day one | day two | day three | day four
Reno Tahoe
While the mention of Reno may initially conjure up images of neon lights and buzzy gaming tables, those who know the real Reno understand this “Little City” is much, much bigger than that. Reno’s setting at the base of the Sierra Nevada and a short drive from Lake Tahoe makes it an ideal escape for anyone looking for an infusion of alpine air via an array of outdoor adventures. It should be stated that one of the highest concentrations of ski resorts in the country is located just outside downtown Reno—opening up not only heaps of downhill, cross-country and snowboarding options, but also a range of après-ski activities far, far wider than what you’d find in the typical base village. Riverside shopping and dining, thought-provoking art viewing, spa-going, casino-hopping and kid-pleasing activities all await those who make Reno Tahoe their vacation HQ.
An epic 4-day winter getaway
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Reno Arch
Snowboarding at Diamond Peak
Day one: Explore downtown Reno
Craps table
Plan your trip
Reno
Lake Tahoe
"Georgia on My Mind" by Joe C. Rock, Reno
Play in the snow near Lake Tahoe
Sleigh ride at Sand Harbor
Sparks Water Bar
Reno's Riverwalk
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Strolling Reno's Riverwalk is a great way to get some winter sun while taking in lovely views of the city and the water. Stop for lunch or dinner at one of the many great waterfront restaurants: The Shore Reno, for example, a fine dining locale with an elevated European-fusion menu; or Wild River Grille, a casual spot with an inventive menu focusing on steaks and seafood.
Catching a play or concert is a great way to spend an evening in Reno, and you can do so within walking distance of the Riverwalk. Both the aforementioned Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts and the Bruka Theatre have a full lineup of shows on the winter schedule. The Bruka, which began as a children's theater, has events and shows for kids included in its 2025-2026 season as well.
Light up the night
It will come as no surprise that Reno has a great nightlife scene. Tap into it on your last night in town to end your trip on a high note. Bar-hopping through MidTown is a great option, not least because the high-concentration of venues make it easy to walk from one to the next. Death & Taxes is a classy Old West-style whiskey bar boasting a fun menu of craft cocktails. Rum Sugar Lime is a modern-chic enclave with a focus on rums from around the world. Chapel Tavern is a spot with cozy wood interiors and a strong selection of seasonal and craft beers alongside a cheeky cocktail menu.
Check out Lo-Bar Social for cocktails and live music—ranging from jazz nights to electronica to rock. Or dance the night away with events at venues around town: Reno Events Center, Cargo at Whitney Peak, Cypress and The Alpine, just for starters.
Riverside dinner & a show
Check out art & culture hot spots
On your fourth day in town, soak in Reno's cultural scene with visits to local museums. The Nevada Museum of Art is a must-see for its intriguing mix of thought-provoking exhibitions. Into the Time Horizon (through Jan. 3, 2027) includes works from over 200 artists on the themes of the planet and the environment. Meanwhile, Fallen Fruit: The Power of the Pollinators (And Other Living Things) (through January 2030) includes an immersive art installation and many fruit-inspired forms exploring ideas of agriculture, production, generosity and community. Art lovers will also enjoy the Stremmel Gallery, a modern, 6,500 square-foot space exhibiting the contemporary works of American and European artists. Or, take art appreciation outdoors with an eco-friendly MidTown Mural Pedicab Tour, visiting 30 of Reno's vibrant murals. For car aficianados, there's the National Automobile Museum, with over 225 classic vehicles on display.
Chill out in MidTown
Once back in Reno, spend the evening exploring some of MidTown's top attractions. The Reno Public Market food hall, for example, hosts 20+ vendors offering everything from poke bowls to Mediterranean eats to frozen yogurt to a tequila bar. Junkeez, a cool thrift and costume shop, is also located inside the market. More trendy shopping opps around MidTown include Sierra Belle and NOMAD boutiques for women's clothing, Natural Selection for nature-as-art gifts and Home Means Nevada for shirts, hats and mugs that all express a deep love for the great state of Nevada.
Also in MidTown, The Discovery is a hands-on science museum offering all-ages exhibitions and events. (It's open late Wednesday nights, if you're aiming to sneak in a visit after your day trip.) When it comes to dining, there's no shortage of choices. Try Kauboi Izakaya for Japanese food prepared with ancient grilling techniques; La Condesa for artful fusion cuisine; or Cosmo's Snack Bar for wood-fired pizzas, colorful salads and soft-serve ice cream.
Take a Tahoe day trip ...
On your third day in Reno Tahoe, take a wintry drive to suit your mood—to Lake Tahoe or to the nearby town of Sparks. For snow sports fans, Lake Tahoe in winter opens the door to more skiing, plus snowmobile and sleigh rides. There's also an outdoor ice skating rink—Heavenly Village—surrounded by shops and restaurants. Not to mention, winter views of the lake, snow-covered mountains and evergreen forests are incredible to witness. For extra-special vistas, hike the Chickadee Ridge trail, a relatively easy route that can also be snowshoed in winter. Bring some birdseed and offer it to the path's namesake avian friends at the top; they may eat it right out of your hand.
Get your winter sports fix
After a good night's rest, take advantage of Reno's prime location for winter sports on your second day in the area. Just 40 minutes outside Reno, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe resort is a favorite among skiers and snowboarders for its high elevation runs (up to 1,800 vertical feet), ideal snow conditions and solid value. Diamond Peak Ski Resort, about 50 minutes outside downtown, is another top choice for all skill levels, offering prime Lake Tahoe views from many vantage points.
