Things to do in Reno Nevada

Looking for things to do in Reno Nevada? This is your guide.

Reno is one of Nevada’s gambling and resort town. The noisy slots and table games at the Eldorado and Harrah’s are some of the most popular places in Reno to try your Luck. Reno is situated in the western part of the state close to the California border. It is also famous as “The Biggest Little City in the World”. There are many top class hotels, golf courses and “of course” casinos to enjoy. Like Las Vegas, Reno has become a famous destination for tourists.

There’s a lot of things to do in Reno Nevada other than poker chips. The City is also home to numerous excellent museums, like the Nevada Museum of Art and the National Automobile Museum. Reno makes for an excellent getaway for outdoorsy tourists. It provides an easy access to the ski slopes of close by Lake Tahoe. If you are looking to enjoy the fresh Nevada air within the city, take a stroll around the Truckee River Walk. The Galena Creek Park offers nature trails which even young kids can navigate. It also offers educational events for families.

This place is loaded with so much to experience, both inside and outside. So, just leave your expectations at home. Welcome to Reno, where the altitude is not the only thing which’ll take your breath away.

Here are some of the interesting things to do in Reno Nevada.

Top Things to do in Reno Nevada

1.) Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is located around 40 miles south of Reno on the edge of Nevada and California. Lake Tahoe is widely considered as one of the gorgeous places in the country. It boasts tall mountains and crystal-clear waters. It’s a famous spot as a skiing destination. Here, visitors can find top-class facilities like Squaw Valley (1960s Olympic Winter Games host) and the huge Heavenly Ski Resort. Plus, Lake Tahoe is an excellent summer getaway as well, credit goes to its extensive beaches, great boating and fishing opportunities and well-managed hiking trails.

2.) Truckee River Walk

Truckee River Walk is downtown Reno’s recently modernized River Walk area. It is situated along the Truckee River. It attracts both art lovers and gourmands with its setting of restaurants and galleries. You’ll find most of these establishments near the southern end. If you are not able to decide where to start from, Wine Walk is a fine way to start. This event is organized by the Downtown Merchants Association on the third Saturday of each month. It offers wine tastings at over dozen of galleries and specialty stores. A stroll here is one of the things to do in Reno Nevada.

3.) National Automobile Museum

Although you can’t drive these cars, but for most auto enthusiasts, admiring them will be sufficient. The National Automobile Museum has over 220 cars, which includes the car from the 19th century as well. Here, you can see racing, vintage and sports cars, along with some of the impressive collection of celebrity rides. The Thomas Flyer (1908 Around-the-World Race winner) and Mercury Series 9CM of 1949 driven by James Dean in the movie “Rebel Without a Cause” are among the highlights. Even if you are not into cars, past visitors suggest that a visit to this museum is a must for Reno visitors.

4.) Nevada Museum of Art

Nevada Museum of Art was established in 1931. This museum is the oldest cultural center in the state. But you wouldn’t find that by looking at it. The museum underwent a huge renovation in the early 21st century. The building now positioned at the southern edge of the Truckee River Walk is an incredible example of modern design. The interior is just incredible with exhibits from ancient artifacts, notable photographs and contemporary paintings. This museum isn’t just for art lovers. Nature lovers can visit the museum’s Center for Art + Environment which displays artwork inspired by the great outdoors.

5.) Casino at Eldorado

Visitors review Eldorado as an excellent venue to try your hand with Lady Luck. There are plenty of green felt table and around 1,300 slot machines. Eldorado’s gaming room has a mix of many gaming options. There are a lot of tables for blackjack, baccarat and poker. The Race & Sportsbook is excellent for sports fans. If you’re not into gambling, the Eldorado Resort offers numerous nightlife venues and regular concerts. This is a fine place to spend an evening.

6.) Great Reno Balloon Race

Each September, around 150,000 spectators visit north of downtown Reno to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park for the Great Reno Balloon Race. It is a three-day event, over 100 brightly colored hot-air balloons covers the northern Nevada sky. It is the biggest event of its kind in the country. The balloon’s pilots compete against each other. And, the first balloon to reach Truckee Meadows which is a few miles south of downtown wins. There are also several kid-friendly activities and other fun things to do at Rancho San Rafael.

7.) Animal Ark

Animal Ark is located about 25 miles north of Reno near Nashville. This facility is more of a “safe haven for non-releasable wildlife,” than a zoo. Many animals from all around the world have been preserved within the ark’s enclosures due to the lack of required skills to live in the wild. It can be due to a disability or being held in captivity quite long. Visitors can watch the ark’s inhabitants interact and play. Recent visitors suggest that Animal Ark is well worth a visit.

8.) Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center

Casinos aren’t the only things to do in Reno Nevada. There’s also the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center to explore. It is situated on the University of Nevada campus near the north of downtown Reno. This center offers all the standard planetarium activities with space-age and star-gaze educational programs. Many visitors agree that this is an ideal place to visit with kids. The Fleischmann Planetarium also offers a variety of hands-on exhibits and enlightening films.

9.) Wild Island

Wild Island is situated near the west of Reno in the city of Sparks. This water park offers tropical feel and include a tide pool, a lazy river and plenty of water slides like a four-storey drop slide. There is also an area for kids under 5. Also, some other activities are a 36-hole miniature golf course, a video arcade, bumper cars and food vendors. This small, but jam packed park has many interesting activities for the whole family. The water park is generally packed with visitors on hot summer days.

 10.) Reno Arch

Reno Arch is the most famous landmark of “The Biggest Little City”. The remarkable arch is located on Lake Street near the Truckee River. It is among Reno’s most recognizable symbol. It was formed after California city gateway structures. The steel arch was built in 1926 at the Virginia Street at the intersection with Commercial Row to endorse the 1927 Nevada Transcontinental Highways Exposition. This little sign might not look impressive in the daytime, but come at night you will love it when it lights up. Its worth a stop and taking a few pictures or just to watch the iconic landmark in Reno.