Attractions Nearby Reno, Day Trips and Excursions

(Reno, Nevada - NV, USA)



Standing next to Arizona, California and Utah, Nevada is certainly known for its fine weather. Reno is well-placed for day trips around the state and the scenic Nevada Great Basin area, and many of the outlying attractions are certainly of a seasonal nature, with everything from summer hiking and kayaking, to winter skiing and snowboarding.

However, do bear in mind that many attractions close to Reno may well close during the winter season, due to the cold weather. If you are staying in Reno and have time to explore Nevada, then do consider excursions to Carson City, Lake Tahoe, the Pyramid Lake, Virginia City and Washoe Valley, while next door in California, the outdoor attractions at the Yosemite National Park are certainly worthy of consideration.


Winter Skiing

There is a rather surprising selection of exceptional winter ski resorts close to Reno, being easily reached in under an hour by road. Particularly popular are the Heavenly and Alpine Meadows, and well as the Squaw Valley ski resort, the latter of which is actually where the Winter Olympics of 1960 were staged.

Carson City

The state capital of Nevada, Carson City may be a relatively small town, but it is certainly growing at a fast pace. Located at around 30 miles / 48 km to the south of Reno, Carson City is especially close to the Californian border and is a relatively quiet town, with numerous handsome old buildings dotted around its downtown district. Carson City's main attractions tend to be based along the central Carson Street, which is where you will find both the Nevada State Capitol and the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Other highlights include the Brewery Arts Center on King Street, and the Nevada Governor's Mansion on Mountain Street. Worth noting, tourists often use Carson City as a convenient base to explore the neighboring deserts and mountains.

Lake Tahoe / Tahoe City

Address: California CA, USA
Lake Tahoe is a huge expanse of water and shares is shoreline with California. The Nevada side of Lake Tahoe contains a selection of lively casino resorts, while the Californian shores feature attractions such as Tahoe City, Kings Beach, Meeks Bay, Emerald Bay, South Lake Tahoe and the Vikingsholm Castle. In the winter months, the snowfall around the lake has resulted in the appearance of countless ski resorts. Particularly popular is Tahoe City (North Shore), which is to be found 48 miles / 77 km to the southwest of Reno and features a host of outdoor recreational activities, including many miles of pathways lining the banks of the Truckee River.

Pyramid Lake

Lying just 25 miles / 40 km to the north of Reno (via the Pyramid Highway), Pyramid Lake is a beautiful part of the Paiute Indian Reservation and something of an oasis, in this rather barren area of desert. Camping and fishing are popular activities here, although permits are always required, being available from the Ranger Station at Sutcliffe. The shores of Pyramid Lake are lined with popular beaches. Of interest, Anaho Island is close to the lake's easterly shore and has become something of a sanctuary for the much-loved American white pelican.

US Route 50

The famous US Route 50 heads in an easterly direction and across Nevada. This is the perfect way to enjoy some serious desert scenery, deep valleys and towering mountains, passing various attractions along the way, such as the former mining towns of Austin, Eureka and also Ely. The US Route 50 is often referred to as the 'Loneliest Highway', due to its extreme length, quiet nature and expansive views. You can use the US Route 50 to head to the Utah border, to reach the much-visited Great Basin National Park.

Virginia City

A small former mining town situated roughly 26 miles / 42 km to the south of Reno (via US-341 Highway), Virginia City is little more than a 30-minute drive away. Virginia City contains a population of roughly 1,000 residents and has successfully maintained much of its characterful 19th-century 'Old West' appearance, with a number of traditional saloons and Victorian buildings lining the main street. With its Historic District now ranking as a National Historic Landmark, Virginia City lies close to the fictitious Ponderosa Ranch, which featured on the famous television drama series 'Bonanza'. Further attractions include the Silver Terrace Cemetery, the V&T tourist train, the Way It Was Museum, Mackay Mansion, and the seasonal Virginia City Hillclimb event.

Washoe Valley

Washoe Valley is located directly to the south of Reno and can be reached by car in around half an hour. This picture-postcard valley has understandably become a leading day trip destination and is home to three particularly impressive attractions. The Davis Creek Park offers access to the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountains, while Bower's Mansion comes complete with a further regional park, swimming pool and gardens. Finally, the Washoe Lake State Park is always busy when the sun is shining, featuring boating and windsurfing on its lake, along with a number of camping sites and breathtaking panoramas.

Yosemite National Park

Address: California CA, USA
There are few places on the planet that boast such exceptional natural scenery, serenity and extreme beauty as the World Heritage Site named the Yosemite National Park. Across the border in California and some 160 miles / 257 km to the south of Reno, the Yosemite National Park attracts approximately four million visitors each year, who come here to backpack, hike and marvel at eye-catching attractions such as the Yosemite Falls and Valley, the Crane Flat Forest, the Pioneer Yosemite History Center at Wawona, the Glacier Point and Badger Pass, the Hetch Hetchy Valley, and the Tuolumne Meadows.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: charge, applicable for vehicles and individuals