See Why Reno is One of Outside Magazine’s Happiest Towns

A high desert landscape set against the Sierra Nevada mountains, Reno has unlimited potential for residents and visitors alike to discover more special events, outdoor recreation, urban art culture, breathtaking vistas and an average of 300 days of serotonin-boosting sunshine every year. Here, you can pursue your ambitious goals – and how you do it is totally up to you! As a cultural destination with a resilient community, it’s no surprise Reno was recognized as one of the “Happiest Towns to Live in the U.S.” by Outside Magazine.

Your Urban Basecamp and Outdoor Playground

With warm days and plenty of sunshine, summers are second to none. Head to Lake Tahoe or search for a spot along the Truckee River and spend the day getting your dose of sunshine and cool water. Whether you’re itching to try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing or whitewater rafting, we have plenty of water activities to explore. In the summer, grab your clubs and get ready to play a round (or two!) at one of the more than 50 golf courses within an hour’s drive of Reno. Take advantage of our available terrain and climb a mountain for a glorious view, or explore miles of trails through Northern Nevada’s high desert.

Reno’s Municipal Equality Index

Reno Tahoe is proud to celebrate and support inclusivity in our region, in efforts to create a welcoming community for local businesses, residents and visitors alike. The 2023 Municipal Equality Index gave Reno a score of 100/100 for its policies and inclusion of the LGBTQ community. Northern Nevada Pride is welcomed every July, with a parade, festival and live entertainment through downtown Reno. This annual event is produced by and supports the efforts of Our Center, Reno’s local LGBTQ+ community center.

Accessible Outdoor Activities

High Fives Foundation empowers the lives of athletes by providing hope and resources to get them back to their outdoor activity of choice. Set on a former golf course, numerous trails at Sierra Vista Mountain Bike Park have been groomed and carved out to accommodate adaptive cyclists. Lake Tahoe is a treasure that all visitors should be able to enjoy and the recent addition of an all-terrain Trackchair at Sand Harbor means more park access for those with mobility challenges. The chair was made possible thanks to a donation by the Bronco Wild Fund, which donated chairs to 18 state parks around the country. Check out adaptive equipment rentals through the City of Reno and other accessible parks and trails in the region.

What Makes Reno So Unique 

Located at the south end of MidTown, Reno Public Market is a vibrant community space fueled by locally-owned businesses. Find everything from authentic ramen to Salvadorian pupusas and Mediterranean cuisine, just to name a few. Support great local retailers like Junkee Clothing Exchange, Far Out, Maker’s Paradise and Wyld Market Collective. Venture a few hours north of Reno for quiet, wide-open spaces in the Black Rock Desert. Thousands of people come together to form Black Rock City each year during Burning Man, but the playa is open for exploration year-round. Set your sights to new heights when you climb to the top of Whitney Peak Hotel’s outdoor climbing wall, the tallest artificial climbing wall in the country.

For even more ideas, check out the Reno Tahoe Ultimate Insiders Guide for more local favorites.