Charming and historic Santa Fe is one of the USA’s most unique towns, clad as it is with adobe buildings and old churches. It has the ambiance of a Spanish country town and lies within reach of striking countryside, which is best explored by car rental from Santa Fe.
Getting there
Santa Fe has an airport, though most arrivals come via Albuquerque International Sunport, about 90 minutes to the south. The drive by rental car to Santa Fe goes along the I-25 (the Canam Highway). Amtrak trains from Albuquerque terminate at nearby Lamy, though Greyhound buses come in direct. There are regular national deals for travel to Santa Fe online.
Key attractions
Santa Fe is built up of the adobe clay-styled buildings, giving the town its distinct Spanish feel. Some abodes go back hundreds of years and St Francis Cathedral is especially attractive. The Plaza square is the heart of town, from where you can get to all the sights, including the townеs many museums, of which the Georgia OеKeefe Museum is well worth a look.
Out and about
There are Native American pueblos all around the region, plus you can also drive to the Jemez Mountains or Sangre de Cristos mountains. The lush Santa Fe National Forest is close by with Santa Fe by rental car, and for some unique scenery, head to the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument.
Leisure options
Hiking in the nearby Sangre de Cristos mountain range is just sublime. For wooded trails Visit Santa Fe National Forest, plus there are some ski resorts up here, too. Santa Fe is also big on geocaching (GPS treasure hunts) and has a number of golf courses. Look online for national travel deals.
Safety
Santa Fe is quite safe, though as with anywhere pickpockets operate in tourist areas. The Plaza should be avoided after lights out, along with city parks. Santa Fe is surrounded by desert where it gets very hot in summer; always carry extra water when hiking. You can park your Santa Fe car rental on the street.