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Nicknamed ‘The Biggest Little City in the World,’ Reno is worth a stop along this well-traveled stretch of the West. It packs a punch for being a small city; think museums, parks, wildlife sanctuaries, nearby ski resorts, and of course, casinos.
With Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains offering outdoor beauty and adventure, Reno is a great gateway. Spend your days exploring and adventuring and your nights getting hit at the blackjack tables.
Not just casinos anymore. There is a burgeoning art scene. In addition to the museums, galleries and boutiques line Riverwalk, public art is on display, and more than 100 murals can be found around Midtown.
We guarantee that you’ll find plenty of things to do in Reno, Nevada, that will make you glad you didn’t overlook this city. Keep reading our guide, Top 16 Things to do in Reno, and make notes about the places you don’t want to miss out on.
About this guide
We gave our Travel Editors one job:
Find the best things to do and the most popular places in Reno, Nevada.
Our city guides always review the best new attractions, great places to eat, and unique experiences.
The Authors:
Anastasia
Staff Writer at DIVEIN.com
Anastasia prefers seeing the world by backpack. She's working on seeing it all.
Annie Gunton
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Annie has lived on 4 continents and traveled through 6. Spending her time in places as different as London and the Kalahari she has adapted how she gets out and enjoys what’s around.
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Things to Do in Reno, Nevada
Category
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Explore the Riverwalk District
What’s special about this place?
Stretching across the Truckee River, the Riverwalk District is a hot spot every tourist coming to Reno should take the time to explore. From taverns to art galleries and historic monuments, there’s a lot to see and do. It’s located in downtown Reno which makes it an accessible place.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Kids, adults, and everyone in between are welcome to spend half a day wandering around the Riverwalk District and popping into every shop and museum on their way. If you’re a fan of tours, book one, and a guide will show you around the neighborhood and tell you all there is to know about the unique local gems.
What to do here?
Grab a bike or explore the area on your own — the speed doesn’t matter when trying to make the most of your time in this popular location. Take a wine walk, sign up your kid for the face painting competition, and have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area. You’ll need at least a day to tour the neighborhood and leave knowing that you’ve seen it all.
Best Time to Visit
There isn’t one best time to visit the Riverwalk District; no matter when you decide to make your way to downtown Reno, there’ll always be something to occupy yourself with. Since it’s a frequently-visited area in the city, keep in mind that it gets busy in the evenings when locals are off work and can finally join the tourists at bars and restaurants.
Admire sculpture gardens at the Nevada Museum of Art
What’s special about this place?
Being one of the oldest museums in the area, the Nevada Museum of Art was recently renovated to look more modern. The four-story building is home to multiple collections of art that focus on human interactions with the environment and the recognition of the need to protect our surroundings.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
If your favorite way to explore a new place is by diving deep into its history and culture, visiting the Nevada Museum of Art should be high on your Reno bucket list. As a bonus, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the city skyline and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
What to do here?
Check out all four themed museum areas, including ‘Work Ethic’, ‘Art of the Greater West’, ‘Altered Landscape Photography’, and ‘Contemporary Art’. You can also take a guided tour of the museum, where a professional will take you through galleries and tell you everything you need to know about the displayed artwork.
Best Time to Visit
Guided tours take place every Saturday and Sunday at 11 AM. Tours with a volunteer docent happen every Friday at 1 PM. Tuesdays and Sundays tend to be the least crowded days at the museum, whereas Thursdays and Saturdays are the busiest.
Have a healthy meal at Great Full Gardens
What’s special about this place?
This health-centered restaurant offers a wide range of meals catering to every diet. Paleo, plant-based, gluten-free — you name it, Great Full Gardens has got it. The eatery uses its own ingredients that come straight from the restaurant-owned greenhouse. It’s home to GinoTheSoupMan supplying customers with soups made from scratch.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
If you have a dietary restriction, stopping by Great Full Gardens is a must. The restaurant has breakfast, lunch, and dinner options available every day, which makes it a great pit stop for those looking to fuel themselves in the middle of checking off every bucket list item in Reno, Nevada.
What to do here?
