Known as “the biggest little city in the world”, Reno offers an escape to the hustle and bustle of a big city. With its relatively small size, you get the big city feel. It has a wide range of cosmopolitan amenities while offering access to outdoor adventures including kayaking, biking, camping, fishing, and mountain climbing.
Is Reno a Great Holiday Destination?
Reno is a great holiday destination to visit any time of the year. Historically known for its gaming tourism industry, Reno has a long way from its days as a premier casino city. It has lots more to offer. In the last decade, the boom in Reno’s arts, culture, and foodie scenes has transformed the compact, navigable city into a hub of endless things to see, experience, and eat. Reno is home to a plethora of restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, and bars.
Similar to Las Vegas, Reno offers opportunities for legal gambling. In fact, there are over 20 casinos to choose from in the city. These casinos offer slot machines, table games, and video betting. You can plan a full evening, with some games of chance, a delicious meal, and live entertainment at one of the casinos.
Furthermore, outdoor adventure opportunities are almost endless. You can play golf, walk or bike, kayak, swim, fish, paddleboard, hike, swim, winter ski, and board in Reno’s golf courses, rivers, and lake and mountain resorts.
10 Holiday Attractions and Destinations in Reno to Visit
As the holidays draw near, it is important that you start planning your holiday itinerary. To help you with your travel plans, here are 10 of the must-see holiday destinations in Reno you can explore. Rental cars in Reno are a good option if you need to take a self-driving tour of the city.
Truckee River
Truckee River runs through the middle of downtown Reno. Along its route, it provides drinking water for residents and businesses in the Reno area, generates hydropower, and supplies irrigation water to farms along its banks and in the adjacent Carson River Basin. It also offers varied recreational opportunities and serves as a vital ecosystem for fish and wildlife.
Downtown Reno Riverwalk
Located along the picturesque Truckee River, Downtown Reno Riverwalk is a green, sculpture-studded thoroughfare lined with coffee shops, restaurants, and craft beer halls. It is anchored by island-like Wingfield Park, a site of live music and exciting events. The park is a harbor for swimmers, river tubers, and kayakers tackling the drop pools of Truckee River Whitewater Park.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is America’s largest alpine lake. A beautiful emerald green in summer, it offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, paddleboarding, and more. You will find the largest concentration of ski facilities in the world all within a fifty-mile radius. Multiple resorts around the lake offer summer hiking and mountain biking and winter skiing and boarding.
Peppermill
Peppermill is an entertainment haven, especially during the holidays. A Tuscan-themed resort, Peppermill has 10 restaurants, more than a dozen bars and lounges, 1,500 slot machines, 48 gaming tables, and a spa.
National Automobile Museum
Are you an auto enthusiast? Visit the National Automobile Museum and you will see more than 200 historic vehicles—some from the first quarter of the 20th century and others owned by celebrities or appearing in films.
Reno Arch
You can find out about the history of the city with a trip to Reno Arch. Pass under the “Biggest Little City in the World” arched sign to enjoy the exciting activities of downtown Reno. You can stroll along the riverfront or visit the casinos in this family-friendly place.
Reno-Sparks Convention Center
Learn about the events being held at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center when you visit Reno. Attend an entertainment or sporting event in this family-friendly area. Make sure to check the schedules first because it often gets busy during the holidays.
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe and Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
About a 30-minute drive from Reno is Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. You can hit the slopes during your trip to Reno. Attend a sporting event or enjoy the top-notch restaurants in the area. Go a bit farther to ski and you’ll reach Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows which hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics.
National Bowling Stadium
The National Bowling Stadium is a one-of-a-kind landmark building erected and dedicated to Reno’s favorite pastime. During holidays, special events and special activities are held in the stadium so be sure to drop by.
Golf Courses
Reno has 10 spectacular golf courses. You may also travel within a 60-mile (100-kilometer) range to discover 50 more.
Celebrate the Holidays in Reno
From its days as a premier casino town, Reno has come a long way. Aside from 24-hour gambling, world-class entertainment, and great dining, the city boasts a dynamic art, culture, and music scene. The unbeatable outdoor opportunities it offers make Reno an ever-exciting holiday destination. If you’re still deciding where to go for the holidays, Reno is a great option and will never disappoint. So prepare your passport and flight ticket now, book a hotel room in Reno, and start creating that holiday travel itinerary. With the service of economy car rentals, you can safely and conveniently visit these wonderful places that will make your Christmas and New Year celebrations even more special.
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