The Best Things to Do in Carson City, Nevada for a Weekend Trip

Last Updated on October 18, 2024

Looking for things to do in Carson City, Nevada? As the capital of Nevada, Carson City is a hidden gem that has so much to offer.

From historic sites and museums to train rides, hiking trails, and even wild horses, there are so many fun things to explore in the downtown area and beyond.

I recently took a trip to Carson City for a long 4-day weekend and was able to experience a lot of the great things this city has to offer. Let’s face it: more than 4 days are needed to explore any city fully.

Thankfully, with the help of Visit Carson City, I was able to explore lots of the many Carson City things to do with the limited time I had.

Let’s look at the best things to do in Carson City and what makes this city such a great place to visit.

Quick Overview

• Carson City is so full of history! For starters, it’s home to the Nevada Capitol Building. From there, you can see lots of other historical sites such as the Nevada State Museum and the buildings along the Kit Carson Trail to experience the cultural history in town.
• Outdoor lovers can check out the many scenic hikes and viewing points, like hiking to Kings Canyon Waterfall, riding the Virginia & Truckee Railway, or taking a day trip to Lake Tahoe for great activities, beautiful beaches, and more.
• Downtown Carson City really is the hub of the city and a great launching point for your Carson City trip. It’s home to so many Carson City attractions, including unique shopping spots, special events, museums, great restaurants, hotels, coffee shops, and many more great places to shop, dine, and beyond.

10 Things to Do in Carson City, Nevada for a Weekend Trip

Explore the Nevada State Capitol

In case you didn’t know, Carson City is the capital city of the state of Nevada. And naturally, one of the most famous landmarks in Carson City is the Nevada State Capitol. Built in 1871, this beautiful historic building is the seat of government for Nevada and is a showcase of the state’s history.

The Capitol’s design is 19th century, and once you walk inside you can see the legislative chambers, the governor’s press office, Battle Born Hall, and more.

When you first get to the Nevada State Capitol, you’re first greeted with beautiful greenery, monuments, and tons of trees outside. On a nice day, you’ll see lots of professionals and locals walking through the park-like grounds, chatting it up with friends and coworkers and enjoying some coffee from one of the nearby coffee shops.

Whether you’re visiting Nevada’s capital city for the outdoors recreation, history, or architecture, the Nevada State Capitol is a must-see that’s definitely worth the peaceful walk it comes with.

Note: The capitol building is also one of the many stops along the Kit Carson Trail, so if you’re exploring the city via this trail then you’re all set!

Stroll Along the Kit Carson Trail

Speaking of, Kit Carson Trail is definitely one of the best activities in Carson City to check out, especially for visitors with limited time. This free self-guided walking tour is just about 2.5 miles long and a great way to discover much of Carson City’s historic landmarks.

Named after the famous explorer and frontiersman Kit Carson, the trail takes you around the Carson City downtown area to see nearly 50 Victorian homes, museums, and churches– each with its own story.

On the second morning of my trip after grabbing some coffee from Old World Coffee Roasters (my favorite coffee shop in the city), I walked this trail as my morning stroll of sorts. The trail is very walkable and paved, but just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water as the walk can take a while depending on your pace.

All in all, this trail is perfect for history and architecture buffs and a great way to see some of Carson City’s main attractions. I put together this Instagram Reel showing my favorite stops along the Kit Carson Trail, including the Governor’s Mansion, Stewart House, Cavell House, and Paul Laxalt Building.

Pro tip: Visit Carson City provides a free walking audio guide for the Kit Carson Trail as well, which provides deeper dive info on the culture and history of each site.

Try Carson City’s Culinary Hits

I love food. Heck, everyone loves food. And what better way to experience a city than to eat your way through it? I was surprised (and glad) to find out that Carson City has a diverse dining scene, so you can pretty much find any kind of food you’re in the mood for.

There’s Sassafras, which serves up inventive dishes like the Superfraggacheesalicious Loaf or the El Guapo Pizza. Then also Cucina Lupo (Italian), Z Bistro (French), Villa Basque Cafe (Basque), and the Cracker Box Diner (American).

