Go Your Own Way – A Guide to Solo Travel in Reno Tahoe

Traveling with friends and loved ones is a wonderful experience, but sometimes you just want to set your own agenda and enjoy the freedom of solo travel. Reno Tahoe is one of the best solo travel destinations for those who prefer to travel alone. Whether you’re an experienced solo traveler or this is your first trip on your own, here are some ideas of where to stay and what to do in Reno Tahoe.

From the variety of outdoor activities in the mountains and along the beautiful beaches of Lake Tahoe to the unique charm of Reno’s downtown and MidTown, Reno Tahoe is a must-visit location for those craving the solo travel experience. Plus, with so many Instagram-worthy photo spots in Reno and Lake Tahoe, your social media feed will thank you.

Where to Stay on Your Solo Trip

You might be embarking on a solo trip to Reno Tahoe because you want to connect with new people, or you may be trying to truly spend some quality time alone. Either way, there are hotels in Reno Tahoe that will suit what you’re seeking.

For those who are looking for some adventure and want to meet fellow adventure-seekers, a room at Whitney Peak Hotel or the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa might be just what you’re looking for. Both of these non-smoking, non-gaming hotels are located in downtown Reno and offer a selection of unique amenities, including Whitney Peak’s famous outdoor climbing wall and BaseCamp indoor climbing and bouldering gym, and Renaissance’s waterfront dining at the Shore Room and Bundox Bocce. Both hotels are within walking distance of restaurants and bars along the Riverwalk District and MidTown.

If some unplugged downtime is what you’re after, you might be surprised to find that Reno’s casino resorts have a host of ways to disconnect – after all, there aren’t many things more peaceful than a spa day and most of the major casino resorts offer world-class pools and spas. They also offer various dining options, from casual to upscale, so you can satisfy your appetite without having to venture far.

Best Spots for Solo Dining

For the foodie in all of us, Reno offers some of the best places to travel solo when you’re hungry or need a midday caffeine pick-me-up. When traveling solo, you can take the time to enjoy the sounds of a coffee shop, try new cuisine or catch up on your reading over a meal. Reno Tahoe’s coffee scene is bustling and there are plenty of cozy spots to grab a cup of coffee or tea, settle into a comfy seat and do some people watching. Or grab a cup to go and stroll along the Truckee River, stopping to take in the sights and sounds of the rushing water.

For those who normally love to nibble off the plates of their friends when dining out, tapas restaurants in Reno Tahoe are a perfect choice so you can sample several things on the menu. A local favorite is Centro Bar & Kitchen, where they cook up unique, mouthwatering dishes. Be sure to try their filthy fries, loaded with toppings, you’ll want to come hungry if you plan to try anything else. Skyline Kitchen & Vine is another local spot to experience small plates with fresh, seasonal flavors. Pair your meal with something off of their menu of handcrafted cocktails, wine and beer. For taco lovers, Estella Tacos y Mezcal specializes in street tacos, mezcal and mezcal-inspired cocktails. Their outdoor patio is a tranquil space in downtown Reno where you can relax and enjoy the fresh air.

Outdoor Adventures for the Solo Traveler

If you love the outdoors, Reno Tahoe has some of the best solo adventures in the country. The best part of exploring the outdoors solo is that you can take your time and seek out places that might be off the beaten path. For those looking for a relatively easy hike to great Lake Tahoe views, the trail to Monkey Rock will reward you with all of those. From this trailhead, you can also access the path from Incline Village to Sand Harbor, which is suitable for cycling or walking.

There are also plenty of trails to explore only minutes from downtown Reno. The foothills around Peavine Peak offer an extensive, well-marked trail system for hiking and mountain biking. We recommend starting early in the day since there are few opportunities for shade. Hunter Creek trail is another popular hiking route just west of downtown. There is a designated parking area and you’re rewarded at the trail’s end with a rushing waterfall.

A short road trip from Reno are several state parks and public lands, including Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park and Tahoe National Forest. There are plenty of hiking trails to enjoy in these areas while you take in the breathtaking views of Tahoe.

If you prefer to travel with a local expert, there are plenty of group tours available, from rafting and biking to wild horse tours. There truly is something for everyone and tours are a great way to see even more of the destination.

Discover Art

Reno Tahoe’s vibrant arts scene has something for art aficionados as well as those interested in the quirky and memorable. The Nevada Museum of Art is Nevada’s only accredited art museum and features permanent exhibits as well as rotating exhibits from world-renowned artists. When traveling solo, you can spend as much time as you’d like strolling the airy hallways and taking in the artwork.

In Reno, art isn’t always contained within a building. In fact, you’re likely to stumble upon a mural or sculpture no matter what part of town you’re in. City Plaza, next to the Truckee River, is home to the iconic BELIEVE sign and the Space Whale, both of which originally appeared on the playa during Burning Man. Wander the side streets in MidTown and downtown, and keep your eyes peeled for colorful, larger-than-life murals created by local and international artists. Near the J Resort, Reno’s Neon Line is coming to life and currently features a collection of unique sculptures from Burning Man.

How to Get Around Reno Tahoe

If you’re traveling solo without a car, there are still plenty of ways to get around the Reno Tahoe area. Public transportation in Reno Tahoe includes several shuttles, rental cars, bus routes and of course Uber and Lyft services. 

Looking to get from Reno to Lake Tahoe without a car? No problem! There are plenty of shuttle services available to travel from Reno to the lake in all seasons. Whether you’re looking to hit up one of the ski resorts or lay out on the beach, there is a shuttle service to get you there.

With a walkable downtown, endless things to do and a hint of a small-town vibe, Reno Tahoe is an ideal destination for solo travelers so start planning your trip today.