Orange County is one of Southern California’s easiest and most rewarding regions to explore by car. With beach cities, luxury shopping, coastal highways, and business hubs spread across the area, having the right car rental Orange County strategy can make a noticeable difference in your overall experience. Many visitors, however, make avoidable mistakes when choosing where to start and what type of rental best suits their trip. This guide breaks down the best starting points and clears up common misconceptions—especially for travelers considering luxury car rental Orange County or exotic car rental Orange County options. Best Start Points for Car Rental in Orange County Orange County offers several convenient locations to begin your rental, each serving a different type of traveler. John Wayne Airport (SNA) John Wayne Airport is the most popular starting point for car rental Orange County visitors. It is centrally located, easy to navigate, and close to Newport Beach, Irvine, and Costa Mesa. Starting here is ideal if you want to get on the road quickly after landing without dealing with long transfers. For travelers interested in
