Car Rental Santa Fe

Whether in the traditional quarters or its more modern districts, you'll find Santa Fe an easy city to navigate. Its central area is bisected by West Alameda Street and East Alameda Street, while St Francis Drive links the north and south sections of the city, offering an easy route in and out of town. There are plenty of parking meters downtown.

Santa Fe Regional Airport is less than 20km southwest of the city, along New Mexico State Road 599. Just beyond this you'll find Santa Fe National Forest, a protected area of more than 1.5 million acres.

Car rental in Santa Fe also means you can follow Interstate 25 (I-25) south to reach Albuquerque, the biggest city in New Mexico. Not far away is the 1.6-million-acre Cibola National Forest, home to scenic hiking trails, campgrounds and climbing areas.

Outside the major cities, heavy traffic isn’t much of a problem in New Mexico - but be aware that some routes in more rural areas may be narrow and winding. This is especially true if you find yourself entering the mountainous parts of the state. Pay extra attention, especially after dark, and plan your journey in advance.

Just like the rest of the US, drivers in New Mexico use the right-hand side of the road. The speed limit on rural freeways is 75mph (120km/h) and in urban areas this can fall as low as 55mph (88km/h). Speed limits should be clearly marked, and limits are strictly enforced.

The highest state capital in the US, Santa Fe is a small, picturesque city on the edge of the mountains with a distinctly Hispanic heritage. It offers an intoxicating mix of native culture and contemporary art, as well as some much talked about local cuisine. If you're a fan of the great outdoors, then the majesty of the Rocky Mountains is in easy driving distance when you rent a car in Santa Fe.

Historic landmark

Few visitors to Santa Fe are immune from the charms of its European architectural influences. There are fewer finer examples of this than the Palace of the Governors – officially the oldest public building in the whole of the US.

A striking adobe style reflects its origins as the home of the state's first Spanish governor in the early 17^th century, before Pueblo Indians occupied it in 1860. Free tours are available, meaning you can enjoy a fascinating journey through Santa Fe's past, as well as viewing some outstanding examples of religious artwork with a European influence.

If you've got some spare time, the New Mexico History Museum is just behind the palace. This traces the history of the state, with a glimpse into the arrival of the Spanish in the 16^th century and the years beyond. Santa Fe also plays host to the oldest church in continental United States - San Miguel Mission, built between 1610 and 1626. 

Works of art

Santa Fe has always been a favorite destination for artists and writers – and still is today. One of its most famous residents was Georgia O'Keeffe. The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, located on Johnson Street, is devoted to the works of the celebrated 20^th century artist, renowned for her striking New Mexico landscapes and New York skylines.

The museum itself is a beautiful structure and contains 10 individual galleries exhibiting O'Keeffe's work. Spend some time watching the video that explains her story in detail.

For art of a different kind, try the Chuck Jones Gallery. Jones was a key animator for Warner Bros cartoons, working on characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Wile E. Coyote. The gallery showcases some of his work for Looney Tunes.

A haunted history

When you've explored Santa Fe's more historical attractions, you might be ready for something a little different. If you’re a fan of art, sci-fi or mysteries, make sure you pay a visit to The House of Eternal Return by Meow Wolf, just off Cerrillos Road towards the southwest of the city.

This former bowling alley has been transformed into an immersive set of interactive art installations, inviting you to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a Californian family. It’s filled with secret passages, climbing frames and more. It’s open daily with late-night admission available on Friday and Saturday. Beat the queues by reserving your tickets online in advance.

Hit the peaks

Given Santa Fe's proximity to the southernmost Rockies, you may well be tempted to drive out and take in some majestic mountain views. The nearby Sangre de Cristo range is your best bet – there are plenty of popular spots for hiking, camping, biking and even downhill skiing in the winter months.

Meanwhile, a two-hour drive north will take you to Wheeler Peak, a mighty summit more than 3,980 meters above sea level. It’s a tough climb, but you’ll be rewarded with some magnificent views of the rugged landscape.

All this and more is easily accessible with Santa Fe car rental.