Welcome to the Ultimate Reno Travel Guide! Let me start off by saying I used to live in Reno, I love it and I miss it dearly! My best friend thinks I’m crazy (he grew up there), but the truth is Reno is rad! Since I’ve moved from Reno (about 5 years ago) the place has boomed with new housing developments, hip and trendy restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and art installations. Reno is slowly becoming a more popular travel destination and for good reason. There is so much to do and explore and it really is The Biggest Little City in the World.
In this post I’m going to round up the best places to eat, drink, shop, things to do and of course those Insta-Worthy photo locations.
Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel I’ll be dropping my Reno vlog soon! #withlovefromreno
Now get ready to scroll & pin. Without further ado… here is my Ultimate Reno Travel Guide.
Neighborhoods of Reno
- Midtown – This is the most happening area in town. There is a main drag on South Virginia street with countless bars, coffee shops, and restaurants to choose from. You can spend most of your time in this neighborhood, it continues to grow and I am happy to report businesses are thriving here.
- Downtown – Here you can find casinos, nightlife, the ballpark, amazing views of the Truckee river and some dinning and shopping options. I spent less time in downtown Reno this trip because there’s a influx of homeless people living in parks and public spaces. To be completely transparent I didn’t feel as safe in this neighborhood as I had just 5 years ago. However, there are still some gems worth visiting so don’t completely skip the area when visiting. You can’t miss the infamous Reno sign when in town!
- South Reno – There are a few cool spots in South Reno, but this area is more family friendly and lowkey. It’s only a 30-40 minute drive to North Tahoe and has tons of hiking trails along the way.
Where to Stay in Reno
Below you’ll find my top five places to stay in Reno. These recommendations range with items I find important when traveling to a new city. They either have access to the city and surrounding neighborhoods or they offer great amenities on site.
$$ – Boujee on a budget recommendations
- The Jesse – A newly renovated boutique hotel in downtown. This hotel used to be the Lincoln Lounge back in my day but the renovations are stunning! Rooms are modern and cozy and you have some great restaurants nearby including one on site.
- Airbnb near Downtown – Being in close proximity to downtown is great. You’re close to the river and have great views of the city and you’re in walking distance to casinos, shops & restaurants.
- Airbnb in Midtown – Newly renovated apartment with hip and trendy décor and a shared outdoor space. Great location in the heart of Midtown.
- Grand Sierra Resort – One of the nicest hotels in town (in my opinion) with tons of amenities on site like a bowling alley, driving range, shopping, pool, restaurants, and nightlight all under one roof. This resort is located in the heart of Reno with close proximity to the airport.
- Whitney Peak Hotel – Located just a few blocks from the Truckee River and amazing views of the infamous Reno sign. This property is the in heart of downtown; they have a outdoor rock climbing and a concert hall on site! Bonus they are pet friendly.
Insta-Worthy Photo Spots
With Love From Reno at Helianthus Floral Design
📍 1255 S Wells Ave Reno, NV 89502
This adorable shop has the cutest ‘With Love From Reno’ mural located next to the entrance. I especially love the soft colors, florals and calligraphy. This location really makes the cutest photo backdrop sure to brighten up your feed.
⭐TIP – I’d recommend visiting early morning or just before sunset for optimal lighting.
With Love From Reno at The Nest
📍 201 Keystone Ave. Reno, NV 89503
I’m starting to see a theme here 😛 Clearly the With Love from Reno saying is a thing and here is just another take on street art in town.
⭐TIP – This mural is located on north side of the building next to some parking spaces. I suggest visiting just before sunset the lighting was 10/10 and there wasn’t a soul in sight.
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Reno Art Mural
📍 1590 Miami Way Reno, NV 89502
This art mural is located at Premier Window Tinting along the west wall of the shop and it is massive! Full disclosure this business is located on the industrial side of town so there isn’t much to see or do nearby but there is plenty of parking and it’s so easy to stop in and take a few pictures.
⭐TIP – If you visit during business hours you’ll likely need to tell the crew you are just there taking pictures. I’m sure they get ALL the time!
Reno Arch
📍 345 N Virginia Street Reno, NV 89501
The most infamous sign in Reno! You can’t visit this city and not stop in for a picture under the Reno Arch or more famously known as The Biggest Little City In The World sign. Did you even visit Reno without a picture here?
⭐TIP – The best photo op is on the North East side of Virginia Street & E Commercial Row. Here you’ll find some poker chips that you can sit or stand on to make your picture pop!
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Things To Do In Reno
Shop Helianthus Floral Design
📍 1255 S Wells Ave Reno, NV 89502
Seriously the cutest shop in Reno! I had the best shopping experience; the staff was so friendly and helpful. Be sure to stop in for gifts, home décor, or to create your own floral bouquet. They even host workshops and will help with floral arrangements for any special occasion.
⭐TIP – If you are as obsessed with the With Love From Reno saying as much as I am, you can find items like stickers and magnets from Pretty Little Paper Co at this shop.
Late Night Pool Party
📍 2500 E 2nd St, Reno, NV 89595
Head to a night a Late Night Swim at the Grand Sierra Resort pool. You can catch a DJ and late night drinks every weekend during the summer months from 10pm – 2am. Admission is $20 per person.
⭐TIP – Don’t forget to dress in your best swim attire.
