1
Walk Along the Truckee River
The Truckee River runs directly through downtown Reno and provides
one of the city's clearest connections between its urban core,
parks, public art, restaurants, and outdoor spaces.
Why go:
The river corridor gives visitors a way to experience Reno outside
the casino district, with pedestrian paths, parks, bridges,
public art, and downtown attractions close together.
What to see:
Walk along the river, explore Wingfield Park and nearby downtown
streets, and look for public art installations along the route.
Best for:
Walkers, photographers, couples, families, outdoor travelers,
and visitors who want to explore central Reno without a long drive.
Best time:
Mornings and late afternoons are useful for walking, particularly
during warmer months. Evening can also work well when downtown
restaurants and entertainment are part of the plan.
Travel tip:
Use the river as an organizing point for downtown sightseeing
rather than treating it as an isolated attraction.
Combine it with:
Wingfield Park, downtown Reno, the National Automobile Museum,
Nevada Museum of Art, or a meal downtown.
2
Visit the National Automobile Museum
The National Automobile Museum is one of Reno's major museums and
houses more than 200 historic vehicles representing different periods
of automotive design and transportation history.
Why go:
The collection provides a substantial indoor attraction in downtown
Reno and connects automotive history with the city's long association
with tourism, transportation, and the American West.
What to see:
Explore the museum's vehicle collections, period settings, historic
automobiles, and exhibits covering different eras of motoring.
Best for:
Car enthusiasts, families, history travelers, photographers,
and visitors looking for an indoor activity.
Travel tip:
Allow enough time to move through the collection rather than
treating the museum as a short stop between downtown attractions.
Combine it with:
The Truckee River, downtown Reno, Wingfield Park, or the
Nevada Museum of Art.
3
Explore Midtown Reno
Midtown is one of Reno's most walkable independent-business districts,
with locally owned restaurants, bars, boutiques, galleries, murals,
and public art along Virginia Street and surrounding blocks.
Why go:
Midtown shows a different side of Reno from the downtown casino
corridor, with a concentration of independent businesses and
street-level arts and dining.
What to see:
Walk the neighborhood, look for murals and public art, browse
local shops, and stop at one of the district's restaurants or bars.
Best for:
Food travelers, art lovers, couples, photographers, shoppers,
and repeat Reno visitors.
Don't miss:
Midtown's murals and public art are part of the neighborhood's
identity and can be explored without building the visit around
a single admission-based attraction.
Travel tip:
Midtown works especially well in the late afternoon and evening,
when visitors can combine walking with dinner or drinks.
4
Visit the Nevada Museum of Art
The Nevada Museum of Art is Reno's major art museum and provides
exhibitions and programs focused on art, culture, landscapes,
and contemporary creative work.
Why go:
The museum adds a substantial cultural attraction to a city better
known nationally for casinos and outdoor access.
What to see:
Explore current exhibitions, permanent collections, and changing
programs that connect visual art with Nevada, the West, and broader
contemporary subjects.
Best for:
Art travelers, couples, museum visitors, photographers,
and travelers looking for an indoor cultural experience.
Travel tip:
Check current exhibitions and hours before visiting because
programming changes throughout the year.
Combine it with:
The Truckee River, downtown Reno, the National Automobile Museum,
or a meal in Midtown.
5
Explore Downtown Reno
Downtown Reno combines the Truckee River, casino resorts,
restaurants, public art, museums, entertainment venues, and
pedestrian areas within a relatively compact part of the city.
Why go:
Downtown provides the clearest introduction to Reno's mixture of
gaming history, riverfront recreation, public art, and newer
cultural development.
What to see:
Walk along the Truckee River, explore City Plaza, view public art,
visit nearby museums, and explore Virginia Street and surrounding
downtown blocks.
Best for:
First-time visitors, photographers, history travelers, couples,
families, and travelers staying downtown.
Travel tip:
Downtown is easier to experience when attractions are grouped
together instead of driving between individual stops.
Combine it with:
Truckee River, National Automobile Museum, Nevada Museum of Art,
Wingfield Park, or an evening event.
6
Explore Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park provides open space, walking trails,
gardens, picnic areas, and access to outdoor recreation just north
of central Reno.
Why go:
The park provides a quieter outdoor alternative to the downtown
core while remaining within Reno rather than requiring a long
mountain drive.
What to see:
Explore the park's walking areas, gardens, open landscapes,
and seasonal features. The Wilbur D. May Center is also located
within the park complex.
