Reno may be known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” but that slogan barely scratches the surface. Set at the base of the Sierra Nevada and just a short drive from Lake Tahoe, Reno blends outdoor adventure, a growing arts scene, great food, and a lively downtown that’s easy to explore. From colorful murals and local breweries to riverwalk strolls and mountain views, there’s plenty to pack into a weekend. Here are two very different days that show off what makes Reno such a fun place to visit.
Day One: The Classic Reno Experience
Morning
Kick off the morning at Perenn Bakery. There are a few locations dotted around the city, and the pastries genuinely sell out, so the earlier you get there, the better. Grab a coffee, pick something from the case, and you’re good to go. The croissants and seasonal tarts are worth going back for a second look if you can’t decide.
More of an eggs-and-coffee person? Squeeze In has been feeding Reno since the 1970s, and the Food Network came calling for a reason. The omelettes are enormous and over-the-top in the best way. Try the Racy Tracy or the Spanish Flay, and don’t say you weren’t warned about the size. The staff are friendly, the place has real character, and it sets the tone for a good day.
After breakfast, take a walk along the Truckee Riverwalk. It cuts right through the heart of downtown, lined with public art and river views that always surprise first-time visitors. It’s one of the most underrated things to do in Reno today, quieter and greener than most people expect, and a good way to ease into the day before the afternoon picks up. Walk as far as you like, grab another coffee from one of the spots along the way, and take your time.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at Cafe Central inside Silver Legacy Resort. It puts you right at the doorstep of The Row, the connected complex of Eldorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus. You can move between all three without stepping outside, which is either very convenient or very dangerous, depending on your self-control.
If you’d rather eat somewhere a little more local first, make a detour to Liberty Food and Wine Exchange on the corner of 1st and Sierra. It’s an artisan eatery and wine bar with shareable small plates made from regionally sourced ingredients. Order the charcuterie board and the wood-roasted cauliflower, and grab a glass of something good while you’re at it. The happy hour is worth timing your visit around, too.
From lunch, work your way through The Row, then drift over to the Peppermill Resort. The Peppermill is in a league of its own, with neon, mirrored ceilings, and maximalist 1970s glamour that somehow still works in today’s minimalist world.
The Fireside Lounge inside is the spot to find, with fire pits, low lighting, and cocktails served in vessels that qualify as small buckets. Among the most iconic fun things to do in Reno, this one is worth the stop, even if you’re not gambling. Order something strong, sink into a seat, and enjoy it.
Evening
Book a table at Atlantis Steakhouse if you’re in the mood for a proper dinner. The steaks are the real deal, the service is attentive without being stuffy, and it’s the kind of place that makes the night feel like something worth remembering.
The wine list is solid, too, so take your time with it. Not looking for a big sit-down? Centro Bar & Kitchen is a few blocks away with Latin-inspired food, strong cocktails, and a crowd that keeps things lively. Good food, good drinks, no fuss.
Check the calendar at Grand Sierra Resort before you head out. They regularly host concerts and comedy shows, and the venue delivers.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Reno at night and you’d rather be on your feet than in a seat, Rum Sugar Lime brings Caribbean cocktail bar energy to downtown with a crowd that knows how to have a good time. The drinks are good, and the playlist is better. Stay as long as you like. The city doesn’t wind down early.
Day Two: The Unexpected Reno
Morning
Walden’s Coffeehouse is where locals go. Three locations across Reno, all run by the Barone family, all using organic, locally roasted coffee and scratch-made food. The breakfast burrito is the move, loaded with house-ground sausage seasoned in-house and properly stacked. The Arlington Avenue location has a fireplace and a genuine coffeehouse feel if you want somewhere to sit and settle in.
Prefer something a little more neighbourhood? Two Chicks is a Reno breakfast favourite with a loyal local following, known for generous portions and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to linger over a second cup of coffee. Either way, you’re starting the day right.
After breakfast, head to Idlewild Park, one of the best free things to do in Reno, Nevada, with kids or without. It’s a large shaded stretch of green along the Truckee River with walking paths, a rose garden, open lawn areas, and a relaxed pace that feels miles away from downtown. Want something with more elevation?
The Hunter Creek Trail is a 4.4-mile out-and-back west of the city, and one of the top Reno outdoor activities for anyone who wants a proper climb. The views from the top stretch across the valley, and on a clear day, they’re hard to beat. Wear decent shoes and bring water.
Afternoon
For lunch, Great Basin Brewing Co. is the local craft beer pick. Their Ichthyosaur IPA has been a Nevada staple since the early 90s, and the pub food holds up well. Grab a pint, order something off the menu, and take your time. Prefer something on the lighter side? Pine State Biscuits brings its Pacific Northwest biscuit menu to Reno and has built a loyal following fast. Order the Reggie Deluxe, and you’ll understand the hype pretty quickly.
The afternoon is where the best Reno outdoor activities really come into their own. Lake Tahoe is about 45 minutes from downtown, and Sand Harbor is one of the most beautiful spots on the entire lake, with clear blue water, smooth granite boulders, and mountain views that are genuinely hard to take in all at once. Paddleboard rentals are available if you want to get out on the water, and the conditions are usually calm enough for beginners. It’s one of those afternoons that ends up being the highlight of the whole trip.
Back in the city, don’t miss the Truckee River Whitewater Park. It’s a man-made rapids course running right through downtown, where kayakers and river surfers take on standing waves while onlookers watch from the banks. Pull up a spot and watch for a while. It’s one of the more unexpected things to do in Reno, Nevada, and it’s completely free.
Evening
For dinner, Wild River Grille is a solid pick right on the Truckee River. Grab a table on the patio if the weather plays ball and order something off the seasonal menu. It changes regularly, and the kitchen clearly puts thought into it. Call ahead if you want patio seating; it books up fast.
Not feeling river views tonight? Johnny’s Ristorante is the kind of Italian place that’s been around long enough to know what it is. The menu sticks to the classics, the portions are generous, and the room has that well-worn feel you only get from a spot that’s been doing this for years.
After dinner, the Midtown Mural Walk is the right way to end the night and one of the most talked-about fun things to do in Reno for anyone who loves street art. Reno’s Midtown neighborhood has quietly built up one of the more impressive collections of large-scale murals in the region. Walk it on foot and keep an eye out for pieces tucked into alleys and side streets, since some of the best ones aren’t immediately obvious. Give yourself at least an hour and let it lead you wherever it does.
If the timing works out, catch a show at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts before or after dinner. It’s Reno’s main performing arts venue, with programming that ranges from Broadway touring productions to orchestral concerts and everything in between. Either way, it’s a good note to end on.
Reno isn’t what most people expect. That’s the whole point.
