Reno calls itself The Biggest Little City In The World, and the nickname fits better than most people expect. The city sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in northern Nevada, 45 minutes from Lake Tahoe, 30 minutes from Virginia City, and closer to the Black Rock Desert (where Burning Man happens) than any other city of its size.

Most visitors show up expecting a smaller Las Vegas. What they find is a walkable downtown with a Riverwalk District along the Truckee River, a MidTown neighborhood with more murals and breweries than casino carpets, and a food scene that has quietly gotten very good.

The best things to do in Reno include

Walking the Truckee River Riverwalk District
Exploring MidTown Reno’s murals and breweries
Seeing the Space Whale and BELIEVE sign at City Plaza
Touring the National Automobile Museum
Visiting the Nevada Museum of Art
Climbing the world’s tallest artificial climbing wall at Whitney Peak Hotel
Day-tripping to Lake Tahoe and Virginia CityDining at DOPO Pizza & Pasta
Catching sunset at Windy Hill Scenic Overlook
Timing your visit for the Great Reno Balloon Race or Artown summer arts festival.

This guide covers 20 things to do in Reno for adults, families, 18-year-olds, couples, and budget travelers — organized by what’s actually worth your time.

Downtown Reno and the Riverwalk

1. Walk the Truckee River Riverwalk District

The Truckee River Riverwalk District is downtown Reno’s best feature — a paved path along the Truckee River with public art sculptures, footbridges, Wingfield Park, and coffee shops and restaurants within steps of the water.

The Riverwalk runs through the heart of downtown Reno. Start at Hub Coffee Roasters on the river for a morning espresso, then walk west past Wingfield Park (a small island in the river with an amphitheater for summer events) toward Idlewild Park. The path has benches, duck-watching spots, and a rhythm that feels nothing like a casino floor. Summer tubing runs down the Truckee draw crowds on hot weekends.

Where: Riverwalk District, downtown Reno along the Truckee River
Cost: Free
Tip: Hub Coffee Roasters (1 E 1st St) is the best starting point — single-origin beans, good espresso, and views of the river from the patio.

2. Take a Photo with the Reno Arch

The Reno Arch spanning Virginia Street is the city’s most recognizable landmark — a neon sign reading “The Biggest Little City In The World” that has stood in 3 versions since 1926.

The current arch was installed in 1987 and lights up at night. It’s a 30-second stop during the day and a better photo at night when the neon glows. The arch marks the center of downtown and sits within walking distance of the Riverwalk, City Plaza, and the casino corridor.

Where: Virginia Street, downtown Reno
Cost: Free

3. See the Space Whale and BELIEVE Sign at City Plaza

City Plaza in downtown Reno hosts the Space Whale — a full-scale stained glass humpback whale mother and calf sculpture originally created for Burning Man 2016 — alongside the large BELIEVE sign and Locomotion Plaza.

The Space Whale was so popular at Burning Man that a local campaign brought it to Reno permanently. It sits in City Plaza next to a skate park and the BELIEVE sign. Locomotion Plaza nearby features a steam locomotive. The plaza is free, open 24/7, and is the best spot in Reno for public art that surprises you.

Where: City Plaza, downtown Reno (near 1st and Center Streets)
Cost: Free

MidTown Reno: Art, Food, and Breweries

4. Walk the Midtown Reno Mural Tour

Midtown Reno is a walkable neighborhood south of downtown with dozens of large-scale murals painted on buildings, shops, and alleyways — the Art Spot Reno Midtown Reno Mural Tour covers the best of them in a self-guided loop.

Midtown runs along South Virginia Street from downtown to about Plumb Lane. The murals range from a giant octopus on The Melting Pot World Emporium to a “Biggest Little City” proclamation on the side of a party planning store. The “With Love From Reno” mural is the most photographed. The neighborhood also has vintage shops, boutiques like Strange Bikinis and Sierra Water Gardens, and Gloria’s Cafe for a meal break.

Where: MidTown, South Virginia Street, Reno
Cost: Free (self-guided) or ~$25–$40 for a guided walking tour
Tip: Combine the mural walk with brewery hopping — 4+ breweries are in MidTown.

5. Eat at DOPO Pizza & Pasta

DOPO Pizza & Pasta in MidTown serves some of the best Italian food in Reno — brick-oven Neapolitan-style pizza, house-made pasta, and a wine list that punches above its weight for a city this size.

