9 Best Things To Do In Reno (Nevada): Top-Rated Attractions 2022

9 Best Things To Do In Reno (Nevada): Top-Rated Attractions 2022

Reno has been called “the largest small city globally” and is often described as a smaller version of Las Vegas. Near the California state line, Reno is the second-largest city in northwestern Nevada.

With more than five million visitors to the year, Reno offers a wide range of educational and entertainment attractions, many of which are ideal for families. Some include hot air balloons breeds, bowling tournaments, car shows and performances in large centres.

Reno is also an ideal starting point if you plan to visit the Lake Tahoe Recreation Area for 45 minutes and the pyramid lake northeast of the city.

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Reno Weather And Climate

Between January and March, the weather is very unfavourable. On average, in the morning, it is one °C, and it rains about 80mm every month.

In April, the climate is ok. In the early evening, the average temperature is eight °C, and it rains about 11% of the time in April.

Between May and July, the weather is good. At lunchtime, it is 31°C on average, and it rains around 15mm in July.
In August the weather is perfect. At lunchtime, it is 30°C on average, and it rains about 10mm every month.
Between September and October, the weather is pleasant. The temperature rises to 18°C and, in October, two days of rain are expected.

Between November and December, the weather is the worst possible. For example, five °C is the maximum temperature in December, and you can expect 68mm of rain/month during this period.

1. National Automobile Museum

Car enthusiasts will want to be sure to visit the National Automobile Museum. This museum is one of the highlights of Reno, with everything from vintage cars to modern vehicles.

The museum is divided into four galleries: 1890-1910, adolescents-1930, 1930-1950, and 1950 and later. Also on display are two art collections encompassing automotive-related pieces and apparel and accessories.

The museum offers historical lectures on automobile development and a “Passport to Adventure” program that helps children learn about the history of automobiles in the United States. Check the museum calendar for upcoming events, activities, and exhibits.

Address: 10 South Lake Street, Reno

2. Animal Ark

Animal Ark is an excellent place for families and animal lovers outside of Reno. This wildlife sanctuary and its dedicated staff help non-releasable wildlife survive in a stunning rural setting.

While the Ark primarily focuses on the rescue and rehabilitation of North American predators, several alien species have also found refuge on the Ark.

The collection of animals is quite diverse, from turtles and cheetahs to bears and wolves. The organization welcomes tens of thousands of tourists each year for educational opportunities on topics related to rescued wildlife and the ecological principles that govern their habitat.

The enclosures at the Ark are filled with native trees and other vegetation and boulders and materials that mimic the natural habitat.

Address: 1265 Deerlodge Road, Reno

3. Nevada Museum of Art

Considered one of the best art museums, the Nevada Museum of Art features unique collections and frequently hosts national and international travelling exhibitions.

The museum can also be rented for events. Of particular interest in the permanent collection is the work of EL Trabajan Wiegand and Sierra Nevada/Great Basin.

The museum’s signature exhibit is Altered Landscape: Photographs of a Changing Environment, a photography collection focused on human interaction and interdependence with the natural world. The museum is an excellent cultural addition to the city and a great escape from the resort’s entertainment.

Address: 160 West Liberty Street, Reno

4. Wilbur D. May Museum, Arboretum and Botanical Garden

The Wilbur D. Day Museum, Arboretum, and Botanical Garden showcase plenty of flowers, picnic meadows, hidden coves, and it’s a beautiful place for a stream sidewalk.

This fantastic living museum and its multi-faceted facility are great places to spend a day. The museum highlights rare and unique species from around the world and frequently hosts travelling exhibits.

Address: 1595 North Sierra Street, Reno

5. Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

The Pioneer Center in Reno is the premier performing arts centre. Housed in a beautifully designed building, the facilities host various artists, from opera to ballet to rock concerts.

The Pioneer Center publishes all upcoming events on its website.

Address: 100 S. Virginia Street, Reno

6. Reno Air Races

The National Air Racing Championship, also known as the Reno Air Races, is a fifty-year September tradition that takes off from Reno-Stead Airport a few miles north of the city.

The race features incredible multi-plane races over three- to eight-mile fields. Racing planes range from WWII planes to modern aircraft and everything in between. Many of the aircraft are homemade.

The show also features aerobatics and military flight demonstrations. Vendors and food stalls are everywhere. Please visit the website for up-to-date event dates and entry fees.

7. Nevada Historical Society Museum

The Nevada Historical Society Museum in Reno is one of the oldest museums in Nevada. It was founded in 1904 and had been going strong ever since.

Some of the permanent exhibits include “Living on the Land,” “Neon Nights,” and “Riches of the Earth,” which traces the Reno area habitation over the past 10,000 years from the earliest Paleo settlers to the Paiute, the arrival of Euro-Americans, and events to this day.

The museum also houses an impressive research library.

Address: 1650 North Virginia Street, Reno

8. Reno Arch

The Reno Arch lights up the night sky as it rises over Virginia Street and Commercial Row in the entertainment district. This iconic monument has moved around the city since its inception in 1926. This is its third location.

The arch was originally built to honour the Nevada Transcontinental Highway Exposition. After the exhibition, the city fathers held a competition for a city motto and the phrase “The Biggest Little City in the World” was coined.

In November 2009, the City of Reno replaced the 2,076 incandescent bulbs in the Reno Arch with energy-efficient LED bulbs.

9. Lake Tahoe

To escape the city, it is challenging to defeat Lake Tahoe. Perched high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy swimming, sailing, diving, and fishing.

The massive two-million-year-old freshwater lake is 22 miles long and the second-deepest lake in the United States. Initially inhabited by the Washoe people, the area is home to several ski resorts and boating, fishing, waterskiing, mountain biking, and hiking activities.

Surrounded by pine hills, the water is crystal clear and is lined with sandy beaches in the areas. The higher altitude allows for a cooler climate making it a pleasant summer destination.

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Things To Do In Reno

Is Reno worth visiting?

There is beautiful scenery,walking and hiking trail and a neat old gold mining town called Virginia City. It is a very down to earth place and the locals are very friendly and helpful.It has a small town vibe.

What’s it like living in Reno?

Reno may be known as the Biggest Little City in the World, it’s no small town. You can live downtown or in MidTown and walk to both areas. You can grab breakfast and brunch or a cocktail and a show at the Pioneer Center. There are culture and activity in a very centralized location.

Is Lake Tahoe worth visiting?

While the stunning blue lake alone is worth a trip, the surrounding area, also known as Lake Tahoe, boasts miles of hiking trails, dozens of picture-perfect vistas and some of the. Resting on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe has long been a favorite vacation spot, welcoming upward of 2.7 million people a year.

Does Reno get cold?

In Reno, the summers are hot, arid, and mostly clear and the winters are very cold, snowy, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 23°F to 90°F and is rarely below 13°F or above 97°F.

Is it cheaper to stay in Reno or Lake Tahoe?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between South Lake Tahoe and Reno, we can see that Reno is more expensive. And not only is South Lake Tahoe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to South Lake Tahoe would let you spend less money overall.