But personally, my favorite of all the restaurants hands down was Red’s Old 395 Grill. The interior is decorated with lots of antique-esque posters and pieces of decor, which makes it a very unique dining experience, but the food was really what had me hooked.

They had a huge menu with just about every kind of dish you can think of, and the food was absolutely delicious.

For a fun detour, head just 20 minutes south of Carson City to Genoa, Nevada’s oldest settlement, which sits in the beautiful Carson Valley. While you’re there, check out the oldest bar in Nevada, the Genoa Bar & Saloon, which was established in 1851. For a casual fine dining experience, the 1862 Restaurant & Saloon has a rustic bar atmosphere that reflects the historic charm of the area.

All in all, Carson City has restaurants for every taste from traditional American to inventive.

Relax in Carson Hot Springs

Did you know that Carson City has its very own natural hot springs?

Carson Hot Springs is one of the best Carson City attractions that’s perfect if you’re looking to relax and unwind, or even melt away the soreness after a long day of exploring the many outdoor activities Carson City has to offer.

With a large cool water pool and three hot spring soaking pools, you can soak in the natural mineral water, which hovers around 121°F. If you’re looking for a more private experience, the facility also has 9 Mini-Spas with temperatures ranging from 95-104°F.

The hot springs are open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, making it super convenient to get some relaxation time during your visit to Carson City.

Hike to Kings Canyon Waterfall

For nature enthusiasts (like myself), a hike to Kings Canyon Waterfall is an absolute must when it comes to Carson City outdoor activities. I’ve hiked to waterfalls in my lifetime, and many of them usually take miles of hiking through forests and jungles before you get to them. Thankfully, the Kings Canyon Waterfall isn’t one of them.

First of all, the waterfall is only about a five-minute drive from downtown Carson City. From there, the trail itself is only about .25 miles, making it a great way to start or end your day. It’s generally easy with very few steep climbs so it’s great for families and hikers of all skill levels.

The waterfall is 25-30 feet tall and even though it was amazing when I visited in September, locals say that it’s even more beautiful in the spring and early summer when the water is at its peak.

Along the hike, you can look out behind you to see a great view of Carson City and the mountainscape in the distance.

The hike is 175 feet elevation gain and can take a few minutes to an hour depending on your pace. If you want to continue for a slightly longer hike, you can take the loop trail for an extra mile or even try the longer connecting 3-mile hiking trail.

Explore the Virginia & Truckee Railway

The Virginia & Truckee Railway is a historical gem for train buffs and adventure lovers. Established way back in 1869, this historic railway played a pivotal role during the Comstock Lode era, transporting silver and gold from the mines of Virginia City to Carson City and beyond.

In fact, this iconic railway is often considered one of the most famous short-line railroads in American history, and it offers a unique view into another time in history, with beautifully restored steam and diesel locomotives.

The ride itself is beautiful as well! As you ride through the Nevada landscape, you’ll get to enjoy panoramic views of the Carson River, Carson Valley, Reno, and the Nevada countryside. The ride can be either roundtrip or one-way, depending on what you choose at the time of booking.

If you’re a history buff or just love all things vintage, the Virginia & Truckee Railway is one of the best activities in Carson City to check out during your visit.

Take a Day Trip to Lake Tahoe

If you haven’t heard of Lake Tahoe, then you might just be living under a rock. In all its glory, Lake Tahoe is just a quick 30-minute drive from Carson City and is an absolute must-see, with its famously clear water and beautiful scenery.

Whether you like hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or swimming, Lake Tahoe has it all. The scenery and wide range of activities make Lake Tahoe a perfect day trip for outdoor lovers or anyone just looking to soak in the views.

I personally recommended taking a scenic drive along the 72-mile Lake Tahoe Loop which takes you around the lake and all of its surrounding landscapes. Some of my favorite stops along the way are Emerald Bay State Park, Sand Harbor, Incline Village, Secret Cove Beach (Nude) Beach, and Tahoe City.

I spent most of my time hiking and in the water, but you can spend your day hiking, swimming in the lake, biking one of the many biking trails, checking out unique shopping opportunities, or even just joyriding– the ride along the coast of Lake Tahoe is seriously beautiful.

