Reno, Nevada, often known as ‘The Biggest Little City in the World,’ is rapidly evolving beyond its traditional image. While its vibrant casino scene remains a draw, the city and its surroundings offer a surprisingly diverse range of attractions and activities. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking unique experiences, there’s a rich array of places to visit in Reno Nevada that cater to every interest. From world-class museums to beautiful natural landscapes just a short drive away, Reno provides a fantastic base for exploration.
Beyond the city limits, the stunning scenery of the Sierra Nevada mountains and the unique high desert environment offer further adventures. For those looking to delve deeper into the Silver State’s offerings, exploring other nevada places to visit can reveal hidden gems and spectacular sights.
National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection)
Car enthusiasts, history lovers, and pop culture fans will find themselves captivated by the National Automobile Museum, home to the renowned Harrah Collection. This impressive museum curates over 200 vehicles from a vast original collection, offering a journey through automotive history from the late 19th century to modern times.
Visitors can wander through four distinct galleries showcasing cars from different eras, marveling at the evolution of design and engineering. A major highlight is the collection of vehicles once owned by celebrities, including iconic cars driven by Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and John Wayne. Beyond the cars, the museum features art collections and historical lectures, providing a deeper understanding of the automobile’s impact on society. It’s undeniably one of the premier places to visit in Reno Nevada for a unique historical perspective.
Classic cars on display inside the National Automobile Museum, one of the best places to visit in Reno Nevada for car enthusiasts.
Address: 10 South Lake Street, Reno, Nevada
Official site: https://automuseum.org/
Animal Ark
Just a short drive outside the city, Animal Ark offers a heartwarming experience for families and animal lovers. This dedicated wildlife sanctuary provides a safe haven for non-releasable animals, primarily North American predators, in a setting that closely mimics their natural habitat.
The Ark is home to a diverse collection, including everything from powerful bears and wolves to exotic cheetahs and ancient tortoises. Visiting Animal Ark is not just about seeing animals; it’s an educational opportunity to learn about wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and the importance of ecological conservation. The enclosures feature native vegetation and landscapes, creating a naturalistic environment. For a truly unforgettable moment, try to catch one of the scheduled “Cheetah Runs,” where you can witness these incredibly fast cats in action across the open desert.
A cheetah resting in a natural enclosure at Animal Ark, a wildlife sanctuary near Reno Nevada.
Address: 1265 Deerlodge Road, Reno, Nevada
Official site: www.animalark.org
Explore the Riverwalk and Arts District
Reno’s downtown core has undergone a beautiful transformation centered around the Truckee River. The Riverwalk area offers a refreshing urban escape, with paved trails lining the riverbanks and charming bridges connecting both sides. This is one of the most pleasant places to visit in Reno Nevada for a relaxed stroll or to simply sit and enjoy the scenic views.
Along the Riverwalk, you’ll find restaurants with inviting patios, perfect for enjoying a meal or drink al fresco. The atmosphere here is laid-back, providing a stark contrast to the energy of the casinos. Adjacent to the Riverwalk is Reno’s thriving Arts District, home to galleries, studios, and unique shops. Exploring this area allows visitors to experience the city’s creative pulse, making it a key part of the diverse places to visit in Reno Nevada. Parks like Barbara Bennet Park, Wingfield Park, and Bicentennial Park are all easily accessible within this central area, offering green space and event venues.
People strolling along the Truckee Riverwalk in downtown Reno’s Arts District, a popular area among places to visit in Reno Nevada.
Nevada Museum of Art
Considered a cultural cornerstone in the region, the Nevada Museum of Art is one of the must-see places to visit in Reno Nevada for those interested in fine art. The museum houses unique permanent collections alongside dynamic national and international traveling exhibitions.
Notable permanent collections include the E.L. Wiegand collection and works focused on the Sierra Nevada/Great Basin area, reflecting the local landscape and culture. The museum’s signature exhibit, Altered Landscape: Photographs of a Changing Environment, offers a powerful photographic exploration of the relationship between humans and the natural world. The museum also provides various educational programs, including art classes and workshops for all ages, as well as guided tours, solidifying its role as a significant cultural hub.
