What To Do In Reno Today

Looking for things to do in Reno today? This guide pulls together events, food spots, coffee shops, bars, and family-friendly ideas locals actually recommend.

Whether you're visiting, new in town, or just trying not to waste a day — start here. No paid placements or sponsored rankings.

Updated: March 2026

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Best Things To Do in Reno According to Locals

A simple Reno day built from places locals actually recommend — from coffee to river walks to food and nightlife.

7:30 AM

Grab Coffee

Locals say this is where they go. Not Starbucks.

Local Favorite

Hub Coffee Roasters

Reno's beloved local roaster. Exceptional single-origin beans, chill vibe, and the baristas know your name.

"Hub is Reno's coffee shop. Locally roasted, locally loved. Skip the chains."

— r/Reno

Chrome Coffee

Downtown specialty shop. Best lattes in Reno, clean modern space.

Old World Coffee Lab

Pour-over specialists in Midtown. For the serious coffee nerds.

Magpie Coffee

Cozy spot, great espresso. A quiet Midtown gem.

Full Guide: Best Coffee in Reno
8:30 AM

Get Breakfast

There's one name that comes up more than any other on r/Reno.

Trophy Winner

Pine State Biscuits

Southern-style biscuit sandwiches with a near-cult following. Midtown location, expect a line on weekends — it's worth it.

"Pine State isn't just the best breakfast in Reno. It might be the best breakfast in Nevada."

— r/Reno

Two Chicks

Midtown brunch favorite. Creative menu, great cocktails.

Peg's Glorified Ham & Eggs

Old-school Reno institution. No frills, massive portions.

Full Guide: Best Brunch in Reno
10:00 AM

Walk the Riverwalk & Explore Midtown

The single most recommended free activity in Reno. Digest that breakfast.

#1 Free Activity

Truckee Riverwalk

Walk, jog, or bike along the Truckee River through downtown and Midtown. Beautiful in every season. Watch kayakers, explore small shops, grab another coffee.

"The Riverwalk is the single best free thing in Reno. Gorgeous in fall, peaceful in winter, and alive in summer."

— r/Reno

Explore Midtown Reno

Midtown is Reno's creative district. Virginia Street through here is where the city's personality lives — local restaurants, vintage shops, murals, craft cocktails, and independent restaurants. It's also where a lot of Reno's new food scene has developed.

🎨
Street Murals
🛍️
Junkee Vintage
🏛️
NV Museum of Art
11:30 AM

Get Outside

This is Reno's biggest flex. Pick your adventure based on the season and how much time you have.

Quick Hike

Hunter Creek Trail

Waterfall destination, moderate difficulty, 15 min from downtown. Dog-friendly.

Half-Day Trip

Lake Tahoe

45 min drive. World-class skiing in winter, alpine swimming in summer.

Winter

Mt. Rose Ski (25 min) — ski + golf same day is a real thing here.

Spring/Fall

Galena Creek, Virginia Range, Truckee River kayaking.

Summer

Sand Harbor sunrise, Pyramid Lake, tubing on the Truckee.

Something Different: Bader Ranch Trail Co.

Guided horseback rides through the Sierra Nevada wilderness. Half-day and all-day rides. Kids 7+ welcome.

Full Guide: Day Trips & Adventures from Reno
1:00 PM

Grab Lunch

Refuel in Midtown. Not tourist traps — places locals actually eat at.

R-Town Pizza

New York-style slices in Midtown. Quick, affordable, top-rated by r/Reno.

Bab Cafe

Korean street food. One of the most mentioned lunch spots — fast, flavorful, affordable.

7 Spices

Indian food. Locals rave about the lunch buffet.

Pho 777

Vietnamese. Huge portions, authentic.

Great Full Gardens

Healthy bowls, salads, great patio.

Full Guide: Best Restaurants in Reno
2:30 PM

Afternoon Exploring

Wind down, browse, or geek out. Reno has more culture than people expect.

Press Start

Retro arcade bar — classic games with a drink. Part of Reno's thriving nerd culture scene.

The Glass Die

Board game cafe. Massive library, great for groups, date afternoons, or rainy days.

Nevada Museum of Art

"Would be famous in any other city."

National Auto Museum

Iconic car collection. Even non-car people love it.

Midtown Shops

Junkee, vintage stores, record shops, galleries.

3:30 PM

With Kids? Here's Where to Go

Reno has excellent family-friendly options locals actually use.

Top Pick

The Discovery Museum

Hands-on science, art, and nature exhibits. The #1 kid activity in Reno.

Outdoor

Idlewild Park

Playground, ducks, rose garden, right on the Truckee River. Free.

Animal Ark

Wildlife sanctuary — bears, wolves, cheetahs. 30 min north.

Wild Island

Water park, go-karts, mini golf. Classic family spot.

Bader Ranch Trail Co.

Guided horseback rides, kids 7+. Sierra Nevada trails.

Full Guide: Kid-Friendly Reno
6:00 PM

Dinner

Reno's restaurant scene ranges from classic diners to upscale steakhouses and creative small kitchens. See what locals recommend most.

Top Dinner Pick

Liberty Food & Wine Exchange

Upscale, locally sourced, excellent wine list. The go-to for a special dinner in Reno. Make a reservation.

Kwok's

#1 Chinese in Reno. Authentic, family-owned, not Americanized.

La Strada

Italian fine dining at Eldorado. Date-night favorite.

Bangkok Cuisine

Authentic Thai — most recommended Thai in Reno.

Pasta Fresca

Fresh pasta in Midtown. Walk-in friendly, great value.

Full Guide: All Reno Restaurants
8:30 PM

Night Out

If you want to keep exploring Reno after dinner — craft cocktail bars, breweries, live music venues, and downtown casinos.

Pick Your Vibe

For Dancing

Club XS at Grand Sierra Resort or The Eddy downtown

For Live Music

Cargo Concert Hall at Whitney Peak or Cypress in Midtown

For Comedy

Laugh Factory at Silver Legacy — national headliners weekly

For Trivia

The Jesse Hotel & Bar (Tuesdays) or Village Well

For Bingo

The Eddy — Every Monday 5:30pm. Free, with prizes

Midtown Bars

  • Cypress — Live music + dive vibes
  • Death & Taxes — Craft cocktails
  • 1864 Tavern — Upscale date night
  • Jub Jub's — Eclectic, late night

Breweries

  • Revision Brewing — Best beer in Reno
  • Great Basin — OG Reno brewery since '93
  • Lead Dog — Locals favorite, Sparks
  • Pigeon Head — Chill South Reno vibe
Full Guide: Nightlife & Bars in Reno

Popular Right Now in Reno

What's trending in March 2026.

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