Tour the Nevada State Railroad Museum

During my trip to Carson City, I made sure to stop by the Nevada State Railroad Museum, which is conveniently located just a mile south of downtown Carson City. For anyone interested in Nevada’s railroad history, this museum was a treasure trove with tons of history and culture to dive into.

As you walk through the museum you can check out locomotives, coaches, and other pieces of railroading history that were both educational and entertaining.

One of my favorite exhibits at the museum was the V&T Coach No. 17, which played a major role in the Golden Spike ceremony that marked the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad. The museum has lots of exhibits of railroad equipment, and some of it has even made appearances in movies.

I’m definitely more of an outdoor nature lover myself, but this was one of the cooler museums I’ve visited in a while. It’s definitely one of the best Carson City attractions to check out if you have some time.

Enjoy Carson City Shopping

I’ll be honest: I’m not a big shopper. I’m actually a bit of a minimalist, so I tend to travel light and only buy things when needed. But when I visited Carson City, I found myself strolling through town to explore all the cool shops they have.

Carson City’s historic downtown is a shopping district like no other. If you’re an antique lover or looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, you’ll find lots of great options. On Carson Street and the many streets beyond, there are lots of specialty shops that feature handmade goods and art from local artists, so you can explore the local culture and creativity that runs through Carson City.

I wasn’t able to attend any, but lots of local businesses often host events to bring the city community together and showcase their products. Even if you’re not a big shopper like me, you’ll still enjoy checking out at least some of the many Carson City shopping options throughout town.

Enjoy Arts at the Brewery Arts Center

Aside from being out in nature, I love checking out the local art scene whenever I visit a new city. When I visited Carson City, I made sure to stop by the Brewery Arts Center, which is housed in a historic old brewery building downtown.

There’s lots of art to explore around the city (including the Welcome to Carson City wall art), but I’d say this place is the heart of the arts scene in Carson City. Throughout the year, there are lots of events happening at the center including art exhibits, galleries, concerts, plays, and even stand-up comedy shows.

It’s a cool and vibrant spot in town that really seems to bring the local community together.

Whether you’re a big fan of the arts or just trying to soak in some of the local Carson City culture, the Brewery Arts Center is definitely worth checking out. I found it to be a great way to experience the creative spirit of Carson City.

Closing Thoughts

After my trip to Carson City, I can honestly say it’s a place that has something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature buff like me or just love to explore new places, Carson City has something for literally anyone and everyone.

I started my 4-day adventure with a visit to the Nevada Capitol Building, which is a must-see for anyone interested in the state’s history. Walking through the Kit Carson Trail was like stepping back in time, with all the beautiful Victorian homes and historic sites.

If you’re into nature, the short hike to Kings Canyon Waterfall is a perfect way to start your day. And don’t even get me started on the day trip to Lake Tahoe – the views are absolutely surreal, and there’s so much to do, from hiking to just chillin’ by the lake.

Foodies will love Carson City’s diverse dining scene. I had some of the best meals at places like Red’s Old 395 Grill and you can even check out the oldest bar in Nevada, the Genoa Bar & Saloon, just 20 minutes away in Genoa. And if you need to unwind, Carson Hot Springs is the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring.

Overall, Carson City was an amazing experience that was one for the books. I can’t wait to go back. Whether you’re into history, outdoor activities, or just want to soak in the local culture, this city has it all.

I hope this has been helpful, but as they say: experience is the best teacher. So pack your bags and see for yourself what makes Carson City such a great destination to visit in any season!

FAQs

What are the must-see historical sites in Carson City?

You can’t miss the Nevada State Capitol, the Nevada State Museum, the Stewart Indian School, or the Kit Carson Trail to really get a feel for Carson City’s history.

What to eat in Carson City?

For a good dining experience in Carson City don’t miss Red’s Old 395 Grill for burgers and seafood, Squeeze In for breakfast or brunch, and a side trip to see the historic Genoa Bar & Saloon. You’ll find something no matter what you’re craving, honestly.

What’s the best airport to fly into to visit Carson City?

The closest airport, the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, is in Reno, Nevada. It’s only about a 30-minute drive by car.