Best for:
Families, walkers, photographers, outdoor travelers, and visitors
looking for a slower-paced Reno activity.
Travel tip:
Bring water and sun protection during warm weather and check
seasonal conditions before planning longer outdoor walks.
7
Discover Reno's Public Art
Public art is a visible part of Reno's downtown and Midtown landscape,
with murals, sculptures, installations, and large-scale works appearing
throughout central neighborhoods.
Why go:
Reno's public art gives visitors something to explore between
museums, restaurants, riverfront attractions, and shopping areas.
What to see:
Look for large murals in Midtown, installations around downtown,
City Plaza artwork, and pieces associated with Reno's connection
to the Burning Man creative community.
Best for:
Photographers, art travelers, walkers, families, and visitors
who prefer self-guided city exploration.
Travel tip:
Combine public art with a Midtown or downtown walking route rather
than planning a separate driving itinerary for individual pieces.
8
Visit The Discovery
The Discovery is Reno's hands-on science and learning museum,
with interactive exhibits designed around science, technology,
engineering, art, and mathematics.
Why go:
The museum gives families and curious travelers an indoor
activity that is substantially different from Reno's casino,
outdoor, and arts attractions.
What to see:
Explore interactive exhibits and hands-on learning areas,
with programming and special activities changing throughout
the year.
Best for:
Families, children, school-age travelers, science enthusiasts,
and visitors planning around hot, cold, or changing weather.
Travel tip:
Check current exhibits, programs, and hours before visiting,
particularly if the museum is a major part of your family itinerary.
9
Take a Day Trip to Virginia City
Virginia City is a historic mining town in the mountains southeast
of Reno and offers a very different setting from the modern city.
Its history is closely connected to the Comstock Lode and Nevada's
nineteenth-century mining boom.
Why go:
The preserved historic setting provides context for the mining,
transportation, and settlement history that shaped Northern Nevada.
What to see:
Walk the historic streets, visit museums and historic buildings,
and explore the town's shops, restaurants, and mining-era landmarks.
Best for:
History travelers, photographers, road trippers, families,
and visitors staying in Reno for several days.
Travel tip:
Allow substantial travel time and check seasonal operating schedules
for individual attractions before leaving Reno.
10
Explore Sparks and Victorian Square
Sparks sits immediately east of Reno and provides another part of
the Reno-area experience, with restaurants, events, public spaces,
shopping, and attractions around its historic downtown.
Why go:
Sparks gives visitors an easy way to expand a Reno itinerary
without committing to a distant day trip.
What to see:
Explore Victorian Square, walk through downtown Sparks, and check
the event calendar for concerts, festivals, seasonal activities,
and other events.
Best for:
Families, event travelers, food travelers, repeat Reno visitors,
and anyone staying several days in the area.
Travel tip:
Check the local event calendar because the experience in Sparks
can change significantly depending on what is taking place.
How Many Days Do You Need in Reno?
Two to three days provides enough time to explore downtown Reno,
walk along the Truckee River, visit a museum, spend time in Midtown,
and add either Sparks or an outdoor destination. A longer stay makes
it easier to include Virginia City, Lake Tahoe, or other Northern
Nevada destinations without compressing the schedule.
| Trip Length |
Suggested Plan |
| 1 Day |
Focus on downtown Reno, the Truckee River, one major museum,
Midtown, and an evening meal or entertainment.
|
| 2 Days |
Add the National Automobile Museum or Nevada Museum of Art,
Rancho San Rafael, Midtown, and Sparks.
|
| 3 Days |
Add an outdoor destination or a day trip to Virginia City,
depending on the season and your interests.
|
| 4–5 Days |
Add Lake Tahoe, additional museums, outdoor recreation,
more time in Midtown and Sparks, or a longer Northern Nevada
road trip.
|
Reno One-Day Itinerary
Morning
Start downtown with a walk along the Truckee River and explore
Wingfield Park and nearby public spaces. Continue to one major museum,
such as the National Automobile Museum or Nevada Museum of Art.
Afternoon
Have lunch downtown or in Midtown, then spend the afternoon exploring
Midtown's independent businesses, murals, galleries, and shops.
If weather conditions are suitable, substitute Rancho San Rafael
Regional Park for part of the afternoon.
Evening
Return downtown for dinner, an event, or additional riverfront and
public-art sightseeing. If your visit coincides with a major event,
use the evening for the scheduled performance or festival.
Reno Two-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Downtown and Midtown
Truckee River → Wingfield Park → National Automobile Museum or Nevada
Museum of Art → Midtown → Dinner → Downtown evening.
