Reno Tahoe Must-Do's During the Summer

If there is one thing that comes to mind when thinking about what to recommend to anyone visiting Reno Tahoe during the warmer months: it’s getting outside!

Truckee River Corridor

I am a big runner and walker. Running became a workout staple for me when I moved to NYC, and that transferred easily when coming back home. The Truckee River is an iconic part of the Reno area, but did you know that it also has a path called the Tahoe Pyramid Trail that runs along the entire length of it? It connects Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, and is easy to get to. I use this path all the time for jogging or walking with friends to coffee. My favorite stretch starts at Wingfield Park — smack in the middle of downtown Reno—that takes you west to Mayberry Park. If you do that and back, you just ran yourself a half marathon. Bravo!

Sparks Marina

Okay, so not totally in Reno, but a 5- to 10-minute drive from The Biggest Little City in the World is the Sparks Marina. A fabulous loop that is a little over a mile and a half that transports you to a manmade lagoon that has so much wildlife, views and sunshine, you will be pleasantly surprised. It has an interesting history, too: It used to be a gravel pit during Nevada’s mining period and filled up during the Truckee River flood in 1997.

Dogs are welcome (it even has a closed-off dog park), access to Lighthouse Coffee for a quick bite or beverage and plenty of parking. I hit this spot at least once a week to make sure I’m moving my body!

Evans Canyon and Evans Creek Trails

Here, nature meets accessibility. This trailhead splits off, offering a few different “choose your adventure” vibes, but the majority of them lead to the iconic

“N” on the hillside overlooking Reno. Just 10 minutes into the trek, you’ll find yourself surrounded by desert scenery and local wildlife.

Rancho San Rafael Park

This park is by far my favorite to visit. I’ll say it right here, right now: It is one of the most stunning areas in Reno. With large green grass pastures, a wide-open dog park for your pups to run freely, shaded picnic areas and an arboretum that will truly wow you within minutes of your walk. Great for longer walks as well, as it connects to the Evans Canyon area underneath the McCarran Street Tunnel! The fresh flowers, natural smells and options of doing whatever activity you feel like... you really can’t go wrong here at any time of day.

Virginia Lake

Looking for a 1-mile urban nature walk with great sunset views? I’ve got you. This little lake is located just south of MidTown with a flat, paved path, making it a fantastic outlet for a stroll.

Damonte Ranch Wetlands Loop

This was a more recent discovery of mine in South Reno, even though I am a native! This ~3-mile loop was way more than I expected when I drove to it one lovely Saturday morning for my long run. It is a paved path that wraps around some wetlands (yeah, those exist in Reno!) with views of the surrounding mountains that look like a movie backdrop. Sometimes, I have to blink a few times to fully process the sights. Because of its central location, there are many restaurants and grocery stores nearby if you work up an appetite.

Many folks think Reno lacks diversity when it comes to restaurants and bars, but boy are they wrong! Over the years, locals have created dining and drink spaces that have a variety of different vibes to check out.

Craft Cocktails & Bars

If you know one thing about Reno, it’s that libations are at the core of its socializing scene. Named one of the top cities to grab a drink, it continues to grow with locally owned, must-visit spots. Here are just a couple of my personal favorites:

Rum Sugar Lime (RSL)

Not to brag, but my family owns this bar, ha! Still, I would not lead anyone astray when I say... the cocktails are killer. Think tropical contemporary vibes, with the freshest ingredients in each craft cocktail. They change the menu twice a year, and each time it is bangin’. Some may think tiki but it is not quite that, more an escape from the usual with island flare. With a smaller front patio for the warmer months and a large garage door opened up for the ultimate Summer feel - it’s a must stop in the Midtown bar area.

Chapel Tavern

Chapel has been around for 10+ years and for good reason. They have a wall of spirits that will make your jaw drop and a fantastic array of beers on tap. You’ll find patio seating front and back, along with plenty of indoor seating as well. Locals and visitors alike love their frozé (frozen rosé on tap) during summer months.

Ready to Eat?

Reno is an ever-growing hub of delicious bites. Sure, we have a lot of burgers and pizza joints, but over the last few years, the quality of those American staples have gone wayyyy up. I’m including my top picks for when you need to refuel.

Royce Burger Bar

If you were walking by, you might miss this crowd pleaser… well, if there wasn’t always a line out the door, that is! Royce Burger Bar is situated more so in downtown Reno rather than MidTown, but the area is very walkable and close regardless. They have the most killer burger and chips (or fries!) combo for an incredible price. I have dreams of this burger — not kidding. They also have wings, sides and salads if big, juicy, flavorful burgers aren’t your jam. But the burger? Oh, boy, the burger....

Want to wash down your meal?, They have a stocked bar and specialize in a cocktail called the Royce Refresher, consisting of their house recipe of cucumber, ginger, lemon, and soda with your choice of vodka or gin. Order one of those, a burger and sit on their patio, and you are starting your evening off right.

Cosmo’s Snack Bar

A charming, family-owned pizza restaurant that is modern yet classic all at the same time. Bonus: They have a very quaint back patio. Their pizza is to die for! The menu has classic New York-style pies alongside fun options like za’atar seasoned olives on top of labneh.

They also have house-made soft serve that would make an Italian proud with toppings as simple and delicious as olive oil and sea salt.

Tahoe in the Summer = perfection. Year round it is incredible, don’t get me wrong. But, the magic in the air during Summer in Tahoe is something people travel all over the world to experience. Cold water to plunge into after baking in the sun with friends, grabbing a meal at the beach side enjoying the views, wafts of pine tree smell and Earth when going on long walks and hikes. It truly cannot be beat.

Lake Tahoe Adventures

I am a North Shore girly through and through. My two favorite beaches to hit up would have to be Moon Dunes Beach and Agatam Beach (hidden gem vibes):

• Moon Dunes is more lively and has an incredible view of the lake itself.
• Agatam (Tahoe Vista Recreation Area) is a bit smaller with stunning scenery. It’s better for an earlier spot if you’re coming with your family or a larger group. Also, you can rent a kayak at this beach, which I’d highly recommend!

I don’t want to leave out any of my top picks for visiting this world-famous lake, so here are two more spots that you have to spend time at the next time you’re in the area: Tahoe City and Kings Beach.

• Tahoe City is pure nostalgia for me and really gives that quaint Tahoe vibe. It is one street lined with restaurants, bars, thrift shops and more. You can also grab a coffee and hop down to the lake for a wicked photo backdrop.
• Kings Beach is similar, but think... older. Cuter? Nostalgia-er? That isn’t a word, but you get the idea. It has more log-cabin-type buildings throughout and a homier/neighborhood feel. Stop and grab an ice cream that is way too big and talk a walk to Kings Beach Miniature Golf, an attraction that has been around since before I was born; it’s the best time.
• Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park boasts fun for all ages. This was a really cool place to bond with my family. This giant playground has ropes courses and zip lining action that is actually a bit of a physical challenge. That said, you get to hop around the giant pine trees and smell that Tahoe air while having a blast. What’s better?

This is just a tiny taste of what Reno and Tahoe have to offer in the summer - but these picks are solid go-tos whether you’re adventuring with family, catching up with friends, or flying solo. Here’s what us locals (hi!) really want you to know: Reno is so much more than casinos and dive bars (though hey, those can be fun too). And Tahoe isn’t just for the boujee or the crowds — it’s for everyone. Both places have heart, soul, and a growing food and drink scene that’s worth exploring. Mix that in with the outdoor magic around here, and you’ve got yourself a summer worth remembering.