Get a vegan breakfast, a plant-based bowl, or a seafood dinner — the choice is yours. All menu options are delicious, and you’ll likely be back for more. The local barista can make you a superfood beverage if you’re into healthy drinks. Or, if you’d rather have a glass of craft beer, the restaurant has a supply of those too.
Best Time to Visit
The restaurant has several locations across town, which means you can get yourself a nice meal no matter what side of the city you’re in. The midtown location tends to have a wait time, so be prepared to wait for up to 30 minutes if you come during lunch. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday are the busiest days at the restaurant.
Catch a game at Greater Nevada Field
What’s special about this place?
Home to the Triple-A Reno Aces, the local minor league baseball team, Greater Nevada Field is the place to go if you want to catch a baseball game. Over 500,000 sports fans visit it every year, which makes it a popular spot among tourists looking for fun things to do in the area.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Baseball fans will make the most of a game at the Greater Nevada Field. The home-team spirit will get them cheering for their favorite team and leave the ballpark with some fun memories. If you have kids who’re big baseball fans, make sure to get tickets.
What to do here?
Check the schedule to see who’s playing when visiting Reno, and buy your tickets ASAP. You can also purchase a prepaid pass and enjoy tacos or other food offered at the venue. The stadium also hosts events like concerts and festivals, so make sure you’re up-to-date with the venue’s schedule.
Best Time to Visit
The stadium is busy during popular baseball games and concerts. Get your tickets beforehand and arrive early if you don’t want to stand in line for food. If you’re coming with children, show up ahead of time to avoid lining up to get to your seats.
See the animals at Animal Ark
What’s special about this place?
Functioning as a wildlife sanctuary, Animal Ark isn’t your typical zoo. It’s described as a safe place for animals that are injured, abandoned, or can’t be released into the wild. Each animal has its own space with large boulders, bushes, trees, and grass built by the Ark to help recreate the animals’ natural habitat.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Children of all ages — especially young kids — will enjoy spending an afternoon at Animal Ark. If you’ve always wanted to see wild animals but don’t like the idea of going to the zoo, this is the place for you. Here you’ll also be able to learn more about each animal’s life story.
What to do here?
The wildlife sanctuary and nature center offer year-round educational programs and themed events to entertain and educate visitors. You’ll see everyone from bears and wolfs to foxes and reptiles. The animals are constantly taken good care of and entertained to avoid boredom which you’ll get to witness.
Best Time to Visit
If you want to catch the staff feeding the bears, come between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. It’s also best to arrive early if you want to see nocturnal predators in their active state before they start taking their naps. Bring lunch and have a picnic at the playground area if you want to prolong your time at the sanctuary. Keep in mind that the wildlife sanctuary is only open seasonally.
How to get here: When driving from Reno, take US 395 North to Red Rock Road (exit 78). Drive for 11.5 miles to Deerlodge Road after turning right. Drive for one more mile before turning right where the signed driveway is.
Take a trip to Lake Tahoe
What’s special about this place?
Situated on the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe makes for a great day trip if you’re in Reno. It’s one of the most picturesque places in the country, so including it in your itinerary is a must. If you’re looking for an escape from the city or a weekend getaway in the summer, this is your place.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
If you’re a nature enthusiast, Lake Tahoe will pleasantly surprise you. Bikers, hikers, and fishermen shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the lake either. There are biking trails you can take, a boat you can rent, and plenty of beaches where you can relax with a book.
What to do here?
Take your friends and family and decide what activities you’d like to do the most. If you want to explore new places by bike, take one and go on an adventure. You can also hike the Cascade Falls Trail or the Eagle Lake Trail if you want to remain active on your trip. But you don’t have to do any of it if you’d rather chill at Baldwin Beach in South Lake Tahoe and stargaze.
In the winter, you can hit the slopes. Lake Tahoe is home to some of North America’s best skiing. Heavenly Ski Resort and Palisades Tahoe – Olympic Valley are the biggest ski resorts in Tahoe.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Lake Tahoe. The weather is nice and warm without being too warm when the beachgoers occupy the beaches. Wintertime is extremely busy when skiers and snowboarders take out their gear to tackle the white snow. It’s best to avoid the weekends and plan any trip well in advance.
