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

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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 P6,654 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
P6,654
P7,513 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 19 - Mar 20
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! (1,179 reviews)
Great Hotel!
"I was so pleasantly surprised at how nice this hotel is! A nice renovation is underway, but it did not affect my stay! The room was spacious, and included a microwave, refrigerator, and glass shower doors! Checking in and checking out was a breeze and the staff was very nice!"

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

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 P5,885 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P5,885
P6,533 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
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! (1,000 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
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 P6,348 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
P6,348
P7,047 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 20 - Mar 21
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! (914 reviews)
"I really enjoyed how the rooms felt like miniature apartments with a full kitchen"

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

My Place Hotel - Carson City NV
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! (777 reviews)
"Now this resort is a timeshare but you can also booked it through a travel site if you are not a timeshare holder. The room was very clean, gave us towels for the hot springs; even though the front desk told us there was no towels in the room and can get it from the front desk, or bring your own; ..."

Reviewed on Mar 3, 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (134 reviews)
"Was out of a movie beautiful resort"

Reviewed on Mar 10, 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! (91 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on Feb 28, 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.

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