9 Hidden Gems in Carson City You Have to Check Out (Nevada’s Capital)

Last Updated on October 18, 2024

Looking for lesser-known gems in Carson City? I visited Carson City for the first time in September of 2024 and it was one of the best stateside trips I’ve been on. Sure, I love to visit touristy attractions wherever I go, but I also always make it a point to visit the lesser-known spots when I travel.

My trip to Carson City was no exception.

Keep reading for the best of the best unique spots and experiences in Carson City. From a secret cove in Lake Tahoe to tons of historical stopping points, these are places you won’t want to miss during your trip to Carson City, Nevada’s capital.

Quick Highlights

• The Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum is home to Native American history and culture through exhibits and lots of local involvement.
• Outdoor lovers can find hidden gems like Secret Cove Beach and Carson River, which offer natural beauty and recreation for all levels.
• Local hotspots like Charlie B Gallery and the Nevada State Capitol building showcase Carson City’s art scene and architecture.
• Foodies will love trying Tee Jay’s Corner Cafe, a hidden restaurant located inside the Cactus Jack’s Casino.

9 Lesser-Known Things to Do in Carson City, Nevada

Explore Carson City’s Hidden History at the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum

Culture and history buffs: this one’s for you. One of the first attractions I checked out in Carson City was the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum. This place, founded way back in 1890, offers an amazing and eye-opening glimpse into the lives of Native American students from the Great Basin tribes.

The museum’s goal is to keep these stories alive and celebrate the incredible strength and achievements of these beautiful communities.

Once you walk inside, you’ll find exhibits featuring contemporary Native art, storytelling, and crafted art pieces, with each thoughtfully honoring the tribes’ deep connection to their land and helping visitors like me appreciate their rich cultural heritage.

The community’s involvement really makes this museum a lively tribute to the Native American spirit.

On top of this, they also have a mix of engaging public programs, making the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum stand out as one of the best Carson City museums to check out.

It’s both an educational and inspiring experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to take a deeper dive into Nevada’s Native American history.

Win (or Lose) Money at Casino Fandango

I’ve never been a big gambler. I don’t know, I just don’t like the idea of losing money. Or maybe I just suck at it, not sure. But when I visited Carson City, I went out of character and checked out the Casino Fandango– and I’m glad I did.

As soon as you step inside, you’re met with that lively Vegas-like buzz that makes you want to try your luck. The casino floor is packed with lots of gaming options for sportsbook betting, slot machines, poker, and more, and everyone is having the time of their lives.

Coming from a relaxing and quiet walk around downtown, the casino felt like an adrenaline rush I had to try out. I had the time of my life– and even won a few bucks.

So if you’re a thrill seeker like me, Casino Fandango in Carson City is the perfect spot to get your adrenaline pumping without having to lace up hiking boots or grab a mountain bike. With its lively vibe and a huge range of gaming options, this lesser-known gem is worth visiting while you’re in town.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities at Carson River

When I asked locals what the best place in town to enjoy some outdoor action was, many of them referred me to Carson River as their go-to spot. When I checked it out, it definitely didn’t disappoint.

This serene escape, only an 8-minute drive from downtown, offers a variety of outdoor activities whether you’re in the mood to unwind or get into action.

The river’s winding paths are perfect for hiking, cycling, kayaking, and (much) more, complete with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, rolling hills, and lush greenery that lines the riverbanks. As I hiked along the river, I found myself immersed in nature, enjoying the peaceful sounds of the flowing river water, the chirping birds, and the rustling leaves.

For cycling, the trails along the Carson River are well-maintained so you don’t have to worry about running into any majorly rough terrain along the way. Whether you’re looking to get into some hiking, cycling, kayaking, or even a quick stroll, Carson River is one of the best landmarks in town to check out.

Pro tip: The best access point for Carson River from Carson City is via Riverview Park. It’s only about 8 minutes away from downtown by car.

Discover the Beautiful Kings Canyon Waterfall

If you want to check out a short hike, that also just so happens to be a short drive from downtown Carson City, Kings Canyon Waterfall is your best bet. It may be a bit more well-known than the other attractions on this list, but Kings Canyon Waterfall is a quick gem that you just have to check out while visiting Carson City.

Standing at about 25 feet tall, this waterfall is just a short .25-mile hike from the parking lot. It’s beautiful all year round (I visited it in the fall, still beautiful), but locals say it’s in the springtime when it’s at its most impressive.

Along the quarter-mile hike from the trailhead, you can also see breathtaking views of Carson City and the mountainscape behind you.

I’m so glad I checked out Kings Canyon Waterfall during my trip– it truly showcases the natural beauty that Carson City has to offer. Even if hiking doesn’t interest you or you’re not an outdoorsy person, I promise you’ll be glad you checked out this waterfall.

Enjoy a Quiet Getaway at Silver Saddle Ranch

Silver Saddle Ranch is a relaxing gem tucked away within the Sierra Nevada Mountains. With over 700 acres of open meadows, historic ranch buildings, and trails, it’s a quiet escape that truly lets you get back to nature. I spent hours hiking around the area, checking out the sagebrush, ranchlands, wildlife, wetlands, you name it.

Sure, it’s called a “ranch”, but it’s not what you’d typically think of when you hear the word “ranch”. This ranch is more of a nature preserve park that’s open to the public for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, enjoying a nice picnic, or just a quick stop-by for a stroll.

The ranch is open for day use only, so it’s a perfect spot for a peaceful day trip. Trust me, life slows down here, and you can enjoy the simple things. As someone who works in tech and is always on the go, I really enjoyed my time at Silver Saddle.

