Start here
Truckee Riverwalk and Wingfield Park
Walk the river early, when the water, public art, and small downtown blocks feel like a place rather than a casino transfer. Keep it paired with a Riverwalk meal.
Best for: Downtown and Riverwalk, Reno
Destination guide
Things to do in Reno
Reno has enough to fill a trip without trying to cover every corner. Start with the places that fit the way you want to spend the day, then keep nearby choices together.
Places to put on the list in Reno
Build around a few anchors, then choose nearby additions that match your pace. The main Reno guide has itinerary ideas if you want help putting those pieces in order.
Start here
Nevada Museum of Art
Nevada's accredited art museum is the right indoor anchor when heat, smoke, rain, or a tired arrival makes a long outdoor day less appealing.
Best for: Midtown and Nevada Museum District, Reno
Start here
The Discovery
A hands-on science center that gives families a real all-weather half day. Timed tickets and special programming can change, so check before a fixed plan.
Best for: Downtown and Riverwalk, Reno
Downtown and Riverwalk
The most straightforward first-time base for river walks, museums, events, and an easy first night.
Truckee Riverwalk and Wingfield Park
Walk the river early, when the water, public art, and small downtown blocks feel like a place rather than a casino transfer. Keep it paired with a Riverwalk meal.
Best for: Downtown and Riverwalk, Reno
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
Morning$$
Visit official site The Discovery
A hands-on science center that gives families a real all-weather half day. Timed tickets and special programming can change, so check before a fixed plan.
Best for: Downtown and Riverwalk, Reno
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
Morning$$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
National Automobile Museum
This is not just a car stop. The collection gives a weather-proof first-timer anchor and works well with the river rather than with a rushed Tahoe drive.
Best for: Downtown and Riverwalk, Reno
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
Morning$$
Visit official site 
Pioneer Center Performance
Use a current performance as an evening plan when you want something more local than another casino floor. Check the calendar and ticket rules first.
Best for: Downtown and Riverwalk, Reno
Before you go: Reserve before you build the rest of the day around it.
Evening$$Reserve ahead
Visit official site 
Reno Arch and Burning Man Art Walk
See the arch, City Plaza, and large-scale public art on foot. It is a short first-night circuit, not a reason to give downtown an entire day.
Best for: Downtown and Riverwalk, Reno
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
Afternoon$$
Visit official site 
Idlewild Park and Truckee River Path
A mellow river-path stretch that works for families and recovery mornings. Do not build the day around it in midday summer heat.
Best for: Downtown and Riverwalk, Reno
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
Morning$$
Visit official site 
BaseCamp Climbing Gym
Indoor climbing inside Whitney Peak is the active weather backup for a group that does not want another museum. Reserve or check current access before a peak-time visit.
Best for: Downtown and Riverwalk, Reno
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
Morning$$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Nevada Historical Society
A focused history experience that adds real local context without repeating the destination's existing landmarks. Build it into the day when this is the part of Reno visitors would otherwise miss.
Best for: History, Rain-safe
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
Morning$$
Visit official site Midtown and Nevada Museum District
Nevada Museum of Art
Nevada's accredited art museum is the right indoor anchor when heat, smoke, rain, or a tired arrival makes a long outdoor day less appealing.
Best for: Midtown and Nevada Museum District, Reno
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
Morning$$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Midtown Murals and Shops Walk
Midtown rewards a loose late morning of murals, coffee, vintage shops, and lunch. It is good as its own neighborhood block than a drive-through between casinos.
Best for: Midtown and Nevada Museum District, Reno
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
Morning$$
Visit official site Foothills and Day Trips
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
A broad park north of downtown for an easy sunny morning, seasonal gardens, and a reset before an indoor or food-led afternoon.
Best for: Foothills and Day Trips, Reno
Before you go: Check current hours and access before you go.
Morning$$
Visit official site 
Virginia City Day Trip
A historic mining-town detour for travelers willing to give it a real day. Road conditions, tour hours, and event weekends matter more than the straight-line distance suggests.
Best for: Foothills and Day Trips, Reno
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
Morning$$Plan ahead
Visit official site 
Lake Tahoe North Shore Day
Choose this only when Tahoe is the point, not as an obligatory add-on. Leave early and check weather, road conditions, parking, and beach or trail access.
Best for: Foothills and Day Trips, Reno
Before you go: Check the official details before you commit the day.
Morning$$Plan ahead
Visit official site Plan the rest of your Reno trip
See neighborhoods, trip ideas, and the full destination planner in one place.
Hours, tickets, seasonal access, and reservation policies can change. Check the official source before you go. Last destination review: 2026-08-24.