Discover Reno Tahoe's Vibrant Car Culture

Reno Tahoe's love of cool (and fast!) cars started long before Clint Eastwood's famous chase scene along Hwy 89 in Pink Cadillac, or Andy Green’s land speed record of 763 miles per hour through the Black Rock Desert, but those are just two of the moments that put Reno on the radar of car enthusiasts everywhere.

National Automobile Museum

It's no wonder Reno is a top destination for car enthusiasts since it was the home of one of the country's most legendary car collectors, Bill Harrah. Today, you can see part of the Harrah Collection at the National Automobile Museum. In addition to this impressive collection, the museum also features permanent and rotating exhibits, including Celebrity Autos - a collection of cars formerly owned by stars such as John Wayne, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Elvis Presley, just to name a few - as well as the famous 1907 Thomas Flyer. The layout of the museum is unique in that the cars are displayed on 'streets' that truly take you back to the eras of the cars. From summer concert series to a state-of-the-art movie theatre, and all the unique, vintage, and must-see cars in between, the National Automobile Museum describes Reno’s car culture the way it is.

Hot August Nights

Every August, the Biggest Little City in the World is transformed into a classic car lover's Mecca. From cars restored to their original glory to muscle cars and modified hot rods, Hot August Nights is a gearhead's dream. Show-n-shines, burnout contests, cruises, concerts and more fill the streets of Reno and Sparks every August. So shine up your own classic, grab a bite to eat or a cold drink to sip during your adventure through the streets, or simply join the 100’s of thousands of car enthusiasts enjoying a stroll through the rows of beautiful cars during this annual event.

Hit the Road

If you're itching to get behind the wheel and put some distance between you and the daily grind, there are plenty of road trip and scenic routes around Reno Tahoe. A drive around Lake Tahoe is a great day trip, with plenty of places to stop for a photo or to stretch your legs. Take in the history of the region with a drive through Virginia City and Carson City. If you are really craving open space, the Pyramid Lake Scenic Byway takes you through the Nevada desert to the Black Rock Desert-the perfect place to escape society and capture the solitude you’re searching for.

Off Road Racing: Vegas to Reno

After 30 years of bad-to-the-bone off-road desert racing from Reno to Vegas, the annual race will return with a major twist. For the first time, the Casey Folks Vegas to Reno: The Other Way will be taking center stage. Beginning mid-August and running for a few days full of vibrant festivals, thousands of fans, and hundreds of miles of new terrain, this event is bound to turn Reno into one rowdy town full of off-road racing energy.

Drive-In Movies

There’s no better place to catch your next favorite movie than Northern Nevada’s only remaining drive-in movie theater. Few things can transport you back to those simpler times as well as a night at West Wind El Rancho Drive-In in Sparks. It has four movie screens, often showing double features, meaning you can get your movie fix from the comfort of your favorite ride. Grab the family, pack some snacks and catch a movie under the stars at West Wind El Rancho.