Car Rental Spokane Airport (GEG)

Once you’ve collected your rental car at Spokane Airport, you’re less than 10 kilometres from the heart of the city. Follow West Airport Drive to join Interstate 90 (I-90) and you’ll find all the downtown attractions within reach.

I-90 is an important route connecting Spokane to the surrounding areas of Washington state. Driving from Spokane Airport, you can follow the interstate east to explore the city of Spokane, or continue across the Idaho state line, where the route takes you through the vast Coeur d’Alene National Forest.

I-90 also connects Spokane to Seattle, around 450 kilometres west – a fantastic idea for an extended road trip. From there it’s easy to reach the state capital; Olympia, less than 100 kilometres south via I-5.

Back in Spokane, the I-90 runs right through the city, providing access to important thoroughfares including Sprague Avenue, an east-west route that divides the northern neighbourhoods from the southern. I-90 also connects to North Division Street, the busiest commuter route in the city, which leads north to join US-2 and US-395.

Spokane is easy to navigate thanks to its simple grid system and road naming conventions. Routes that run east to west – such as Sprague and Wellesley – are usually avenues, while those running north to south, like Division and Hamilton, are streets.

Metered street parking is available in downtown Spokane and is usually enforced from Monday to Saturday during the hours of 8am to 7pm – parking outside these hours, Sundays and on public holidays is usually free but always check signs.

Speed limits in Spokane County are set at 45mph (72km/h) on rural roads and 25mph (40km/h) on local access roads in urban areas. The speed limit on most parts of I-90 in Washington is 70mph (112km/h). However, there are exceptions so always check for speed limits posted at the side of the road.

Home to the famous Spokane Falls and beautiful botanic gardens, Spokane isn’t short of outdoor attractions for the adventure-seeking traveller. But there are also numerous historic and cultural venues dotted around the city – with several locations beyond – waiting to be explored. All are within easy reach in a rental car.

Downtown gems by the riverside

A great place to start your visit to Spokane is Riverfront Park, right in the heart of downtown. Take a dramatic Skyride cable car to enjoy stunning views of the city’s most famous landmark; the Spokane Falls. Or, head to the Centennial Trail to feel the gentle spray off the water thundering past as you stroll by.

The park itself is also home to many historic monuments, including the Great Northern Clocktower, originally part of the Great Northern Railroad Depot, dating back to 1902.

Riverfront also houses the Looff Carousel, a hand-carved wooden structure built in 1909 that is such a well-preserved example of a classic carousel that it’s on the National Register of Historic Places – and remains one of Spokane’s most popular visitor attractions to this day.

Showcase gardens

Another unmissable outdoor attraction in Spokane is Manito Park, found in the South Hill neighbourhood. First opened to the public in 1904, this 78-acre site is one of the city’s most beloved visitor hotspots thanks to its five diverse gardens - and the gorgeous plant and flower displays that take place here all year round.

Entry is free and all five gardens – as well as the Gaiser Conservatory and Rose Hill – are worth checking out. The tranquility of the Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden, which comes complete with Koi pond and waterfall, means it’s a great place to relax.

Historic sights

Spokane might be a modern metropolis, but it’s also home to many historic buildings – including St John’s Cathedral. Built between 1925 and 1929, with some parts completed after World War II, it’s a stunning example of Gothic architecture and is famous for its 4,000-pipe organ and intricate stained-glass windows.

Open to the public from Monday through Saturday, there’s also with free guided tours available on Fridays and the fourth Saturday of the month.

Another famous landmark is the Martin Woldson Theater, a 1,600-seat venue which is home to the Spokane Symphony Orchestra and hosts events all year round. Constructed in 1931, it’s undergone a significant restoration, so new generations of visitors can enjoy its glorious Art Deco styling.

To learn more about Spokane and its rich history, head to the Northwest Museum of Art and Culture on West First Avenue, which houses fascinating exhibits that tell the story of this region and its Native American heritage.

Down on the farm

With car rental at Spokane Airport you’ll also be able to take the short drive out of the city to explore Green Bluff, a rural community just 15 minutes north. With dozens of farms dotting the landscape, it’s a hugely popular visitor attraction thanks to the array of fresh local produce on offer – you can pick your own berries and peaches during the summer months, or apples in the fall.

In the spring Green Bluff hosts a major festival called Blooms on the Bluff, featuring live music as well as arts and craft sales from local artists.

Experience all this and more when you rent a car at Spokane Airport with Hertz.