10 Best Things to Do in Reno

Looking for what to do in Reno? Known as the “Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno has evolved far beyond its gaming-centric reputation to become a dynamic hub where rugged high-desert landscapes meet a burgeoning creative culture. Nestled against the Sierra Nevada mountains with the winding Truckee River at its heart, Reno offers a compelling mix of vibrant urban energy and immediate access to world-class outdoor recreation. With its lively riverfront district, eclectic art scene, unique museums, and its role as the gateway to the stunning alpine beauty of Lake Tahoe, Reno presents a diverse and accessible travel experience in Northern Nevada, perfect for adventurers, culture seekers, and foodies alike.

From exploring a revitalized downtown corridor and captivating art museums to embarking on day trips to iconic natural wonders and delving into niche automotive history, Reno offers a surprisingly rich itinerary. To help you discover the multifaceted appeal of this city, here are the 10 best things to do in Reno to help you plan the perfect trip.

1. Wander the Reno Riverwalk District

The Reno Riverwalk District is the city’s social and scenic core, transforming the banks of the Truckee River into a lively, pedestrian-friendly destination. Lined with a diverse mix of independent restaurants, craft breweries, wine bars, and art galleries housed in historic buildings, the Riverwalk pulses with a laid-back, local energy. Stroll along the paved pathways, cross the iconic Virginia Street Bridge, and watch kayakers navigate the river’s whitewater features right in the middle of downtown.

The area is beautifully illuminated at night and serves as the primary venue for many of Reno’s best festivals, including the Reno River Festival and Artown. Public art installations dot the route, and the Wingfield Park Amphitheater on a small island hosts free summer concerts. Whether you’re enjoying a patio meal, browsing a gallery, or simply people-watching, the Riverwalk District showcases Reno’s commitment to creating a vibrant, connected, and attractive urban heart.

2. Visit the Nevada Museum of Art

As the only accredited art museum in the state, the Nevada Museum of Art is a cultural anchor with a distinctive architectural identity—its copper-clad building is designed to resemble a black rock formation. The museum’s programming is uniquely focused on the intersection of art and environment, a theme inspired by Nevada’s vast landscapes. Its permanent collection features significant works of 19th- and 20th-century American art, contemporary photography, and pieces exploring land use and the built environment.

Highlights include the Sky Room for events and the Roof Terrace, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains and hosts changing sculpture exhibitions. The museum’s rotating exhibitions are consistently thought-provoking, ranging from major retrospectives of landscape painters to cutting-edge contemporary installations. A visit here provides a sophisticated and insightful counterpoint to the city’s more playful, casino-driven image.

3. Explore Midtown Reno

Just south of downtown, Midtown Reno has emerged as the city’s undisputed epicenter of creativity, culinary innovation, and local character. This stretch along South Virginia Street is a constantly evolving canvas of bold murals and street art, with new pieces appearing regularly on the sides of buildings, in alleyways, and on garage doors. Independent boutiques offer everything from vintage clothing and handmade goods to modern home decor.

The neighborhood is a food and drink lover’s paradise, packed with acclaimed restaurants (from gourmet grilled cheese to upscale Basque cuisine), artisan coffee roasters, craft cocktail bars, and some of Nevada’s best breweries. The vibe is young, entrepreneurial, and authentically Reno. Exploring Midtown, especially during a weekend farmers’ market or a monthly “Art Walk,” is the best way to experience the city’s contemporary, community-driven spirit and taste its future.

4. Try your luck at Reno’s casinos

While Reno’s identity has diversified, its historic role as a gaming destination remains a part of its fabric and energy. The downtown casino corridor, centered around the connected trio of the Eldorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus, offers a classic Nevada casino experience. These properties are more than just gaming floors; they are entertainment complexes featuring a wide variety of restaurants (from buffets to fine dining), live music and comedy venues, shopping arcades, and lively bars.

Even if you’re not a gambler, walking through these glittering, bustling spaces is an experience in itself. The lights, sounds, and sheer spectacle are iconic. For a more retro vibe, check out older, classic casinos like the Cal-Neva or the Peppermill further south. Trying your hand at a table game or simply enjoying a cocktail amidst the neon glow is a nod to the city’s storied past and a fun component of a Reno evening.

5. Take a day trip to Lake Tahoe

Reno’s greatest asset may be its proximity to Lake Tahoe, one of the most breathtakingly beautiful alpine lakes in the world. Just a 45-minute drive up the Mount Rose Highway, you can trade the high desert for pine forests and crystal-clear blue water. The lake offers radically different experiences by season. In summer, enjoy swimming at Sand Harbor (home to the famous Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival), hiking the Flume Trail for epic views, renting a kayak, or taking a scenic cruise.