Tip: For a seriously relaxing afternoon, bring a picnic and take your time to soak in the naturescape around you. It’s a great way to unwind and connect with the natural beauty of the Carson City area. And don’t forget your camera– the views are almost unreal.

Check out Local Art at the Charlie B Gallery and Vasefinder Museum

Artists and art lovers will love Charlie B Gallery and Vasefinder. Located in the popular Brewery Arts Center, this gallery features a wide variety of work by local Nevada artists.

And when I say a variety of work, you really can find everything here, from intricate pottery pieces to beautiful paintings on canvases.

The pieces are mostly Western-themed and truly reflect the rich cultural heritage of Carson City. And if you’re looking to buy some art pieces here, you’ll be glad to know that they aren’t overpriced like other large art markets around the world.

You can buy some amazing and unique art pieces at more-than-fair prices.

All in all, the Charlie B Gallery and Vasefinder is a fun place to check out some local art. The gallery staff will tell you the story behind the art pieces as well, so you can really understand the story behind every art piece.

Whether you’re an avid collector or just an art enthusiast, Charlie B Gallery and Vasefinder is a surefire bet that really gives you a feel of the artistic soul of Carson City.

Explore Historic Buildings Along the Kit Carson Trail

You’ll really feel like you’re taking a step back in time as you walk the Kit Carson Trail, a 2.5-mile historic walking path that runs through the heart of downtown Carson City.

This (free) living museum of sorts has over 50 historic sites to check out along the route, each with its unique history that dates way back to the 1800s and beyond.

It’s a great and scenic way to get your steps in too, in case you’re trying to get more steps in your day like I am.

As you walk along the trail through town, you’ll see amazing points of interest like the Nevada State Capitol Building, the symbol of the state’s government and history. The trail also takes you to the Governor’s Mansion, the official residence of the governors of Nevada since 1909.

Personally, my favorite stops along the Kit Carson Trail were the Nevada State Museum, the Bliss’ Mansion building, the Brewery Arts Center, St. Charles Hotel, Ferris Mansion, the Orion Clemens House, the Cavell House, and many other 19th-century homes with Victorian-era architecture.

Note: All of the stops along the Kit Carson Trail are marked with stone signs and number markets that provide historical info to help you along the trail.

Grub at Tee Jay’s Corner Cafe

Right in the heart of downtown Carson City, Tee Jay’s Corner Cafe is a restaurant I stumbled upon randomly. And I’m glad I did because I ended up absolutely loving the food there.

Tee Jay’s serves up a unique mix of Indonesian and American cuisine. The family-owned cafe is warm and cozy too, and the owners often come out to greet customers like myself. The menu is a flavor fest with popular items like Drunken Noods and breakfast items available all day.

I’m no food expert like Guy Fieri, but I think what really sets Tee Jay’s Corner Cafe apart is the homemade sauces and dressings that take their dishes to the next level. They cook the food amazingly of course, but the sauces and flavorings really set it off for me.

Oh, just a heads up: This cafe is located inside Cactus Jack’s Casino on North Carson Street. Now that’s a hidden gem.

Go for a Skinny Dip at Secret Cove Beach in Lake Tahoe

Only about 25 minutes by car on the east shore of Lake Tahoe is Secret Cove Beach, a secret hideaway that’s not as famous as other Lake Tahoe spots like Emerald Bay. This secluded beach is famous for its clear blue water and sandy shore, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

Oh, and it’s also famous for being a nude beach, too. Yes, you read that right. Although it’s listed as a nude beach, the beach is open for anyone looking to enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lake.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe, Secret Cove Beach truly was a peaceful retreat. The hike from the street parking down to the cove was fairly easy and enjoyable, and the beach itself is surrounded by beautiful trees, huge stone structures, and views of the endless lake on the horizon.

This beach is a short hike in and not too crowded so you can usually enjoy it almost completely to yourself. When I visited in September, there were only about 10 people there including me.

If you’re taking a quick ride to Lake Tahoe from Carson City (which I highly recommend doing), then Secret Cove Beach is a perfect first stop along the way to get your day going.

Tip: I thought parking here was a bit challenging since I parked on the side of the highway the first time, but there’s a spacious parking lot right down the street with direct access to the beach. Be sure to park there.

Closing Thoughts

Carson City turned out to be the perfect weekend escape for me, and it offered a little bit of everything—history, outdoor adventures, and some seriously good eats.

From visiting the Stewart Indian School to hiking up to Kings Canyon Waterfall, I found myself constantly surprised by all the hidden gems this Nevada capital city has to offer.

Whether you’re into local history, enjoying the great outdoors, or grabbing a nice meal at restaurants like Tee Jay’s Corner Cafe, Carson City has something for just about everyone. It’s a laid-back yet fun place that makes for an awesome getaway, especially if you’re looking to unwind but still want some fun things to do.

Hope you enjoyed this guide! If Carson City is your next destination, be sure to check out these lesser-known spots. Each of these hidden gems adds to the fabric of what makes Carson City such a great place to visit.

FAQs

What is the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum?

The Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum is a museum in Carson City that showcases the history of Native American students from Great Basin tribes and their experiences alongside contemporary Native art. It’s a truly dynamic space that connects the past to the present and celebrates Native culture.

What kind of art is at Charlie B Gallery and Vasefinder?

As the name (sort of) implies, the Charlie B Gallery and Vasefinder features pottery (vases and beyond) and art from local Nevada artists with Western themes. It’s open year-round and is a great place to discover amazing local art!

Can I bring my dog to Riverview Park?

Yes, you can bring your dog to Riverview Park! Just be sure to obey signs for off-leash and on-leash areas and respect the areas that are off-limits to protect the wildlife.

How long is the hike to Kings Canyon Waterfall?

0.25 miles from the trailhead. Easy and suitable for most fitness levels.