Reno
The Biggest Little City in the World
Ever asked yourself “Where is Reno, Nevada?” Well, Reno sits in the high desert of Northern Nevada, at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, about 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe. Home to more than 270,000 people, with the greater metro area topping 490,000, Reno has quickly become the hub of Northern Nevada. Reno is a short drive from a myriad of activities.
Reno, known as "The Biggest Little City in the World," is a must-visit destination offering a perfect blend of urban excitement and outdoor adventure. You will have easy access to world-class skiing, hiking, and the iconic Lake Tahoe. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene, eclectic dining options, lively casinos, and unique festivals, making it an exciting getaway for all types of travelers.
How to Get to Reno
Reno is easy to reach, no matter how you're getting here. Reno-Tahoe International Airport offers daily nonstop flights from cities across the country, including Chicago, Atlanta, New York, and more. Prefer the road? The scenic San Francisco to Reno drive takes less than half a day via I-80 or a detour along Highway 50, and Amtrak's California Zephyr runs one of the most beautiful train routes in the country straight into downtown Reno.
Quick Facts About Reno
- Elevation: 4,505 ft above sea level, in the high desert at the base of the Sierra Nevada
- Population: 270,000+ in the city, with the greater metro area topping 490,000
- Proximity: About 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe, and a half-day's drive from San Francisco via I-80
- What Reno is known for: “The Biggest Little City in the World" is a mix of urban excitement and outdoor adventure, with world-class skiing, vibrant arts and casinos, and iconic events like Hot August Nights and the Reno Rodeo
Where to Stay in Reno?
Can't decide where to stay in Reno? You really can't go wrong - the question is really just what kind of trip you're after.
Downtown Reno
Downtown Reno is the pick if you want to step outside your hotel and be in the middle of it all.
Silver Legacy Resort Casino, Eldorado Resort Casino, and Circus Circus Hotel Casino all put you steps from the Reno Arch, casino floors, and the Truckee River.
Whitney Peak Hotel is home to the Guinness World Record holder for "World's Tallest Artificial Climbing Wall," a favorite for anyone who wants their hotel gym to double as an adventure. If you're after something with a riverfront view, the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa rounds out business and family-friendly amenities with a side of bocce at Bundox.
Downtown is also just minutes from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, with most casino hotels offering complimentary airport shuttles.
MidTown
MidTown is the pick for craft beer, live music, and boutique shopping just a few blocks south of downtown. The Peppermill Resort Spa Casino and Atlantis Casino Resort Spa both make great home bases here, each with a full spa and casino action built in. If easy freeway access matters more to you, the Grand Sierra Resort delivers that along with an arcade for the kids and a ballroom for the grown-ups.
Sparks
Sparks, just a few minutes from Reno, is worth a look too - especially if your trip lines up with an event. The Nugget Casino Resort sits next to Victorian Square, home to the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off every Labor Day weekend, plus concerts, five-star dining, and family activities year-round at the Nugget Events Center.
No matter which home base you choose, you're never more than an hour from all of Northern Nevada, including Lake Tahoe.
Reno Arts and Culture
It’s hard to ignore the abundance of art displayed in downtown Reno. In addition to the art installations originating from Burning Man, like the 50-foot-tall stained-glass Space Whale in City Plaza, there are many original art pieces to be found throughout the city. Within the downtown and MidTown areas, there are over 100 larger-than-life murals, as well as countless painted signal boxes, benches, and bike racks. If you are interested in learning more, you can join a monthly guided art tour or take a self-guided tour.
Looking for a more traditional art experience? Reno has many local art galleries, performing arts centers, and museums for all ages. Car enthusiasts can see over 200 unique and historic cars at the National Automobile Museum, and art lovers can see some of the finest traveling exhibitions at the state’s only nationally accredited museum, the Nevada Museum of Art.
Reno Shopping
Local Boutiques & Unique Finds
The MidTown District is a vibrant neighborhood that offers many locally owned boutiques such as Sierra Belle and Nomad.
Thrift & Vintage Shopping
Junkee Clothing Exchange, inside Reno Public Market, is a thrifting staple, especially when searching for your Burning Man wardrobe!
Outlet Shopping
For name-brand deals, head to The Outlets at Legends in nearby Sparks. The outdoor shopping center features a variety of national retailers and outlet stores, making it a go-to destination for shoppers looking for clothing, accessories, home goods, and more at discounted prices.
Shopping Malls
If you're looking for a traditional mall shopping experience outside the downtown area, you will find both Meadowood Mall and Shayden Summit Mall, with many familiar retailers.
Reno Dining
Reno has blended old-school traditions and modern techniques to create a foodie haven, complete with local brewpubs, experimental farm-to-table restaurants, and craft distilleries. This burgeoning food scene has options ranging from rustic Italian to all-you-can-eat sushi, with new spots popping up throughout the city.
Downtown Reno and MidTown are Reno’s most popular areas for bars and clubs. However, other hotspots include the Brewery District, Wells Avenue, the University, Kietzke Lane, and all along South Virginia St. Most neighborhoods also have their own local bar, sports pub, or brewery. Learn more about the region’s eateries.
