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- An Underrated Gem: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Carson City & Things To Do
Situated on the shore of Lake Tahoe, the capital city of Nevada, Carson City has a rich history (though it's not one of the oldest cities in Nevada). From museums that preserve history to sheer vibrancy, Carson City has it all. This city stands out for its scenic beauty, comfortable railroad, late-night gambling, and hiking.
Carson City grew from mining, railroad, and logging to a modern existence in the late 1850s and became the capital of Nevada in 1864. This underrated gem holds homage to its Victorian roots, rich history, and tribal culture even today in its museums. The best museums among the lot are the Nevada State Capital Building and Nevada State Museum, and the city nurtures stories from Native Americans.
Along Lake Tahoe, visitors can find numerous outdoor activities including waterfalls that can be visited and hiked by beginners and advanced-level hikers too. The Kit Carson trail hosts numerous cyclists all year round. The city is also considered a gold mine for adventure enthusiasts. Here is everything to know about the many things to do in Carson City, Nevada.
UPDATE: 2023/08/27 22:37 EST BY LANE VASQUEZ
An Underrated Gem: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Carson City & Things To Do
There's even more to explore in Carson City, Nevada. Discover all the things to do in the area and start planning a trip!
Top Things To Do in Carson City NV
Carson City has a lot to explore. Whether visitors enjoy all-day hikes, want to sit by the beach and relish a quick picnic, or hope to camp by the shorelines of Lake Tahoe, there is something for everyone here.
1 Take A Self-Guided Bike Tour Around Lake Tahoe
What better way to start a good day than by exploring the shore of Lake Tahoe on a bike ride?
Hop on an e-bike and cruise past breathtaking views and turquoise blue waters of Lake Tahoe; visitors can opt for a round trip or end the tour at Sand Harbor.
- Price: Starts at $115
2 Traverse The Kit Carson Trail
Cycling is one way to enjoy Carson City, but walking the Kit Carson Trail is another. The 2.5-mile path winds throughout the city's historic district, and visitors can take a self-guided audio tour.
See Victorian-style homes from the 1800s, check out old museums and churches, and stop at tens of different landmarks to learn about the city.
3 Peer At The Sky From Jack C. Davis Observatory
Western Nevada College is home to the Jack C. Davis Observatory, where visitors can use both interior and exterior telescopes to explore the night sky. Visitors are invited to attend "star parties" with educational lectures.
- Saturday Night Star Parties are free to attend!
4 Embark On A Hot Air Balloon Flight
Fly in a giant hot air balloon over Carson Valley and sink in the breathtaking views of the city's most pristine lakes and mountains.
With good luck, visitors might get a glimpse of the wildlife in the area too. The flight is accompanied by a local guide who will get them well-versed in the surroundings and the history of Carson City.
- Price: Starts at $300
5 Book A Sand Harbor Helicopter Flight
Fly over Lake Tahoe's most famous beaches with the Sand Harbor Heli ride. The flight takes off from the southern part of Lake Tahoe and flies towards Lake Marlette.
On this flight, visitors can spot some of the secret scenic locations and hidden beaches like Chimney Beach, Skunk Harbor, and more. The breathtaking views are well worth the ticket price.
- Price: Starts at $280
6 Relax At Carson Hot Springs
Who doesn't enjoy a relaxed spa dip in naturally healing waters? Nevada has its own hot springs in Carson City, where visitors can enjoy the gorgeous views while soaking in the rejuvenating water.
Whether it's a family with kids or a couple looking to spend some quality time in a relaxing natural retreat, Carson Hot Springs is the ultimate spot.
- Price: Starts at $15
7 Bare It All At Secret Cove Beach
Secret Cove Nude Beach, as the name suggests, is an adult-only beach. It's also surrounded by pristine, turquoise-blue waters. The beach is located on the east shore of Lake Tahoe.
Secret Cove is Lake Tahoe's most photographed cove, thanks to the almost clear shallow waters (which are great for snorkeling!).
