Often compared to Las Vegas, the city of Reno has an identity of its own. The comparison comes from the fact that Reno has an impressive list of casinos, too, as made more evident by its roster of hotels with a casino. But the parallelism ends there as this city has more to offer than just gambling. One of the popular activities tourists indulge in here is hiking along Truckee River. There are several zoos, galleries, and museums for everyone to discover and have fun. Mount Rose is a gem to look at and Lake Tahoe is a place for family-friendly fun. If you are interested in going to nearby destinations, you must also check out some of the themed hotels in and near Reno for great stays. But you’ll need a solid itinerary first! For that, check out our list of the top day trips from Reno, Nevada.
1. Lake Tahoe, NV (from USD 645.0)
Escape to the breathtaking beauty of Lake Tahoe on a memorable day trip. Start your day with a scenic drive through the towering Sierra Nevada Mountains, marveling at the panoramic views. Arrive at the shimmering turquoise waters of Lake Tahoe and be mesmerized by its pristine splendor.
Spend your day exploring the area’s numerous activities, from hiking picturesque trails with stunning vistas to embarking on a thrilling water adventure like kayaking or paddleboarding. Relax on the sandy shores, feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin. Indulge in a delicious lakeside lunch, savoring the flavors of the region. As the day draws close, be captivated by the spectacular sunset casting vibrant hues across the sky.
British Landing Beaches Private Guided Tour from Le Havre
Duration: 2 hours
2. Nevada City, CA
An excellent location for a short day trip from Reno, Nevada City can be easily reached as it is only an hour-and-a-half away. Once you step foot into this lovely metropolitan, you will see vibrant pine trees and breath fresh air anywhere you go. It is a charming place with a small-town groove. You will easily fit right in, as the people are friendly and welcoming to visitors.
You can have a DIY food tour because the city has a lot of great restaurants and eateries to choose from. Being an artsy place, the city has several top-notch art galleries for you to visit.
Nevada City, CA
Address: Nevada County, California, United States
3. Virginia City, NV
Virginia City is situated 20 miles (32 kilometers) southeast of Reno. The city is filled with pieces of history, with the Comstock Lode being the most popular. It still is among the most significant mining discoveries in America. The city itself is pure magic. It takes you down memory lane with its wooden sidewalks and welcomes you into one of several saloons. Aside from these, you can also ride a steam locomotive preserved to its original form and function. The city is also one of the best places to go ghost hunting. A day trip here gives you a glimpse of why this was one of the important industrial cities in history.
Virginia City
Address: Storey County, Nevada
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4. Sacramento, CA
How does a day trip from Reno to California’s capital sound? Just two hours away from Reno, Sacramento offers visitors a chance to witness history, heritage, and several destinations that will keep them amazed. California begins and ends in Sacramento.
While L.A. has its glamour and San Francisco has its elegance, Sacramento has its past. It will be forever connected to the Gold Rush. This is best manifested in the California State Railroad Museum, California State Capitol Museum, and Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park. The city has a charismatic charm to it that will leave you breathless. Once you go there, you will find yourself falling in love with its charm.
Sacramento, CA
Address: Sacramento County, California
5. Pyramid Lake, NV
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The fire is out and clean up is now underway. Cause has yet to be determined. Thanks for the fast response of our fire crew!
Posted by Pyramid Lake on Thursday, April 20, 2023
Discover the natural splendor of Pyramid Lake on a refreshing day trip. As you venture through scenic landscapes, excitement builds for the hidden gem that awaits. Arriving at Pyramid Lake, you’ll be captivated by its serene beauty amidst the rugged surroundings. During the afternoons, spend your time exploring the untouched shores, swimming, fishing, or unwinding on the sandy beaches.
Immerse yourself in nature by hiking the nearby trails, where you’ll encounter unique rock formations and embrace the solitude of the wilderness.
6. Genoa, NV
Less than 50 miles (81 kilometers) south of Reno lies the beautiful town of Genoa. Nature, historic charm, and vibrant wildlife are what tourists come here for. Do not be surprised to see mule deer roaming from the forests to the eastern side of the city. You can follow them and watch them graze along the banks of the Carson River. Only 645 people live in this town, which comes complete with cafes, shops, and restaurants. Some of the interesting places to visit here include the Hanging Tree, the Genoa Cemetery, the Genoa Courthouse Museum, and the Mormon Station State Park Museum.
