Reno is a great place to take in the state of Nevada without the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas getting in the way. Considered the Biggest Little City in the World, Reno has so many wonderful things to do during your stay. With so many beautiful vistas and its close proximity to Lake Tahoe, casinos, and tons of places for some fun learning, there are so many things to do! And accommodation is also available in plenty - from the best themed hotels to awesome vacation rentals in Reno. So, go ahead and explore all that the city has to offer. Here are the 15 best things to do in Reno, Nevada.
1. Visit the National Automobile Museum
National Automobile Museum is one of the most popular Reno, Nevada attractions. With the United States having such a vibrant history with the automobile industry, a great activity in Reno is visiting this auto musuem. Check out incredible exhibits featuring classic and vintage automobiles through the centuries. This is a perfect museum and a day well-spent for any automobile enthusiast.
National Automobile Museum
Address: 10 South Lake Street, 89501 Reno, NV
Website: National Automobile Museum
2. Take the Truckee River Walk
The Truckee River Walk is an excellent way to spend an afternoon in Reno. Grab some bikes or take a stroll along the river and enjoy the beautiful weather in Reno. The water can be rough, but you can also kayak if you feel skilled enough to enjoy the water of the river!
Truckee River Walk
Address: Arlington Avenue at Island Avenue, Wingfield Park, 89501 Reno, NV
Website: Truckee River Walk
3. Head to the casino
When in Nevada…stop by a casino! Test your gambling skills at the Peppermill Reno Casino. Just make sure not to lose all your money! This is also an excellent option if you are looking for a place to stay during your travels. From table games to the slots, Peppermill has all of your casino needs without being in Sin City.
Peppermill Reno Resort Spa Casino
Address: 2707 S Virginia St, 89502 Reno, NV
Website: Peppermill Reno Resort Spa Casino
4. Go skiing
Those wondering what to do in Reno in winter, why not hit the slopes and enjoy the snow! Head over to the Mount Rose Ski Resort, which is the closest ski resort to Reno (just 25 minutes away), and ski or snowboard at Lake Tahoe. They even offer a shuttle service if you feel like you are not up for the drive. The season opens October 28!
Mount Rose Ski Tahoe
Address: 22222 Mt. Rose Highway, 89511 Reno, Nevada
Website: Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
5. Visit a museum!
If you’re looking for an indoor activity, head on over to the Nevada Museum of Art! Pieces that represent the Midwestern history of the United States fill the galleries and you can take your time and marvel at these beautiful works of art.
Nevada Museum of Art
Address: 160 West Liberty Street, 89501 Reno, Nevada
Website: Nevada Museum of Art
6. Walk through Reno's Riverwalk District
Take a break from all the Reno sightseeing and head over to Reno’s Riverwalk District that has so much to offer. Beautiful parks and public areas with great views, a market to taste the local food and tons of shops and restaurants will keep you busy all day while in Reno.
Reno's Riverwalk District
Address: 135 North Sierra Street, Reno, NV
Website: Reno’s Riverwalk District
7. Watch the Great Reno Balloon Race
If you’re looking for interesting stuff to do in Reno, then how about watching Great Reno Balloon Race? Watch as hundreds of hot-air balloons enter the sky in Reno and race across the air in September! This is an incredible sight to see for three full days and there are tons of photo-op spots and things to do while in Reno during this special event. This is a spectacular sight to see if you are lucky enough to plan a trip during this great Reno event!
Great Reno Balloon Race
Address: Reno, NV
Website: Great Reno Balloon Race
8. Take a trip to Lake Tahoe
Take a quick day trip to Lake Tahoe while in Reno! It’s so close and there are activities whether you want to ski in the winter or relax on a lake beach in the summer. With the beautiful water of Lake Tahoe, there is no wonder why so many people love to adventure on this gorgeous body of water. Pick a hiking trail or a water sport and have fun!
