Why Go to Reno
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Reno calls itself the Biggest Little City in the World, and it has grown into much more than a casino town. Las Vegas may get the spotlight, but Reno now offers a lively arts scene, outdoor adventure and a fun, laid-back vibe, especially for travelers who don't gamble.
Stroll the Truckee River Walk, lined with independent galleries, shops and restaurants, and float or kayak the river in summer. Explore the Nevada Museum of Art and wander Midtown, where more than 100 colorful murals cover the walls. Climb the tallest artificial climbing wall in the world on the side of the Whitney Peak Hotel, and visit the National Automobile Museum. Reno has also become a hub for tech companies, adding fresh energy downtown. Of course, the classic casinos, shows and buffets are still here if you want to try your luck.
Reno is about 40 miles from Lake Tahoe's ski resorts and beaches, with the Sierra Nevada trails close by, making it an affordable base for mountain adventures. I'll plan a Reno-Tahoe trip that mixes outdoors, entertainment and great food.
BEST FOR
Outdoor adventurers, arts and festival fans, gamers, road-trippers and Lake Tahoe visitors
BEST MONTHS
May–October for outdoor activities; winter for nearby skiing
EXPLORE
- Downtown / Riverwalk: Truckee River paths, museums, casinos and dining.
- Midtown District: Independent restaurants, art spaces and neighborhood shops.
- Old Southwest: Historic homes and quieter streets near central Reno.
- South Reno / Meadowood: Hotels, shopping and easy access to main highways.
- Sparks / Marina: Family recreation around Sparks Marina and events east of Reno.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Reno
North America › Mountain West › USA › Nevada
High-desert culture with Tahoe adventures close by.
Mountain & Alpine
Gambling
Nightlife
Outdoor
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Altitude and dry air can surprise visitors; drink water and plan mountain drives around weather conditions.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Check gallery admission and allow enough time for the museum’s multi-room displays.
National Automobile Museum
See an extensive collection of vintage and historically significant vehicles in downtown Reno, tracing changing automotive design and technology.
Confirm the exhibition calendar; some installations and tours require separate arrangements.
Nevada Museum of Art
Explore contemporary and historical art exhibitions at Nevada’s principal accredited art museum, near the Truckee River downtown.
Water levels change seasonally; stay on developed paths and avoid river access during swift flows.
Truckee Riverwalk
Follow downtown paths beside the Truckee River, passing public art, pedestrian bridges and landscaped spaces.
Walk between clustered businesses and check individual shop hours, particularly on weekdays.
Midtown District
Discover Reno’s Midtown neighborhood, known for independent shops, colorful murals, cafés and locally owned businesses.
Bring walking shoes and check for special events that may affect parking.
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
Enjoy open lawns, gardens and trails in this large park north of downtown, also home to cultural and recreation facilities.
Full-service casino resort south of downtown, suited to travelers seeking an on-property dining and spa-focused stay. Confirm room location, resort fees and parking policies.
Peppermill Reno Resort Spa Casino
South Virginia Street
Hotel Tags
Established South Virginia Street casino resort convenient for visitors who want resort amenities away from the downtown core. Confirm convention and event dates.
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
South Reno
Hotel Tags
Large resort property east of central Reno with entertainment and dining on site. A vehicle or arranged transfer is useful for downtown sightseeing.
Grand Sierra Resort
East Reno
Hotel Tags
Downtown lodging near the Reno Arch, particularly convenient for travelers interested in the central district rather than a casino-resort atmosphere.
Whitney Peak Hotel
Downtown Reno
Hotel Tags
Downtown property near the Truckee River, convenient for riverside walks and central arts venues. Check parking and available guest services.
Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa
Truckee River / Downtown
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Reno
High 56°F · Low 30°F · Rain 0.7 in
Cooler weather returns with possible Sierra snowfall; allow flexibility on high-elevation roads.
May–October for outdoor activities; winter for nearby skiing. Check the forecast and local opening schedules before committing to outdoor excursions.
Best Times to Visit Reno
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Explore the Riverwalk and Midtown for independent restaurants, breweries and cafés, with additional dining inside downtown resorts. The area also makes a convenient base for northern Nevada food and craft-beverage stops.
06
Rideshares and Day Trips
Taxis and rideshare options are available for airport and entertainment-area trips. Book longer regional excursions with sufficient return time.
05
Downtown Walking
Downtown and the Truckee Riverwalk offer walkable sightseeing clusters, though some attractions require longer transfers.
04
Rental Cars
A car helps reach Lake Tahoe, Virginia City and outlying trailheads; routes can be impacted by winter storms and mountain chain controls.
03
RTC Transit
Regional Transportation Commission buses serve central Reno and selected surrounding corridors. Confirm routes and service frequency before relying on transit.
02
Getting Around Locally
A car is helpful for Lake Tahoe and mountain day trips; downtown attractions are comparatively close together.
01
Arriving by Air
Reno –Tahoe International Airport is south of downtown and serves the region.
Reno–Tahoe International Airport is south of downtown and serves the region. A car is helpful for Lake Tahoe and mountain day trips; downtown attractions are comparatively close together.
Getting Around Reno
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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