What Is There to Do in Reno?
Reno Outdoor Activities
Reno is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with endless year-round outdoor activities. Within an hour’s drive, there are more than a dozen ski resorts, Lake Tahoe, thousands of mountain biking and hiking trails, several lakes that are perfect for fishing and boating, and 121 miles of the Truckee River, which runs right through the center of downtown Reno. With the plethora of outdoor opportunities, you will find people taking advantage of them year-round.
Reno Events
What do hot air balloons, classic cars, rodeos, and ribs have in common? Normally nothing, but in Reno, they are all unique themes of the Biggest Little City’s exciting, iconic events. Hot August Nights, Reno Rodeo, and The Great Reno Balloon Race are favorites that have each called Reno home for decades (an entire century in the case of the Reno Rodeo!). In addition, the city celebrates several gastronomic gatherings, like the ROW's Great Italian Festival and the Best in the West Rib Cook-Off. You can catch a concert, art event, plays, and shows at local casinos, Pioneer Center, Bruka Theatre, La Bussola, Sierra Arts, and the Reno Events Center. During the summer months, there is always an event happening, so make sure to check out our Reno events calendar to see what to check out during your Reno trip.
Reno Climate
Unsure what time of the year to visit? Lucky for you, Reno sits in the rain shadow of the Sierras with four distinct seasons. Winter brings snowfall, but typically it is light. Summer highs are generally in the low to mid-90s°F, but temperatures above 100°F occur occasionally. July daytime and nighttime temperatures average 92°F and 51°F, respectively, while January day and night temperatures average 46°F (7°C) and 22°F (-6°C), respectively. Most precipitation occurs in winter and spring. Whether you crave the warmth of the sun or the thrill of snowy mountain adventures, planning your trip to Reno means there is something for everyone.
Reno History
As early as the 1850s, a few pioneers settled in the Truckee Meadows, a relatively fertile valley through which the Truckee River flowed from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. Gold was discovered in the vicinity of Virginia City in 1850, and a modest mining community developed, but the discovery of silver in 1859 led to one of the greatest mining bonanzas of all time as the Comstock Lode spewed forth treasure.
To provide the necessary connection between Virginia City and the California Trail, Charles Fuller built a log toll bridge across the Truckee River in 1859. A small community servicing travelers soon grew near the bridge. After two years, Fuller sold the bridge to Myron Lake, who continued to develop the Lakes Crossing Community. In 1864, Washoe County was consolidated with Roop County, and Lakes Crossing became the largest city in the county.
In 1868, the Central Pacific Railroad built tracks across the West to connect with the Union Pacific Railroad, forming the first transcontinental railroad. Once the railroad station was established, the town of Reno officially came to be on May 13, 1868. The new town was named in honor of Major General Jesse L. Reno, a Union officer killed in the American Civil War.
Nevada’s legalization of casino gambling in 1931 and the passage of liberal divorce laws created another boom for Reno. Beginning in the 1950s, the need for economic diversification beyond gaming fueled a movement for more lenient business taxation. The presence of a main east-west rail line, the emerging interstate highway system, a favorable tax climate, and inexpensive land created the ideal conditions for warehousing and distribution of goods to the growing population in the surrounding eleven western states. Today, Reno, Nevada has the largest concentration of distribution-related property per capita in the United States.
Today, Reno is not only rich in history but also brimming with opportunities to explore and experience. Explore Reno and immerse yourself in the history through its culture, diverse cuisine, unique shopping experiences, and so much more.
Reno FAQs
Reno is nicknamed the Biggest Little City in the World and is historically known for its gaming tourism industry. In the last decade, the arts, culture and foodie scenes of Reno, Nevada have boomed, transforming it into a hub of endless things to eat, see and experience. In the summer months, Reno offers virtually nonstop events, from the famous Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off to The Great Reno Balloon Race. Plus, close proximity to Lake Tahoe, the largest concentration of ski resorts on the planet, and tons of hiking trails offers something for every adventurer. With so many things to do in Reno, it’s pretty darn hard to get bored in this little high desert city.
There are plenty of things to do in Reno, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, entertainment, or cultural experiences.
Top things to do in Reno include:
- Casinos & nightlife: Enjoy gaming, live entertainment, bars, and lounges throughout downtown Reno
- Outdoor activities: Walk or bike along the Truckee River, relax at parks like Idlewild Park, or explore nearby hiking and biking trails
- Arts & culture: Visit museums like the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, explore public art, and see local performances
- Shopping & dining: Discover local boutiques, markets, and a wide range of restaurants—from casual eats to upscale dining
- Iconic attractions: Snap a photo at the famous Reno Arch, a symbol of the city’s “Biggest Little City in the World” charm
- Indoor activities & family fun: Try escape rooms, climbing gyms, arcades, and other interactive attractions around the city
For a full list of activities, seasonal experiences, and more explore our Reno Things to Do page and start planning your trip.
The best time to visit Reno depends entirely on your interests. Here is a clear breakdown on what you can expect during each season:
- Spring (March-May):
- Temperature: 30-73 °F
- Vibe: Mild days and crisp nights.
