Reno Nevada is conveniently located north of Las Vegas and is right outside stunning Lake Tahoe. Reno is coined the “biggest little city” in the world, known for being the gateway to Burning Man, casinos, Lake Tahoe, and a number of ski resorts.
To my surprise, Reno is Nevada’s best kept secret! For my husband and I, we were greeted with delicious food, hip coffee shops, and gorgeous art. In this blog post I will be sharing the best things to do in Reno, and a road trip itinerary to fuel your adventure.
In collaboration with Travel Nevada
Road Trip Map
Known as the “Lake Tahoe Loop” this road trip brings you through Reno Nevada to Lake Tahoe. historic Virginia City, to the states capitol Carson City, looping back to Reno. Additionally, Reno International airport is only 10 minutes from downtown making traveling to Reno Nevada extremely easy. Many with complete this extremely scenic road trip in 4 nights and 5 days, or you can extend it to seven.
Explore Downtown Reno
To our surprise, Reno was extremely hip and fun to explore during the day. First stop in Reno was the Midtown district, known for its murals, hip coffee shops, and delicious restaurants. Reno is known for being the gateway to Burning Man. It is full of art installations from previous years around the city.
Downloading the interactive mural map will guide you to each mural along this path in Midtown. This mural walk takes about two hours if you’re wanting to see it all. For lunch stop at Mexcal and Hub Coffee Roasters for delicious coffee. If you’re into thrifting, be sure to check out Junkee Clothing Exchange, for their eclectic items and vintage clothing.
Bike East Shore Bike Path
Known as “Americas Most Beautiful Bikeway” in North America, the East Shore Bike Path goes along the shoreline of Lake Tahoe. This trail brings you to many beaches that aren’t accessible by car, which makes enjoying the popular Lake Tahoe even better! Firstly, we rented electric assist bikes from Flume Trail Mountain Bike Rentals, which made the hills a little easier. If you’re wanting to complete the entire trail, it is three miles long.
Paddle On Lake Tahoe
One of the most exciting parts of this Lake Tahoe Loop road trip was paddle boarding on the blue waters of Lake Tahoe. If weather permits, paddle boarding or kayaking on the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe should be on your list! Importantly, we visited in late September so comfortably were able to enjoy it with less crowds. In September and the Lake Tahoe is warmest this time of year for swimming.
Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Rentals
Kayaks and SUP boards (stand up paddle board) can be rented from Tahoe Multi-Sport. Tahoe Multi-Sport will assist in getting the kayak on the top of any car, with a breeze! The owner was kind enough to show us where to paddle, where it was legal to drone, and the best place for photographs. Lastly, SUP and kayak rentals are $60 for the day.
We opted to paddle from Sand Harbor Beach to Bonsai Rock to Chimney Beach. Chimney Beach actually has an old chimney on it that was left when the caretakers house of the Thunderbird Mansion was removed. Furthermore, this beach is also accessible by foot if you want to hike there, it is 2.2 miles round trip.
Lake Tahoe is actually the largest alpine lake in North America! It trails only the five Great Lakes as the largest by volume in the United States. It’s depth is 1,645 ft, making it the second deepest in the United States after Crater Lake in Oregon.
Hiking at Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe offers plenty of activities, from snowboarding in the winter to water sports in the summer months, and hiking is accesible most of the year. As I have noted, always check the weather beforehand to ensure accessibility and weather conditions.
Monkey Rock: near Flume Rentals, Monkey Rock is 2.6 miles out and back trail with 498 feet of elevation gain . It’s just what you think: a rock at the top that looks like a monkey! This is a beautiful place to watch the sunset. Since you’re surrounded by mountains, be sure to get there 30 minutes before actual sunset as the sun dips beyond the mountains earlier. Sooner or later I will complete this hike.
Eagle Lake Trail: just pass the state-line in South Lake Tahoe, this beautiful trail in the Desolation Wilderness. This is a short and sweet beautiful hike that has views of Lake Tahoe, a waterfall, and a gorgeous alpine lake. It is 1.9 miles out and back with 459 feet of elevation gain.
To demonstrate outdoor ethics, remember to Leave No Trace when visiting Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas. Pick up after yourself, and if you see trash and it is safe to pack out, please do. Moreover, Keep Tahoe Blue is a message you’re going to see, emphasizing its importance. I.E. do not hike off trail and stay on trail
Visit Historic Virginia City
Dating back to the 1800s, Virginia City is known for being the first place in the west where Silver and Gold was discovered. Located about 35 miles southeast of Reno at 6,148 feet, this city is tucked up into the mountains teleporting you back in time. Moreover,While we were here we toured the haunted and historic MacKay Mansion, where ghosts of the past are known to roam. Of course famous actor Johnny Depp also had his first paranormal experience at the mansion.
John MacKay was the last owner of the MacKay mansion, one of the wealthiest men of his time as he was known to be a “Silver King”, discovering gold and silver. This home is a historic destination as MacKay and the others used this home to build their business.
Riding the the V & T railroad in Virginia City is a train ride that takes 35 minutes from Virginia City to Gold Hill, offers beautiful views of the valley below and a historic lesson on mining. Kiddos would love this portion of the trip!
Historic Genoa
If you’re wanting to make a pit-stop 30 minutes outside of Carson City, the historic town of Genoa is home to Nevadas oldest operating bar Genoa Saloon. For next time I would love to stay at Walley’s Hot Springs resort. we heard is popular for skiing and snowboarding visitors as Genoa is less expensive to stay in!
Soak At Historic Carson Hot Springs
Since 1849 these hot springs have been used by the Washoe tribes, and later for people traveling for the Gold Rush. in 2020 the large outdoor pools and private soaking areas were added making. The water was extremely warm and relaxing, perfect after hiking and paddling at Lake Tahoe!
Tucked right next to Carson Hot Springs is Shoe Tree Brewery and Sassafras restaurant. This made it a fun morning to soak-lunch-brew before our 30 minute drive back to Reno. For two hours of a private soaking room it was $30 a person, one hour for the private room and one hour for the public pool space.
Visit The Reno Riverwalk
When we checked into our stay at Whitney Peak Hotel, home to the tallest climbing wall in the world. We took Reno by foot and walked along the riverwalk. Afternoon fun was had at The Eddy, an open air space with food trucks, beer, and corn hole. After The Eddy I suggest having a cocktail and lunch at Smith and River, right across the way. Moreover, visiting on the weekend the city was bustling and extremely fun and safe.
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