DOPO is small, popular, and doesn’t take reservations. Arrive before 5:30 p.m. on a weekday or expect a wait on weekends. The Margherita pizza and the cacio e pepe are the top orders.

Where: 705 S Virginia St, MidTown, Reno
Cost: $15–$30 per person
Tip: The patio is the best seating in warm weather.

6. Brewery Hop Through MidTown and the Neon Line District

Reno has 20+ craft breweries within city limits, and the best are concentrated in MidTown and the Neon Line District along West 4th Street — making a Reno brewery crawl one of the best things to do in Reno for adults.

The Depot Craft Brewery & Distillery sits in a 1910 railroad headquarters building — 3 stories of brick, great beer, and house-distilled spirits. Pigeon Head Brewery in MidTown has pigeon-themed decor and excellent chocolate stouts and oatmeal cookie red ales. Lead Dog Brewing and Great Basin Brewing Co. are 2 more strong stops. Sierra Taphouse near the Riverwalk offers a rotating selection of 30+ taps from local and regional breweries.

Museums and Indoor Attractions in Reno

7. Tour the National Automobile Museum

The National Automobile Museum is the best museum in Reno — over 200 classic, historic, and celebrity-owned cars including multiple Batmobiles, Elvis Presley’s personal vehicles, Frank Sinatra’s car, and Herbie from Herbie: Fully Loaded.

The museum is dense and well-curated. Budget at least 90 minutes. Cars are displayed in recreated street scenes from different decades — 1900s, 1930s, 1950s, 1970s — which gives context beyond just staring at chrome. Even visitors with no particular interest in cars consistently rate this as Reno’s best attraction.

Where: 10 S Lake St, downtown Reno
Cost: ~$16 adult
Hours: Mon–Sat 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

8. Visit the Nevada Museum of Art

The Nevada Museum of Art is Reno’s fine-art institution — rotating exhibits, a sculpture garden, and a building designed to evoke the geological formations of the Black Rock Desert.

Check the museum website before visiting — renovations periodically close floors. The permanent collection covers American art, altered landscapes, and Great Basin ecology. The sculpture garden on the top level offers city and mountain views. Admission runs about $10 to $15 adult.

Where: 160 W Liberty St, downtown Reno
Cost: ~$10–$15 adult

9. Climb the World’s Tallest Artificial Climbing Wall at Whitney Peak Hotel

The Whitney Peak Hotel in downtown Reno has the world’s tallest artificial climbing wall at 164 feet — certified by the Guinness Book Of World Records — plus an indoor BaseCamp Climbing Gym open to hotel guests and day visitors.

The outdoor wall (called CLIMB TO THE TOP) runs up the side of the hotel building facing Virginia Street. The indoor BaseCamp Climbing Gym has bouldering walls and top-rope routes. Whitney Peak Hotel was named to Outside Magazine’s list of 12 Best Hotel Gyms In The US. Day passes for the gym run about $20. The outdoor wall climb requires a reservation and costs more ($25 to $40).

Where: 255 N Virginia St, downtown Reno
Cost: ~$20 gym day pass / ~$25–$40 outdoor wall climb

reno Casinos and Nightlife

10. Try Your Luck at the Casinos

Reno’s casino scene is more manageable and less overwhelming than Las Vegas — smaller floors, lower table minimums, and a more relaxed atmosphere that lets you gamble without feeling like you’re inside a fever dream.

The Atlantis Casino Resort Spa has the best overall experience — gaming floor, restaurants (the Sky Terrace sushi bar has panoramic mountain views), and Spa Atlantis. The Peppermill Reno is the most visually dramatic — a purple-and-pink neon palace with Spa Toscana. Stateline casinos at the south shore of Lake Tahoe (Harrah’s, Harvey’s) are 45 minutes away.

Reno casinos are 21+ for gambling. Under-21 visitors can walk through the casino floors but cannot stop at gaming tables or slot machines. 18-year-olds can visit restaurants, shows, and hotel amenities within casino properties.

11. Play Arcade Games at Press Start Arcade Bar

Press Start Arcade Bar is one of the best things to do in Reno for 18-year-olds and 21+ visitors — classic arcade games, pinball machines, and craft drinks in a bar setting that feels more MidTown than casino.

