Things are heating up in northern Nevada, and Carson City is just the place to visit for a weekend filled with historical and outdoor activities, good eats and classic summer fun. Don’t delay planning your weekend getaway! Unsure of where to start? This itinerary features some of the can’t miss activities visitors will surely enjoy.
Friday evening
Settle into your weekend with dinner and drinks on the patio in McFadden Plaza. The newly and beautifully remodeled Fox Brewery & Pub offers roomy outdoor seating where locals and visitors alike enjoy Fish-n-Chips, tasty burgers and piled-high sandwiches along with their choice of one of the 17 beers on draft. Those looking for lighter fare will enjoy Piazza, a restaurant inspired by the owner’s travels to Italy and Spain now open for lunch and dinner. Here, they serve local seasonal fare and imported Italian delicacies, with a selection of wines, beer and cocktails to accompany each delicious bite.
Children love to play at The Splash Pad in McFadden Plaza so be sure and bring towels and swim clothes for your kids. Once they see it, your little ones will want to cool off and get wet. The Splash Pad is free and open to the public.
Saturday
Fuel up for your day at Comma Coffee, where June’s Morning Benediction is a household favorite. With names like Spanish “eggs”quisition and French flirtation the witty menu will surely elicit a chuckle while the food itself will make you smile.
Take a hike… or, a walk in the park
Early mornings or evenings are great times to lace up your shoes and explore one of the many hiking trails that surround Carson City. Those wanting a mellow pace are encouraged to check out the Kings Canyon Waterfall, a 25 foot cascading beauty. Kings Canyon Waterfall is a short five minute drive west of downtown. From the trailhead it’s a quarter mile hike to the falls. You can also extend the hike, by taking the loop trail for an additional mile or you can try the three-mile loop. Another great summer hiking option is the Creek Trail in Ash Canyon.
If hiking isn’t your thing, Mills Park is a great place to take a shady stroll or enjoy the Farmers Market there from 8:30-1:00. This 51-acre community park even features a miniature train, which is brought out for special events allowing children to clammer aboard and ride with a conductor around the park.
History buffs can’t miss the Kit Carson Trail, a 2.5 mile path through Carson City’s historic district. It features stops at landmarks including 1800s-era Victorian-style homes, museums and churches. A downloadable map is available online or visitors can stop by the Carson City Visitors Center at 716 N. Carson Street.
“Live with what you love!”
In the afternoon, spend time exploring the historic Downtown Carson City shopping district. The stores here are surrounded by iconic scenery and filled with friendly locals and passionate owners like Julie from Due Sorella, fondly known as “Two Sisters,” a collection of vintage, repurposed antiques in farmhouse and french styles. From antique lovers to discerning shoppers, the shopping district offers visitors the opportunity to explore shops unlike those they would find elsewhere.
After a day of exploring, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite. Here are some additional suggestions for eating and drinking like a local in Carson City.
Sunday
Sundays in Carson City are filled with plenty of ways to relax and unwind in preparation for the week ahead.
Northern Nevada’s best kept secret
Surrounded by alpine lakes and rivers, there are an abundance of fishing opportunities around the foothills of the Eastern Sierra. In fact, people come from all over the world to fish the elusive Cutthroat trout. The Carson River, in the heart of the city, contains an abundance of rainbow trout, carp, bass and whitefish. Kids love trying their hand at angling at Baily Fishing Pond, a 15-feet deep fresh water in-flow from Clear Creek, that is stocked with Rainbow Trout by the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
Hit the links
With the Sierra Nevada mountains as your backdrop, some of the best golf courses can be found in and around Carson City. Four courses can be found in Carson City proper, with five additional courses in the surrounding area. The toughest dilemma visitors will face aren’t the courses themselves, but rather, which one to play.
Last but not least
Finally, a trip to Carson City isn’t complete without a stop at the Carson Hot Springs Resort. Boasting the second purest water in the world, the hot springs include an outdoor pool and patio as well as nine indoor private pools. The natural mineral hot springs are a great way to release any remaining tension before heading home.
Where to stay
Visitors to Carson City can rest and recharge at a number of hotels including the Saint Charles Hotel, offering completely remodeled, comfortable and cozy suites centrally located in Downtown Carson City in McFadden Plaza. The new Staybridge Suites, which opened in May 2021, is a great option for families featuring pet-friendly accommodations and an outdoor heated pool.
Summer Event
The summer months will once again offer a number of exciting events to choose from.
- Free, family-friendly concerts are on tap this summer with the Levitt AMP Carson City concert series. Concerts will take place at the Brewery Arts Center and will run every Saturday from July 10 through Aug. 28. A complete schedule of events can be found online.
- Every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.at the Marv Teixteira Pavilion in Mills Park, the Saturday Farmers Market will feature fresh produce from Nevada Certified Farmers Market growers. The Market also offers a variety of house and garden plants and numerous handmade arts and crafts. Families can also ride the Mills Park Train on operating weekends.
Be sure to check out the events calendar before visiting as more events are being added each week.