Exterior view of the modern Nevada Museum of Art building in Reno.
Address: 160 West Liberty Street, Reno, Nevada
Official site: www.nevadaart.org
Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts
Housed in a striking architectural building, the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts is the heart of northern Nevada’s live entertainment scene. This venue offers a wide array of performances, ranging from opera and ballet to Broadway shows and concerts. With a seating capacity of up to 1,500 people, it’s a significant facility that attracts over 100,000 visitors annually.
Key highlights include performances by the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, A.V.A. Ballet Theatre, and the popular Broadway Comes to Reno series. For those seeking a laugh, the Pioneer Underground hosts regular comedy shows. Attending an event here offers a classic cultural experience, making it one of the more refined places to visit in Reno Nevada.
The distinctive dome and facade of the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts in Reno Nevada.
Address: 100 S. Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada
Official site: http://pioneercenter.com
STIHL National Championship Air Races & Air Show
For adrenaline junkies and aviation enthusiasts, the STIHL National Championship Air Races, held annually in September at Reno-Stead Airport, are a must-experience event. With a history spanning over five decades, this unique air show features thrilling multi-aircraft races across challenging desert courses.
The races showcase a fascinating variety of planes, from vintage World War II warbirds to cutting-edge modern jets and custom-built aircraft. Beyond the races, the event includes spectacular air show acrobatics, military flight demonstrations, and static displays of historic aircraft. It’s a high-energy spectacle and a one-of-a-kind addition to the list of exciting places to visit in Reno Nevada, particularly if you’re visiting in the fall.
Vintage aircraft racing during the STIHL National Championship Air Races in Reno Nevada.
Address: 14501 Mt. Anderson Street, Reno, Nevada
Official site: www.airrace.org
Nevada Historical Society Museum
Diving into the rich history of the Silver State is easy at the Nevada Historical Society Museum, the oldest museum in Nevada, established in 1904. This museum offers a captivating look at the human story of the Reno area and beyond, spanning 10,000 years.
Permanent exhibits like “Living on the Land,” “Neon Nights,” and “Riches of the Earth” explore everything from the lives of the early Paleo people and Paiute tribes to the arrival of Euro-Americans and the development of modern Nevada. The museum provides a vital historical context and understanding of the region, making it one of the essential places to visit in Reno Nevada for anyone interested in the past. It also houses an extensive research library and bookstore for those wishing to delve deeper.
Entrance to the Nevada Historical Society Museum in Reno, showcasing state history.
Address: 1650 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada
Official site: http://nvculture.org/historicalsociety/
Reno Arch
An undeniable icon of the city, the famous Reno Arch stands proudly over Virginia Street and Commercial Row in the downtown entertainment district. Originally erected in 1926 for the Nevada Transcontinental Highway Exposition, it later became home to the winning slogan from a city contest: “The Biggest Little City in the World.”
Having moved locations over the decades, the current arch is a recognizable landmark that lights up the night sky. Upgraded with energy-efficient LED lights in 2009, its colors can change to mark special events and celebrations. A photograph with the Reno Arch is a classic memento for anyone exploring the places to visit in Reno Nevada.
The illuminated “The Biggest Little City in the World” Reno Arch at night.
Take a Day Trip to Lake Tahoe
While not strictly in Reno, a day trip to Lake Tahoe is an absolute must and easily accessible from the city. Located high in the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains, about an hour’s drive away, Lake Tahoe is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and easily ranks among the most beautiful places to visit in Reno Nevada‘s vicinity.
