Reno, Nevada Travel Guide
City City in Nevada, United States
Reno sits on the Truckee River with blocky casinos and a surprisingly active arts district; outdoor adventurers use it as a gateway to Lake Tahoe skiing, mountain biking and alpine lakes. Museums and a compact downtown keep the evenings local.
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Why Visit Reno, Nevada? #
Reno pairs classic casino energy with outdoor access to the Sierra and Lake Tahoe, making it appealing for both nightlife and nature lovers. Midtown’s boutiques and breweries sit alongside the National Automobile Museum and the Truckee River Walk, while easy drives lead to mountain trails and ski resorts. The city’s calendar also connects travelers to regional events like Burning Man in the nearby Black Rock Desert. Expect a mix of gaming, craft food and gateway scenery.
Who's Reno, Nevada For?
Reno is a strong base for outdoor adventure: quick access to Lake Tahoe, Mount Rose and the Sierra for skiing, mountain biking and kayaking. Local outfitters in Midtown and South Reno run guided trips year-round.
Casinos and downtown nightlife around Virginia Street provide late-night entertainment, concerts and DJ sets. Smaller bars and breweries in Midtown keep the scene lively without the Vegas scale.
Walkable riverfront dining, boutique hotels in Midtown and lake escapes make Reno a solid romantic option. Affordable mid-range hotels and seasonal packages pair well with spa days and Tahoe day trips.
The Truckee River, nearby high-country trails and quick drives to Lake Tahoe give nature lovers many options for hiking, fishing and scenic drives. Day-trip diversity is a major draw.
Reno’s lower living costs than California, reliable internet and coworking spaces in downtown and Midtown suit remote work stints. Monthly rentals and cafés keep expenses competitive compared with the Bay Area.
The city supports conventions and corporate travel with the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and good air links via RNO. Tech and logistics sectors have grown here, making short business trips easy to arrange.
Best Things to Do in Reno, Nevada
All Attractions ›Reno, Nevada Bucket List
- National Automobile Museum - World-class collection of over 200 historic automobiles highlighting American automotive history and design.
- Reno Arch - Iconic downtown arch reading 'The Biggest Little City in the World' lights up at night.
- Reno Riverwalk District - Pleasant riverside streets with restaurants, art galleries, and summer festivals right in downtown Reno.
- Nevada Museum of Art - Regional art collection focusing on land, environment, and contemporary Western artists and exhibitions.
- Wilbur D. May Museum and Arboretum - Eclectic natural history and world cultural artifacts beside an expansive arboretum and rose garden.
- The Holland Project - Artist-run performance space hosting experimental theater, concerts, and community arts happenings in Midtown.
- Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum - Interactive science exhibits for kids and adults, perfect for rainy or family days.
- Truckee River Whitewater Park - River-engineered waves and channels used by kayakers, tubers, and spectators downtown.
- Virginia Lake Park - Quiet loop trail with ducks, gardens, and seasonal festivals close to Midtown.
- Peg's Glorified Ham n Eggs - Longtime breakfast diner serving hearty American breakfasts and friendly, no-frills service.
- Emerald Bay State Park - Iconic Lake Tahoe bay with Vikingsholm mansion, hiking trails, and panoramic water views.
- Sand Harbor State Park - Granite coves and clear water ideal for swimming, kayaking, and shoreline strolls.
- Virginia City, Nevada - Preserved 19th-century mining town with wooden boardwalks, saloons, and historic mine tours.
- Pyramid Lake - Remote desert lake known for dramatic tufa formations, Paiute cultural sites, and birdwatching.
- Donner Memorial State Park - History-rich site with pioneer cemetery, museum, and trails around cold Donner Lake.
Regions of Reno, Nevada #
Downtown & Riverwalk
Downtown Reno concentrates casinos, museums and the lively Riverwalk district. It’s compact and walkable, with a mix of gambling floors and independent restaurants along the river. Perfect for first‑time visitors who want museums by day and bars or shows by night.
Top Spots
- Reno Arch - Iconic gateway sign at the start of downtown.
- National Automobile Museum - A standout collection of classic cars.
- Truckee Riverwalk - Scenic riverside promenades and restaurants.
Midtown
Midtown has a relaxed, slightly hipper feel than downtown-coffee shops, art spaces and craft breweries. It’s where locals hang out and where you’ll find more thoughtful dining and boutique shopping. A good counterpoint to the touristy casino strip.
Top Spots
- Midtown District - Independent shops, craft breweries and cafés.
- Nevada Museum of Art - Permanent and rotating contemporary exhibits.
- Local breweries - A cluster of brewpubs popular with locals.
