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Outdoor Trip Itinerary

The Great Outdoors of Northern Nevada

Outdoor Itinerary

Morning

Begin your first day in Carson City with a morning boost from one of downtown’s coffee or juice shops. Comma Coffee, So Juicy, and Old World Coffee Lab call downtown home, and each cafe has a delicious and fresh menu that’s sure to give you the morning buzz necessary for a day of adventure.

After breakfast, head for the hills just outside Carson City to hike the stunning Ash to Kings Canyon Trail. This award-winning, 7-mile trail connects two of Carson City’s most scenic canyons, taking hikers past a 25-foot waterfall and through multiple landscapes. If you prefer to tour the canyon on a bike, cyclists are also welcome on the trail. If you enjoy photography, bring your camera, because this trail provides several panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Sierra Nevada.

Afternoon

If you’ve worked up an appetite, stop for lunch at Fox Brewpub in downtown Carson City. The Fox Brewpub is a traditional, English-style pub located in the Historic St. Charles Hotel and is local favorite for good eats and beer.

After lunch, swing by one of the four Carson City golf courses to play a round of golf or hit some balls on the driving range. Silver Oak Golf Course’s Cadillac Driving Range features buried vintage cars that were hand-painted by students of the National Art Education Society. Or head over to to Eagle Valley Golf Course to play one of two 18 hold courses.

If golf isn't in the cards, make your way to the Carson City Hot Springs Resort, which is home to some of the best mineral water in the West. The resort perfectly blends an ancient, naturally occurring hot spring with the comfort of a modern pool.

Carson City is host to numerous events each month, so be sure to check out our event calendar to see what’s happening in Carson City during your trip. From live music, theater, to guided hikes and more, there’s something for everyone in Nevada’s capital.

Evening

End your Carson City day with dinner and drinks. Downtown Carson City boasts many delicious restaurants and exciting bars. The newest restaurant to the city, Carson Piazza Bar serves local, seasonal fare and imported delicacies in their small plate approach. Great Basin Brewery serves sophisticated pub fare and freshly brewed beers. The Basil is a local favorite Thai food restaurant with inspired and creative takes on traditional Thai dishes. Juan's Mexican Grill is a family owned Mexican restaurant with delectable dishes and sides.

If you spend your afternoon at the Carson City Hot Springs, walk next door to Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint for dinner. Afterwards, you can walk to the award-winning Shoe Tree Brewing Company for an after dinner ale or lager. If you hit all three you've completed the Carson City Triathlon!

Day 1

Begin your first day in Carson City with a morning boost from Comma Coffee, downtown Carson City’s most eclectic coffee shop. Comma Coffee hopes to be the pause in any visitor’s busy day. The shop is housed in an old mortuary, reflecting the city’s unique history. Comma Coffee serves coffee, juices and smoothies, breakfast dishes, lunch and dinner. With an inviting atmosphere and friendly staff, you’re sure to receive a side Carson City hospitality with your breakfast or brew.

Head for the hills just outside Carson City to hike the stunning Ash to Kings Canyon Trail. This award-winning, 7-mile trail connects two of Carson City’s most scenic canyons, taking hikers past a 25-foot waterfall and through multiple landscapes. If you prefer to tour the canyon on a bike, cyclists are also welcome on the trail. If you enjoy photography, bring your camera, because this trail provides several panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and Sierra Nevada mountains.

If you’ve worked up an appetite, stop for lunch at Fox Brewpub in downtown Carson City. The Fox Brewpub is a traditional, English-style pub located in the Historic St. Charles Hotel and is local favorite for good eats and beer.

After lunch, swing by one of the four Carson City golf courses to play a round of golf or hit some balls on the driving range. Silver Oak Golf Course’s Cadillac Driving Range features buried vintage cars that were hand-painted by students of the National Art Education Society. Or head over to to Eagle Valley Golf Course to play one of two 18 hold courses.

End your inaugural Carson City day with dinner and drinks. Downtown Carson City is host to many delicious restaurants and exciting bars. The newest restaurant to the city, Carson Piazza Bar serves local, seasonal fare and imported delicacies in their small plate approach, all paired with crafted cocktails, an expert wine selection.

