Nevada’s “Biggest Little City” may be known for its vibrant gambling scene, but Reno is becoming a more popular destination for its exciting outdoor activities, diverse wellness offerings and thriving craft breweries. The influx of tech giants, like Tesla, Google and blockchain companies, has ushered in a new energy, spurring a reputation as an urban basecamp for exploring the natural beauty that surrounds Reno.

The city’s wellness resorts provide the perfect retreat to rejuvenate and unwind, with unique treatments and expansive facilities. Its diverse culinary scene offers a wealth of delightful options to tantalize even the pickiest of taste buds and craft beer enthusiasts are spoiled with numerous selections at the city’s outstanding breweries.

Endless outdoor recreation

The Truckee River flows through downtown Reno, Nevada, on June 29, 2023. (Photo by Andri Tambunan / AFP) (Photo by ANDRI TAMBUNAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Reno is situated among the Sierra Nevada mountain range and sprawling desert landscapes. So, there is no shortage of outdoor adventures, any time of year. Ditch the slot machines to kayak through downtown Reno on the Truckee River (while admiring street art from past Burning Man festivals), scale a 164-foot climbing wall or hike to the University of Nevada’s “N” on the Miners Trail.

In the downtown Riverwalk District, where the Truckee River winds its way from Lake Tahoe, visitors can enjoy fishing and rafting or stroll through the new Neon Line District with more than 100 street murals and sculptures. Head to BaseCamp at the Whitney Peak hotel, where indoor bouldering awaits at the 7,000-square-foot climbing gym and what Guinness World Records’ dubbed the planet’s “tallest artificial climbing wall” runs up the hotel exterior.

And, of course, Lake Tahoe lies 30 miles southwest, with its North Shore offering boating, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding during the summer and fall, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter months at resorts such as Palisades Tahoe and Northstar.

The Truckee River flows through downtown Reno, Nevada, on June 29, 2023. (Photo by Andri Tambunan / AFP) (Photo by ANDRI TAMBUNAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Wellness-based activities

After a day of adventure, Reno’s resorts boast some eclectic spa options. Take the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, which features a Rasul Ceremonial Chamber, where it actually rains inside. The Refuge Spa at the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa relaxation menu includes health elixirs and a Float Pod isolation experience.

The climbing wall on the exterior of Reno’s Whitney Peak hotel soars 164 feet into the air. (Courtesy Sharael Kolberg)

The Silver Legacy Resort Casino, part of three-property mega-resort THE ROW, features a 21,000-square-foot spa with a pink Himalayan salt room, said to cleanse the respiratory system. And the three-story, 33,000-square-foot Spa Toscana at Peppermill Resort Casino offers a Caldarium and SoSound acoustic resonance therapy that promotes relaxation.

Hotels and resorts are also catering to guests who want to skip the casinos. The Whitney Peak Hotel, the city’s first non-gaming and smoke-free hotel, also has a fitness center with a steam room and sauna. The Renaissance Hotel Reno, another casino-free, non-smoking hotel, boasts northern Nevada’s only indoor/outdoor bocce ball courts, for a fun evening of friendly competition.

Craft dining and drinks

Craft beer aficionados will find themselves at home in Reno, which is home to several exceptional craft breweries. The Depot Craft Brewery & Distillery, located in a renovated 1910 railway headquarters, boasts an impressive selection of handcrafted beers and spirits as the state’s first combined brewery and distillery, while the Great Basin Brewing Co., the oldest brewery in Nevada, serves award-winning brews.

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You’ll find freshly-made cocktails at Death & Taxes, with a swanky vibe and custom liqueurs used in their bespoke drink menu (they serve delicious non-alcoholic cocktails too). And the newly opened Rum Sugar Lime features rum-based tropical cocktails with a variety of flavor profiles in an industrial-meets-island ambiance.

For community-oriented food, drink and fun, The Eddy serves 24 beers on tap and hand-crafted cocktails, and features a dog-friendly outdoor space where guests can admire local art and play free yard games.

If you’re in the mood for gourmet street food, be sure to check out Food Truck Fridays at Idlewild Park or get a taste of the town on a guided food walking tour by Reno Food Tours.

The best homemade pasta in town can be found at La Strada, located in the Eldorado Reno Resort Casino — the mushroom ravioli is a must. And health-conscious diners will love the garden-to-table dishes at Great Full Gardens Cafe & Eatery, with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and raw food options, such as plant-based bowls, flatbread pizzas, gourmet sandwiches and super food drinks.

Next time you head to Reno, you can try your luck at the casinos, but that doesn’t need to be the main event. Make time to also enjoy some outdoor adventure, treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment and indulge in a gourmet meal accompanied by a cold beer.

If You Go

Whitney Peak Hotel: Find the BaseCamp climbing gym and climbing wall, Cafe Whitney and hotel rooms at 255 N. Virginia St.; www.whitneypeakhotel.com.

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa: This hotel resort includes several restaurants, a casino and spa with Rasul Ceremonial Chambers at 3800 S. Virginia St., https://atlantiscasino.com.

Refuge Spa at Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa: This dog-friendly Marriott hotel offers two eateries, a spa and indoor and outdoor bocce courtesy at 1 Lake St.; www.marriott.com.

Silver Legacy at The Row: Find multiple restaurants, a casino and spa at this resort hotel at The Row, 407 N. Virginia St.; www.caesars.com/silver-legacy-reno

Peppermill Resort Casino: This resort offers multiple restaurants, a casino and luxury Spa Toscana at 2707 S. Virginia St.; www.peppermillreno.com.

Depot Craft Brewery & Distillery: This taproom and kitchen is open Tuesday-Sunday at 325 E. Fourth St.; www.thedepotreno.com

Great Basin Brewing Co.: The taproom and kitchen is open daily at 5525 S. Virginia St.; www.greatbasinbrewingco.com.

Death & Taxes: This speakeasy-themed cocktail bar is open daily at 26 Cheney St.; www.deathandtaxesreno.com.

Rum Sugar Lime: Tropical cocktails star at this bar, which is open Tuesday-Sunday at 1039 S. Virginia St.; https://rumsugarlime.com.

The Eddy: Open daily with art, music, games and craft beer at 16 S. Sierra St.; https://theeddyreno.com.

Reno Food Tours: Walking tours ($85) of Reno’s food scene are offered Wednesday-Saturday by reservation; https://renofoodtoursnv.com.

La Strada at Eldorado at The Row: Open for dinner daily at 345 N. Virginia St.; www.caesars.com/eldorado-reno

Great Full Gardens Cafe & Eatery: Open daily at 555 S. Virginia St. #107; www.greatfullgardens.com.