30 Things to Do in Reno, Nevada

Reno, “The Biggest Little City in the World,” offers much more than just casinos, boasting a stunning location where the high desert meets the Sierra Nevada mountains. With the Truckee River flowing right through downtown and Lake Tahoe just a short drive away, outdoor adventure blends seamlessly with urban exploration, and you’ll find plenty of appealing free things to do in Reno, like strolling the river path or admiring public art. Its growing arts scene, university vibe, and diverse events create a dynamic atmosphere.

This guide highlights 30 distinct ways to experience Reno’s unique character, covering everything from iconic landmarks and outdoor escapes to cultural attractions and local flavors. Whether you’re seeking thrills in the casinos, adventures in the mountains, artistic inspiration, or just a taste of local life, prepare to discover the surprising variety this Nevada city has to offer.

Downtown & Riverwalk Fun

Reno Arch Photo Op: Snap a picture under the iconic “Biggest Little City in the World” arch spanning Virginia Street downtown. It’s a classic Reno landmark and essential photo stop, especially vibrant when lit up at night.

Truckee River Walk: Stroll, bike, or relax along the scenic path following the Truckee River as it flows through the heart of downtown. Enjoy parks, whitewater kayaking features, public art, and numerous cafes and shops nearby for a pleasant urban escape.

Wingfield Park: Visit this island park located in the middle of the Truckee River downtown, accessible by bridges. It features an amphitheater, swimming areas (in summer), and is a popular spot for events and recreation.

Greater Nevada Field: Catch a Reno Aces baseball game (Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks) during the season at this modern downtown ballpark. Enjoy minor league baseball action with great city views.

Casino Action & Entertainment

Casino Hopping: Explore the various hotel-casinos downtown and along Virginia Street, like the Silver Legacy, Eldorado, and Circus Circus (connected as “The Row”). Try your luck at slots or table games, or simply soak in the classic casino atmosphere.

Circus Circus Midway: Enjoy carnival games, circus acts (performing daily for free), and an arcade atmosphere inside the Circus Circus hotel-casino. It’s a family-friendly option within the casino environment.

Catch a Show: See concerts, comedy acts, or other live entertainment performances hosted at various casino venues throughout the city. Check schedules for headliners and resident shows for evening entertainment.

Outdoor Adventures Nearby

Lake Tahoe Day Trip: Take a scenic drive (under an hour) to the stunning shores of North Lake Tahoe for breathtaking views, beaches, hiking, and water sports. Exploring this world-famous alpine lake is a must-do.

Mount Rose Ski Tahoe (Seasonal): Hit the slopes at the ski resort closest to Reno, offering fantastic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding valleys. Enjoy skiing or snowboarding during winter months at this high-elevation resort.

Galena Creek Regional Park: Hike trails through forests and along Galena Creek at the foot of Mount Rose, just south of Reno. The visitor center offers educational exhibits, making it a great spot for family nature walks.

Rancho San Rafael Regional Park: Explore this large park just north of downtown, home to the Wilbur D. May Center (Museum and Arboretum), playgrounds, and open spaces. It hosts events like the Great Reno Balloon Race each September.

Pyramid Lake Excursion: Drive north to visit the striking desert lake located entirely within the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Reservation. Admire the unique tufa formations and learn about the lake’s cultural and ecological significance.

Arts, Museums & Culture

Nevada Museum of Art: Discover diverse art collections with a focus on art and the environment, housed in a striking building inspired by the Black Rock Desert. Explore works ranging from regional artists to international exhibitions, offering thought-provoking perspectives.

National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection): Explore one of America’s top car museums, showcasing over 200 vintage and unique automobiles from the collection of gaming pioneer Bill Harrah. See beautifully preserved vehicles and learn about automotive history.

The Discovery – Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum: Engage with hands-on science exhibits perfect for families and curious minds, located downtown. Explore themes from Nevada history to physics in this interactive learning space.

Midtown District Exploration: Wander through this vibrant neighborhood known for its colorful street art murals, unique boutiques, vintage shops, craft cocktail bars, and diverse eateries. It’s a hub for local creativity and shopping.

Nevada Historical Society: Learn about the history of Nevada through exhibits and archives located on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Discover stories of mining, railroads, and the state’s unique heritage.

Fleischmann Planetarium & Science Center: Visit the distinctive planetarium on the UNR campus, featuring star shows, science exhibits, and a large public telescope. Look for their schedule of public star viewings.

Unique Reno Experiences

Attend a Special Event: Check Reno’s calendar for major annual events like Hot August Nights (classic cars), the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off (in Sparks), or the National Championship Air Races. These events draw huge crowds and offer unique local flavor.

Reno Aces Ice Rink (Seasonal): Enjoy outdoor ice skating during the winter months at the seasonal rink set up outside Greater Nevada Field downtown. It’s a fun activity offering festive winter recreation.

Idlewild Park: Relax in this large, historic park featuring rose gardens, duck ponds, a miniature train ride, and playgrounds along the Truckee River. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic or family outing.

Visit Sparks Marina Park: Head to neighboring Sparks to enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, fishing, or walking the path around this large man-made lake. It offers accessible water recreation just east of Reno.

The Generator: Explore this inclusive maker space (check for public tours or events) where artists and innovators create large-scale art, often seen at Burning Man. Get a glimpse into Reno’s vibrant maker community.

Food, Drink & Local Flavor

Explore Reno’s Brewery Scene: Visit local craft breweries scattered throughout Reno and Sparks, sampling diverse beer styles. Find taprooms offering everything from IPAs to lagers in casual, friendly settings.

Basque Dining Experience: Try a traditional Basque family-style meal at one of Reno’s historic Basque restaurants like Louis’ Basque Corner. Expect hearty food served in communal settings, often including their signature Picon Punch cocktail.

Coffee Shops in Midtown: Grab a coffee and soak up the atmosphere at one of the many independent coffee shops in the trendy Midtown district. It’s a great way to fuel up while people-watching.

Try Local Casino Buffets: While diminishing in number, some Reno casinos still offer buffet dining experiences. Check current availability for a chance to sample a wide variety of dishes in a classic casino setting.

Visit a Local Distillery: Sample spirits crafted in the Reno area, such as gin, whiskey, or vodka, by visiting a local distillery’s tasting room. Learn about the distilling process and enjoy locally made liquors.

Explore Riverwalk District Restaurants: Choose from numerous dining options along the Truckee River Walk downtown, ranging from casual cafes to upscale eateries. Enjoy dinner with scenic river views.