Lake Tahoe
Address: Lake Tahoe, NV
Website: Lake Tahoe
9. See the Animal Ark Sanctuary
If you are an animal lover, check out the Animal Ark Sanctuary in Reno. A 30-minute drive from Reno brings you to a beautiful sanctuary dedicated to protecting wildlife in the Nevada area. From wolves to birds, this is a wonderful day trip while visiting Nevada and there are tons of events that go on throughout the year.
Animal Ark Sanctuary
Address: 1265 Deerlodge Road, 89508 Reno, NV
Website: Animal Ark
10. The Discovery at Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum
If you are looking to do something with the kids, the Discovery at Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum is an excellent choice! This interactive museum will have your kids engaged in science in a new and exciting way! This is a must-see attraction while spending time in Reno, Nevada.
The Discovery at Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum
Address: 490 S. Center Street, 89501 Reno, NV
Website: The Discovery - Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum
11. Fleischmann Planetarium
Located on the Reno campus of University of Nevada, Fleischmann Planetarium is an iconic planetarium in the United States. It offers various interactive exhibits about earth and space that visitors of all ages would love to explore. The planetarium also conducts educational, informative and engaging shows in its Star Theater about asteroids, planets, black holes and all things related to outer space.
Fleischmann Planetarium
Address: 1664 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89557, United States
Website: Fleischmann Planetarium
Price: 9 USD
12. Wingfield Park
With the lovely Truckee River passing through it, Wingfield Park is a delightful place to spend time with your family. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities here, including floating in the river, wading through its cool waters, picnicking on the banks, kayaking, rafting, fly fishing, and more. The park also has paths for walking, an outdoor amphitheater for concerts and events, and plenty of green areas to relax.
Wingfield Park
Address: 2 S Arlington Ave, Reno, NV 89501, United States
Website: Wingfield Park
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
Price: free
13. Nevada Historical Society
Visit the oldest museum in the state and experience its history at Nevada Historical Society. Browse through interesting exhibits, see memorabilia, documents and artifacts in the permanent gallery or enjoy going through the objects on display at temporary exhibits. The museum also conducts programs to educate and inform the public about Nevada’s brilliant history.
Nevada Historical Society
Address: 1650 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89503, United States
Website: Nevada Historical Society
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sat, Sun, Mon & Tue)
Price: 5 USD
14. W. M Keck Earth Science And Mineral Engineering Museum
Another museum located on the Reno campus of University of Nevada is W. M Keck Earth Science And Mineral Engineering Museum. As the name suggests, this free museum showcases a variety of geological objects like fossils, minerals, mining artifacts and more. Take time to browse through their collections of ores, minerals, photographs, mining relics and fossils. On your self-guided tour of the museum, do remember to check out the Mackay Silver Collection designed by Tiffany & Co. for a wealthy family.
W. M Keck Earth Science And Mineral Engineering Museum
Address: 1664 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89557, United States
Website: W. M Keck Earth Science And Mineral Engineering Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm; first Saturday of each month: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Sun)
Price: free
15. Grand Adventure Land
Located in Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, Grand Adventure Land is an amusement center that offers a fun way to spend a few hours in Reno. The highlight of this center is a go-kart course where you can enjoy go-kart racing with your friends. Three different types of tracks are available for use here. Additionally, there is also a sling, hoist and freefall ride called ‘Ultimate Rush’ that will surely delight all the thrill-seekers.
Grand Adventure Land
Address: 2500 E 2nd St, Reno, NV 89595, United States
Website: Grand Adventure Land
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 6.50 USD onwards
Have a rad time in Reno!
Reno, Nevada has so much to offer when deciding where to visit in the United States. Whether it’s enjoying the outdoors in any season at Lake Tahoe or the downtown area of Reno, testing your luck at a casino, or exploring some wonderful museums, Reno has something for every traveler, child, and family member. Considered the Biggest Little City in the World, Reno is the perfect choice to experience the Midwest of the United States.
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