How to get here: To reach North Lake Tahoe after arriving at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, take the North Lake Tahoe Express Bus running from 6:30 AM till midnight. You can also take Amtrak, which goes to Truckee, and board the Tahoe Truckee Transit bus afterward. Lake Tahoe is just an hour’s drive from Reno, so renting a car is also an option.
Have a picnic at Pyramid Lake
What’s special about this place?
Covering 125,000 acres of land, Pyramid Lake is one of the biggest natural lakes in the state. It got its name from the pyramid-shaped rock formations poking out of the lake. A gruesome legend has it that the Native American tribe in the area used to throw unwanted or damaged babies into the lake as a part of the tradition to keep the tribe strong, and now the lake is haunted.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
If you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, coming to Pyramid Lake to be one with nature might just be the break you need. Families with small kids will benefit from taking a drive to the lake and either camping, fishing, or just wandering around and perhaps even spotting the rare Cui-ui fish.
What to do here?
You can go fishing if catching a trout sounds like an exciting pastime for you. Camping, hiking, boating, swimming, and picnicking are all possible activities at Pyramid Lake. If you’re into kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding, give it a try while you’re here. Pack your weekender bag and dare to live out in the wild for a night or two.
Best Time to Visit
Cutthroat Trout fishing season opens in October and closes at the end of June. There are several boats and jet ski rentals open most of the year. You can also get a permit for overnight camping if you spend more than a day at Pyramid Lake. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards at the lake, so stay out of the water if you can’t swim.
How to get here: You typically have to take the NV 445 road from Reno/Sparks after taking the I-80 eastbound. If you plan on camping or swimming in the area, you must purchase a valid tribal permit. Click here to access the Pyramid Lake Map.
Watch a Broadway show at Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts
What’s special about this place?
Designed by the architects working at Oklahoma’s company Bozalis, the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts has a distinct structure featuring a dome roof painted in gold. The theater’s unusual appearance inspired the nickname The Golden Turtle, which became popular in the state of Nevada.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Broadway geeks and former theater kids should carve out some time to watch a show here at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts in Reno. There are over 100 cultural events taking place every year, so there’s a good chance you’ll find something to your liking, no matter your age.
What to do here?
Pick a show you’re most excited about — a Broadway, an opera, or a Philarmonic show — and book your tickets before you arrive in Reno. You can also attend a lecture given by a highly-acclaimed speaker if you want to combine fun with education. Don’t forget to check the theater’s schedule so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
Closed on the weekends, the theater is busy on Tuesdays and Fridays. Tickets tend to go on sale about a month before the show, so be sure to organize your visit around that time. Look up the seating chart to ensure you don’t rush to get to your seat when arriving at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts.
Learn more about Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts here!
Gamble at Peppermill Casino
What’s special about this place?
Voted ‘Best in Reno’, Peppermill Casino has some of the newest slot machines, a luxurious poker room, and table games. Home to premium lodging and several upscale and casual dining options, it’s a popular place for a reason. Fun (or eco-conscious) fact — the property is the only one in the country using heat from the on-site geothermal energy only.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
You’re guaranteed to have fun at the Peppermill Casino if you’re a gambler. Even if you’re not a risk taker, spending an hour or so at the casino will make you feel like you’re in California Split or Hard Eight.
What to do here?
Play blackjack, Russian roulette, or classic poker. Bring your friends with you and see who can win the most money. Be wary of gambling addiction and give yourself a limited amount of money to spend and period of time to stay at the casino. You can also have a nice dinner and stay at the resort overnight.
Best Time to Visit
Peppermill Casino is open to the public 24/7. You can take an airport shuttle if your flight is the next morning for your convenience. Visit the casino and the resort any time of the year; chances are you won’t have to wait for the slot machine or a table game since there are so many of them.
Bask in nature at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
What’s special about this place?
Situated in Washoe County on the former ranch with a diverse landscape, Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is packed with facilities suitable for picnics, fishing, hiking, and golfing, among other activities. It’s also home to a botanical garden and a small museum.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
This large park offers plenty of opportunities for nature lovers to hike trails, explore the surroundings by bike, or simply take a walk. Dog owners can come here with their furry-legged friends and let them roam free while they’re having a picnic. Museum geeks will appreciate The William D. May Museum located here in the park.
