Visit Reno, The Biggest Little City in the World

Q: What is Reno Most Known For?

Reno is known as “The Biggest Little City in the World” for its small-town vibes and big-city fun. While it’s long been a gambling destination, its location in the Eastern Sierra foothills makes it a popular vacation spot for people who love the outdoors and the warm weather.

Q: What’s the Best Month to Visit Reno?

If you’re visiting Reno for city life, April, May, October, and November are the best months to take your trip. These are off-season months, so there are smaller crowds, and the price of accommodations is lower. These months are also more mild in terms of temperature. If you are coming to the area for camping and wilderness activities, late spring and early summer are the times to come.

Q: How Does Reno Compare to Las Vegas?

While it’s hard to compare any city to Las Vegas, there are some things to do in Reno that you’ll also find in Sin City. Reno has casinos, a healthy nightlife and lots of restaurants and entertainment. Reno is a better bet if you like to gamble but don’t want to stay in a giant casino. Plus, its outdoor activities far surpass what Vegas brings to the table.

Q: What’s Reno Nightlife Like?

Reno’s nightlife is good but a lot more low-key than the nonstop action of Las Vegas. If you want to spend the night gambling, Reno casinos will help you stack up some chips. There are plenty of Reno events and attractions that can help you have a good night out without having to go to an overpacked club, including concerts and comfortable watering holes.

Q: Are There Hiking Trails near Reno?

There is a lot of good hiking to be had in the Reno/Tahoe area. Take a road trip to see some incredible scenery during the trip, and then get up into the wilderness for a once-in-a-lifetime hiking trip. Check out these trails near Reno: Hunter Creek Trail Tom Cooke Trail Keystone Canyon Trail Huffaker Park Lookout Trail

Q: Where Should I Stay in Reno?

Choosing where to stay in Reno should be based on a couple factors. First, are you visiting to gamble and experience the city? If so, book a room at one of the casinos or a hotel in the downtown area. If you are using Reno as a launching pad for outdoor adventures, look for a room on the outskirts of the city or in one of the smaller towns in the area.

Q: Is Reno, Nevada Worth Visiting?

Reno is worth visiting if you want to spend some time gaming or itching to get outside and explore the beautiful Reno/Tahoe area. Whether you’re traveling solo to blow off some steam or searching for a great family vacation spot, you’ll find something for everyone in the Biggest Little City in the World.

See why Reno is one of the coolest cities in the Southwest

What To Do in Reno: Nightlife, Nature and the Sierra Nevada

Reno Travel Guide

If your ideal weekend away involves playing some cards and taking in a concert, there’s no better place to do it than in Reno. With all of the fun of Las Vegas at a lower cost and with smaller crowds, Reno gives you the chance to choose the excitement you want during your time away from home.

If you’re a AAA member, you can get great deals and exclusive discounts on lodging, rental cars and much more in the Reno/Tahoe area (and across the rest of the United States). Plus, you get access to the best advice from AAA travel agents about things to do and places to stay. Sign up today.

TourBook^® Curated Restaurants

Savor memorable dining experiences with TourBook®. From Diamond-designated restaurants recognized for excellence to carefully chosen international spots, every restaurant in this collection is selected to provide quality, flavor, and a dining experience you can trust wherever you are.

Learn More

RESTAURANT

Vacation Packages & Tours

Discover Your Dream Vacation

Book a guided or independent trip with AAA Vacations®. Enjoy exciting vacation itineraries and experiences that you can’t find anywhere else.

See All

GUIDEDCalifornia Dreamin': Monterey, Yosemite & Napa8 Days, Guided, 12 Meals

Travel Tips & Inspiration

AAA Travel Inspiration, Destination Information and More

Be inspired by articles and videos from AAA Travel experts, offering insights on top destinations, recommendations and travel tips for your upcoming getaway.

