Here’s our guide on the best things to do in Reno and nearby.
I often thought of Reno as Las Vegas’ little sibling or launching point for Burning Man, but as we spend more time there, we’ve fallen in love with its unique charm. Dubbed “The Biggest Little City in the World,” it’s the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers with Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains nearby. We love how walkable the downtown area is, and the art and food scene has been growing rapidly.
In this guide, we’re sharing our favorite things to do in Reno and its surrounding areas, including Virginia City, Carson City, and Tahoe. We also included where to eat, where to stay, and tips for your visit. If you are in the Reno-Tahoe Territory during July 4th this year, check out all the America 250 celebrations in the area.
Last Updated: June 24, 2026
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5 Things to Do in Reno
1. Climb the World’s Tallest Artificial Climbing Wall
255 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501, map
We climbed BaseCamp Climbing Gym’s massive 164 ft (50 m) outdoor wall that holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest artificial climbing wall in the world. I chickened out midway and much prefer my small boulders, but Jacob made it to the top.
The routes range from 5.6 to 5.12, so even beginners can do the route, but the stamina might get you. If you manage to finish the route, they give you a certificate.
See More: 15 Games and Exercises to Improve Rock Climbing
2. Reno Arch
299-247 US-395 BUS, Reno, NV 89501, map
You can spot this right next to the climbing wall, but it is the iconic tourist photo to take in Reno. We passed it multiple times while exploring downtown.
3. Burning Man Art
Now that we’re burners, we love seeing the creativity and art that comes out of Burning Man. Many of the sculptures ended up in Reno afterward. If you only have time for one, we really love the Space Whale in City Plaza. The Believe sculpture is also here.
In addition to the Burning Man sculptures, you’ll find murals all over Reno. To learn more about them, check out this mural audio tour. It’s best to bring headphones to listen to it, but if you’d rather listen through a speaker, you can borrow one for free at the Visitor Center inside Reno Public Market.
See More: Your Ultimate Survival Packing list for Burning Man
4. Walk along the Truckee River in the Riverwalk District
The Riverwalk District is a nice area to relax, walk around, or people-watch. If you’re visiting any of the above, you’re already in this neighborhood. We stopped at Sierra Tap House to hang out on the patio and grab a drink. Nearby, we saw people fly fishing, tubing down the Truckee River, and djing.
5. The Radical Cat
1500 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502, map
If there are books and cats, I’m there. The Radical Cat offers a highly curated selection of radical books, as its name suggests, focused on inclusivity and social justice. I like book browsing because it gives me a sense of calm in our overstimulating world. Out of the four bookstores I visited in Reno, this one was my favorite.
We played with the adoptable cats in the cat lounge, and even took home a couple of books, breaking all my rules of traveling light. They also have cute and kitschy cat-themed gifts for your cat-loving friends. I love that a bookstore like this exists, and hope to revisit it next time we’re in Reno.
Things to Do Near Reno
6. Drive to the Wild West in Virginia City
86 S C St, Virginia City, NV 89440, map
Virginia City is a 35-minute drive southeast of Reno. It feels like a movie set, but it’s the real Wild West. It was once the epicenter of the American West and is now one of the best-preserved Old West towns, with wooden-plank sidewalks, saloons, and antique shops. Check out our Instagram guide here. For your first visit, don’t miss:
- Mackay Mansion Tour – It’s the fifth most haunted building in Nevada. Some fun facts: It had the first indoor bathroom on the West Coast, Thomas Edison came and replaced their bulbs from gas to electric, and Johnny Depp had his first paranormal experience here. We took photos in every mirror in case new friends wanted to show up.
- V&T Railroad – This is a great activity for families with kids. You ride on one of the famous historic short lines while getting an overview of the area.
- Ponderosa Mine Tour – Since mining was a big part of Virginia City’s history, you should go on a mine tour during your visit. It’s also a great way to cool off during a hot day. Bring a jacket if you tend to get cold.
