Reno Tahoe Summer Bucket List
Summer Itinerary for Visiting Reno Tahoe
There’s no place quite like it - a perfect intersection where the Truckee River meets the creative enclaves that inspire Burning Man. A landscape with lakes throughout and a downtown that glows with casino resorts, art light exhibits, and an acclaimed food scene. From a car-free bike ride beside Lake Tahoe’s less-visited shore, to a secret sunset summit, and cool outdoor dining spots, here’s a bucket list of 5 ideas to get you inspired.
Sunsets and Stargazing
As the sun sinks behind the Sierra, the lights come up in Reno. Catch this spectacle from a rewarding hike just outside of town. At Huffaker Hills, hike from the parking area to a high point in this sweeping open space with panoramas of the mountains and downtown Reno. The golden hour includes the sun, and some of the neon glow from below. It’s distinctly Reno.
Bike to Hidden Coves at Lake Tahoe
For those who like to name drop iconic bike routes, how about taking the whole family (including the dog) on what’s been dubbed “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway.” Otherwise known as the Tahoe East Shore Trail, this multi-use and car-free paved path gets plenty of accolades for good reasons. It’s got the best views of Lake Tahoe on the Nevada shoreline, and you can access beach coves along the paved 3-mile trail. As you cruise along the trail, Crystal Bay glistens beside you. Within a mile, you’ll be at Hidden Beach, one of several vantages where you can clamber up a granite boulder for some photos and a snack break.
BONUS: There’s a dedicated parking lot near Tunnel Creek Café, allowing easy access from your car to the Tahoe East Shore Trail. There are also bathrooms and bike repair stations along the route.
TIP: Reno’s all-around biking culture has emerged as one of the country’s best. Within minutes of downtown you’ll find a bevy of mountain and gravel bike trails beloved by locals. From Peavine Mountain to Keystone Canyon, trails range from beginner-friendly to thrill-seekers only.
Peak a View
This “Rose” blooms above all others. Late spring and summer are good times to tackle the 10-mile out-and-back hike to the summit of Mount Rose (10,778 feet). The reward? One of the best views in all of Reno Tahoe. A waterfall early in the hike is a bonus. It’s a more challenging hike as far as huffs and puffs (you’ll ascend 2,425 feet); so take your time and be sure to take in the panoramas too. You can do it! And when you do, enjoy the ridge walk with blue-tiful 360-degree views of Lake Tahoe, Reno, the Virginia Range, and other Sierra icons like Mount Tallac.
Go with the Float
It’s one of the cleanest and most well-preserved rivers you’ll ever see thanks to dedicated local efforts. And it flows right through downtown Reno. It’s the Truckee River! Get your fill of this refreshing river by joining a guided rafting tour or get a refreshment at a riverside restaurant and watch rafts, kayaks and tubers float by.
Alternatively get on board for a healthy float in the blue zones: as in a SUP paddleboard on the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe. You can rent boards and other watercraft at Kings Beach Recreational Area in Tahoe or at Sparks Marina in Reno.
Watercraft Rentals in Reno Tahoe
Patio and Outdoor Dining
If your type of adventure is more the culinary kind, Reno has you covered! Creative food and drinks put a new spin on old classics.
Light up your Friday night with more than Reno’s famous downtown neon art exhibits. Food Truck Friday is a bright spot in the week at beautiful Idlewild Park. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. June through August, enjoy Reno Street Food at one the largest weekly food truck events in the country.
Exposed brick, local art, fresh tapas, and artful cocktails … all roads lead to Centro Reno. The food is so beautifully presented it’s like art on a plate, but of course the Korean BBQ spiced roasted cauliflower and sweet chili sauce Sticky Ribs are meant to be eaten; and perhaps paired with a Basil Orange Creamsicle mocktail or a Mango Tango tequila cocktail.
Located inside the chic Jesse Hotel in downtown Reno, Estella is where ghost pepper meets mezcal in a New Moon cocktail. Or just go for The Usual (tequila, ginger, orange, and lime). Whatever your preference (including no alcohol options), pair your thirst for adventure with fresh Mediterranean influenced small dishes like Shrimp Saganaki Flatbread and grilled lamb skewers with tzatziki.
Located in a former Porsche dealership, you might not expect a restaurant, but that’s just the thing about La Condesa Eatery—it’s full of surprises. The super chic atmosphere is decidedly down-to-earth in vibe, with just enough edge in its fusion menu of comfort foods. Yelp named La Condesa a top 100 restaurant in America. Popular dishes include Black Angus Rib Eye Tacos and Yellowfin Ahi Ceviche, and the Crispy Chicken Sandwich. Seasonal ingredients and unabashed trendy flavors feature into the cocktails here.