See All

Editor Pick18 Best Road Trips in the U.S. for 2025AAA Travel Editor, Katie Broome01/15/2025 : Find inspiration for your next journey with this list of the best road trips in the U.S., perfect for unforgettable adventures, scenic drives and experiences.

GeneralThe 13 Best Lake Vacations in the U.S.AAA Travel Editor, CW07/29/2024 : Learn about the 13 best lake vacations in the U.S., perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

EDITOR PICKUltimate Checklist of All 63 National Parks in the U.S.AAA Travel Editor, SMT01/16/2025 : Discover the beauty and wildlife in the 63 unforgettable U.S. national parks! Learn what they are, why they matter and start planning your next adventure today!

EDITOR PICK5 Best Classic Car Museums in the U.S.AAA Travel Editor, Patricia Miller04/05/2023 : Whether you are a diehard classic car buff or you just think cars from the 1920s to the 1970s look cool, you can get a close look at these icons of American culture at museums across the country. Here we list some of the best; climb behind the steering wheel and get up to speed on the best places to see classic cars.

Editor Pick8 of the Best Affordable Vacation Destinations to ExploreMichelle Palmer01/15/2025 : From Albuquerque to Sedona, find cheap vacation destinations and get budget-friendly travel tips. Perfect for budget travelers looking to explore more for less.

Editor PickBest Family Vacation Spots in the U.S. in 2025AAA Travel Editor, Sherry Mims01/28/2025 : Aim for the shoulder season and family destinations when you're planning your next best family vacation.

GeneralAAA's 15 Top Family Vacation PackagesAAA Travel Editor, WA04/10/2025 : Plan your next getaway with AAA’s best family vacation packages, designed for comfort, convenience, and memorable moments together.

EDITOR PICKWhere to Find AAA TourBook Guides and MapsMichelle Palmer04/01/2025 : The AAA TourBook guides provide travel information and are a planning tool for destinations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

EDITOR PICKUsing a AAA Travel Agent Can Save You Time and Money04/18/2024 : A AAA Travel Agent will help you get the most for your time and money when planning a vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about what to do in Reno? Our AAA travel experts have answers.

What is Reno Most Known For?

What’s the Best Month to Visit Reno?

How Does Reno Compare to Las Vegas?

What’s Reno Nightlife Like?

Are There Hiking Trails near Reno?

Where Should I Stay in Reno?

What Unique Attractions Does Reno Offer?

Whatever kind of fun you like to have, you’ll find it in Reno. If you love playing the slots or want to check out one of the best collections of classic cars in the country, Reno has it. Want to catch a show from your favorite band or visit one of the unique Reno museums that explores the area’s history? They have that, too. Some of the Reno attractions we recommend include:

Going skiing at Mt. Rose.
See art from local and international artists at the Nevada Museum of Art.
Get a glimpse of hundreds of classic cars at the National Automobile Museum.
Take a quick, one-hour tour of downtown Reno.

Is Reno, Nevada Worth Visiting?

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

Explore trip canvas

Categories

Quick Links

AAA Travel

Explore AAA

Visit Reno, The Biggest Little City in the World

What To Do in Reno: Nightlife, Nature and the Sierra Nevada

TourBook® Curated Restaurants

Oceano

Wild River Grille

Brew Brothers

Centro Bar and Kitchen

Charlie Palmer Steak - Reno

Bimini Steakhouse

Bistro Napa

La Strada

Beaujolais Bistro

Atlantis Steakhouse - Atlantis Casino, Resort & Spa

Most Popular Road Trips

San Francisco to Lake Tahoe to Reno Road Trip

Northern CA & Southern OR Coast Road Trip

San Francisco to Yosemite National Park Road Trip

Northern CA & Southern OR Forests Road Trip

Northern CA Wine Country Road Trip

Eastern Sierra Road Trip

North Las Vegas Boulevard Road Trip

Las Vegas Strip Road Trip

Most Popular Campgrounds

Loomis RV Park

Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground

Skyway Trailer Court and RV Park