Dreaming about spring? Yeah, us too. This makes now the perfect time to plan a late spring/early summer escape to Carson City, Nevada. After all, the days are getting lighter, which means there’s even more time to play outside. 

In the famous words of Nancy Sinatra, “those boots were made for walking.” But you can choose whatever footwear you want when you visit Carson City, as it’s a very safe and accessible place. It doesn’t get much better than being able to shop, dine and experience Nevada’s history all while getting some miles in—whether that’s in your walking shoes or on your bicycle! To prove it, we’ve compiled a list of experiences you can participate in during your next visit.

Stroll through downtown

As you walk through the heart of Carson City, you’ll find featured family attractions and a historic downtown shopping district.

Family-friendly attractions

Carson City has attractions for visitors of all ages. Designed to  inspire their creativity, help them connect with Nevada’s culture and history, and allow them to have fun in a safe environment, these sites shouldn’t be missed:

  • Brewery Arts Center: Our local arts & culture hub for events like the free Levitt AMP Concert Series during the summer, theater events, interactive murals and other classes
  • Bob McFadden Plaza: A central location for many businesses and a splash pad that opens every summer for children to play at
  • Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada: A play-based learning experience for children and their families that is rooted in the arts, sciences, humanities and history

Shop til you drop

We have quite the selection of shops for you to explore as you venture through the city. If you’re looking for a fun souvenir for yourself or a loved one, we’ve always had great luck at these stores:

  • Rocking and Rolling: Your one-stop shop for rocks, crystals, jewelry and local art
  • The Purple Avocado: Voted the “Best Gift Shop” with its eclectic selection of home decor, stationary, sweet treats and more
  • Hanifin’s Arts & Antiques: The largest antique shop in northern Nevada with items and artwork from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries

 

But that’s not all! We have a list of all the wonderful vendors in downtown Carson City.

The closest you’ll get to a time machine

We all love a good walk down memory lane. For history buffs, families excited to learn more about Nevada and those who seek experiences specific to their location, Carson City offers a wide-range of activities that you can do on foot.

 

When Virginia City was booming with silver and gold deposits, it was decided we’d need freight wagons to carry heavy ore from the mines to the mills. In March 1868, Virginia and Truckee Railroad Company was born. You can learn more about Carson City’s historic railways by coming aboard the V&T Railway, exploring the Nevada State Railroad Museum and by pedaling to the metal with your friends and family on the Carson Canyon Railbike Tour during the summertime.

 

The Kit Carson Trail takes you through Carson City’s historic district, where you can take in Victorian-style homes, museums and churches. Stay informed during the 2.5-mile walk with an interactive audio tour or by watching a Nevada State Museum docent step back in time. Of course, you can also take to the asphalt with your bike to enjoy a ride through the tree-lined streets!

 

Should you like to live life on the edge, we even offer a seasonal guided ghost tour with Madame Curry, who leads you through the district’s west side as she details hauntings and paranormal stories.

 

You can continue your cardio extravaganza by stepping into nature with hiking and biking trails.

Run for the hills

Okay, you don’t actually have to run unless you’re into that (and if you are, might we suggest the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Relay Run? It happens in the beginning of June every year, and Carson City is part of the 178-mile path).

 

Outdoor recreation is one of the top five reasons people visit Carson City, and it’s no surprise why! Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains and scenic desert terrain, there are hiking and biking trails for adventurers of all levels.

Hiking routes

  • Kings Canyon Waterfall: A short hike that leads to the 25-foot cascading waterfall and is easy terrain for the whole family to enjoy
  • Riverview Park: A mile-long loop that takes you alongside a gorgeous section of the Carson River
  • North Loop Trail: A 3.8-mile trek for intermediate hikers in the Prison Hill Recreation Area
  • Ash to Kings Trail: An award-winning 7-mile route close to Carson City for experienced hikers that guides you through multiple landscapes

Biking paths

Carson City offers just as many mountain biking and road cycling options as hiking routes. Continue riding around on the road with the V&T Trail, the Linear Park Trail and advanced routes like Kingsbury Grade. But, if you’ve come to immerse yourself in nature, Carson City is well-known for its mountain biking experiences. Ready to compete? Be sure to check out Stetina’s Paydirt with a purse prize you’ll for sure want to cash in on.

 

All that exercise sure can make you hungry. Luckily, Carson City is an ever-expanding foodie haven that has cuisine within walking (or biking) distance. Check out all of the food and drink options available.

Let’s get in those miles

Carson City truly has something for everyone, whether you’re on foot or seated on a bike. We’ve even created a spring checklist, a step-by-step summer weekend plan or a guide to the perfect trip in fall, so you can plan ahead and make the most of whichever season you’re spending with us.