Lake Tahoe Loop

March 4, 2025

Scenic views and historic communities await on this alpine adventure.

Aerial shot of Lake Tahoe shoreline. — © Anthony Cupaiuolo

With its perfect-weather days and stunning vistas of Lake Tahoe, this road trip features the very best of northwestern Nevada. You’ll enjoy all manner of outdoor activities, hip neighborhoods, charming countryside, and Wild West towns—as well as great food and treasure-packed shopping.

Reno

This picturesque city at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada boasts the perfect blend of outdoor attractions and metropolitan culture. Yes, the Biggest Little City is famous for its exciting casino resorts, but make sure to explore the Riverwalk and the vibrant downtown. From off-Broadway performances at the Pioneer Center to a week-long celebration of classic cars during Hot August Nights, there’s always something happening in northern Nevada’s largest town.

DINE

Cosmo’s Snack Bar
Thali Reno
Louis’ Basque Corner
Brothers Barbecue
Süp

STAY

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
Peppermill Resort Spa Casino
The Jesse Hotel & Bar
Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa
Whitney Peak Hotel

Downtown Reno River Walk. © C2 Photography

Lake Tahoe

With its dozens of sandy beaches, hundreds of hiking and biking trails, and crystal-clear waters, Lake Tahoe is a world-class vacation destination. And while summer is sublime, it’s absolutely worth visiting in every season for the region’s diverse offerings—not to mention the reduced crowds. If you’re looking for a place to start your adventure, you can’t go wrong with a visit to any of Lake Tahoe’s four fabulous Nevada State Parks. Each offers a different—and easily accessible—way to experience the Nevada side of this alpine paradise.

First: Shot of Sand Harbor State Park. Second: Aerial shot of Spooner Lake & Backcountry. Third: Three people sitting on a rock in Van Sickle Bistate Park. Fourth: Shot of Cave Rock State Park. — Van Sickle: © Rachid Dahnoun

Aerial of downtown Carson City and the Capitol building. Carson City

If Reno is the Biggest Little City, Nevada’s state capital could be the Biggest Small Town. Charming Carson City offers diverse cultural, culinary, and historical experiences while still preserving a quaint, old-fashioned ambience. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the historic downtown, where the opulence of the late-19th-century silver era is still evident in its grand public buildings and residences. There is much to do and see in Carson, but we recommend starting with its variety of galleries and museums.

Nevada State Railroad Museum | Carson City
Brewery Arts Center
Nevada State Museum | Carson City

Carson Valley

Located just south of Carson City, this enchanting valley brims with Silver State history, locally sourced eats, some of Nevada’s best antique shopping, and tons of outdoor action. Be sure to stop in Genoa—the state’s oldest settlement—to enjoy this village’s timeless charm as you stroll, window shop, or brunch in a deliciously historic setting. Whether you stop in Genoa Bar & Saloon (the state’s oldest thirst parlor) or take a hot spring soak at David Wally’s Resort, you’ll have plenty to look forward to on this stretch of the trip.

Picture of Jobs mountain in Carson Valley.

Virginia City

Home to the Comstock Lode—the largest silver vein in U.S. history—Virginia City is one of the best-preserved relics of the Old West. Its famous wooden boardwalk is flanked with historic schools, churches, saloons, and hotels, as well as all the window shopping, confections, and hearty grub a visitor could want. With its storied sights, rich culture, and wild events, this time capsule is absolutely worth a visit. Here are just a few highlights to get you started.

Bucket of Blood Saloon
Silver Terrace Cemetery
Ponderosa Mine Tour
Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry

Family walking across the street in Virginia City. — © Jamie Kingham

Road Trip Season

Warm weather means hitting the highway in search of adventure. If you’re looking for more road-trip inspiration, we’ve got you covered with a few more highly recommended routes.

Top: Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitor Center. Middle: Salad from Bruno's Country Club in Gerlach. Bottom: Soldier Meadows Hot Springs. — Top: Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitor Center. Middle: Bruno’s Country Club, Gerlach. Bottom: Soldier Meadows.

Burner Byway

110-250 miles | 2-4 days

Named after the route that revelers trace from Reno to world-famous Burning Man, this journey offers less pavement than some of Nevada’s other road trips. However, each mile takes travelers away from civilization and into some of the state’s most scenic sectors. Buckle up and triple-check you’ve got that spare tire: You’re headed to some of the most remote places in the Lower 48.