Parks & Outskirts
Edge neighborhoods give access to Reno’s outdoor side: parks, gardens and lookout points. They’re practical for families and visitors wanting space to stretch their legs outside the urban core. Expect quieter evenings and a more residential pace.
Top Spots
- Rancho San Rafael Park - Large green space with trails and a garden.
- Wilbur D. May Center - Museum and botanical garden within the park.
- Scenic overlooks - Quick drives to viewpoints over the city.
Plan Your Visit to Reno, Nevada #
Best Time to Visit Reno, Nevada #
Visit Reno from late spring through early fall for warm, dry weather, outdoor events and easy access to Lake Tahoe. Winters are colder with snow - great for skiing, but expect occasional storms and icy conditions.
Best Time to Visit Reno, Nevada #
Reno, Nevada's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from -6°C to 33°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -6°C. The wettest month with 31 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cool with highs of 28°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 33°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 7 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 28°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Reno, Nevada
Reno is served primarily by Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and by Amtrak's California Zephyr at the downtown Reno station. The airport is a short drive from the central casinos and downtown; for regional or lower-cost flight options travelers sometimes use Sacramento (SMF) and continue by car, shuttle, or bus.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO): RNO is the main airport serving Reno, about 3 miles (5 km) south of downtown. Taxi rides to downtown typically take 10-15 minutes and cost roughly $20-35; rideshares (Uber/Lyft) usually run about $10-25 depending on demand and take about the same time. Several shared-shuttle companies and hotel shuttles operate between the terminal and major casinos; expect $10-20 and 15-25 minutes depending on stops.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF): SMF is an alternative for some international or lower-fare flights and is about 120 miles (193 km) west of Reno. Driving time is roughly 1 hour 45 minutes-2 hours 30 minutes depending on traffic; airport shuttles and private buses to Reno cost roughly $30-60 (one way) and take about 2-3 hours.
Train: Amtrak’s California Zephyr stops at Reno Amtrak Station (downtown Reno). Service is typically once daily in each direction between Emeryville/San Francisco and Chicago; travel times and fares vary widely by route and date (tickets commonly range from about $40-150+). The station is within a short taxi or rideshare ride of most downtown hotels (5-15 minutes).
Intercity Bus: Greyhound and other intercity carriers serve Reno with routes to Sacramento, Sparks, Carson City and points farther afield. Typical fares to nearby cities (e.g., Sacramento) are often in the $15-40 range and travel times are 2-3 hours depending on the route. For local/regional connections, the RTC (Regional Transportation Commission) operates scheduled bus services linking Reno and Sparks; local fares are economical and useful for shorter trips.
How to Get Around Reno, Nevada
Downtown Reno is compact and easy to navigate on foot, by rideshare, or using short RTC bus hops; for most visitors a combination of walking and rideshare/taxi works best. If you plan day trips to Lake Tahoe or to explore the surrounding desert and mountains, rent a car - public transit outside the metro area is limited.
- Car rental (USD 35-80/day) - Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore Reno and the Lake Tahoe region, especially outside the city. Expect daily rental rates to start around $35-80 depending on season and vehicle type; budget extra for parking at some downtown casinos and for winter tire/snow chain requirements if you head into the mountains. Driving distances are short in the city, but a car is highly recommended for day trips.
- Rideshare & Taxi (USD 8-35) - Uber and Lyft operate throughout Reno and are the quickest way to get between the airport, downtown casinos, and neighborhoods at most hours. Typical short downtown trips cost $8-20; airport rides from RNO are commonly $10-25. Taxis are available at the airport and downtown and cost slightly more on meter for the same short runs.
- RTC buses (local) (USD 2 per ride) - RTC (Regional Transportation Commission) runs local bus routes across Reno and Sparks; fares are inexpensive (around $2 per ride for local routes). Buses are reliable for getting between neighborhoods and downtown but can be slower than rideshare for point-to-point trips; schedules are useful for planning if you don't have a car. Some routes serve the airport and major transit hubs.
- Amtrak (California Zephyr) (USD 40-150+) - Amtrak's California Zephyr provides long-distance rail service through Reno with one train per day in each direction between the Bay Area and Chicago. It's a scenic but slower option; fares vary widely by route and booking date. The Amtrak station is near downtown and reachable by a short taxi, rideshare or local bus.
- Intercity bus (Greyhound, regional carriers) (USD 15-60) - Greyhound and regional bus companies connect Reno with Sacramento, Carson City, Las Vegas and other cities. Fares are typically economical (roughly $15-60 depending on distance) and travel times depend on route and stops; buses are a budget alternative to driving or flying. Book ahead for the best fares on longer hops.
- Biking & e-scooters (USD 1-5 (short trips)) - Reno is relatively bike-friendly in many neighborhoods with designated bike lanes and paths along the Truckee River. E-scooter providers operate seasonally in the downtown area; short trips are cheap and convenient but watch for local rules and parking zones. Biking is a good option for short downtown trips and riverfront paths.
