Often overshadowed by its flashier Nevada sibling, Reno is quietly becoming a hotspot for summer adventurers seeking art, entertainment, history, and high-stakes fun. Nestled beside the Eastern Sierra foothills and home to around 275,000 residents, this once-hidden gem offers more than just casinos and ski getaways. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, history buff, or art lover, here’s how to experience the best of Reno this season.
Roll the Dice on Reno’s Entertainment Row
Forget what you think you know about Reno. Its downtown “Row” — a trio of massive hotel-casinos including the Eldorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus — is a buzzing entertainment corridor that blends old-school charm with modern flair. Owned by Caesars Entertainment, these resorts are interconnected via indoor skyways, making it easy to explore each without stepping outdoors.
- The Eldorado is known for its upscale ambiance and refined appeal.
- Circus Circus brings family-friendly fun with a sprawling arcade.
- Silver Legacy is where nightlife takes centre stage, featuring celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant and the always-happening Aura Ultra Lounge.
Gone are the days of cigarette smoke haze—these venues have embraced a more modern, vape-friendly environment that makes visiting more pleasant for everyone.
Dive into the Deep Past at the Nevada Museum of Art
Long before the slot machines and neon lights, Reno was submerged under ancient seas. Today, remnants of that aquatic past are on display at the Nevada Museum of Art, which hosts Deep Time, a temporary exhibition celebrating the mighty ichthyosaur — a colossal marine reptile from the Triassic period.
This 9,000-square-foot exhibit showcases the world’s most complete ichthyosaur fossil, alongside interactive installations and an immersive underwater viewing experience. Kids will be wowed by a massive dinosaur toy collection, while adults can take a trippy visual tour through prehistoric eyes. Admission is just $15, making it an accessible and educational stop for all.
Murals, Magic, and Burning Man Vibes
Reno wears its art on its sleeve — or more accurately, on its walls. The city’s downtown area is bursting with colourful murals, many of which can be explored through Pineapple Pedicab’s guided art tours. Renowned local artist Erik Burke (a.k.a. E.B.) has adorned several buildings with large-scale pieces, often signed with his age at completion.
The tour also features surreal installations, including a bisected bus from Burning Man and the awe-inspiring Space Whale — a stained-glass sculpture of a whale and calf. For $55, this one-hour pedicab ride through “Art Town” offers a unique, Instagram-worthy perspective on Reno’s vibrant creative community.
A Paradise for Car Lovers
A short walk from the Row, the National Automobile Museum is a mecca for auto enthusiasts. Showcasing over 240 classic and one-of-a-kind vehicles, this museum is largely thanks to hotel-casino mogul William Fisk Harrah, who amassed a staggering collection of 1,400 cars in his lifetime.
Today, visitors can wander through themed galleries featuring everything from early electric cars to celebrity vehicles. Some cars are even up for adoption — if you’ve got the budget and the garage space. It’s a fascinating trip through automotive history that’s as engaging for casual tourists as it is for die-hard gearheads.
Reno’s Summer Scene: More Than a Pit Stop
This summer, Reno is rewriting its story — no longer just a satellite city to Vegas or a winter wonderland for skiers. With its thriving arts scene, hands-on history, and revamped casino culture, Reno offers something for everyone under the desert sun.
So pack your bags and head to the “Biggest Little City in the World”. Whether you’re strolling through outdoor murals, discovering prehistoric giants, or living it up on the casino floor, Reno is ready to surprise you.
Tip: Visit before mid-January 2026 to catch the Deep Time exhibit at the Nevada Museum of Art and see the ichthyosaur before it swims back into the past.
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