Carson City Is Calling

Remember being a kid and playing until sundown? Your childhood memories deserve a sequel! So head to Carson City, Nevada, and make new memories with those you love. This state capital is where going wild means exploring the outdoors and enjoying the history and comforts of a vibrant community. Your best days are ahead in Carson City, Nevada!

Hike or Bike the All New 'Capital to Tahoe Trail'

This one’s for those who like a new challenge. The recently completed Capital to Tahoe Trail is the first singletrack hike and mountain bike connection from Carson City to Lake Tahoe (and beyond!).

The Capital to Tahoe (aka Cap to Tahoe) Trail combines some of Carson City’s most viewtiful terrain. Be sure to pick up a complimentary Cap to Tahoe sticker at Carson City’s visitor center (716 N. Carson Street, Suite 100). Views of the Washoe and Eagle Valleys and plenty of solitude make this hike a bucket-lister. Just be prepared for wilderness solitude and inclement weather.

Pro Tip: The Capital to Tahoe Trail can be extended … all the way to Canada. Check out the Carson City to Canada Quest.

There’s plenty more to do outdoors in Carson City. Hikes range from the longer Ash to Kings Trail (13.4 miles) to the short but H2-O-so-sweet Kings Canyon Waterfall. It’s just under half a mile to reach it, with plenty of surrounding trails for those who want to add some mileage.

Carson City is an off-road biking haven. It hosts a popular annual gravel bike race, Stetina’s Paydirt, and is home to some of the best singletrack straddling Nevada and California. The 14-mile (one-way) Flume Trail is a must-do for mountain bikers, with amazing views of aspen meadows, Marlette Lake, and Lake Tahoe.

Check out top hikes, bike rides, and water adventures in Carson City.

Where to Stay in Carson City

Who Ghosts There?

Get ready for a spirited time in Carson City with signature seasonal events like the Carson City Ghost Walk (happening in September through October 19) and Mark Twain Days.

The Murals & Music Festival (September 26-28) features artists painting murals in real time around Carson City. Enjoy live music at Nashville Social Club, Brewery Arts Center, The White House, and Bank Saloon. Take a mural tour, listen to artist talks, and join in some interactive mural painting.

See Carson City’s museums and galleries. The Nevada State Museum is exemplary for conveying and celebrating Nevada’s adventurous, wild, and natural history.

Experiential exhibits include walking through a mine and a ghost town.

Another museum of important history, and in lessons for the future, is the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Museum. It’s a profound place not only in sharing American Indian traditions, but in sharing stories about the Stewart boarding school experience. The Center is in memory of the first students from the Great Basin tribes, and all others impacted by the Stewart experience. The museum acknowledges the significance of Place on sacred land inhabited by the Great Basin tribes long before anyone else.

Where to Stay in Carson City

I'm on a Train!

All aboard for one of Carson City’s best adventures! The state capital has a rich history with historic railways. Embark on a train ride excursion on the V&T Railway—in a restored 1914 Pullman coach. It’s a relaxing and enlightening way to spend a few hours or a full day.

There’s a wine and spirits excursion for those seeking a shorter outing.

There’s also a full-day train adventure from Carson City to historic Virginia City, passing through tunnels, canyons, and mining towns. Along the way you’ll hear narrated stories and interesting facts. Enjoy a 3.5-hour stop in charming Virginia City. Saunter along the boardwalks, belly up to a saloon bar, do some shopping, and check out museums.

Carson City’s Nevada State Railroad Museum is well worth a visit. Many items at this museum come from Hollywood studios, who utilized them for cinema and television. The museum is an ode to the railroad heritage of Nevada and also has some really cool locomotives and cars once used along classic railroads in the state.

Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll likely love Carson City’s Kit Carson Trail. It’s a 2.5-mile urban walk through Carson City’s historic district. The story of Nevada’s capital city is told through nearly 50 landmarks, including 1800s-era homes, churches, and museums.

You can also go on a guided Ghost Tour or follow an audio tour on the Kit Carson Trail.

Download the Kit Carson Trail map.

Where to Stay in Carson City

Who's Hungry?

With all the art, culture, history, and outdoors, plus a few ghosts, you won’t have to worry about anyone being “hangry.” There’s plenty to eat and drink in Carson City.

Wash away post-hike thirst and replenish your energy at Great Basin Brewery. Next door to the brewery is Old World Coffee, worth your morning buzz with its tasty beans roasted right in Reno.

Red’s Old 395 Grill is home to Carson City’s only woodfired oven, where Iron Chef Jose and his team cook up and serve an award-winning house-smoked BBQ.

Find the next generation of Cheers in Carson City’s Plaza, at Piazza … see what they did there? Wine and food here are inspired by travels in—surprise—Spain and Italy. That’s some good taste!

If you can’t get enough Italian food, there’s more! Cucina Lupo has house-made pastas and bread, using ingredients from local farms.

Basque culture meets Nevada’s mojo at Villa Basque Café. Conceptualized by Martha and Pete Coscarart, specialties include paella and Pete’s World-Famous Chorizo.

Savor a casual brunch at Eve’s Eatery for a variety of artisan fare to start Sunday Funday. You can’t be known for elegant pastries unless the art of pastry making is of paramount importance. And L.A. Bakery makes it so, freshly handcrafting a variety of baked goods each day.

Where to Stay in Carson City