Top Attractions for First-Timers
Outdoor Pursuits
Reno’s awe-inspiring landscape provides an ideal playground for enjoying the great outdoors. In both summer and winter, adventurers flock to Reno for hiking, biking, boating, skiing, snowboarding, sledding, rock climbing, and more. Lake Tahoe, Mount Rose, Peavine Peak, the Truckee River, and Reno’s trail system offer wonderful options for exploring the region’s natural wonders. Stop by the climbing wall at BaseCamp or High Sierra Industries to safely learn the ropes of rock climbing. Sign up for a stand up paddle board yoga class through Kol Kelley SUP Yoga. Whitewater rafting along the boulder-strewn rapids of Truckee River provides an adrenaline rush. And mountain bikers trek out to the Tahoe Rim Trail, hiking trails across Mount Rose, and dirt tracks at Northstar Resort.
Casinos
Reno earned its reputation as the country’s “divorce capital” thanks to its easy residency and marriage laws. But gaming legalization transformed the city into a gambling mecca. Though neighboring Las Vegas often steals the spotlight, Reno’s resort casinos have their own unique energy and appeal. Downtown’s major hotel casinos including Eldorado Resort Casino, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, and Peppermill Reno transport guests to an electrifying world of slots, table games, sportsbooks, poker, entertainment, nightlife, and luxurious accommodations.
The Arts
Art aficionados find inspiration strolling downtown Reno’s engaging galleries, eye-catching murals, and performing arts venues. Reno offers a thriving arts scene showcasing everything from Burning Man sculptures to Broadway musicals. Culture vultures appreciate thought-provoking exhibits at the Nevada Museum of Art. For live entertainment, catch a headliner show at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino or a play at Good Luck Macbeth Theatre. Public art installations around the Riverwalk District and Midtown capture Reno’s creative spirit.
Historical Sites
Reno embraces its past and preserves fascinating stories of the city’s Wild West origins at numerous historical points of interest. Visitors discover Reno’s history through historic homes, museums, heritage districts, and more. Must-visit attractions include the National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Historical Society, and historic Virginia City. Take a stroll through the Riverwalk District or Newlands Neighborhood to admire preserved 19th century architecture. Many lodging options also inhabit historical buildings, like the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel inside the city’s first skyscraper.
Family Fun
From theme parks to hands-on museums, Reno bursts with family entertainment. Kid-friendly attractions like wildlife parks, miniature golf courses, arcades, escape rooms offer interactive fun across the city. Most casinos also amuse kids with video arcades, entertainment, and child-friendly dining options. Fun favorites include Wild Island Waterpark, the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, Wilbur D. May Center, Adventure Dynamix, and Planet 13’s remarkable interactive displays.
Festivals & Events
Throughout the year, festivals and events bring Reno residents and visitors together to celebrate the city’s passions. Street fairs, cultural celebrations, sporting events, and holiday happenings give locals and tourists even more reasons to love Reno. Mark your calendars for favorites like the Reno Rodeo, Reno River Festival, Great Reno Balloon Race, Artown Festival, and annual summer food truck events. The city also hosts Hot August Nights, the world’s largest classic car show, every summer.
How to Get Around Reno
Public Transportation
Reno’s Regional Transportation Commission operates local public buses under the RTC RIDE brand. RTC RIDE’s fixed routes serve most of Reno-Sparks, with many buses offering direct connections to Midtown, Downtown, and the University of Nevada-Reno campus. RTC offers unlimited day and monthly passes along with reduced fares for students. Most buses are wheelchair accessible.
Taxis & Rideshares
Taxis offer an affordable on-demand transportation option in Reno, especially for shorter point-to-point trips and airport transfers. Major taxi operators in Reno include Yellow Cab, Whittlesea Blue Cab, and Reno-Sparks Cab Co. Prices fluctuate based on demand, but rideshares generally cost less than traditional taxi services.
Charter Buses
Groups of all sizes can conveniently explore Reno together aboard a private charter bus. Charter buses eliminate logistical headaches by keeping group members together on one comfortable vehicle instead of coordinating multiple cars. Charters allow direct transport to and from any location in the Reno area. Amenities like WiFi, entertainment systems, and spacious luggage bays enhance the charter bus experience. Reno Party Bus Company offers 24/7 charter bus rentals in Reno for any group occasion.
Ready to Get Started?
Reno rolls out the red carpet for first-time visitors with outdoor adventures, historical sites, arts experiences, family fun, events, and so much more. Getting around town is easy with public transit, taxis, rideshares, charters, tours, walking, and biking. Have an upcoming Reno trip planned? The transportation experts at Reno Party Bus Company help groups of all sizes explore The Biggest Little City. Contact us today at (775) 335-0195 to request a personalized quote and plan your perfect Reno getaway.