- Price: Free
Arrive early for the best odds at convenient parking.
8 Learn Something New At Nevada State Museum
This is one of the best museums in the city for history and culture fanatics. The museum exhibits the history of Carson City in creative and experiential ways.
They run group tours, private tours, and also some behind-the-scene special tours.
- Price: Starts at $10
- The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
9 Try Your Luck At Casino Fandango
Try some luck with gambling and a few games of cards over delicious food and unlimited alcohol at the best Casino in Carson City, Casino Fandango.
For someone who doesn't gamble, the casino also has dining and entertainment options.
10 Refresh At Kings Canyon Waterfalls
Kings Canyon is a 25 feet descending waterfall located just west of Carson City. The waterfall is located in the Kings Canyon National Park which also houses some other waterfalls too.
For visitors and locals who enjoy hiking along the beauty of the valley, this is a gorgeous getaway. The entire trail is one mile long and offers breathtaking views and a pleasant windy breeze. There are many hiking trails around Carson City, but this one steals the show.
- Price: Free
11 Check Out The Trains At Nevada State Railroad Museum
Walk back into the history of Nevada's state-of-the-art rail exhibit. Ever wondered how people back in the day traveled by rail? Nevada State Railroad Museum is dedicated to educating visitors about the old-school rail technology that worked on steam and gas engines.
Some of the exhibits are even operated to enlighten visitors with a first-hand experience.
- Price: $8
- The museum is open from Thursday to Monday from 9 AM to 4:30 PM.
12 Bring The Kids To The Children's Museum Of Northern Nevada
Northern Nevada's Children's Museum is a festive museum offering a wide range of activities for children under the age of 14 years. They offer play-based learning experiences that make it a great spot for kids to enjoy some playtime.
- Price: $10
13 Bask In The Views At Washoe Lake State Park
This is nestled in a scenic valley that offers eye-candy views of the Sierra Nevada. The park was established in 1977 and is spread across 3,700 acres of land.
The campground offers 49 campsites for single families to enjoy overnight picnics and breathtaking views. Washoe Lake is also pet-friendly as long as they are leashed and well-behaved.
- Price: Free
14 Take A Day Trip To Virginia City (And More)
Carson City, Nevada is a convenient jumping-off point for exploring more of Nevada. Namely, it's close to Virginia City (about a 25-minute drive), a destination that's famous for the discovery of silver back in the 1850s.
- Consider traveling to other mountain towns while in Nevada, too.
15 Best Time To Go To Carson City
The best time to visit Carson City is between the months of June to September. The sun is overhead, making it an excellent season for sunbathing and other outdoor activities.
However, this is the busiest season in Carson City. The hotel prices are usually at their peak, so it is best to make advance bookings.
Lake Tahoe attracts visitors from across the nation and the campgrounds are often fully packed. This makes it an excellent season to meet fellow travelers from around the world.
The months of April and May see fewer tourists and decent weather conditions. October and November are a photographer's paradise as Carson City welcomes the fall foliage.
16 Best Ways To Get Around
Flights to Carson City arrive from all over the country, but once you arrive, there are a handful of options for transportation.
By Air
The closest airport to Carson City is the Carson City Airport which is only 1.5 miles north of the city center and Reno-Tahoe International Airport which is quite a distance from the city center. However, this is more of a regional airport and has minimum flights flying in.
By Road
The city is located at the intersection of two major highways. While Highway 50 extends between the East and West sections of the nation, Highway 395 runs all the way through the US, from Mexico to Canada.
By Bus
Jump Around Carson (JAC) is the local bus service that runs operations throughout the year. They offer day passes, week passes, and month-long passes at affordable rates.
- This is one of the easiest ways to travel in and around Carson City.
17 Where To Stay
Carson City has endless hotels and home rental options that fit any budget. From luxury travelers to those with a strict budget, Carson City has everyone covered—and nearby cities offer comfortable accommodations, too.
