Carson City Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Carson City
Sand Harbor
Photo provided by Travel Nevada
Sand Harbor
Sand Harbor
On the shore of Lake Tahoe, the capital of Nevada is lauded for its scenic beauty, skiing, boating, hiking, gambling and its restored railroad.

Carson City was built on mining, logging and the railroad. It rose up from the Eagle Valley floor in the late 1850s, becoming the state capital of Nevada in 1864. Today, the modern city honors its past with museums and historic homes as well as providing plenty of casino action and a wealth of outdoor activities.

Start your exploration of the city on the Kit Carson Trail. The 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) sidewalk path is named after the famous explorer who mapped the west. It covers more than 60 landmarks including 19th-century mansions, courthouses and churches. A painted blue line and bronze medallions embedded in the pavement mark the route.

Stop by the Nevada State Museum, formerly a branch of the U.S. Mint. Step inside the Carson Brewing Company where Tahoe Beer was made. Visit the Sears-Ferris House, the childhood home of George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., who later invented the Ferris Wheel.

The railroad played a key part in opening up Carson City. Take a ride on the restored V & T Railroad. The line was built to transport gold and silver ore from Virginia City’s mines to refining mills in Carson City. As you travel along the tracks watch for mine relics, exposed silver ore veins and wildlife. Leave time to explore the 19th century railroad cars and locomotives at the Nevada State Railway Museum.

Carson City is located in Eagle Valley in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains and is a magnet for outdoor adventure types. Strap on a pair of skis and swoop down the slopes of Mount Rose. Go hiking, biking and boating through Washoe Lake State Park’s 8,053 acres (3,258 hectares) of wilderness. Climb some of the more than 50 peaks that are close to the city. Enjoy a boating trip across Lake Tahoe, North America’s largest alpine lake, and kayak through the 13-mile (21-kilometer) Carson River Aquatic Trail.

Like much of Nevada, Carson City has been synonymous with gambling since its frontier days. Try your luck at the tables, poker rooms and slots of its numerous casinos.

Where to stay in Carson City

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Stewart

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Stewart. You might want to make time for a stop at Stewart Indian School or Baldwin Museum.

Stewart
Gold Dust West Carson City
Gold Dust West Carson City
3 out of 5
2171 E. William Street, Carson City, NV
The price is AU$154 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
AU$154
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Carson City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,172 reviews)
"Great time with family visit."

Reviewed on 18 Nov. 2024

Gold Dust West Carson City
Motel 6 Carson City, NV
Motel 6 Carson City, NV
2 out of 5
2749 S. Carson Street, Carson City, NV
The price is AU$85 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
AU$85
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this motel in Carson City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (999 reviews)
Great for the price
"Really nice staff here. Clean rooms. Lots of parking. Everything works. Beds aren’t that great but I have seen worse in motels. Sometimes there are dogs which is how al Motel 6 are. Can’t complain for the price."

Reviewed on 14 Nov. 2024

Motel 6 Carson City, NV
Days Inn by Wyndham Carson City
Days Inn by Wyndham Carson City
2 out of 5
3103 North Carson Street, Hwy 395 & Nye Lane, Carson City, NV
The price is AU$113 per night from 11 Dec to 12 Dec
AU$113
includes taxes & fees
11 Dec - 12 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Carson City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"X"

Reviewed on 16 Nov. 2024

Days Inn by Wyndham Carson City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mountains view house .
Mountains view house .
Carson City
Stay at this vacation home in Carson City. Enjoy a fitness center and air conditioning. Popular attractions Pony Express Pavilion and Carson City Community Center ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Great Stay!
"We had a fantastic stay at this VRBO house in Carson City. The house was very clean, well-maintained, and had everything we needed for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The spacious and nicely decorated interior made us feel right at home. The location was perfect for our family, providing easy access ..."

Reviewed on 12 Nov. 2024

Mountains view house .
New remodel! 3-bed House in heart of Carson City
New remodel! 3-bed House in heart of Carson City
Carson City
Stay at this vacation home in Carson City. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Northern Nevada Children's Museum and Nevada State Museum ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Great Stay
"What a wonderful place to stay with my kids when we came into town for my niece’s wedding. It was perfect for us and very comfortable. The host did an excellent job of making us feel at home and making the check in and especially the checkout process easy (they took care of all the cleaning). Overall ..."

Reviewed on 22 Oct. 2024

New remodel! 3-bed House in heart of Carson City
Downtown Historic Charmer - Walk to State Capitol
Downtown Historic Charmer - Walk to State Capitol
Carson City
Stay at this vacation home in Carson City. Enjoy patios, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions St. Teresa's Catholic Church ...
10/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
Amazing Carson City Home
"Some of our extended family came into town for my niece’s wedding. This home was perfect for us. The host made the entire process a breeze and also made us feel welcome (leaving us some goodies in a basket). The home itself is very nicely done and comfortable on every level - from dining room, gathering/seating ..."

Reviewed on 22 Oct. 2024

Downtown Historic Charmer - Walk to State Capitol
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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