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 honours 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-kilometre) 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-kilometre) 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
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 ...
Gold Dust West Carson City
Carson City Plaza Hotel and Event Center

Carson City Plaza Hotel and Event Center

2 out of 5
801 S Carson St, Carson City, NV
The price is AU$174 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$174
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Carson City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
Carson City Plaza Hotel and Event Center
Hardman House Inn & Suites

Hardman House Inn & Suites

2 out of 5
917 N Carson St, Carson City, NV
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 ...
Hardman House Inn & Suites
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.
Spacious 3 bedrooms  house with WiFi, AC in Wonderful Carson City

Spacious 3 bedrooms house with WiFi, AC in Wonderful Carson City

2 out of 5
Carson City
Stay at this vacation home in Carson City. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Kit Carson Trail and Mills Park are located ...
Spacious 3 bedrooms house with WiFi, AC in Wonderful Carson City
BBQ Ready w/ Patio: Walkable Carson City Duplex

BBQ Ready w/ Patio: Walkable Carson City Duplex

3 out of 5
Carson City
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Carson City. Enjoy free parking, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Northern Nevada Children's Museum and Nevada ...
BBQ Ready w/ Patio: Walkable Carson City Duplex
Experience Lake Tahoe just a 20-min drive away

Experience Lake Tahoe just a 20-min drive away

Carson City
Stay at this vacation home in Carson City. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mills Park and Dotty's Casino are located ...
Experience Lake Tahoe just a 20-min drive away
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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