Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

Fam Time

First up: book into a family-friendly resort. There are plenty to choose from, like Circus Circus, where you can catch a show or do some Whac-a-Mole in the Carnival Midway. Grand Sierra Resort has a movie theater, bowling alley, and plenty of kid-friendly games in their huge arcade. See Reno Tahoe’s Places to Stay and find your perfect, affordable stay.

Go wild at Wild Island in Sparks, where you can take your pick of go karting, bowling, mini-golfing, and laser tag.

Tree thrills come in more ways than fall colors at Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park.

Got a sweet tooth? Reno’s Kimmie Candy has a production factory where you can all go on a free tour to see how the treats are made—from chocolate to taffy, and plenty more. Sweet!

Walk around Reno’s distinct districts and find everything from Burning Man art, like the life-size stained glass Space Whale, to parks and museums.

Over the past decade, MidTown Reno has transformed into one of the West’s most eclectic and innovative food, drink, and art hubs. Art walks in the area feature more than 100 murals, along with painted bike racks and benches. Tip: Try something new and do a Burning Man Art and Mural Tour or a MidTown Mural Tour with Pineapple Pedicabs.

Well, Well, Wellness

Ready to relax? Spa-some! There’s no right or wrong way to wellness in Reno Tahoe; there’s just choosing the right path for you. Some paths lead to Reno Tahoe’s famed natural-fed hot springs. These thermal waters are famous for their curative and relaxing elements, so sink into some ahhhmazing super soaks!

Pack your swimsuit for more than the wilderness hot springs. Reno Tahoe’s luxury resorts are famous for their spas. Immerse yourself in mineral hot soaks, eucalyptus steam rooms, and all variety of massages using eco-friendly products. Stay hydrated with botanic-infused beverages.

Spa Atlantis can’t stop winning top honors. For the past decade it’s received the highest marks in Forbes Travel Guide for innovative spa treatments like healing colors and gentle water flows. Put four stars next to that on your itinerary.

There are several resort spas to choose from, so find your perfect match.

Outward Bound(less)

What’s your hiking style? A heart-pumping workout? A chance to catch up with your friends? Dog is your co-pilot? Reno Tahoe’s got the trail mix, so take some advice from locals, who know Reno Tahoe’s premier hiking trails because it’s pretty much their backyard!

For a double play of an aerobic workout and iconic views of Reno, the Cross Peak Trail gets a solid thumbs up … and coincidentally its summit looks like a thumb up—rising 400 feet in the Mount Rose Wilderness. You can access the trail from northwest Reno and make your way up to the rocky summit, gaining great views of Reno as you gain elevation. Be sure to snap some holiday card pics at the summit. Keeping it Reno!

Get the wheels turning for a bike ride everyone can enjoy. Bike paths right in Reno are a bounty of beautiful parks, coasting by the Truckee River, and finding plenty of food-and-drink pit stops. Cycle the leisurely 12-mile Truckee River Bike Path connecting Chrissie Caughlin Park and Sparks. Or connect Mayberry Park and Idlewild Park on a breezy 3-mile ride next to the Truckee River. Once you get to Idlewild, enjoy a picnic at one of its two lakes, and visit Reno’s Municipal Rose Garden.

Seize the light in Reno! First, catch a sunset at a place like University Ridge, where a short hike leads to a summit for watching the unique combo of the sun sinking over the Sierra Nevada while Reno’s big bright city lights start to rise and shine. After sundown, it’s time to walk the line: The J Resort’s Reno Neon Line is a dynamic streetscape showcasing art from Burning Man and other local enclaves, along with historic and restored neon signs. The permanent Wind Wall changes colors based on the weather. Glow for it and discover Reno’s night life at the Glow Plaza.

Day Tripping Made Easy!

How do you like to Reno Tahoe? Count the ways by making Reno your affordable basecamp, idyllically situated at the base of the Sierra Nevada. Not only do you have the conveniences and entertainment of the Biggest Little City in the World, you also have easy access to a variety of activities, and seasonal events in surrounding areas.

Shopping is its own adventure in Reno Tahoe, whether you’re a consummate thrifter or your idea of a treasure hunt is finding deals on outdoor gear. Check out this Ultimate Guide to Reno Thrift Stores and plan an afternoon at The Outlets at Legends outdoor mall in Sparks, where a stop at SCHEELS is a must; as the world’s largest all-sports store, it’s an adventure exploring its 295,000 sq. feet, including a giant Ferris wheel, NASCAR Simulator, and a Wildlife Mountain….

Spend an afternoon on the quieter eastern shoreline of Lake Tahoe. Within 45 minutes of Reno by car, Incline Village has a popular 4-mile (round-trip) hike to Monkey Rock. The hike begins at Tunnel Creek Café, which is also the starting point for “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway”: the Tahoe East Shore Trail is a multi-use car-free paved pathway that parallels some of Lake Tahoe’s most turquoise coves, with hidden beaches along the route.

Kick it old town exploring another Northern Nevada nugget just 20 miles southeast of Reno. Historic Virginia City saw a silver and gold boom in the mid 1800s, commonly known as the Comstock Lode. Much of the city’s character remains authentic to the good old days, and that includes the spirits of those who went before us (take a haunted ghost tour here to learn more). Or get on board a historic steam engine to see more of Virginia City while discovering its past in the present.

Fast trivia: what’s Nevada’s capital? Hint 1: Mark Twain waxed poetic about it. Hint 2: It’s home to the historic Nevada State Museum and Nevada State Railroad Museum. Hint 3: It starts with Carson and ends with City! Carson City is a great place to spend a day, whether it’s hiking the 2.5-mile Kit Carson Trail, enjoying a meal at the Great Basin Brewing Company, or getting some H2-Ahhhs at Carson Hot Springs in one of its four natural mineral outdoor pools.