The Hub of the Sierra Long considered “the Hub of the Sierra,” Carson City has a distinct character that has been molded by the industries that made it a bustling frontier town of the late 1800s – logging, mining, and of course, the railroad. Today’s recreational pioneers are still hitting pay dirt, enjoying a mother lode of history, sightseeing, shopping, skiing, golf, and more. Sweeten the pot with first-class accommodations, casino action, entertainment, and special community events and you’ll find the Carson City of today – a thriving capital with culture, charm and all the adventure of the Wild West.
Full of Beauty and Mountains Carson City sits in the center of one of the most scenic and historic areas in the country, making it the perfect starting point for sightseeing. Carson City’s backyard is home to North America’s Largest concentration of ski resorts, and the “Divine Nine” championship golf courses, which have been voted among the nation’s best. The High Sierra backdrop also offers hiking, biking, hunting, and fishing. To top off an exciting day, relaxing hot springs resorts restaurants, live music, poetry, and casino nightlife are plentiful in the evenings.
Entertainment for the Whole Family The options are as diverse as our heritage. Children will love the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada, and kids of all ages will enjoy the Nevada State Railroad. The small communities of Carson City and the surrounding area revel in their distinctly Western Past, and special events like the Carson City Rendezvous, Nevada Day, Ghostwalk and the Silver Dollar Car Classic continue throughout the year.
Accommodations & Dining
More than 1,700 rooms are available in Carson City hotels, in properties ranging from the posh bed and breakfast, to the affordable drive-in motel.
Almost any Carson City hotel you choose for your stay within city limits is close to town attractions, with several hotels within walking distance to downtown. For those looking to try their luck in one of the area's casinos, several have available hotel rooms, and nearly all the local casinos are in close proximity to each other. Carson City is a convenient location for your Nevada vacation.
During the summer months, travelers who want to cool down at a Carson City hotel pool can have their way, while winter travelers looking to ski the slopes of Lake Tahoe's many resorts, find Carson City to be the perfect jumping-off point.
Carson City restaurants offer so much, the food may in fact make your Nevada vacation. Travelers to Carson City will not be disappointed by the many restaurants offering a good selection of low-priced dishes.
Recreation
In addition to in-town fun, Carson City is the hub of the wagon wheel for day trips. Take in the beauty of Lake Tahoe, the hustle and bustle of Reno and the old west flavor of Virginia City, each within a 35 minute drive! Horseback Riding, hang gliding, hot air balloon rides, hunting, fishing, skiing and golfing are all popular activities available throughout the year.
Ride the V&T Railroad Travel back to the bonanza days on a shorter scenic ride. The conductor tells the story of Nevada’s late 19th century mining boom, when the V&T was built and Virginia City was the richest city on earth, with more millionaires than anywhere else.
Watch for exposed veins of silver ore and more, including:
- F Street Depot Car – Virginia City station, three blocks from downtown’s fascinating C Street, with free parking.
- Tunnel No. 4 – the last tunnel before Virginia City, one of five built for the 1600-ft. descent to the valley floor.
- Comstock mines and mills – a more efficient way to transport the silver and gold from the mother lode to the mills was the original idea behind the V&T Railroad.
- Gold Hill – rich in history, where the Comstock Era gold strikes began and the train depot was built at one of the few flat places in town.
Divine Nine Golf Northern Nevada is a true golfing mecca, and some of the best can be found in and around Carson City.
The Carson area is host to the Divine 9, nine incredible courses that give everyone from aspiring pros to hack amateurs a chance play courses with challenging topography and a stunning Sierra backdrop.
Great golf can be had year round on courses designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller, John Harbottle and Peter Jacobsen. With 61,000 yards of fairway combining 171 holes, a golf vacation can go on forever without playing the same hole twice!
Green fees range from $22 to $100 plus, depending on course and season.
Hunting and Fishing opportunities might be Northern Nevada's best kept secret.
Wildlife abounds around the foothills of the Eastern Sierra, as well as the surrounding lakes and streams. Outdoorsmen come from all around the world to fish for the elusive Cutthroat trout, or hunt for a chukar. Traditionally mild weather makes it a year-round affair.
In the heart of Carson City, the Carson River contains an abundance of rainbow trout, carp, bass and whitefish. Clear Creek, which flows through southern Carson City from the Lake Tahoe Basin, offers small stream fishing. The Truckee River flows to the north, and the capital is in close proximity to Pyramid, Topaz, and Washoe lakes, as well as the locally famous Hobart Reservoir.
In addition to exploring the fringes of Carson City, visitors can enjoy the town's numerous parks and picnic grounds. Many of the parks have lighted tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, athletic fields and playgrounds.
Festivals & Events
Farmers Market 
Farm fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms. Crafts and flowers. Pony Express Pavilion at Mills Park. Every Wednesday. 3:00 - 7:00pm. June 9th - Aug 25th.
Carson City Rendevous 
Living history weekend. A salute to the Pony Express. Mountain man encampment, Native American dancing and crafts. Civil War Volunteers with skirmishes, stage coach rides, Nevada Gunfighters show with the Reenactment Guild of America, arts and crafts, food court.
Free western music on the star stage all weekend. David John & The Comstock Cowboys Saturday evening. Encampments open at noon. For details call 775-687-7410 or 1-800-Nevada-1
Ride the Rails with Santa Every year, Santa briefly trades in his reindeer for historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad rolling stock.
Call 775.687.6953 or click here to find our more.
A ride with Santa aboard historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad equipment will help get the holiday off on the right track when the Nevada State Railroad Museum hosts its Annual Santa Train in December.
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Place: Nevada State Railroad Museum, 2180 South Carson Street, Carson City.