Genoa
Address: Douglas County, Nevada, United States
7. Carson City, NV
A 32-mile (52 kilometers) drive south of Reno brings you to Carson City, the state capital of Nevada. The distance makes it perfect for a day-trip. Visitors to the city enjoy shopping, dining, going out at night, and visiting heritage and cultural destinations. Museums, restaurants, cafes, and bars are common spots to visit in the heart of the city. These are housed in well-preserved colonial buildings. Other places of interest are the Nevada State Railroad Museum and Nevada State Museum. Strolling along the streets brings you to the Legislative Building, the Supreme Court, and the Nevada State Library and Archives. The city is named after Christopher ‘Kit’ Carson, an American frontiersman.
Carson City
Address: Nevada, United States
8. Winnemucca, NV
Situated northeast from Reno and about a two-and-a-half-hour drive is the friendliest town in Nevada. Winnemucca has so much to offer visitors who love to spend time outdoors. Mountains, lakes, and waterfalls are yours to be seen through hiking trails. After all, this is cowboy territory. The town is named after Northern Paiute Tribal Chief Winnemucca. He and his daughter, Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins, advocated the acceptance of the Paiute people who lived in the area. Today, the incorporated city has a lot to offer visitors. This includes visits to museums like the Humboldt Museum and the Buckaroo Hall of Fame.
Winnemucca
Address: Humboldt County, Nevada, United States
9. Lovelock, NV
Lovelock City is a short one-and-a-half-hour drive away, making it a great choice for quick road trips from Reno. This means planning a day tour here is effortless. Lovelock was founded in 1868 and declared a city in 1917. With only 1,724 inhabitants, Lovelock gives you that small-town feel with a romantic vibe. Visitors love the Strip Park, where children find their way to the playground.
The Marzen House Museum holds several pieces that provide facts about how life was during the early 1900s. You will see the city’s green grass and crystal clear water provide nourishment to mule deer walking by early in the morning or evening.
Lovelock
Address: Pershing County, Nevada, United States
10. Gardnerville, NV
The main reason why Gardnerville was established is to provide support to the farmers working in Carson Valley. In essence, it contributed to the rise of the valley as an agricultural settlement. It is less than an hour’s drive from Reno, making it the perfect place for either a day tour or a weekend trip from Reno.
Lampe Park is the crown jewel of the Douglas County Park System. It is a 32-acre (13 hectares) facility located on Waterloo Lane. It has several areas built for sports activities, plus picnic and barbecue sections. Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center bring you back to Gardnerville’s Main Street circa 1870-1950, with its commercial spaces, doctor’s clinic, barber, newspaper office, and drug store.
Gardnerville
Address: Douglas County, Nevada, United States
11. Minden, NV
Minden was founded in 1906 by an affluent rancher clan, the Dangbergs. The town is located right in the heart of Carson Valley, and has several important tourist destinations. The list includes the heritage home of the Dangbergs, which now operates as a museum. Other destinations are a portion of Lake Tahoe State Park. There is also the Tahoe Ridge Winery & Marketplace, where you can witness wine making up-close. From vine to bottle, you get to see every step of the process. At the end of the tour, you will be given a taste of their product while having a meal at the bistro.
Minden
Address: Douglas County, Nevada, United States
12. Tonopah, NV
Tonopah is quite a distance away from Reno, 230 miles (370 kilometers) to be exact. But the town’s numerous tourist attractions keep Reno residents and visitors coming back to see what it has to offer. History is Tonopah’s number one attraction, with certain areas looking the same way they did decades ago. This includes the Mizpah Hotel, listed in the Historic Hotels of America. It also has the World Famous Clown Motel and the Tonopah Historic Mining Park. Visitors who want to gaze at the stars and constellations come to Tonopah because of the clear skies. This alone makes it worthy of a day trip.
Tonopah, NV
Address: Nye County, Nevada, United States
Can’t go wrong with these day trips from Reno
If you find yourself in Reno, Nevada, but still want to explore the areas nearby, a day trip to any one of these destinations will guarantee you a great time. It is hard to go wrong in choosing one or more from the destinations above, as each of these has something to offer. So if you are planning to visit Reno soon, do plan a day trip to a few of these places.
Frequently asked questions about the top day trips from Reno, Nevada
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