What to do here?
Pick a sunny day, bring lunch, and head to the park for the afternoon. Visit the Southern part of the park for volleyball courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a dog park. A museum with international wares like Chinese pottery and African tribal masks is here too. There’s also a botanical garden and an arboretum to check out.
Best Time to Visit
The park is nice to visit any time of the year, but it’s particularly picturesque in the fall when the leaves start changing colors. If you plan on hiking trails, the best time to visit the Rancho San Rafael trail is from April to September. The park is open every day of the week from 8 AM to 9 PM.
Immerse yourself in a faraway galaxy at the Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Center
What’s special about this place?
Fleischmann Planetarium was the first planetarium in the country to have a Spitz SciDome 360-degree projector offering horizon-to-horizon images and the day’s weather via time-lapse photography. Listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings, the Science Center is praised for its architecture and educational value.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Adults and kids who’re into planets and stars will remember a trip to the Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Center. The shows hosted here teach the audience all about the planets and the solar system, which is both educational and entertaining. Teachers and students are welcome here too.
What to do here?
There are various shows available at the planetarium, including ‘Planets Program’, ‘Exploring Space and Time’, ‘Kids and Family Show: Perfect Little Planet’, and others. Check the show schedule in advance and book your tickets online or 15 minutes before the show starts.
Best Time to Visit
The planetarium has public screenings on Fridays from 3 PM to 7:30 PM and Saturdays from 11 AM to 7:30 PM. There are also earlier showtimes for kids under ten available at the Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Center. We highly recommend you check the official website’s show schedule to ensure you come for the right show.
Learn more about Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Center here!
Attend the Great Reno Balloon Race
What’s special about this place?
Great Reno Balloon Race is a free-of-charge event taking place at the San Rafael Regional Park in early September. It gathers thousands of spectators from across the world and has become a local tradition over the years. The event won plenty of awards, including ‘Best Special Event in Northern Nevada’ and ‘Best Special Event in Reno’.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Bring your children to the event, and they’ll be in awe of the grandiosity of the event featuring dozens of hot air balloons. Whether you’re a passerby or a tourist aiming to attend as many cool events while in Reno as possible, you’ll enjoy this Nevada-native balloon race and tell your friends and family about it.
What to do here?
You have to wake up early to witness the race of hot air balloons. Featuring music and twinkle lights, the event starts gaining momentum after 5 AM when they make their way to the launch field. There are photo opportunities, competitions, crafts, and even food and drinks available to the visitors to make the most of the event.
Best Time to Visit
The Great Reno Balloon Race takes place the first Friday through Sunday after Labor Day. It lasts four days, giving you plenty of time to partake in all the competitions and take many pictures. If visiting with small kids, keep in mind that you’ll have to wake them up early for the event.
Visit galleries and exhibitions at Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum
What’s special about this place?
Referred to as The Discovery, this non-profit museum occupies a 67,000 square-feet-space and packs a punch, including galleries, exhibitions, and educational programs. It’s the go-to place to learn about technology, informal science, art and math (STEAM), and engineering.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
It doesn’t matter how old you are; you’ll find plenty of things to do at The Discovery museum. Kids can indulge in Da Vinci’s corner, explore the 80-foot-long river, and Spark!Lab Smithsonian. Adults have time for walking around the many exhibits at the museum.
What to do here?
Check the upcoming events section of the website and pick the exhibitions you like the most. Some of the permanent exhibitions you should visit are Cloud Climber, Under the Stars, The Shop, and Mindbender Mansion. If you’re lucky, you can catch an event consisting of informal lectures educating visitors on all thing art, science, technology, and the likes.
Best Time to Visit
Open every day except Monday, The Discovery Museum in Reno gets busy on the weekends. If you want to avoid crowds, visit before lunchtime during the week. This will also ensure that your kids don’t end up throwing tantrums because they had to wait in line for too long.
Learn more about Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum here!
Get an adrenaline rush at the Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
What’s special about this place?
