Reno Overview

Welcome to "The Biggest Little City in the World!" Enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe, culture on the Truckee and the history of the Comstock. With world-class skiing, year-round sunny skies and eclectic entertainment, Reno is a sure bet!

Districts

Northern Nevada is undergoing major changes to keep up with the steady growth of both the population and new business coming into the Truckee Meadows. The area is emerging as a well-known cultural center, as well as host to some of the hottest special events in the United States.

Downtown Reno
The Virginia Street corridor is the center of activity for not only gambling, but special events as well. The bright lights of the casinos and the famous Reno Arch declaring “The Biggest Little City In The World," greet visitors from the center of downtown.

Sparks
Although it looks like it’s part of Reno, this is a separate, thriving city. Founded in 1904, it served as maintenance facilities for the Central Pacific Railroad. Named for then-governor John Sparks, the city has come a long way in establishing itself as not only a great place to visit but to live. The hub of activity is centered in Victorian Square at Interstate 80 and Victorian Avenue. The casinos along Victorian Square host major events almost every month of the year.

Lake Tahoe
One look and you’ll know why it is called the Jewel of the Sierras. The areas surrounding the largest alpine lake in the country offer year-round recreation and beauty. In the summer the beaches and parks are popular for sunbathing and hiking. Come winter the ski resorts in the Sierra Nevada mountains are unmatched anywhere. And, of course, there is Squaw Valley USA, famous for hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics and still a world-class venue for winter sports of all genres.

Entertainment

“Reno-vation” is taking place in the downtown area to make more open and attractive spaces for visitors and Renoites to enjoy. The Truckee River Walk is one of the first efforts. The major casinos are also expanding and renovating in an effort to keep downtown alive and well. The whole city gets into the act to host one of the major cultural events in the nation, the Reno Summer Arts Festival.

The boisterous casinos have been the main attraction along the Truckee River for decades. Harrah’s Events Plaza is a center for downtown events and entertainment, as well as a great place to watch the cars cruising during Hot August Nights. The Circus Circus is a favorite for family fun with high-flying acts and a great arcade for the youngsters. The Silver Legacy is the new kid on the block and already known for sponsoring major events and adding to the revitalization of downtown.

For culture, there are many offerings. Music lovers will enjoy the Reno Jazz Festival, one of the largest jazz competitions in the country. The Lake Tahoe Summer Music Festival presents a feast of programs from classic to contemporary at various locations in the alpine forest. The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts is home to the Nevada Festival Ballet, Reno Philharmonic and the Nevada Opera.

During the last five weeks of the summer, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival takes place at Incline Village offering world-class performances with the stunning backdrop of the pristine lake. The ultimate cultural event of the summer in Reno/Sparks is a month-long feast of activities at Artown. More than 200 events and exhibits are featured at a dozen venues citywide.

Whether you are a spectator or a player, the sporting activities in the Truckee Meadows are second to none. The areas in and around the Truckee Meadows are also a paradise for fishermen. The golf courses dot the landscape from the valley to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. World-class ski areas seem almost as numerous as the snowflakes falling on the Sierras. Normal winters can bring close to 40 feet of snow, however the temperatures remain fairly mild, making the area a skier's paradise.

One of the favorite events in the area is the Reno Rodeo. For the week previous to the start of the rodeo, real cowboys and city slickers alike participate in the Reno Cattle Drive to herd the bovines 60 miles to the Livestock Events Center to take their part in the rodeo.

Dining and Drinking

Reno runs the proverbial gamut when it comes to dining options. The "Biggest Little City" is one of diversity and choice; no matter what a diner's preference, it can be easily found. Couple all this with prices that are generally below those of comparable restaurants elsewhere and it is easy to see how Reno can quickly spoil diners.

The low cost is due in part to the casinos and that well-known staple, the all-you-can-eat buffet. But today's savvy diners demand more than family friendly, easy on the pocketbook buffets that the casinos have long been noted for. In keeping with this trend, elegantly appointed rooms, first-class service, menus that pique the imagination, and substantial wine lists are being presented to patrons as the casinos scramble to stay on the cutting edge of dining excitement.

Where To Stay

Business people will have every amenity necessary to make their stay pleasurable, while family vacationers will find activities for each member to enjoy. Accommodations are available to suit everyone at very reasonable rates compared to most vacation spots. Sparks, our neighboring city to the north, and Lake Tahoe both have excellent lodging and are included in this guide.

Did You Know?

Reno has been known as the "divorce capital of the world," partly because of its lenient divorce laws.

Orientation/Geography

Reno is located near the border of California on the central western side of Nevada. It lies 60 miles northeast of Lake Tahoe, 425 miles northwest of Las Vegas, 425 miles southwest of Boise and 220 miles east of San Francisco.


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