Things to Do in Reno
According to locals on Reddit — because there's way more than casinos.
"What is there to do in Reno?" is the most-asked question on r/Reno — and locals love answering it. The overwhelming message: Reno is an outdoor playground with a surprisingly great food and arts scene. We analyzed 67 threads to compile what locals actually recommend when visitors (or new residents) ask this question.
What Locals Are Saying
The #1 response to 'what should I do in Reno?' is always outdoor activities — Truckee River, Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, and hiking trails. But locals also push back against the 'there's nothing to do' stereotype by highlighting the Midtown scene, art walks, museums, and seasonal events. The consensus: Reno is a 30-minute drive from world-class nature, and the city itself has more culture than people expect.
Most Recommended
🏆Truckee River Walk
Outdoor / WalkingThe most universally recommended activity in Reno. Walk, jog, or bike along the river that runs through downtown. Beautiful in every season. Multiple parks along the way.
“The Riverwalk is the single best free thing in Reno. Gorgeous in fall, peaceful in winter, and alive in summer.”
— r/Reno userDay Trip to Lake Tahoe
Day Trip / OutdoorOnly 30-45 minutes from downtown Reno. Beaches in summer, skiing in winter. Locals recommend Mt. Rose Highway for the quickest route and Sand Harbor for the best beach experience.
“Living in Reno means Tahoe is your backyard. I go every other weekend and it never gets old.”
— r/Reno userVirginia City
Day Trip / HistoricalHistoric mining town about 30 minutes from Reno. Quirky shops, old saloons, mine tours, and incredible views. Locals recommend the V&T Railway and the Bucket of Blood Saloon.
“Virginia City is a time warp in the best way. Bring cash for the saloons and don't skip the train.”
— r/Reno userFirst Friday Art Walk
Arts & CultureMonthly art walk in downtown Reno on the first Friday of every month. Free, walkable, with galleries, live music, and food vendors. One of the most recommended evening activities.
“First Fridays are the heartbeat of Reno's art scene. Free, walkable, and always something new.”
— r/Reno userMidtown Exploration
Food / Shopping / CultureReno's coolest neighborhood. Walk Virginia Street through Midtown for local restaurants, bars, vintage shops (Junkee!), coffee shops, and murals. The vibe is completely different from downtown casino row.
“Midtown is the real Reno. Forget the Strip — this is where the city's personality lives.”
— r/Reno userHidden Gems
Hunter Creek Trail
HikingA moderate hike with a waterfall payoff. Only 15 minutes from downtown. Best in spring when the waterfall is flowing strong. Dog-friendly.
“Hunter Creek is my go-to for visitors who say 'there's nothing to do here.' Shuts them up every time.”
Nevada Museum of Art
Art / MuseumGenuinely world-class art museum that most visitors skip. Beautiful architecture and rotating exhibitions. Locals say it's Reno's most underrated attraction.
“The Nevada Museum of Art would be famous if it were in any other city. Please go — it's incredible.”
The Potentialist Workshop
Creative Community SpaceA creative community hub hosting punk rock proms, mystical art markets (Fairy Fair), immersive pop-up events, release parties, and paint nights. Great for meeting people and experiencing Reno's underground creative scene.
“This is where Reno's creative energy lives. If you want to meet interesting people and do something different, check their Instagram.”
Bader Ranch Trail Co.
Outdoor Adventure / Day TripProfessional guided horseback rides through the Sierra Nevada wilderness. Half-day and all-day rides on well-trained horses. Kids ages 7+ welcome, helmets provided. A totally different way to experience the mountains around Reno.
“If you want to do something different — horseback riding through the Sierras is unforgettable. Bader Ranch is the go-to.”
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
Park / NatureMassive park with walking trails, wildlife, and the best sunset views in Reno. Also home to the Great Reno Balloon Race in September. Locals go here to decompress.
Pyramid Lake
Day Trip / Natural WonderAbout 40 minutes north of Reno. A surreal, otherworldly desert lake on Paiute tribal land. Permit required but worth it. One of the most unique landscapes in the American West.
“Pyramid Lake looks like another planet. You can't believe you're 40 minutes from Reno.”
What to Watch Out For
- •Summer heat can make outdoor activities brutal between noon and 4pm (though it's dry heat).
- •Some activities are seasonal — skiing is winter-only, lake beaches are summer-only.
- •Public transit is limited — you'll want a car for most day trips.
- •Casino row can feel touristy and doesn't represent what Reno actually is.
- •Smoke from California wildfires can affect air quality in August/September.
Frequently Asked
What is there to do in Reno besides gamble?
Tons. Locals recommend: hiking (Truckee River, Hunter Creek), day trips (Tahoe, Virginia City, Pyramid Lake), Midtown food/bar scene, First Friday art walks, Nevada Museum of Art, seasonal events (Hot August Nights, Burning Man prep), and brewery hopping. Most locals rarely step foot in a casino.
What should I do on a weekend in Reno?
The ideal Reno weekend according to locals: Saturday morning brunch in Midtown, afternoon hike or Tahoe trip, evening cocktails at The Basement or Chapel Tavern. Sunday: coffee at Chrome or Old World, explore Virginia City, catch a local event.
Is Reno boring?
Locals say absolutely not — but you have to get off casino row. Reno is a gateway to world-class outdoor recreation (Tahoe is 30 min away), has a thriving food scene, excellent craft beer, and a strong arts community. The 'boring' reputation comes from people who only see the casinos.
What outdoor activities are near Reno?
Hiking (Hunter Creek, Huffaker Hills, Mt. Rose), skiing (Mt. Rose, Tahoe), mountain biking, kayaking on Truckee River or Tahoe, fishing at Pyramid Lake, rock climbing at Donner Summit. Reno has 300+ days of sunshine per year.
Planning your day? See the full "What to Do in Reno Today" guide — coffee, food, outdoors & nightlife, all in one page.
Explore More
Related guides and deep dives