Take an after dinner stroll around Carson City’s historic downtown or the State Capitol grounds to finish your day. Carson City was founded in 1858, and the downtown region reflects the city’s rich history and frontier past.

Day 2

No trip to northern Nevada is complete without a trip to majestic Lake Tahoe. Carson City is the perfect starting place for a day at the lake. Begin your day with breakfast from So Juicy, a juice and salad bar in downtown. So Juicy has a wide assortment of freshly pressed juice, organic kombucha, smoothies, acai bowls and salads. Grab a juice, bowl, or smoothie for breakfast and pick up a salad for a Lake Tahoe picnic lunch.

Lake Tahoe is a quick and scenic drive southwest of Carson City. From your hotel, a drive to the lake will take you just over 30 minutes along Highway 50, which is often called “the Loneliest Road in America.”

Believe it or not, Carson City has beachfront property at Lake Tahoe. Chimney Beach sits on Highway 28, between Spooner Lake and Sand Harbor. It’s a hidden cove with a sandy beach that provides visitors the opportunity to explore the many trails dotting the western edge of Lake Tahoe. Chimney Beach has a small but well-defined parking lot at the east side of the road with a marked trailhead. The hike is about two miles long, but well worth it in the end. The crystal clear water, pristine beach, and the old chimney for which the beach is named make this the perfect spot to experience the magnificence of Lake Tahoe. If you brought a camera, don’t forget to pack it along! Chimney Beach provides some of the best lakeside vistas available.

If you’re visiting Carson City in the winter months, skip the beach and hit the slopes instead. Lake Tahoe has some of the best skiing and snowboarding on the west coast. Heavenly, Diamond Peak and Mt. Rose are all about 30 minutes away from Carson City, but the region is home to 14 ski resorts total. Most resorts allow you to rent gear and take lessons, making it perfect for adventurers of all skill levels.

When your day at the lake is complete, head down the hill and back into Carson City. Check out The Basil or San Marcos Grill for dinner. The Basil is a Thai food restaurant with inspired and creative takes on traditional Thai dishes. The restaurant uses high-quality meats paired with fresh veggies and herbs to maximize flavor. San Marcos Grill is a family owned mexican restaurant with delectable dishes and sides. The diverse menu includes tacos, fajitas, and unique house specials. If you want an after dinner treat, head to the Pour House or Old Globe Saloon for a nightcap.

Day 3

On your final day in Carson City, relax and unwind in the great outdoors. Begin your final day with a buzz from Old World Coffee Lab. Old World serves precision roasted, small batch coffees. The menu includes drip coffee, pour over, espresso, cold brew and more. They also offer a selection of hand-crafted seasonal drinks and pastries. One of the best parts of Old World Coffee Lab is the beautiful patio, which provides views of the city’s downtown district and the gorgeous surrounding hills. The patio also has a firepit to keep you toasty even on cooler days.

If you enjoy fishing, you can quickly purchase a Nevada Fishing License online and fish at several locations throughout the region. The Carson River is a local favorite spot for fishing, and Baily Fishing Pond, near the Carson City Fairgrounds, is stocked with Rainbow Trout by the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Afterwards, head to the Carson City Hot Springs Resort, which is home to some of the best mineral water in the West. The resort perfectly blends an ancient, naturally occurring hot spring with the comfort of a modern pool. The warm water naturally flows into the beautifully crafted and well-maintained pools. The hot springs are drained each night and refilled everyday after being cleaned, eliminating the need to use harsh cleaning chemicals like chlorine. These hot springs are the perfect way to relax, either outside at the large pool, or inside in one of the private rooms.

Once you’ve soaked away your worries, walk next door to Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint for dinner. This funky venue features unique dishes inspired by various world cultures. From poke to nachos to salads, pizza, burgers and more, there’s sure to be a dish for every palate at Sassafras. The restaurant also offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.

After dinner, head next door to Shoe Tree Brewing Company. This local-favorite brewery produces around 600 barrels of beer each year. The brewery has an onsite tasting room that serves craft beers on tap. The Carson City Hot Springs, Sassafras, and Shoe Tree Brewing are all next door to each other, making this a perfect one-stop experience to conclude your Carson City getaway.

Rest And Recharge In Carson City

Relax and unwind after your day of exploring Northern Nevada. Carson City offers a variety of places to stay to suit your style and budget.