In winter, the lake transforms into a snowy wonderland surrounded by world-class ski resorts like Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows) and Heavenly Mountain Resort. Year-round, the drive around the lake’s 72-mile shoreline is a spectacular journey. A day trip to Tahoe is not just a recommendation; for many visitors, it’s the centerpiece of a Reno-based vacation, perfectly blending urban and natural adventures.

6. Visit the National Automobile Museum

Ranked among the top five automobile museums in America, the National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection) is a world-class attraction that will captivate car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. This isn’t just a row of old cars; it’s an immersive experience. The museum’s 200+ vehicles are displayed in meticulously crafted period street scenes, from a 1907 horse-drawn cart on a cobblestone street to a 1950s diner with classic cars parked outside.

The collection, sourced from gaming magnate Bill Harrah’s legendary private holdings, includes rare classics, famous movie cars (like the DeLorean from Back to the Future), historic race cars, and vehicles owned by celebrities like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. The detail and presentation are extraordinary, telling the story of American culture and innovation through the automobile. It is a must-see attraction that firmly establishes Reno as a destination for more than just gaming.

7. Explore Rancho San Rafael Regional Park

Spanning over 580 acres on the city’s north side, Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is Reno’s premier green space and a testament to its high-desert setting. The park offers a surprising diversity of landscapes, including grassy hills perfect for flying kites, wetlands that attract migratory birds, peaceful walking trails, and the beautifully cultivated Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Arboretum showcases plants adapted to the region’s climate, organized in themed gardens.

Also within the park is the Wilbur D. May Museum, which displays the eclectic lifetime collection of the rancher and world traveler, and the Great Basin Adventure, a seasonal family-friendly area with a petting zoo and train ride. Whether you’re seeking a vigorous hike up the park’s hills for city views or a serene stroll among blooming flowers, Rancho San Rafael provides a vital and beautiful natural escape minutes from the urban core.

8. Experience the Great Reno Balloon Race (seasonal)

Held each September, the Great Reno Balloon Race is a magnificent spectacle and the city’s most beloved annual tradition. As the world’s largest free hot-air balloon event, it sees nearly 100 balloons of every shape and color—from traditional tear-drops to special shapes like Darth Vader and a giant puppy—fill the dawn sky over Rancho San Rafael Park. The most iconic moment is the spectacular Dawn Patrol, where a group of balloons glows like giant lanterns against the dark morning sky before sunrise.

The event is a true community celebration, drawing tens of thousands of spectators who spread out on blankets with coffee to witness the awe-inspiring launch. The atmosphere is festive and family-friendly. Attending the Balloon Race offers a unique and unforgettable visual experience, perfectly capturing Reno’s spirit of celebration and its stunning high-desert backdrop.

9. Ski or hike at Mount Rose

Offering the closest major ski and snowboard terrain to the city, Mount Rose Ski Tahoe is a local favorite for winter sports. Known for its high base elevation (which often means better snow conditions) and a good mix of terrain for all abilities, it provides a fantastic and convenient day on the slopes. But Mount Rose is a year-round destination. In the warmer months, the Mount Rose Summit Trail is one of the area’s most rewarding hikes.

This challenging but popular trail climbs to over 10,700 feet, rewarding hikers with absolutely breathtaking, 360-degree views of Lake Tahoe, the Carson Valley, and the vast Nevada desert to the east. The trail often retains patches of snow well into summer, adding to the alpine adventure. Whether you’re carving down its slopes or hiking to its summit, Mount Rose delivers immediate and dramatic mountain access right from Reno’s doorstep.

10. Enjoy Reno’s food and brewery scene

Reno’s culinary landscape is a delicious reflection of its location and evolving identity. A must-try is the unique Basque cuisine, a family-style dining tradition brought by shepherds from the Pyrenees, featuring massive multicourse meals of soup, salad, beans, fries, pasta, and entrees like lamb or steak. Beyond this, the city boasts an impressive array of farm-to-table restaurants, innovative food trucks, and a thriving craft brewery scene that has gained national attention.

Breweries like Revision Brewing Company in nearby Sparks (consistently ranked among the nation’s best) and Lead Dog Brewing in downtown are leaders in the IPA-centric craft. The Reno Public Market offers a modern food hall experience. From a hearty Basque dinner to a hazy IPA in a trendy Midtown taproom or freshly baked donuts from a local institution, exploring Reno’s food and drink offerings is a journey into its diverse and welcoming community.