Reno may be best known for its glamorous resorts and casinos, but there’s so much more to the “biggest little city” than slot machines and poker tables. Located at the foot of the soaring Sierra Nevada mountains, Reno has a plethora of great things to do, including everything from enthralling shows and sporting events to interesting museums and even outdoor activities.

Reno, which sits on both sides of the Truckee River, is the second-most populous city in the state after Las Vegas. While the town has long drawn tourists with its seemingly endless supply of entertainment options and cultural tourist attractions, it has recently evolved into a significant technology hub. This has contributed to the revitalization of the city’s charming Riverside district, which now boasts a large number of prosperous businesses, galleries, and lovely outdoor spaces.

Reno is undoubtedly well worth visiting if you get the chance, as it offers fantastic skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains, as well as entertaining games, mouth-watering cuisine, and breathtaking shows in its casinos.

National Automobile Museum

If you consider yourself a motorhead, then the National Automobile Museum is the place for you. The museum has long been one of the top tourist destinations in the city and is home to a vast collection of magnificent cars, carriages, and celebrity vehicles. Situated on the south bank of the Truckee River, its sizable collection, which features incredible makes and models everywhere you look, is a delight to browse. Over 200 cars and vintage vehicles are now displayed in the museum’s four galleries, the earliest of which date back to the 1890s. The museum was founded in 1989, and if you have the chance, check out the impressive display of vintage vehicles along realistic-looking streetscapes in front of fake storefronts and period-appropriate artifacts.

Along with one-of-a-kind Bugatti, Ferrari, and Porsche vehicles, you can also spot Cadillacs and Corvettes driven by well-known celebrities like John Wayne, Elvis Presley, and John F. Kennedy. If you get the chance, it’s definitely worth going to the museum, because there are some fascinating exhibits and automobile art on display. This is also the perfect location to visit if you’re traveling with family.

Reno Air Races

A legacy was established more than 50 years ago when the first aircraft launched in the Nevada desert to begin what would eventually become the National Championship Air Races. A history, heritage, and preservation legacy, bravery, creativity, and wonder. One incredible race at a time, memories have been made, customs established, and legends created. With the sound of engine noise, crowds applauding, and racing hearts, the Reno air races have become a must-see when visiting the city.

Located a short fifteen-minute drive north of the city, Reno-Stead Airport hosts the Reno air races every September. It’s a multi-day aviation event where thousands of competitors and fans from all over the world gather to enjoy this spectacular occasion.

If you’re planning a trip to Reno in September, then getting yourself tickets for this incredible race is a must.

Mount Rose Ski Resort

There are a number of ski resorts situated around Reno, however, Mount Rose is the closest. Found within the towering Sierra Nevada mountains. You’ll be gliding down the highest slopes in the area in less than 30 minutes. The resort feels like a world away from the city center’s bright lights and slot machine sounds. The remarkable ski area, which is a part of the Toiyabe National Forest, first opened its doors to guests in 1953 and now offers more than sixty trails and three terrain parks. Despite its name, the soft, powdery slopes are actually located on Slide Mountain, which towers to a massive height of 2,955 meters (or 1.8 miles) in total.

Along with skiing and snowboarding among the breathtaking scenery, you can also stay in the resort’s lovely lodge, which offers breathtaking views from every angle.

Route maps and webcams are also included on the website. Passes range in price from $199 to $649, depending on the level of flexibility you require when you use them. Never picked up skis before? That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the slopes. The resort offers ski lessons for all ages.

Save yourself a trip to the stores in Reno and get your winter gear from bukit to ensure you’re prepared for the marvel that is Mount Rose.

Reno’s River Walk

If you want to experience Reno shopping, River Walk is the place to be. It’s also the best place to dine and go out in Reno. The Riverwalk in Reno is a lovely place to stroll through and is full of interesting things to see and do. It is home to countless shops and restaurants, as well as being dotted with art galleries, museums, and historic sites. It is situated along both banks of the picturesque Truckee River.

The area has recently undergone significant revitalization and now serves as the city’s heart, luring both residents and visitors with its wide selection of distinctive boutiques in Reno, NV, top-notch restaurants, and cultural attractions. In addition to the city’s countless cafes and bars, you can visit some outstanding museums as well as some intriguing buildings.

In addition to the stores and restaurants, the region offers lovely paths and parks for you to stroll through next to the Truckee River, as well as fantastic theaters and galleries, which make for a welcome change from Reno’s opulent casinos.

Nevada Museum of Art

If you’re craving a break from all of the casinos and are in desperate need of some culture, then make your way to the Nevada Museum of Art. The museum is located halfway between downtown and midtown and features a staggering collection of artworks, including everything from paintings and photographs, to drawings and sculptures.

It is one of the oldest and most significant museums in the state; it first welcomed visitors in 1931 and has since delighted them with its impressive and extensive collection. The Nevada Museum of Art organizes its exhibits by theme, in contrast to many other art museums that do so by year. Its beautiful galleries, which are now housed in a striking modern structure, are primarily devoted to the study of how people interact with the built, natural, and virtual environments.

The museum has around 2,000 works of art and intriguing exhibitions, as well as two outdoor sculpture gardens to stroll through and a rooftop patio with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

The Nevada Museum of Art is closed on Monday and Tuesday, but it opens at 10am every other day of the week, and it’s open until 6pm every day. The only exception is Thursdays, when it stays open until 8pm.

Honorable Mentions

Reno Arch

If you’ve ever visited Vegas, you’ll know that it’s tradition to have your picture snapped beneath the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. This tradition extends to Reno, where you can take your picture underneath the iconic Reno Arch. You can find the sign at the intersection of Commercial Row and Virginia Street.

The Fleischmann Planetarium

You owe it to yourself to visit the Fleischman Planetarium in Reno if you have even the slightest interest in astronomy. A facility of the University of Reno, the Fleischmann Planetarium welcomes 50,000 guests each year. There, you can watch a wide range of shows with various themes. Unless you qualify for a student discount or a senior discount, each show’s admission costs $8. Of course, admission to the shows is free if you are a Planetarium member. The displays are interactive and immersive, even though they are constantly changing.

Animal Ark

Visit Animal Ark if you’re up for a short drive just outside of the city. This is a non-profit sanctuary for animals that promotes wildlife education. Since 1981, they have provided shelter to injured wild animals. Animal Ark is located just to the north of Reno. On their 38 acres, the majority of the animals are North American predators, with a few rare exotic species.

The price of a basic membership is just $50, while a platinum membership costs $125.

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As you can see, Reno and its surroundings offer a variety of activities besides gambling, and you can find activities that suit your interests regardless of what they are.

Explore all of the wonders that Reno has to offer, and while you’re in the city, don’t forget to shop bukit for all of your Reno needs.