Hyatt Residence Club Lake Tahoe, High Sierra Lodge (Luxury)
- Accommodation: Hyatt Residence Club Lake Tahoe
- Address: 989 Incline Way, Incline Village, NV 89451-9528
- Amenities: This is a resort property with activities like skiing, swimming, and hiking on outdoor trails
- Price: Starts at $380
Border House at Crystal Bay Casino (Luxury)
- Accommodation: Border House at Crystal Bay Casino
- Address: 14 State Highway 28, Crystal Bay, NV 89402
- Amenities: Resort-style accommodation on casino grounds, offers nearby golf
- Price: Starts at $295
Courtyard by Marriott Carson City (mid-range)
- Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Carson City
- Address: 3870 South Carson Street, Carson City, NV 89701
- Amenities: Nextdoor to Casino Fandango, suites available
- Price: Starts at $212
Staybridge Suites Carson City (mid-range)
- Accommodation: Staybridge Suites Carson City
- Address: 972 Retail Court, Carson City, NV 89706
- Amenities: Extended stays offered, suites available, social evening reception nights, outdoor courtyard & heated pool
- Price: Starts at $233
Gold Dust West Carson City (Budget)
Gold Dust offers its guests modern and comfortable hotel rooms at budget-friendly prices. However, this is neither a child-friendly hotel nor a pet-friendly hotel.
Visitors have to be over 21 years of age to be able to stay here. Come and also enjoy mouth-watering food at the Grille restaurant in the hotel.
- Accommodation: Gold Dust West Carson City
- Address: 2171 E. William Street, Carson City, NV, 89701
- Amenities: Outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, seasonal spa, in-house casino, 32-lane USBC bowling center.
- Price: Starts at $130
Hampton Inn And Suites, Carson City (budget)
- Accommodation: Hampton Inn And Suites
- Address: 10 Hospitality Way, Carson City, NV 89706
- Amenities: Blackout curtains, microwave in rooms, pool, fitness center, car rental services, mountain views, and hiking.
- Price: Starts at $166
18 Where To Eat
Carson City has plenty of eateries for visitors to enjoy between adventures.
The Basil
This is a creative Thai cuisine restaurant with a welcoming ambiance and an art-adorned space. Each dish is artistically cooked and presented.
The restaurant offers the best Mango and coconut sticky rice as a seasonal special.
- Price: $$
- Address: 311 N Carson St., Carson City, NV 89701
Squeeze In
This is one local favorite restaurant that runs also full-house on most days of the week. This is a family-owned American restaurant that offers the best breakfast in town.
Their made-to-order special omelet is an all-time favorite. Another breakfast favorite is the peach and sweet cream pancakes.
- Price: $$
- Address: 308 N Curry St Suite 102, Carson City, NV 89703
LA Bakery
LA Bakery has the most delicious menu for sweet and savory delights. They even have vegan and gluten-free options.
- Price: $$
- Address: 1280 N Curry St. Carson City, NV 89703
19 What To Know When Visiting Carson City
Carson City, Nevada is in a desert climate, so days can get super hot in the summer and equally cold at night. When visiting, be prepared for both extremes, and make sure to keep hydrated while exploring.
Is Carson City worth visiting?
Absolutely. Carson City has everything from outdoor activities to historic sites, museums, art galleries, and theaters. The city is also filled with numerous entertainment options.
Lake Tahoe is the most famous tourist spot in Carson City with a wide range of hikes for both beginner and novice hikers.
20 How To Spend A Perfect Day In Carson City
While seeing all of Carson City inside-out would take about two days, visitors can still cover the major attractions in a day trip. Start off with the Nevada State Museum and the Railroad Museum followed by some delicious lunch at the Fox Brewpub. Don't forget to try out the sweet potato fries with some chipotle mayo on the side.
After a rejuvenating lunch, head to explore the State Capitol Building and walk by the parks and ancient buildings. End the day by trying some luck at Casino Fandango and enjoy a steak dinner and live music.