- Activities: Hiking, exploring downtown, and day trips to Virginia City. This is a "sweet spot" for travelers who want to beat the summer crowds.
- Summer (June-August)
- Temperature: 51-91 °F
- Vibe: High energy and peak event season.
- Activities: Kayaking, river floating, and outdoor festivals. Expect larger crowds and plenty of sunshine, so be sure to pack sunscreen and stay hydrated.
- Fall (September-November)
- Temperature: 26-82 °F
- Vibe: Perfect weather for exploring.
- Activities: Viewing fall colors along the Truckee River and attending major events like the Great Reno Balloon Race. The air is cool and the crowds begin to thin out.
- Winter (December-February)
- Temperature: 21-52 °F
- Vibe: A winter wonderland for sports enthusiasts.
- Activities: World-class skiing and snowboarding at nearby Lake Tahoe ski resorts. While Reno itself gets some snow, it serves as the perfect "base camp" for alpine adventures.
If you want more details on weather conditions, check out our Reno Tahoe Weather page or explore our Reno region page for more details on what makes Reno, Nevada special.
Reno was named the number one best place to live by bestcities.org in 2020. With tons of new industries heading to Reno, new infrastructure and a booming arts and culture scene, it’s no wonder why so many people are choosing to call Reno home. Plus, the proximity to Lake Tahoe and Mt. Rose are a nice perk.
Reno is so popular for the endless experiences it offers its visitors and residents. Ever hiked Lake Tahoe, hit up a museum, went on a downtown mural hunt, and enjoyed an award-winning restaurant, all in one day? Those who live and visit in Reno have. In fact, we do this all of the time. Only in the Biggest Little City in the World can you be on top of a mountain in the morning, floating in Lake Tahoe by afternoon and reveling in the glittering lights of the casinos by the evening. Are you a self-proclaimed foodie? Reno, Nevada is fast becoming one of the biggest foodie hotspots on the West Coast. Don’t want to take our word for it? We guess you’ll just have to plan your trip to Reno to believe it.
While Reno and Las Vegas share some similarities with their desert landscapes and casinos, the two cities really couldn’t be more different. Reno, Nevada has endless options when it comes to year-round outdoor activities during four distinct seasons, as well as a rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene, and a wealth of local restaurants and breweries. Reno feels like a big city when it comes to the diversity of things to do, but still exemplifies the definition of a small town with its friendliness and ease of getting around.
There are always plenty of things happening in Reno this weekend, from live entertainment to outdoor adventures and local events. Things you can look forward to include:
- Live events & entertainment: Concerts, comedy shows, festivals, and performances happening across the city
- Nightlife & casinos: Bars, lounges, and gaming with events happening day and night
- Arts & culture: Local galleries, theaters, and cultural events
- Outdoor activities: Walks along the Truckee River, hiking, or day trips nearby
- Food & drink events: Tastings, markets, and local dining experiences
For a full, up-to-date list of what’s happening this weekend, explore the official events calendar today!
While Reno is a year-round destination, the "best" month depends on your personal interests:
- May: Best for nature and fewer crowds
- Enjoy the city before the summer rush. May offers beautiful weather perfect for the Reno River Festival and hiking without the heat or the crowds.
- September: Best for iconic events
- Widely considered the best overall month. You’ll get warm, summer-like days and crisp nights which is ideal for the Great Reno Balloon Race.
- December: Best for winter magic
- Enjoy festive holiday vibes downtown with our unique Santa Bar Crawl and world-class skiing at nearby Lake Tahoe resorts just 30 minutes away.
Reno offers endless events and things to do, be sure to plan accordingly for your ultimate Reno Tahoe getaway.
The largest casino in Reno is the Grand Sierra Resort (GSR). The GSR is Northern Nevada’s most complete resort destination with nearly 2,000 guest rooms and suites.
Beyond the casino floor, amenities include:
- 200,000 square feet of meeting space
- Retail shopping
- On-site cinema
- 50-lane bowling center
- Aqua golfing driving range
- A full-service spa
Reno is home to many more world-class casinos beyond the Grand Sierra Resort. Check out our Casino Directory to compare amenities and find your perfect fit!
Lake Tahoe is home to some of the top ski resorts in North America, offering a mix of world-class terrain, scenic views, and options for every skill level.
Popular Lake Tahoe ski resorts include:
- Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe – A local favorite known for its convenience (about 30 minutes from Reno), great snow, and a mix of groomed runs and advanced terrain.
- Heavenly Mountain Resort – One of the largest resorts in the area, known for expansive terrain and breathtaking views of the lake.
- Northstar California Resort – A family-friendly resort with groomed runs, terrain parks, and village amenities.
- Palisades Tahoe – One of the largest and most well-known ski destinations, offering diverse terrain for all levels.
- Boreal Mountain Resort – A great option for beginners and night skiing.
Lake Tahoe ski resorts typically open between November and December (weather permitting) and offer a long season that can extend into spring. Check out our Ski Resorts Opening Dates page for the latest updates on when each resort plans to open, and visit our Snow Report page for current snow conditions. Skiing and snowboarding in Lake Tahoe is a must-do winter experience.