Day 2 — Parks, Sparks and Northern Nevada
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park → Sparks or Victorian Square →
additional museum or outdoor activity → Midtown or downtown dinner.
Reno Three-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Downtown Reno
Truckee River → Wingfield Park → National Automobile Museum →
Downtown Reno → Dinner.
Day 2 — Midtown and Arts
Nevada Museum of Art → Midtown murals and public art →
Local shopping and dining → Evening entertainment.
Day 3 — Outdoor or Historic Reno
Rancho San Rafael → Outdoor recreation → Sparks or Virginia City,
depending on the season and amount of driving you want to include.
Best Time to Visit Reno
Reno can be visited throughout the year, but the best timing depends
on whether your trip centers on city attractions, summer outdoor
recreation, winter mountain activities, or day trips into the Sierra
Nevada. Reno sits in the high desert, so temperatures can vary
substantially between seasons and between daytime and nighttime.
-
Spring:
A useful season for museums, downtown walks, parks, and early-season
outdoor activities. Weather can change quickly, so pack for varying
temperatures.
-
Summer:
Warm and generally suited to river walks, parks, festivals, and
mountain recreation. Daytime heat can be significant, so schedule
longer outdoor activities around cooler parts of the day.
-
Fall:
Cooler conditions make city sightseeing and outdoor excursions
comfortable. Fall is also useful for travelers combining Reno with
mountain and scenic drives.
-
Winter:
Reno itself can have cold conditions and occasional snow, while
nearby Sierra destinations become important for skiing and winter
recreation.
If your itinerary includes Lake Tahoe, mountain trails, Virginia City,
or other outdoor destinations, check road and weather conditions before
leaving Reno. For a city-focused visit, museums, restaurants, public
art, and indoor attractions make the destination workable throughout
the year.
How to Get Around Reno
-
Walking:
Walking works well in downtown Reno, around the Truckee River,
and through portions of Midtown. The city is more spread out once
you move beyond the central districts.
-
Public transportation:
RTC RIDE provides bus service throughout Reno and Sparks and can
be useful for trips along major urban corridors.
-
Rideshare:
Rideshare services can be useful for moving between downtown,
Midtown, restaurants, hotels, and attractions outside the main
pedestrian areas.
-
Car:
A vehicle becomes more useful when your itinerary includes Lake Tahoe,
Virginia City, mountain recreation, regional parks, or other destinations
outside central Reno.
-
Bike:
Reno has bicycle routes and riverfront paths that can be useful for
visitors interested in combining transportation with outdoor recreation.
Parking and Driving in Reno
Driving is relatively straightforward for reaching different parts of
the Reno-Sparks area, but a car is not necessary for every downtown
activity. Central attractions can often be grouped into a walking route.
If your itinerary is concentrated around downtown, the Truckee River,
museums, and Midtown, consider leaving the car parked while exploring
those areas. This reduces the need to move the vehicle between attractions
that are relatively close together.
A vehicle becomes more valuable for Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, Rancho
San Rafael, mountain recreation, and other destinations outside the
downtown core.
Parking policies, meters, event restrictions, and fees can change,
so check current information before leaving your vehicle for an
extended period.
Where to Stay in Reno
-
Downtown Reno:
Useful for visitors who want close access to the Truckee River,
casinos, restaurants, museums, public art, and downtown entertainment.
-
Midtown:
A practical choice for travelers interested in independent restaurants,
bars, boutiques, murals, and a more neighborhood-oriented atmosphere.
-
South Reno:
Useful for travelers who prefer newer commercial areas, easier highway
access, or a location convenient for driving around the region.
-
Sparks:
A good base for visitors interested in Sparks events, Victorian Square,
restaurants, and the eastern side of the Reno-Sparks area.
-
Near the airport:
Useful for travelers with early flights, short stays, or itineraries
that prioritize convenient airport access.
Free and Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Reno
-
Walk along the Truckee River:
Riverfront paths and public spaces provide an inexpensive way to
explore central Reno.
-
Explore Midtown:
Walking through Midtown and viewing murals and public art does not
require an admission ticket.
-
See Reno public art:
Downtown, Midtown, and surrounding neighborhoods contain murals,
sculptures, and installations that can be viewed while walking.
-
Explore downtown:
Downtown Reno can be explored on foot, including public plazas,
riverfront areas, and outdoor installations.
-
Visit parks:
Reno-area parks provide inexpensive options for walking, picnicking,
and outdoor recreation.
