Located in the high desert of northwest Nevada, Reno is the second-largest city in the state. While casinos are plentiful here, Reno also offers plenty of culture in the form of museums and public art, a lively dining scene, and easy access to outdoor adventures. The Truckee River runs right through downtown Reno, and there are parks and trails for hiking, biking, and even kayaking. Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains are also just a short distance away.
Reno hosts many events and festivals—including Burning Man in nearby Black Rock City—over the summer, which makes this a popular time to visit. Summer temperatures in the desert can soar, but visitors can cool off in the casinos, the Truckee River, or nearby Lake Tahoe. Nevada’s beloved lake features more than 30 miles (48 kilometers) of public coastline, and its beaches are soft, golden sand fronting some of the clearest lake water you’ll ever see. Some sources say it’s almost as pure as distilled water!
Winter is another popular season among tourists, as there are numerous ski resorts in the area. Because it’s only 25 miles (40 kilometers) south, Reno residents love to hit the slopes at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. It offers more than 1,200 skiable acres and boasts the largest tubing park on the west coast. With nearly 5,000 skiable acres, Heavenly Ski Resort is much larger. However, it’s about 60 miles (97 kilometers) south of Reno near South Lake Tahoe. You can also book snowmobiling and snowshoeing guided tours in the Sierras.
Visit Reno in the spring and fall for smaller crowds and pleasant temperatures ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and golfing. Fun fact: there are more than 50 golf courses within a 2-hour drive. LakeRidge Golf Course is often voted the best in town. It even has one of the most iconic par 3’s in the country.
You can get around Reno using the RTC bus system. Download the rideRTC App to find your desired route. You can also pay your fare via the app. A single ride costs around US$2 while a 7-day pass will set you back approximately US$15. It’s also easy to walk around popular neighborhoods like Downtown, the Riverwalk District, and the Midtown District. A car will come in handy if you want to explore the desert and other area attractions like Virginia City and Lake Tahoe, though there are shuttle buses from Reno-Tahoe International Airport to Lake Tahoe’s north and south shores. Taxis and rideshares are also plentiful.
There are plenty of restaurant options in the casinos, but head to the Riverwalk District and the Midtown District for a lively café, restaurant, and microbrewery scene, along with more than 100 large-scale murals. Reno is also home to several large art installations from Burning Man, including some at the newly revitalized Neon Line District. For more active visitors, it’s possible to go whitewater rafting and kayaking right in town at the Truckee River Whitewater Park.
According to TripAdvisor, The National Automobile Museum is the city’s top attraction. If you plan on visiting this collection of more than 200 cars, there are a few things you should know. First, make sure to mention if you’re active military, a veteran, or a first responder. You’ll get a US$5 discount on admission. Next, if you prefer guided tours, visit at 1:30pm to take advantage of the daily complimentary docent-led tour. It takes around 90 minutes.