This massive, ancient freshwater lake offers year-round recreation. In the warmer months, visitors flock here for swimming, sailing, diving, and fishing in its crystal-clear waters, exploring sandy beaches, and tackling abundant mountain biking and hiking trails. As the seasons change, Lake Tahoe transforms into a world-class winter sports destination, home to some of the best ski resorts in California and Nevada, including famous names like Squaw Valley, Heavenly, and Northstar. Mount Rose boasts the title of the closest major resort to Reno, offering quick access to incredible skiing and snowboarding just 35 minutes away. Exploring the area is one of the best ways to experience outdoor adventures when visiting Reno. You can find inspiration for further exploration of the state’s wonders by looking into other places to visit in nevada.
Panoramic view of the clear blue water of Lake Tahoe surrounded by mountains and trees, a popular day trip from Reno.
The Discovery and the Fleischmann Atmospherium Planetarium
Reno offers fantastic learning opportunities through its science-focused institutions. The Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, affectionately known as “The Discovery,” is a modern, interactive science center opened in 2012 that quickly became one of the most popular places to visit in Reno Nevada, especially for families.
Focusing on science, technology, engineering, math, and art (STEAM), The Discovery features engaging, hands-on exhibits like a human anatomy experience, a Smithsonian invention lab, and the fun “cloud climber” structure. Just a short distance away is the Fleischmann Atmospherium Planetarium, famous for its unique architecture and pioneering use of 360-degree projection technology since 1963. It offers educational and entertaining shows about astronomy and the cosmos. Additionally, the W.M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum at the University of Nevada provides a deep dive into geology with one of the country’s oldest mineral and fossil collections.
Exterior view of the distinctive dome of the Fleischmann Atmospherium Planetarium in Reno Nevada.
Address: 490 S Center Street, Reno, Nevada
Official site: https://nvdm.org
Sparks Heritage Museum
Just a short and worthwhile drive from downtown Reno is the city of Sparks, home to the Sparks Heritage Museum. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of Sparks and the surrounding Truckee Meadows area, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.
The museum features insightful indoor exhibits filled with artifacts, alongside substantial outdoor displays. Highlights of the outdoor area include several railroad-related items, such as a historic railroad bridge built by Chinese immigrants (accompanied by a memorial) and a steam engine with a Pullman car. Don’t miss the chance for a photo with the iconic “Last Chance Joe” statue, a giant cowboy and prospector. The museum also offers detailed displays on the region’s immigrant settlers and dioramas depicting early life, adding depth to the exploration of the places to visit in Reno Nevada and its neighboring communities.
The ‘Last Chance Joe’ cowboy statue outside the Sparks Heritage Museum near Reno.
Address: 814 Victorian Ave, Sparks, Nevada
Official site: http://sparksmuseum.org
National Bowling Stadium
Standing out in the heart of Reno, literally, is the National Bowling Stadium, recognized as the world’s largest facility dedicated to ten-pin bowling. Covering an expansive 363,000 square feet, it’s hard to miss thanks to the massive 80-foot aluminum bowling ball sculpture on its roof.
Opened in 1995, this 78-lane stadium is a major venue for amateur bowling enthusiasts and hosts high-stakes professional tournaments. It’s also a popular convention space and has even served as a backdrop for bowling scenes in famous movies like Kingpin and Greedy. Visiting offers a look inside a unique sporting facility and is a distinct entry on the list of places to visit in Reno Nevada. While there, you can also check out the on-site International Bowling Museum, featuring a collection of bowling history and the Bowling Hall of Fame.
Exterior shot of the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, featuring the giant bowling ball sculpture.
Address: 300 N Center Street, Reno, Nevada
Reno is a city with layers waiting to be explored. While its gaming heritage is well-known, venturing out reveals a wealth of cultural institutions, historical sites, unique events, and easy access to stunning natural beauty. From exploring the vibrant arts scene along the Riverwalk to delving into the region’s past at its museums or taking a scenic drive to Lake Tahoe, the places to visit in Reno Nevada offer something for everyone. Plan your trip and discover why this “Biggest Little City” is becoming a major destination in its own right. If you’re keen on exploring more of what the area has to offer, consider researching the best things to do in reno or even taking a trip to explore the intriguing ghost towns near reno.