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is an adventure park with lots of activities ranging from trampolines, dodgeball, climbing walls, and zip lines, among other things. It’s the go-to place for kids’ birthday parties, field trips, team-building events, and other group events.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
If you’re a kid at heart with a kid, this spot should be a must-visit for you. Both of you will enjoy jumping, riding, and climbing at this trampoline and adventure park until you can’t do more. The obstacles and the nature of the games will get you hooked, and you’ll quickly advance to the highest level of an adventurer after spending a few hours here.
What to do here?
Visit the Slam Dunk Zone, Tubes Playground, DropZone, and Battle Beam. You can also play dodgeball, try bouldering, and feel like a bird at the Sky Rider. The location has a cafe where you can fuel yourself after a long day of jumping and climbing before you feel recharged and ready to tackle another challenge.
Best Time to Visit
The adventure park is open every day of the week. It’s open Monday to Thursday from 4 PM till 8 PM and Friday to Sunday from 10 AM till 8 PM. To avoid crowds, visit Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park during the week since weekends tend to get crowded.
Learn more about Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park here!
Have ‘the best omelet on the planet’ at Squeeze In
What’s special about this place?
This Nevada-native spot is the diner of all diners, with its signature omelets being well-known among the locals as some of the best ones in the state. You can never go wrong with a breakfast location like Squeeze In, which offers plenty of meal options and mimosa that goes well with the food.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
If you’ve always wondered what food an authentic American diner serves, Squeeze In might just be the right place to find out. The menu has delicious foods not only for adults but also for kids. Those geeking about brunch co*cktails will satisfy their cravings here, too.
What to do here?
Pick the location the closest to you and bask in the wide variety of meals you can try at this diner. You can go for one of the location’s signature omelets or dive into the lunch foods and get a salad of your choice. The Little Squeezer section of the menu has plenty of meals for kids, and the drinks menu will be a bliss to your taste buds, too.
Best Time to Visit
Both the Northwest Reno and the South Reno locations of the diner is open to customers daily from 7:30 AM until 2 PM. Saturdays and Sundays tend to be the busiest days at the diner, so keep this in mind if you’re coming here with kids. To avoid queuing for 15 minutes or more, drop by as early as you can during the workweek.
Shake the stress off at LEX Nightclub
What’s special about this place?
For world-class entertainment, look no further than LEX Nightclub, conveniently located inside the Grand Sierra Resort. From private VIP booths and several bar locations to extravagant concerts, there’s a lot to do and experience at this prime nightlife spot in Reno. If you’re lucky, you might catch Steve Aoki-type celebrities DJing at the nightclub.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
If you’re a party animal who likes having fun when traveling to a new city, popping into LEX Nightclub is a good idea. Alternatively, if there’s an event at the nightclub you’d like to attend, reserving your spot in advance should be a no-brainer. Spending one night of your trip here might also be appealing to those who aren’t a fan of casinos and other forms of entertainment.
What to do here?
Grab your party friends and go all out at the LEX Nightclub. Get bottle service if you want to be extra, or just dance the night away for the fun of it. There are special DJ nights on Fridays and Saturdays you wouldn’t want to miss when in Reno.
Best Time to Visit
LEX Nightclub is open to guests every Friday and Saturday from 10 PM till 3 AM. If you’re coming for a special event, consider booking your spot ahead of time. Remember to wear your best party outfit that’ll fit the nightclub’s dress code.
Hike the Peavine Peak trail
What’s special about this place?
Stemming from the many pea vines flourishing in the area, the name and the mountain range itself is a popular place for hiking. Peavine Peak is the highest point on the mountain Peavine standing at 8,131 feet, and neighboring the east peak, that’s 29 feet lower. It offers some of the best views of Reno.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
Hiking enthusiasts and outdoor lovers will love conquering Peavine Peak. Even if you don’t consider yourself a big fan of nature, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy exploring the area on your two feet, on a bike, or in any other suitable vehicle.
What to do here?
Drive to one of the two summits or challenge yourself to a hike that will take you high up. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to camp here due to the location’s proximity to Reno. So, it’s best to make a day trip out of checking out Peavine Peak.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to hike Peavine Peak is between March and May and between September and November. It’s best to avoid hiking in the summer when the heat gets unbearable, especially if you’re not a skilled hiker. If you’re reaching the summit by car, the time of the year doesn’t matter.