Food Truck Friday’s
📍 1800 Idlewild Drive, Idlewild Park Reno, NV 89509
During the summer months you can head to Idlewild park and catch over 30 gourmet food, dessert, craft beer and wine vendors from 4-9pm. I always have so much fun tasting Reno’s eats and taking in the beautiful summer weather. You can pack some chairs or a blanket and have a picnic with friends and family. Most tourists never hear about this event so be sure to check it out if you visit!
Shop Nomad Boutique
📍 736 S Virginia Street Reno, NV 89501
Honestly the most trendy boutique in Reno, located in the heart of Midtown. The store has the cutest clothes, shoes and accessories at affordable prices. The staff was unpleasant BUT that didn’t stop me from stopping in and making a purchase. I walked out with some great pieces; I’ll definitely stop in again on my next visit or even opt to shop online.
Day or Weekend Trip to Lake Tahoe
- STAY at the hip & trendy Basecamp Hotel. This newly renovated hotel is in a prime location just walking distance to shopping, casinos, and restaurants. This hotel is affordable and has tons of amenities on site like a rooftop fire pit, beer garden, picnic deck and a coffee shop and restaurant on site.
- EAT lunch or dinner at California Burger Co. with live music in the courtyard as you dine. I’d recommend ordering the Chicken Club it was seriously perfection! I’m still drooling over it.
- HIKE to Monkey Rock for amazing views of the lake and of course the rock that is suspiciously carved to resemble a monkey. This trail is short but it will kick your butt with an elevation gain of ~500 in under 2.5 miles.
- DRINK delicious wine on a sunset tasting cruise on Lake Tahoe with Tahoe Tastings. You’ll get 5 tastings, a 2 hour cruise on The Golden Rose and the cost is $85/per person. The views and experience are unmatched… worth it!
- VISIT Roundhill Pine Beach Resort a family friendly beach resort. You can rent a SUP for some fun in the fun or an umbrella and lounge chairs to have a relaxing day at the beach with the lake as your backdrop. Also, this location has a bar on the beach and a small snack shack with some good eats. Hum yes, please!
⭐TIP – There are tons of hiking trails in Tahoe if that’s more your style or if you need more of a city feel head to South Tahoe for large hotels, casinos and nightlife.
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Where To Eat & Drink in Reno
My list can go on and on so I’ll limit it to my recent favorites and try to keep each location’s description short and sweet!
Anna’s Taqueria
📍 271 Wonder Street Reno, NV 89502
Ok… seriously the best street tacos in Reno by far! I lived in a border town most of my life and often crossed the border just to have street tacos and these compare to the best of the best. Trust me when I say food and drinks are a 10/10. Not only is this new spot hip, trendy, and delicious but the owners were so sweet! You cannot visit Reno without stopping in.
⭐ TIP – This gem is located across the street from Helianthus Floral.
Estella
📍 350 Evans Ave Reno, NV 89509
I came here for brunch on a Saturday and it was happening ya’ll. The outside space is perfect for big groups. They have large picnic style tables with umbrella’s for shade, a few booths under some large trees, and strung lights for ambiance. We did have to order our drinks and food inside the lobby of the Jesse Hotel which was kind of a bust. My only complaint, if you want to call it that, is I wish they had servers to wait on you. However, the food & drinks were delicious so I’d definitely be back next time I visit.
Mexcal
📍 516 S Virginia Street Reno, NV 89501
You’ll come for the tacos (or tostadas) and stay for the tequila, drinks and ambience. Their food menu is limited, but I love that they stick to what they know and crush it. I had a carne asada tostada (featured below) and it was life changing, I’d highly recommend trying it if you stop in. You’ll love pairing the food with their many margaritas and tequila cocktails, yum!
Yogurt Beach
📍 5 locations in Reno/Sparks
A hometown favorite yogurt shop! I love the (surfer/beach) theme and honestly the freshest yogurt and ingredients. Stop by for a sweet treat after dinner or bring the kiddos!
The Eddy
📍 16 S Sierra Street Reno, NV 89501
A community space in downtown located along the Riverwalk. You can grab drinks (beer, wine or cocktails), play yard games, experience local art or even take in a fitness class! And they are dog friendly!
The Emerson
📍 955 S Virginia Street Reno, NV 89509
A new chic cocktail lounge in the heart of Midtown. They serve craft cocktails and offer a comedy show on Monday’s or a drag Bingo the 2nd Thursday of the month.
Sugar Rum Lime
📍 1039 S Virginia Street Reno, NV 89502
A new hip & trendy cocktail lounge perfect for date night or a girls night out! The space is stunning and who doesn’t love a craft cocktail?!
Perenn Bakery
📍 20 St Lawrence Ave Reno, NV 89509
A modern bakery and café that I fell in love with. The décor and vibe was classic yet boho chic, this place makes a perfect coffee date destination with a girlfriend. You can even treat yourself to one of the many pastries and a delicious cup of coffee. I’d highly recommend stopping in on your next Reno trip.
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And that’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed my Ultimate Reno Travel Guide and found it to be helpful as you plan your visit. Be sure to tag me on IG if you visit! It would literally make my day.
PS you can check out a full list of my past travel guides and Insta-Worthy photo locations here.
Happy traveling!!!
