South Of Reno Is Nevada's Adventure-Filled City Boasting Nearby Mountains, Tasty Cuisine, And Outdoor Fun

Over in Nevada's state capital, Carson City, history runs deep. Named after frontier legend and fur trapper Kit Carson, the city's roots stretch back to the silver boom of the mid-1800s, when settlers flocked to the region hoping to strike it rich. Now an echo of the past, Carson City seamlessly blends Silver State legacy with the trappings of today. Museums and the historic downtown district showcase days gone by, while a growing culinary scene offers plenty of eateries to satisfy modern cravings.

Beyond history and good eats, Carson City is teeming with outdoor fun. The adventure-filled haven is bounded to the west by the rugged Sierra Nevada mountain range and the waters of Lake Tahoe, one of the most breathtaking lakes in Nevada — and California. Carson City lies about 30 miles south of Reno, a walkable hub known as the world's biggest little city, and is conveniently located along U.S. 395 and 50. If you're flying in, Reno-Tahoe International Airport is only about a half-hour drive away.

You'll have your pick of accommodations, too. The Hardman House Hotel comes top-rated on Tripadvisor in terms of best value. The boutique hotel offers homey, spacious rooms, continental breakfast, wine nightcaps, and parking at no additional charge. There are also plenty of larger chains in town, such as the Hampton Inn & Suites, Days Inn by Wyndham, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, and Courtyard by Marriott.

Start your tour of Carson City beachside with a trip to Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America. To the north is Chimney Beach, and to the south is Skunk Beach, a secluded inlet with a historic stone residence dating to the 1920s. Other scenic stretches of shoreline in between include Secret Harbor Beach — not to be confused with the clothing-optional Secret Cove Nude Beach next door — and Whale Beach, known for its dark sand and rock formations. No matter which beach you choose, you'll need to hike in, sometimes upwards of 2 miles, to reach the water.

The gorgeous Sand Harbor State Park is just a few miles up the coast from Chimney Beach. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards can be rented seasonally on-site. Trails nearby provide views from dry land as well. For a longer trek, tackle the nearly 4.5-mile loop to Upper Kings Canyon Waterfall. Just be prepared for a tough climb as the path can be quite steep. "Fun hike. First 1.2 miles is all up hill [sic] with 900' plus elevation gain but it's a good challenge but not that difficult," one hiker shared on AllTrails. "Great views along the way." For something shorter, the Ash Canyon Creek Trail is a 2.2-mile out-and-back route through the Nevada wilds, with opportunities for birdwatching along the way.

Eat your way around Carson City by sampling some of the area's best cuisine. The old-school Cracker Box Diner and the hip Comma Coffee are among the popular breakfast spots. Grab lunch at the funky Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint, which serves globally-inspired.  More diverse eats can be found at La Santaneca, a Salvadoran restaurant, or Villa Basque Cafe, which features an array of Mexican and Basque fare. Boasting more than 4,000 Google reviews, Red's Old 395 Grill is another local dinner favorite.

Round out your visit with a stroll through the historic downtown district, lined with antique stores and a variety of other unique shops. Take a walk through time via the Kit Carson Trail. The 2.5-mile walking trail that winds through the West Side Historic District, a neighborhood full of homes dating to the 1860s. You'll see dozens of landmarks along the way, including the former Carson City Mint, which now houses the Nevada State Museum. 

The museum is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and harbors a variety of relics from the state's past. Make time to visit the Nevada State Railroad Museum, too. Open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., it showcases Nevada's incredible railroad heritage with vintage locomotives on display and even weekend train rides. Admission to both museums is $10 for visitors 18 and older, as of this writing.