STAY – Virginia City Bed & Breakfast. We stayed at the cutest B&B. Dona cooks up a feast for breakfast, including scones and delicious homemade jam. Bonus points for Archie, their Irish doodle, who was the best boy and greeter.
Local Tip: If you plan on doing 3 or more activities in Virginia City, stop by the Visitor Center to save money on all the attractions with the Comstock Adventure Pass. Read more about it here.
7. Visit the Capital of Nevada, Carson City
716 N Carson St # A, Carson City, NV 89701, map
Carson City is a 30-minute drive south of Reno and is the capital of Nevada. It’s more of a home base close to Tahoe, Reno, and Virginia City, and is great for those who love the outdoors without the crowds. If it’s your first time in Carson City, these were our favorites:
- Carson Hot Springs – Soak in the outdoor mineral pools or in a private indoor one, which are first-come, first-served.
- Nevada State Museum – Go between 11 am and 3 pm on a Saturday to see a live coin press demonstration. We also enjoyed walking through the underground mine replica.
- Skunk Harbor Trail – The trailhead is 20 minutes away from downtown Carson City, and I could have spent all day by the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Hikes with water features are my favorite. Even though the water was cold, I wish I had packed my swimsuit.
- Tee Jays Corner Cafe – We couldn’t believe Carson City had an Indonesian restaurant, so we had to try it. We met Tee Jay and got to try his delicious rendang (it’s like an Indonesian pot roast). It turns out he used to live near us in Atlanta. At first, the color scheme reminded me of Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks. After chatting with Tee Jay and learning that he only has a few Indonesian friends in Carson City, I felt more of the painting’s melancholy of living somewhere you feel isolated and maybe a little homesick.
STAY – Federal Hotel is conveniently located downtown, and all the places we visited were walkable. The rooms are newly renovated, and we enjoyed our private and spacious patio on the second floor.
Bonus: Seasonal Baseball Game / America 250 Celebrations
250 Evans Ave, Suite 101, Reno, NV 89501, map
If you’re visiting between late March and mid-September, catch a Minor League Baseball game at Greater Nevada Field. The Reno Aces have themed games, and it was Toy Story day when we went.
They will also be hosting the California Collegiate League (CCL) All-Stars game on July 4th to celebrate America 250. Check out our Instagram post for more America 250 celebrations in the area.
Map of Things to Do in Reno
Where to Eat in Reno
- Magpie Roasters – Small batch roaster, and according to the coffee snobs on Reddit, this is where you get the best coffee in Reno. It did not disappoint.
- Tadaima Shabu Shabu (Reservations required) – The only Japanese hot pot in Reno. Sean and Yumi started this as a labor of love. Jacob had the chicken meatballs, and I had the chibi wagyu, which was the perfect amount for me. The sauces were delicious, and I loved that at the end of the meal, they made you a soup broth from your leftovers for you to take home.
- Kwok’s Bistro (Reservations required) ranks 12th on the top 100 Chinese Restaurants in America according to Yelp. We tried the Szechuan Eggplant and Chow Fun and would order them again.
- Royce Burger Bar – We tried the Royce burger with spicy jalapeno pickles and the Biggest Little Salad. Both were solid.
Where to Stay
We’ve stayed at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino on multiple trips. It has spacious and comfortable rooms, covered parking (clutch in the summer), and geothermally heated pools.
Essential Tips for Your Visit
- Pack layers. Day and night temperatures vary significantly here, sometimes by forty degrees.
- Bring your comfortable walking shoes. Downtown Reno is very walkable.
- Renting a Car – We rented a car so that we could also explore the surrounding areas, like Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, and Carson City.
- Visit Lake Tahoe on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
- Stay hydrated. Double your water intake, since you’re losing more water in Reno’s high desert climate than at sea level. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Here are our favorite water bottles that we always keep with us.
Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
Have you visited Reno? Are there any other things to do in Reno Nevada we should check out on our next trip?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
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