-
Explore Sparks:
Walking around Victorian Square and downtown Sparks can be combined
with seasonal events and public spaces.
-
Take a scenic drive:
Nearby mountain and desert landscapes can be experienced without
purchasing admission to a major attraction, although vehicle,
fuel, parking, or recreation costs may apply.
Reno Itinerary Planning by Traveler Type
Best Reno itinerary for first-time visitors
Start with downtown Reno and the Truckee River, then visit one major
museum and spend time in Midtown. Add Sparks or an outdoor destination
if you have another day.
Best Reno itinerary with kids
Families can combine The Discovery with the Truckee River, parks,
the National Automobile Museum, and outdoor activities. During warmer
weather, schedule longer outdoor activities outside the hottest part
of the afternoon.
Best Reno itinerary for couples
Couples can combine the Truckee River with the Nevada Museum of Art,
Midtown restaurants, public art, and an evening downtown. Add a scenic
drive or mountain excursion for a longer stay.
Best Reno itinerary for history travelers
Focus on the National Automobile Museum, downtown Reno, the Nevada
Museum of Art, and a day trip to Virginia City. The combination provides
a broader view of Reno and Northern Nevada history.
Best Reno itinerary for food travelers
Use Midtown and downtown as the main dining areas, then explore Sparks
for additional restaurants and events. Reno's independent dining scene
extends beyond the casino resorts, particularly around Midtown and
central neighborhoods.
Reno Travel Tips
-
Start downtown if this is your first visit.
-
Use the Truckee River as a reference point when planning central
Reno sightseeing.
-
Group downtown and Midtown attractions together rather than making
repeated cross-town trips.
-
Check museum hours and current exhibitions before visiting.
-
Bring layers because Northern Nevada temperatures can change
substantially between daytime and evening.
-
Plan outdoor activities around weather, season, altitude, and
available daylight.
-
Consider a rental car if your itinerary includes Lake Tahoe,
Virginia City, or other destinations outside Reno.
-
Check mountain and road conditions before driving into the Sierra Nevada.
-
Leave additional time for major festivals, sporting events,
concerts, and other scheduled events.
-
Check current attraction schedules before building a day around
a specific museum, performance, or event.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Reno
What are the top things to do in Reno?
Top things to do in Reno include walking along the Truckee River,
visiting the National Automobile Museum, exploring Midtown, visiting
the Nevada Museum of Art, exploring downtown, visiting Rancho San
Rafael Regional Park, seeing Reno's public art, visiting The Discovery,
taking a trip to Virginia City, and exploring Sparks.
What is Reno best known for?
Reno is known for its casino resorts, the Truckee River, outdoor
recreation, arts and culture, public art, and its location near the
Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe. The city also has a long history tied
to transportation, mining, tourism, and gaming.
Is Reno worth visiting?
Reno offers a combination of downtown attractions, museums, public art,
restaurants, riverfront recreation, and access to nearby mountain and
desert destinations. The city can also serve as a base for exploring
Lake Tahoe and other parts of Northern Nevada.
Is Reno good for a weekend trip?
Yes. A weekend can cover downtown Reno, the Truckee River, one or two
museums, Midtown, and an additional attraction or outdoor activity.
Longer stays make it easier to add Virginia City, Lake Tahoe, or
other regional destinations.
What should I not miss in Reno?
First-time visitors should consider the Truckee River, downtown Reno,
the National Automobile Museum, Midtown, and the Nevada Museum of Art.
If you have additional time, add Rancho San Rafael, Sparks, Virginia
City, or a Lake Tahoe excursion.
How many days do you need in Reno?
Two to three days provides enough time for the major central Reno
attractions. Four or more days allows additional time for Lake Tahoe,
Virginia City, outdoor recreation, museums, and destinations throughout
the Reno-Sparks area.
Do you need a car in Reno?
Not necessarily for a downtown-focused visit. Walking and public
transportation can handle many trips around central Reno. A car is
more useful when visiting Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, mountain areas,
regional parks, and other destinations outside the city.
What are the best things to do in Reno with kids?
Families can visit The Discovery, explore the National Automobile
Museum, walk along the Truckee River, visit parks, explore Sparks,
and choose outdoor activities based on the season and children's ages.
What can you do in Reno for free?
Walking along the Truckee River, exploring Midtown, viewing public art,
walking through downtown, visiting public parks, and exploring portions
of Sparks can all be done without paying an attraction admission fee.
Individual museums, events, parking, dining, and other activities have
separate costs.