Carson City

Travel Guide

Carson City
Sand Harbor of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park showing general coastal views and rugged coastline as well as an individual male
Photo provided by Travel Nevada
Sand Harbor of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park featuring rocky coastline and general coastal views
Sand Harbor of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park showing rugged coastline, a sandy beach and general coastal views
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

Default Image

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 P6,601 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
P6,601
P7,455 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 30 - Mar 31
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! (1,184 reviews)
Updated and nice. Very smoky
"Very nice rooms and good food in restaurant. However casino smoke is strong in the hotel lobby and halls. Room smelled ok. Hot tub and pool are seasonal and were closed. Breakfast requires you to eat at the restaurant which we did not have time for. I’d prefer to go options."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025

Gold Dust West Carson City
My Place Hotel - Carson City NV
My Place Hotel - Carson City NV
3 out of 5
17 Hospitality Way, Carson City, NV
The price is P7,420 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
P7,420
P8,236 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 3 - Apr 4
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Carson City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (921 reviews)
"Nice basic hotel at a very good price. The breakfast is just junk food, so don't expect much from that. I bought groceries and had my own breakfast in my room. the kitchenette is nice, but no dishes, utensils, or pots and pans. I bought some very cheap at Walmart and will bring them for my next stay ..."

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2025

My Place Hotel - Carson City NV
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 P5,889 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
P5,889
P6,537 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 13 - Apr 14
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Overnight stay between ski days at Diamond Peak.
"Great cheap place to crash after a day of skiing. Breakfast was suitable and kept well stocked."

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2025

Carson City Plaza Hotel and Event Center
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.
Holiday Inn Club Vacations David Walley's Resort by IHG
Holiday Inn Club Vacations David Walley's Resort by IHG
3 out of 5
2001 Foothill Road, Genoa, NV
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Genoa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and hot springs on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (783 reviews)
"The hot springs are very relaxing. We'll be back."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2025

Holiday Inn Club Vacations David Walley's Resort by IHG
Hyatt Vacation Club at High Sierra Lodge, Lake Tahoe
Hyatt Vacation Club at High Sierra Lodge, Lake Tahoe
3.5 out of 5
989 Incline Way, Incline Village, NV
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified condo in Incline Village. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a business center. Popular attractions Sand Harbor and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (138 reviews)
"My family and I loved staying here! We found our room to be spacious, clean and well stocked with all the essentials. I would love to come back here again."

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2025

Hyatt Vacation Club at High Sierra Lodge, Lake Tahoe
North Lake Lodges & Villas
North Lake Lodges & Villas
3.5 out of 5
280 Glen Way, Incline Village, NV
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Incline Village. Enjoy a 24-hour front desk, a garden, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Sand Harbor and Lake Tahoe-Nevada ...
7.8/10 Good! (92 reviews)
"Nice hotel. Not much by way of room service or staff availability however ."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2025

North Lake Lodges & Villas
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Other places like Carson City