How to get here: Rent a car and drive up to the summit if you want to get a nice view. Or, hike up the north side via the south of Red Rock Road. Click here for more detailed directions.
Go skiing at the Sky Tavern Ski Area
What’s special about this place?
This non-profit regional center provides a variety of activities to do in the summer and the snow, including skiing and snowboarding. Located just 20 miles from Reno, Sky Tavern Ski Area has 5.4 km of slopes for local kids to learn to ski and ride.
Who’ll enjoy it here?
This is designed for local families, as it is an area for ski training with the aim that outdoor activity should be accessible to all. Both kids and adults are welcome at Sky Tavern. Their Junior Ski Program is eight weeks long, where kids get 2-hour lessons from AASI/PSIA-trained professionals. You have to become a member or be a visitor of a member to join in the fun.
What to do here?
Ski during the weekends and be prepared to volunteer if you’re an adult. Sky Tavern has no staff, so it’s the responsibility of adults to work two-hour shifts both Saturday and Sunday, either helping in the kitchen, checking in children, checking lift lines, and cleaning the lodges, among other things.
Best Time to Visit
Sky Tavern is open on the weekends only. It starts operating in January between the 2nd and 4th weekend, depending on the weather conditions. The program features eight weekends of lessons in the mornings and free skiing and snowboarding in the afternoons. The closing weekend is pushed closer to March if there isn’t enough snow or the weather isn’t suitable for winter sports.
Check out the local History and Culture/Things to do in Reno, Nevada
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Established in 1868, Reno is a Nevada-based city named after Civil War Union Major General Jesse L. Reno. It’s the biggest city in Washoe County, with the Reno metro area sitting in a valley known as Truckee Meadows. The area has recently become a huge technology hub thanks to the sizeable investments from San Francisco- and Greater Seattle-based companies like Tesla, Apple, Google, and Microsoft.
- The rich outdoors
Some say that when in Reno, in one day, you’re able to go to work, ski, and hike. They aren’t wrong; here, the outdoors is your oyster. Lake Tahoe is just half an hour to 45 mintues away from downtown Reno, and so are Heavenly Ski Resort and Palisades Tahoe – Olympic Valley. The entire DNA of Reno consists of ranches, mountains, and deserts, which draws locals and tourists alike.
Situated in the Truckee River Valley, Reno offers plenty of opportunities for you to go swimming, fishing, boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and do every other water sport imaginable. But you don’t need to get in the water if it’s not your thing; walk alongside the river with your dog as you watch the sunset.
Pyramid Lake allows you to camp, Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is filled with trails to bike, and Peavine Peak is a great place to hike to the summit.
- Culture and art
‘Big Arts Little City’ accurately represents Reno, Nevada. The art scene here is so vast that you’ll want to spend at least a day or two exploring every museum, art gallery, and orchestra that defines the city. The Generator is where artists can get wild; it’s also where they make large-scale installations for globally-known events like Burning Man. Artists move and thrive here because businesses pay for art. Sculptures, murals, art installations — you name it, Reno has it.
The city has five theaters focusing on performing arts, ranging from Broadway and Philarmonic shows to ballet and beyond. There’s also the yearly event known as the Shakespeare Festival at Lake Tahoe that’s worth visiting when you’re in town.
Artown is an arts festival that’s become a local tradition celebrated every July. It lasts the entire month of July and features workshops, classes, and camps in partnership with various institutions to spread interest in art among locals and tourists alike.
- Reno Aces and the sports heritage
Reno Aces is the Minor League Baseball Team in Reno that plays in Greater Nevada Field. The city hosted several professional baseball teams in the past. The team won the Triple-A National Championship Game in 2012 and the Pacific Coast League (PCL) championship in 2012 and 2022.
Reno is also not a stranger to basketball, boxing, and mixed martial arts. Reno Bighorns used to play at the Reno Events Center before it was bought by the Sacramento Kings in 2016 and turned into Stockton Kings two years later. Reno also hosted the famous ‘Fight of the Century’ in 1910.
