Originally Posted by kenish

Are you going from SAN-SMF one way or round trip? The one way drop fee on a rental car will be substantial. Also be sure the cheap car deals include unlimited miles.

I recommend checking Southwest, Alaska, Virgin America, and Jet Blue. Also check flying out of SNA or LGB, or into SJC or OAK as alternates and closing the smaller distance by rental car. I think you will be hard pressed to save money by driving when you account for fuel, meals, etc. Of course if you plan to sightsee enroute that's good reason to drive.

FYI, the first 50 miles are along the coast, the next 70 miles are through the LA urban jungle, the next 50 over the mountains and the remaining 250 through flat, boring farmland.