Located on the northwestern edges Nevada, Reno is sometimes seen as a younger sister Las Vegas. Yes, they both have casinos and entertainment for all-round entertainment, but Reno has several unique places to explore. In fact, there are a bunch of the best things to do in Reno that aren’t just done in the city – the whole region has a lot to see.
Relatively close to some of the best places in California, and of course, stunning Lake Tahoe – Renault is a great anchorage point for a small city break as part of a wider journey Nevada or California.
There is even Burning Man it happens in Black Rock City every year around the end of August. It is about a 150 minute drive away. All of this makes Renault pretty likely to stop after Burning Man adventure.
Whatever takes you to Reno, the most important thing is to maximize your time in the city. So, to help you get the most out of your stay, I would like to share some of the best things you can do in Reno once you arrive.
Check out the most important things to see and do in Reno below. Shoot in the city!
1.) National Automobile Museum
If you love cars and vintage driving, then the National Car Museum will be by your street!
Featuring more than 200 cars from the 19th and 20th centuries, along with exhibitions in their history and use, it is the perfect place for a morning visit.
Now the museum divides the car exhibitions into four galleries. In one of these sections is the Off-road Motorsports Hall of Fame, as well as several other race cars.
Keep your eyes open for the King of Eldorado, Elvis Presley. Oh, and Ghia Frank Sinatra, and Lincoln Continental President John F. Kennedy.
It’s a great place, but if you’re not for your cars, they’ll best miss it. It is a very heavy car and you may be bored.
Read more: Best Places to Visit in Nevada
2.) Nevada Museum of Art
This is a game-related misconception!
Yes, there are a bunch of it, but there are plenty of other cool places that sometimes miss out on a trip to the city. The Nevada Museum of Art is just one of them.
Known for its separate collections and role in hosting national and international exhibitions, the museum provides a deep, visual and cultural experience that is completely cool to see.
Among the collections in the museum are works by EL Wieganda and works of art from the Sierra Nevada / Great Basin. You will also see the museum’s exhibition, Modified landscape: photos of a changing environment, a collection of photographs that revolves around human interaction and interdependence with the natural world.
Read more: The best thing to do on Lake Tahoe
3.) Mount Rose Ski Resort
Who said you can’t visit town and go skiing?
Mount Rose Ski Resort, about 20 kilometers from the center of Reno, offers beautiful scenery and exciting ski slopes that are great for a day on the slopes.
Mountain Rose is now considered one of the highest ski resorts in the Tahoe area. All this creates quite perfect conditions for skiing.
Still, one thing to consider is the number of people who visited. At the peak of the season the number of guests increases and makes the resort quite crowded. Skip the weekends if you want to avoid the crowds.
Read more: The best things in California
4.) A walk along the Truckee River
The Truckee River area is one of Reno’s busiest areas and a great place to walk. Located along the banks of the Truckee River, it is a place worth seeing (especially in the afternoon).
You see, you can easily enter bars and cafes before exploring the art galleries, museums and theaters in the area.
Here you can easily walk around exploring the Car Museum.
Read more: The best hiking in Nevada
5.) Rancho San Rafael Park
Rancho San Rafael is an ideal place for desert landscapes and mountain landscapes.
One of the highlights of the park are the two original ranch houses that remain standing on the estate. Although that’s not all that happens in the park. You can easily join relatively easily Evans Canyon Trail or visit the Wilbur D. May Center which is great if you want to explore their collections and botanical garden.
Also, if you are visiting in September, be sure to check out Great Renault balloon race which takes place inside the park. It’s one of the best things in Reno and it’s one of the world’s biggest balloon festivals.
Read more: The best thing to do in Las Vegas
6.) Idlewild Park
Next to the Truckee River is another recreational gem of Nevada. Idlewild Park is a nearly 50-acre park that has existed for nearly 100 years.
Much colder than the center of Reno, it is a place worth visiting for a relaxing day in the city.
If that’s not your thing, head to Reno Aces Ballpark to catch the match! Home of Renault aces, it’s a great way to taste baseball.
Although as a Brit I have to be honest and say I had no idea what was going on. Fun though!
If you can’t catch a match, tours are also available at the stadium.
7.) National Bowling Stadium
The National Bowling Stadium was coined by the Taj Mahal of Tenping when it was founded in 1995. With over 70 lanes, it is a huge bowling stadium that is quite epic to visit.
In addition, the International Bowling Museum and the Hall of Fame are housed in the stadium to get a glimpse of Renault’s bowling history.
Again, bowling is none of your business? Miss it!
8.) Reno Air Races
The Reno Air Races is a one-day aerial racing event in northern Nevada. This makes the location of the former Stead Air Base a busy place every September and usually immediately after the Balloon Festival.
This all means you can easily see both at the same time.
It is one of the most anticipated opportunities in the city as hundreds of pilots and crews bring their planes to take part in six hair-raising races.
And not only that, there are a bunch of plane shows and a lot of civil and military flight demonstrations that are pretty cool to see.
Read more: The best things in California
9.) Pyramid Lake
Another of the best places to explore Reno is Lake Pyramid in the Truckee River Basin. We actually visited here earlier heading towards Burning Man and totally loved.


Now the lake is named after the pyramidal, conical formations of limestone travertine rocks that rise above its calm, dark waters. It’s so great to see.


In addition, you may even spot rare pelicans that call this area home.
Read more: What it’s like to visit Burning Man
10.) Hunter Creek Trail
Length just over 6 miles Hunter Creek Trail is one of the best things about Reno when you want to leave the city center.
If you’re a hiking enthusiast, this time it will blow you away, but for those newer to hiking this moderate-paced hike is likely to be. Whatever the case, it’s a beautiful route and you’ll even be able to spot a waterfall!
Just remember, like the most popular places around Reno, it can be busy. Avoid weekends and early afternoons if you want a quieter trip.
Read more: Best Places to Visit in Nevada
11.) Explore casinos
Renault may not be as flashy or the same scale as Las Vegas, but there are still quite a few casinos that are something like an institution in the city.
Stroll through Circus-Circus, head to Peppermill Resort Casino and visit Silver Legacy Resort. They are all quite large and you can spend hours inside.
Oh, and be sure to spot the sign The largest small town in the world that adorns the street in downtown Reno.
As with all gambling, set a budget for yourself before you enter. Don’t go over it and don’t forget that these casinos don’t build themselves … the house usually wins!
Read more: The best thing to do on Lake Tahoe
12.) Lake Washoe
About a 30-minute drive from Reno, Lake Washoe is worth a visit as you drive south to Carson City.
Here you will be able to explore the completely untouched Washoe Lake State Park and even take a boat ride on the lake itself.
Read more: Best Places to Visit in Nevada
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