Things to Do in Reno: Neighborhoods, Food, Museums, and Outdoor Activities.
Sep 8, 2026 / Public Storage
Reno, Nevada, famously known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” is a city where mountains, rivers, and creativity come together to make every visit unforgettable. With the Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop and Lake Tahoe just a short drive away, the city blends outdoor excitement, cultural flair, and a vibrant social scene in a way few places can match.
Reno offers riverfront walks, museums, restaurants, casino entertainment, mountain trails, and day trips to Lake Tahoe. Plan your visit by grouping activities around Downtown Reno, the Riverwalk District, MidTown, and nearby outdoor destinations.
Reno Travel Essentials:
- Start Downtown at the Reno Arch and Truckee Riverwalk.
- Visit the Nevada Museum of Art for exhibitions, programs, and regional art.
- Explore MidTown for murals, shops, cafés, and restaurants.
- Visit Lake Tahoe for hiking, boating, paddleboarding, and winter recreation.
- Add Peavine Peak or Rancho San Rafael Regional Park to an outdoor itinerary.
- Check event calendars before visiting during Artown, Hot August Nights, or the Great Reno Balloon Race.
- Use a car or rideshare for Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, and destinations outside Downtown Reno.
Reno Travel at a Glance:
What Are the Best Things to Do in Reno?
The best things to do in Reno include walking the Truckee Riverwalk, visiting the Nevada Museum of Art, exploring MidTown, attending events, and taking day trips to Lake Tahoe. Reno also offers casino entertainment, local restaurants, parks, and access to mountain and desert recreation.
Plan each day around nearby attractions. Pair Downtown Reno with the Riverwalk and MidTown, or dedicate a separate day to Lake Tahoe and outdoor activities.
What Can You Do in Downtown Reno?
Downtown Reno offers the Reno Arch, the Truckee Riverwalk, restaurants, public art, entertainment venues, and casino resorts. The Riverwalk District is a common starting point for visitors who want to walk near cafés, galleries, and local shops.
“The Row” includes Eldorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus. The area combines gaming, dining, shows, concerts, and late-night entertainment.
What Museums and Cultural Attractions Are in Reno?
Reno cultural attractions include the Nevada Museum of Art, Downtown galleries, public murals, and seasonal arts events. The Nevada Museum of Art features exhibitions, educational programs, and art focused on people, places, and the environment.
Visitors can also explore MidTown for murals, local shops, and restaurants. Check current exhibit schedules and event details before visiting.
What Food Should You Try in Reno?
Reno restaurants include local cafés, breweries, bistros, food halls, and casual dining options. Visitors can find coffee, craft beverages, seasonal menus, and regional ingredients in Downtown, MidTown, and nearby neighborhoods.
Build a food plan around your itinerary. For example, combine a MidTown shopping visit with a café stop, or pair Downtown entertainment with dinner near the Riverwalk.
What Outdoor Activities Can You Do Near Reno?
Reno provides access to hiking, biking, parks, skiing, paddleboarding, boating, and lake activities. Peavine Peak and Rancho San Rafael Regional Park are close to the city, while Lake Tahoe provides year-round recreation less than an hour away.
Popular outdoor activities include:
- Hiking or biking at Peavine Peak
- Visiting Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
- Walking or biking along the Truckee Riverwalk
- Paddleboarding, boating, or swimming at Lake Tahoe
- Skiing or snowboarding near Mt. Rose
- Visiting Pyramid Lake for desert and lake views
- Stargazing in the Black Rock Desert outside festival periods
Bring water, sun protection, and layers for changing temperatures. Check weather, trail conditions, parking rules, and local guidance before heading outdoors.
What Events and Festivals Take Place in Reno?
Reno hosts annual events focused on art, music, classic cars, food, and outdoor activities. Artown brings music, dance, and visual arts programming to Reno each July, while Hot August Nights centers on classic cars and rock ’n’ roll.
The Great Reno Balloon Race takes place each September at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. Review official event calendars for current dates, entry details, parking, and schedules.
What Can You Do Near Reno?
Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, and the Black Rock Desert are popular destinations near Reno. Each location offers different scenery and outdoor activities, so plan based on weather, travel time, and your preferred activity.
How Should You Get Around Reno?
Walk or bike in Downtown Reno, MidTown, and Riverwalk areas when your destinations are nearby. Use a car, rideshare, or bus for destinations farther from the city center.
Renting a car can simplify travel to Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, ski areas, and other outdoor destinations. Allow extra travel time during snow, major events, and busy weekend periods.
Plan Your Reno Visit or Move.
Plan a Reno trip by combining Downtown, MidTown, riverfront, and outdoor activities based on your interests and travel time. Public Storage can help you put away permitted, clean, dry household items while you organize a move or settle into a Reno home.
Plan the route. See more Reno.
Reno Travel FAQs
What Are the Best Things to Do in Reno?
Popular Reno activities include walking the Truckee Riverwalk, visiting the Nevada Museum of Art, exploring MidTown, attending local events, and taking a day trip to Lake Tahoe.
What Outdoor Activities Are Near Reno?
Outdoor activities near Reno include hiking and biking at Peavine Peak, visiting Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, and boating, swimming, hiking, or skiing at Lake Tahoe.
What Is Reno Known For?
Reno is known for casino entertainment, access to the Sierra Nevada, the Truckee River, annual events, and nearby Lake Tahoe. The city also has museums, restaurants, public art, and outdoor recreation.
How Far Is Lake Tahoe From Reno?
Lake Tahoe is less than an hour from Reno by car, depending on the Tahoe destination, traffic, weather, and road conditions. Check conditions before traveling, especially in winter.
Do You Need a Car to Visit Reno?
You can walk, bike, or use rideshare services in Downtown Reno and MidTown. A car is useful for Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, ski areas, and other destinations outside the city center.