The college sports scene is prevalent too. The ‘Nevada Wolf Pack’ represented by the University of Nevada, continues to compete with football teams from San Diego, San Jose, Boise, Colorado, and Hawaii, among others.
- Locally-sourced food
Reno prides itself on having a dining scene that prioritizes supporting local farms and using farm-grown ingredients. Even food trucks come with menus containing meals made from locally-sourced ingredients. Some of the most popular farm-to-table restaurants include Great Full Gardens, Thali, Mari Chuy’s Mexican Kitchen, and Old Granite Street Eatery. Frey Ranch Distillery is also a must-visit if you want to taste the whiskey made from locally-grown grains.
There are several celebrity chefs present in the area, as well as Michelin-star fine dining options. Operating on the same principles of locally-grown ingredients, Mark Estee is one of those chefs who owns seven restaurants in the Northern Nevada area, including The Union, Campo, and Chez Louie, among others.
- Reno today
With Reno’s population being approximately 271,000 people, the city continues to grow in a geometrical progression. It has an annual growth rate of 1.45% thanks to the ever-evolving art scene, nightlife, and the entertainment industry. Located in the desert, it’s the right vacation spot for those looking to gamble and party but also get cultured and explore everything nature has to offer.
If you want to try your luck at blackjack, visit the Peppermill Casino. Those in the mood for a museum stroll should check out the Nevada Museum of Art or Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts are more than welcome to hike the Peavine Peak trail and make day trips to Lake Tahoe or the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is Reno, Nevada, known for?
Sitting in the foothills of the High Eastern Sierra region, Reno is a sunny casino central with a wide range of tourist sites. Being a small city, Reno is often the go-to place for those looking to move to a city with affordable housing, good job opportunities, and solid entertainment options.
Reno is home to a top research university known for its medical, engineering, and science programs. The city is located in a good spot with great weather (300+ days of sunshine per year) and relatively close proximity to big cities like San Francisco.
Check out all the great things you can do in Reno here.
What is there to do in Reno besides gambling?
Gambling and nightlife aren’t the only activities in Reno. Some top attractions include the Nevada Museum of Art, Animal Ark, Riverwalk District, and Greater Nevada Field. There are good restaurants to check out and kid-friendly places like the Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Center and Urban Air Trampoline, and Adventure Park to bring your child to.
Reno is also close to Lake Tahoe and the top skiing destination Sky Tavern Ski Area, if you want to venture out and try/see something new. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to catch the Great Reno Balloon Race happening every September.
How do I get from Reno to Lake Tahoe?
The lake is about 30 minutes away from downtown Reno, so it’s not a trip you must plan ahead of time. To reach Lake Tahoe, you can take a cab, a bus, a shuttle, or a car. There’s a free bus operating within the Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) system that allows you to enjoy the trip without having to find a parking spot or pay for an Uber.
Alternatively, take North Lake Tahoe Express, which will bring you to Lake Tahoe straight from the Reno International Airport. The public transit bus system known as RTC Ride makes it easy for you to stop in town before you head to the lake. And, if you’d rather share a ride with someone else, rideshare companies are available too.
Is Reno safe to visit?
Reno is a safe city to visit thanks to the low risk associated with pickpocketing, terrorism, scams, and natural disasters. The risk of mugging is a bit higher, but it’s still quite common if you avoid walking around the downtown area at night and stick to well-lit areas with many tourists out and about. If you’re a woman traveling by yourself, use caution when out at night.
Reno’s safest neighborhoods are Somersett, Virginia Foothills East, Arrowcreek, Silver Knolls-Red Rock, Montreux/Pleasant Valley, Hidden Lake/Steamboat, and Cold Springs North, among others.
Is Reno cheaper than Vegas?
Due to the high popularity of Las Vegas, it’s one of the more expensive places to go on a vacation. Being a hot spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties, Vegas is also significantly bigger than Reno. On the other hand, Reno is less popular than Vegas, hence why it’s also cheaper. Reno can be twice as expensive as Vegas, depending on what you choose to do there.
Reno doesn’t have a strip like Las Vegas, but it does have a downtown area with hotels, casinos, fine dining, and other forms of entertainment that are just as exciting as the ones you’ll find in Vegas.
