfort and ease. We will be happy to stand by your side and accompany your trip in California, while making sure to rent a car of the highest standards.
Ofran wishes you a safe and pleasant trip with your rental car in California
Big Sur
Mountains on one side and the ocean on the other, Big Sur is one of the more spectacular destinations California has to offer.
The view you will see on this trip is unlike any other view you have seen anywhere else.
The road stretches along the central coast of California. Due to the beauty of the area and the calming effect it produces, it is considered a popular destination for retreats to restore the body and mind, or simply vacations for anyone who needs some peace and quiet in a setting that is nothing short of perfect.
Renting a car in California will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the area, stop at one of the magical beaches, climb the mountains and appreciate the view, even if you choose not to stay at one of the many resorts offered in the vicinity.
San Diego
The second largest city in the country is an amazing alternative for those who want to enjoy a big city experience in California, without the noise and smog of Los Angeles.
The wide variety of attractions it offers makes it a favourite vacation destination, especially for family vacations. Beaches for snorkelling or water sports, the famous San Diego Zoo, Torrey Pines Preserve, and the USS Midway Military Museum.
Malibu
About 45 kilometers west of Los Angeles, is the favourite vacation destination of the rich and famous. Even if you are not staying there, you can easily reach it by rental car and enjoy its pampering nature.
It is full of picture perfect beaches, and a short distance from it you can also find wild and primitive nature areas, among them, Point Mugu State Park and the Santa Monica Mountains. For nature lovers it is recommended to choose one or more of the many walking routes in the area, park in one of the parking lots and travel with a backpack, a map and of course a camera.
California with children
You won't have any trouble finding activities to do with children in the land of eternal sunshine and fun, the challenge will likely be choosing from the many activities. We have compiled some of the most loved ones.
Raging Waters, a chain of water parks in California
You can find this beloved water park in several destinations in California - San Jose, Sacramento and Los Angeles (located nearby San Dimes). The park in Los Angeles is the largest of them and covers an area of about 242 dunams. It has about 50 world-class facilities for all ages, and at various extreme levels. There are also countless corners for relaxation, for those who are less into running around, a quiet artificial river, and cabanas for rent.
Legoland California
Installations, interactive displays, miniature replicas of famous buildings and even workshops for children who want to become champions in Lego construction, everything is in the park dedicated to the beloved construction game.
The park, located in Carlsbad, is so diverse that it offers something for everyone, at any age, and not just for the little ones. The place is huge in size and includes a water park, the possibility of sailing in the river to observe the models of the buildings (an opportunity for a family game of "who recognizes the most buildings"), and of course there are many restaurants and options to rest for a moment, all in an uncompromising Lego design.
Yosemite National Park
The national park located in the eastern part of California is an ideal destination for nature-loving families. 3,029 square kilometers of mountains, lakes, valleys, glaciers and thousands of forms of life and vegetation.
You can walk, ride horses, or even enjoy the view while driving (although it is always recommended to park and feel nature up close). Even if you did not arrive organized for a nature trip, there is nothing to fear, there are cafes and restaurants, equipment stores and accommodation areas.
Shopping in California
Where else can you enjoy all the best that a developed and modern American country has to offer, if not in one of the shopping centers? Here are some of the most popular and affordable.
Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica
The huge and designed open mall contains designer stores alongside popular brands and a vibrant restaurant scene.
The mall is surrounded by indoor parking lots, so you won't have to worry about parking.
Whether you are looking for deals and discounts in large department stores or unique products in boutique stores, this is the place. After you're done shopping, or if you want a break, go upstairs to enjoy a glass of wine in front of the sunset and a view of the ocean.
Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills
The undisputed shopping classic, the street that was the setting for one of the most memorable scenes in cinematic history in the movie "Pretty Woman". Don't make the mistake of missing the opportunity to visit here, even if you can't really afford to walk around the designer stores with countless bags, maybe you can leave here with a souvenir or two, and especially with lots of photos and an unforgettable experience.