- Walking - Downtown Reno and the casino corridor are compact and walkable; you can easily move between many hotels, restaurants and attractions on foot in 5-20 minutes. Walking is the best way to experience the riverwalk and downtown nightlife, but distances to nearby suburbs and Lake Tahoe are too far on foot.
Where to Stay in Reno, Nevada #
- Budget rooms and motels around Reno - Economical options near Virginia Street
- Low-cost inns and motels (Reno) - Basic stays with central locations
- Atlantis Casino Resort Spa - Comfortable rooms and good amenities
- Grand Sierra Resort and Casino - Resort-style mid-range property
- Peppermill Resort Spa Casino - Upscale rooms, spa, and fine dining
- Silver Legacy Resort Casino - Central luxury on the casino strip
- Peppermill Resort Spa Casino - Central for dining and nightlife
- Atlantis Casino Resort Spa - Good base for exploring downtown
- Grand Sierra Resort and Casino - Family-friendly rooms and pools
- Atlantis Casino Resort Spa - Pools and family dining options
- Atlantis Casino Resort Spa - Reliable wifi and business center
- Grand Sierra Resort and Casino - Workspaces and long-stay amenities
Where to Eat in Reno, Nevada #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Reno, Nevada's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Reno, Nevada #
Reno still spends its nights under casino lights: the downtown casino corridor (Peppermill, Atlantis, Eldorado, Silver Legacy) is where most after‑dark action happens, with late‑night gaming, bars and shows. Don’t miss the improving MidTown district for craft breweries and more relaxed bar hopping. Practical tips: casinos are open 24/7, table minimums vary, and midweek live‑music nights in MidTown are the best bet for locals.
Best Bets
- Peppermill Reno - Classic late‑night casino with notable cocktail lounges.
- Atlantis Casino Resort - Resort nightlife, dining and late gaming.
- Eldorado Resort Casino - Corner of the casino corridor with bars and shows.
- Silver Legacy Resort Casino - Central downtown hub for gaming and live entertainment.
- Grand Sierra Resort - Resort nightlife with clubs, bars and pool parties.
- MidTown Reno - Craft breweries, bars and a younger local crowd.
Shopping in Reno, Nevada #
Reno’s shopping mixes outdoor-adjacent boutiques and conventional malls. Downtown Riverwalk has independent stores, galleries and specialty food shops, while Midtown offers a relaxed scene of vintage stores and cafes. For big-box and mall shopping, Meadowood and South Reno centres serve the suburbs. Expect easy parking and a friendly bargaining climate in small second‑hand and antique shops.
Best Bets
- Reno Riverwalk District - Chain and independent boutiques beside the Truckee River.
- Midtown District - Eclectic vintage shops, craft stores and local designers.
- Meadowood Mall - Regional mall with anchor stores and seasonal promotions.
- The Summit Reno (shopping area) - Cluster of national retailers and restaurants in south Reno.
- Local antique & thrift stores - Good spots for vintage finds and collectibles.
- Nearby outlet clusters (Sparks/Reno area) - Outlet and discount centers for brand bargains.
Digital Nomads in Reno, Nevada #
Reno is attractive for remote workers seeking lower cost than the Bay Area while retaining a lively local tech scene and outdoor weekends in the Sierras. There’s no U.S. digital-nomad visa; use ESTA (90 days) or a B1/B2 tourist visa for longer visits, and ensure lawful work authorization for employment. Budget expectations: one-bedroom rent generally $1,000-1,800 depending on neighborhood, utilities and groceries $350-600, and coworking or café costs $50-200. Broadband and cable providers in Reno typically offer 100-300 Mbps in-built areas, with mobile 5G increasingly reliable. The nomad/remote community is growing, anchored by Startup Reno, UNR events, and meetups.
- The Generator (Reno coworking) - startup-friendly, event programming available
- Nevada Small Business Development Center - workspaces, mentorship, resource hub
- Reno Public Library - quiet, reliable Wi‑Fi, central location
- Downtown coffee shops - casual work spots, many open late
- NV Energy / local ISPs - multiple ISPs, cable/fibre where built
- Suddenlink / Spectrum alternatives - cable plans commonly available in city
- Verizon / T‑Mobile mobile networks - good coverage, usable 5G in many areas
- Library & coworking Wi‑Fi - stable for remote meetings and uploads
- Startup Reno events - regular meetups, pitch nights, workshops
- Reno Tech Meetups - monthly gatherings, developer communities
- University of Nevada, Reno events - lectures, entrepreneurship programming, networking
- Downtown bars and meetup nights - evening networking, casual connections
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