Reno and Lake Tahoe Sights

Reno and Lake Tahoe are only 32 miles apart so they make a good combination destination. Depending on what you are looking to do will depend on how long your stay may be. For many, they are just passing through.

Reno and Lake Tahoe

Reno

Reno has lots to do. Reno has an art museum, a safari zoo, an arboretum, an animal park, many casinos and several places to get 30 minute marriages (or divorced depending on how the trip is going).

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is the 2nd deepest lake in the United States and 8th deepest in the world. The lake is surrounded by mountains, filled with dark blue water and accessible to much of California. I can see why it draws so many. Although the lake is very scenic with lots of outdoor opportunities, you can not help but feel the commercialization of the lake. Maybe I will go back in winter because when we visited it was hot and overcrowded. Just passing through, I thought I could easily find a hotel but I ended up with the family in a dive with no A/C. Tours of every sort imaginable exist around the lake from sailing to star gazing, para-sailing to paintball.

Reno Arch

This is the famous neon sign Reno, The Biggest Little City in the World. It is worth a shot at night to say you been there when you see it in a movie someday.

Downtown River Walk

The Downtown River Walk is an enjoyable way to see the area and have lunch in. Hopefully some events are going on, if not the route accesses other parts of the city.

Virginia Street at Night

With lots of colorful lights and people all around, you can find something to do, even if it is throwing your money away at the Casinos.

Mt. Rose

A hike up Mount Rose was on my agenda but it was blasting hot when we were there and I just could not put myself or my family through that. Mount Rose at 10,776 is one of the tallest in the area, 5 mile hike to a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe and Reno.

South Lake Tahoe

From tent and RV camping to luxury hotels, it is all there. Everyone is here to relax on beaches, take a paddleboat out, bike the paved trails, take cruises on the lake, visit the little museums and art galleries, go antique shopping, take a hot-air balloon ride, visit Mansions and Castles, stay in fancy lodges, etc. Tours of every sort imaginable depart from here.

Heavenly Aerial Tram

Somehow I missed this one. Heavenly Ski Area out of South Lake Tahoe has a tram that will take you up 2.4 miles to 9,123 feet. From the top you have a perfect view of the lake, a restaurant to eat at and hiking trails as well. There is also a zip line, the longest in the lower 48, 3,100 feet of drop! Squaw Valley Ski Area on the other side of the lake has one as well.

Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive

Driving around (at least the California side) is the experience you are looking for to remember the area. The Lake Tahoe drive is 72 miles long with numerous vistas allowing for great pictures. You can go horseback riding and waterskiing anywhere, if you have come a long way to visit.....see the lake!

Hiking the Tahoe Rim Trail

This 165-mile trail is open to hiking, horses, and mountain biking (in most areas). The trail is the ridge tops of the Lake Tahoe Basin with around 50 miles of it being the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.