Games are priced per play (quarters or tokens). The drink prices are lower than comparable arcade bars in larger cities. Free drink on your birthday.

Reno Outdoor Activities and Day Trips from Reno

12. Watch Sunset at Windy Hill Scenic Overlook

Windy Hill Scenic Overlook south of Reno provides a panoramic view of the city, the Washoe Valley, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains — the best free viewpoint in the Reno area, especially at sunset.

The overlook is a short drive from downtown Reno on US-395 South. Park at the pullout, walk to the viewpoint, and watch the city light up as the sun drops behind the Sierra crest. Free, no facilities, and usually uncrowded.

13. Day Trip to Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is 45 minutes to 1 hour from downtown Reno — the easiest and most rewarding day trip from the city.

Drive US-431 (Mt. Rose Highway) over the Sierra Nevada to Incline Village on the north shore (45 minutes). Or take I-80 West to Tahoe City (55 minutes). Sand Harbor State Park is the best beach stop. Emerald Bay State Park is the most scenic. Summer activities include paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming. Winter activities include skiing at Heavenly Mountain Resort, Palisades Tahoe, and Northstar California.

14. Day Trip to Virginia City

Virginia City is a preserved 1860s silver-mining town 30 minutes southeast of Reno — wooden sidewalks, saloons, mine tours, and the Virginia & Truckee Railroad.

The town earned $300+ million in silver from the Comstock Lode in the 1860s (in 1860s dollars). Today it’s a living ghost town with functioning saloons, candy shops, mine tours ($10 to $20), and the Virginia & Truckee Railroad that runs steam-engine excursions on weekends from May through October ($12 to $30). The Washoe Club offers haunted tours.

15. Hike Near Reno

Reno sits at the edge of the Sierra Nevada with hiking trails accessible within 30 minutes of downtown — from easy riverside walks to challenging alpine summit hikes.

Hunter Creek Falls: 6 miles round trip, 1,200 feet gain. A waterfall hike that starts from a trailhead in southwest Reno. Best in spring when snowmelt feeds the falls.
Mount Rose: 11 miles round trip, 2,300 feet gain. The third-tallest peak in the Lake Tahoe area at 10,780 feet. South-facing slope melts out earlier than other Sierra summits.
Tahoe Rim Trail (Tahoe Meadows section): 2.3 miles, 220 feet gain. Easy ridgeline walk above the lake with panoramic views. 45 minutes from Reno.
Sparks Marina Park: A flat, paved loop around Sparks Marina Park Lake — good for families and casual walkers. Lighthouse Coffee nearby for a post-walk cup.

16. Visit Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake is a desert lake 35 miles north of Reno on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation — a surreal landscape of tufa formations, turquoise water, and near-total solitude.

The lake is named for a large pyramid-shaped tufa rock formation rising from the water. Fishing permits ($15 to $20/day) are available through the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council — the lake is famous for Lahontan cutthroat trout. Kayaking is permitted. Camping is available at beach sites around the shore. No jet skis. No motorized watercraft. The quiet is the point.

17. Book a Spa Day at Atlantis or Peppermill

Spa Atlantis at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and Spa Toscana at the Peppermill Reno are the 2 best spas in the city — full-service facilities with pools, steam rooms, massage services, and day-pass access.

Spa Atlantis is the more modern facility. Spa Toscana is the more atmospheric one — Tuscan-inspired design with heated garden pools. Day spa packages run $50 to $150+ depending on services. Both are open to non-hotel guests.

18. Time Your Visit for the Great Reno Balloon Race

The Great Reno Balloon Race is the largest free hot-air ballooning event in the world — held every September at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park with 100+ balloons launching at dawn.

The event draws 120,000+ spectators over 3 days. The dawn patrol launch (around 5:45 a.m.) is the signature moment — balloons light up in the dark before lifting off as the sun rises over the Sierra Nevada. The Glow Show the night before lights up grounded balloons like giant lanterns. Free admission. Free parking. Bring layers — September mornings in Reno are cold.

19. Catch Artown in July

Artown is Reno’s month-long summer arts festival held every July — free and low-cost performances, concerts, dance, theater, and visual art events across 100+ venues citywide.

