Reno Travel Guide — Best Time, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Why Reno

Reno is located in northwestern Nevada along the border with California. Set in the Truckee River valley within the foothills of the High Eastern Sierra, the city lies roughly 23 miles northeast of Lake Tahoe. Serving as the county seat of Washoe County, it is the third most populous municipality in Nevada and the largest outside of the Las Vegas area. Prominently recognized by its long-standing slogan, "The Biggest Little City in the World," Reno sits at an elevation of approximately 4,400 feet on the western margin of the Great Basin.

The geography of the area spans from mountain foothills down into the Truckee Meadows valley, which Reno shares with the adjacent community of Sparks. Positioned on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada, the city experiences a cold semi-arid climate characterized by moderately cold winters and warm to hot summers. Because of a rain shadow effect created by the adjacent mountain range, precipitation levels vary across the city, with western neighborhoods receiving notably more rainfall than eastern districts. The region's high-desert geology and surrounding public lands are also popular for mineral collecting, attracting enthusiasts searching for agates, opals, jaspers, and petrified wood.

Prior to European settlement, the region marked the eastern extent of the prehistoric Martis culture. Mid-nineteenth-century settlers established farms along the California Trail, and the discovery of silver at the nearby Comstock Lode in 1859 triggered a rapid population influx. A river toll crossing built and expanded by Myron C. Lake, originally known as Lake's Crossing, became the foundation for the town, which was officially established in 1868 alongside the arrival of the Central Pacific Railroad and named after Union Civil War officer Major General Jesse L. Reno. In 1931, Nevada shortened its residency requirements to six weeks and legalized casino gambling. Consequently, Reno gained national fame as a rapid-divorce center while its downtown evolved into a bustling gaming hub. The landmark Reno Arch was originally erected on Virginia Street in 1926, later adopting the city's iconic slogan.

Today, Reno has expanded into a diversified economic and cultural center. In addition to casino gaming and tourism, the metro area hosts a growing technology sector supported by investments from major corporate tech enterprises, alongside established distribution and warehousing networks. Reno serves as a primary gateway for outdoor recreation due to its close proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe, and regional ski resorts. The city is also home to the flagship campus of the University of Nevada system, which stands as the state's second-largest higher education institution by student enrollment.