For traveling crews that include both skiers and non-skiers, Northstar California resort, a 35-minute drive from Reno, has a well-rounded activities lineup. Besides the park's well-groomed runs and terrain parks, it offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, plus a shopping village. Palisades Tahoe, meanwhile, features snow tubing (including nighttime "disco tubing" experiences) on top of its skiing and snowboarding—all just 45 minutes outside Reno.
Where to eat & stay
Warm up and refuel after your downtown adventures with a meal at one of downtown Reno's many amazing dining spots. Try Kwok's Bistro for tasty porkbelly sliders, roast duck and a variety of Asian-style dishes. Enjoy upscale Mexican steakhouse fare at Toro Bravo, or delicious artisan eats (think house-made pasta and pastries) in a laid-back setting at Liberty Food & Wine Exchange. Inside downtown casinos, dining options range from brew pubs to fine dining to celebrity chef restaurants like Ramsay's Kitchen.
If downtown is your vacation base, consider hanging your hat at one of Reno's amenity-rich casino-resorts. J Resort, Grand Sierra Resort, Peppermill and Atlantis are all great options. Non-gaming hotels include Whitney Peak Hotel Reno, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa.
Arrive and get your bearings
It's easy to get to Reno, whether via a scenic road trip from any number of western cities, or nonstop flights from 20+ airports across the U.S. Regardless of how you arrive, a self-guided walking tour of downtown is a great idea once you get in, offering an opportunity to simultaneously stretch out and get a sense of the local scene.
Start with the classic Reno photo opp at the famous arch—whose first iteration went up 100 years ago. Just north of the glittering arch, you'll find a sprawling hotel and casino complex, comprised of three properties: Eldorado Resort Casino, Silver Legacy Resort Casino and Circus Circus Reno. Inside, you'll find diversions for days: gaming, entertainment, top-notch dining and luxurious spas. Just outside, there's the Neon Line District, a 20-block public art display located along West 4th Street, featuring eye-catching art installations that first debuted at Burning Man festivals, held annually in the desert 100 miles outside the city.
... or a short drive to Sparks
Next, stroll a few blocks south to City Plaza on the Truckee River. During the holiday season, this community space is the site of Reno's Christmas tree and festive community events. City Plaza is also where you'll see large-scale public art pieces like the massive BELIEVE sign and the colorful Space Whale sculpture, also of Burning Man origin. Another of Reno's unique sights: the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. The golden, geodesic dome-style theater is listed on the National Register for Historic Places—and known to locals as the "Golden Turtle." In the coming months, it will host everything from ballets to cello concertos to popular musicals.
For those looking to burn a bit more energy, downtown Reno has a wealth of options. There's Basecamp's Big Wall, a 164-foot outdoor climbing wall on the side of the Whitney Peak Hotel Reno (open through winter, weather permitting), plus mini golf and games at
Birdeez or bowling, arcade time and a driving range at Grand Sierra Resort.
Downtown art & activities
Reno
Snowshoeing in Tahoe
Tahoe Meadows
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Après-ski
Day two: Winter sports & cozying up après ski
Day three: Day trip & MidTown relaxation
Day four: Art appreciation, Riverwalk & nightlife
For a fun city break, take the short drive to Sparks instead, where Victorian Square is one of the top attractions. The square includes an art walk, with regularly rotating large-scale art installations to take in. Also in the square, the Sparks Museum and Cultural Center shines a spotlight on local history, plus art and science. Grab a beer at The Great Basin Brewing Company—the oldest operating brewery in Nevada—or enjoy a waterfront meal at Sparks Water Bar at the Sparks Marina. Wild Island Family Adventure Park offers go-kart rides and arcade games for those traveling with kids.
Satisfying eats & drinks
Nothing works up an appetite like a day on the slopes, and Reno Tahoe has the goods to help you refuel deliciously. If you're sticking close to the ski resorts, try Alibi Aleworks in Incline Village, which serves artisanal pizzas, sourdough pretzels and other upscale pub fare alongside an impressive menu of craft beers, wines and non-alcoholic sips. Upscale FUMO Lake Tahoe tempts hungry guests with wild mushroom baked brie, creamy clam chowder and generous cuts of steak—plus an inventive cocktail menu. Those traveling with the fam should check out Bowl Incline to get a lane, play some corn hole, throw a few axes and fill up on Hawaiian-inspired dishes at the onsite Ohana Diner, created by Sam Choy, a James Beard Award-winning chef.
After a day of slope-sliding, Reno Tahoe has myriad attractive après ski options to maximize your unwind time. For those who enjoy a good steam or spa, try Steamboat Hot Springs, where geothermally heated mineral water flows from underground directly into soaking tubs. The Reno Sauna Club at Best Bet Motor Lodge gives guests a full Nordic-style cycle of hot and cold options—including a sauna inside a converted 1950s teardrop trailer and cold plunge showers. Meanwhile, Atlantis and Peppermill Reno resorts offer full-service spas that have won numerous accolades, including Forbes Four Star (Atlantis) and USA Today 10Best (Peppermill) designations.
Recharge with an après ski spa
Toro Bravo (left); Liberty Food & Wine Exchange (right)
Bowl Incline
Alibi Aleworks
Indoor pools at Peppermill Reno
Reno Sauna Club at Best Bet Motor Lodge
MidTown's "Expressions of the Soil" mural by Erik Burke
Space Whale
National Automobile Museum
Center Street mural
NOMAD (left); Sierra Belle (right)
Chickadee Ridge