Artown has run since 1996 and draws 300,000+ attendees. Events range from free outdoor concerts at Wingfield Park to gallery openings in MidTown to theater performances at the Pioneer Center. The festival is one of the best things to do in Reno in July and one of the strongest reasons to visit Reno specifically in summer.

20. Attend the Reno Rodeo (June)

The Reno Rodeo — “The Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West” — runs for 10 days every June with professional rodeo competition, livestock events, a carnival, and concerts at the Reno Livestock Events Center.

Tickets range from $20 to $60 depending on seating. The rodeo has been running since 1919 and draws competitors and spectators from across the western United States. It’s one of the most distinctly Reno events on the calendar — cowboy culture meets The Biggest Little City.

Things to Do in Reno by Audience

Audience	Best Activities
Adults (21+)	Casino hopping, brewery crawl, DOPO Pizza, spa day, Press Start Arcade Bar
18-year-olds / Under 21	National Automobile Museum, mural tour, climbing wall at Whitney Peak, Press Start, hiking, Pyramid Lake
Families with kids	National Automobile Museum, Truckee River walk, Sparks Marina Park, Great Reno Balloon Race, Virginia City train
Couples	Sunset at Windy Hill, Lake Tahoe day trip, DOPO dinner, spa at Peppermill, brewery crawl
Free things to do in Reno	Riverwalk, Reno Arch, Space Whale / BELIEVE, mural tour, Wingfield Park, Artown (most events free)
4th of July	Wingfield Park events, Lake Tahoe fireworks (45-minute drive), Sparks Marina fireworks

Things to Do in Reno: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 10 things to do in Reno?

Walk the Riverwalk District, see the Reno Arch, tour the National Automobile Museum, explore MidTown murals, eat at DOPO Pizza, climb the Whitney Peak Hotel wall, visit the Space Whale at City Plaza, brewery hop, day trip to Lake Tahoe, and catch sunset at Windy Hill Scenic Overlook.

What is there to do in Reno besides casinos?

Reno has a strong non-casino identity: the Riverwalk District, 20+ craft breweries, MidTown’s mural and restaurant scene, the National Automobile Museum, outdoor recreation (hiking, climbing, kayaking at Pyramid Lake), and day trips to Lake Tahoe and Virginia City.

Is Reno worth visiting?

Yes — especially if you prefer a smaller, more manageable alternative to Las Vegas. Reno has a walkable downtown, a legitimate food and brewery scene, proximity to the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe, and a quirky character (Space Whale, Burning Man influence, press-start arcade bars) that larger cities don’t replicate.

What are fun things to do in Reno for 18 year olds?

The National Automobile Museum, Whitney Peak Hotel climbing wall, MidTown mural tour, hiking at Hunter Creek Falls or Mount Rose, Pyramid Lake, Press Start Arcade Bar (for games, not drinks), Virginia City, and the Great Reno Balloon Race are all 18+ friendly and don’t require gambling age.

How many days do you need in Reno?

2 to 3 days is ideal. 1 day for downtown, MidTown, and the Riverwalk. 1 day for a Lake Tahoe or Virginia City day trip. An optional 3rd day for hiking, Pyramid Lake, or a spa day.

What events happen in Reno in summer 2026?

Artown runs all of July with 300+ free and low-cost arts events citywide. The Reno Rodeo runs 10 days in June. The Great Reno Balloon Race launches in September. Hot August Nights (a classic car festival) runs in August.

Final Thoughts

Reno surprised me. Most visitors show up expecting a budget Las Vegas and leave talking about the Truckee River, the murals in MidTown, the Space Whale at City Plaza, and the fact that Lake Tahoe is 45 minutes away and Pyramid Lake — one of the most surreal landscapes in Nevada — is 35 minutes in the other direction.

The city earns its nickname. The Biggest Little City In The World is big enough to have 20+ breweries, a Michelin-worthy pizza scene, and the world’s tallest climbing wall — and little enough to walk the entire downtown in a morning. The casinos are here. They’re fine. But the things to do in Reno that stick with you happen outside the casino floors: the Riverwalk at golden hour, a stained-glass whale in a city plaza, a steam-engine train through a silver-mining ghost town, and 100 hot-air balloons lifting off at dawn in September.

Start at the Riverwalk. Walk south to MidTown. Eat at DOPO. Climb the Whitney Peak wall. Drive to Lake Tahoe the next day. And when someone asks if Reno is worth it, tell them what you found.