Sunset Magazine recently published their “20 Best Value Towns” in their February 2017 issue. Nevada’s third largest city, Reno, made the cut! Sunset Magazine cited Reno’s continual appearance on lists like the top 50 spots for start-ups (Entrepreneur Magazine), top 100 best places to live (Livability), and more. There’s also many fun things to do that are affordable for all kinds of budgets. Here’s some suggestions on how to enjoy Reno with an eye toward maximum value!
- Hike on the Hidden Valley County Park Trail
Pete T./Yelp There are many places in and around Reno for some excellent hiking, which is also a nice low-cost activity. The Hidden Valley County Park Trail is a 2 mile trail with an 1,000 feet gain, so you’ll definitely burn some cardio on the way up! The trail has some incredible views of the Carson Range and Truckee Meadows and you can usually see wild horse herds roaming nearby, which is always an awe-inspiring site. The trail is part of a larger 480-acre park so there’s many other trails to choose from. The park is located on Parkway Drive, from the Pembroke Drive exit off 659/South McCarren Boulevard.
- Ride on the Tahoe Pyramid Bikeway
Joe R./Yelp This trail, which is still under construction in some parts, is for walkers, hikers and bikers. It runs from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, and along the way it passes scenic views of the Truckee River and Downtown Reno. The plan for the final bikeway will be a 116 mile connected route. Riding on the trail is fee, although a fee is required for the Pyramid Lake Reservation area. Visit the bikeway website for maps on available sections you can presently use.
- Learn about the Planets at Fleischmann Planetarium
Walter H./Yelp In addition to exhibits on astronomy and the solar system, the planetarium has several shows that are sure to be educational and fun for children and adults. Some shows are specifically targeted for families such as “Larry, Cat in Space.” And you can have a date night at the Dark Side of the Moon show! Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children and seniors and free if you buy an annual membership which ranges from $25 to $100. The planetarium is located at 1664 North Virginia Street.
- Nosh at Nikos Greek Kitchen
Peter K./Yelp Located in the West Street Market, this small eatery has delicious, authentic Greek food at extremely reasonable prices. You’ll fill up on gyros, hummus, souvlaki and spanakopita that tastes fresh and homemade while sitting at their open air seating area. Nikos Greek Kitchen is located at 148 West Street, Suite A8.
- Stroll Along the Truckee Riverwalk
Ed Z./Yelp This lovely walking path runs along the Truckee River and through Downtown Reno, with brilliant views of both along the walk. It’s popular with walkers, hikers, joggers, and dog walkers. You’ll pass several beautiful parks along the way, such as Brick Park, Truckee River Whitewater Park, and Wingfield Park. You’ll also spot lots of outdoor art, from paintings and murals to colorful sculptures, along the walkway. The Riverwalk District in Reno is located between Arlington Avenue and Lake Street. You can visit the websiteto download a map.
- Bask in the Beauty of Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
mini/TripAdvisor Reno has many lovely parks but Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is definitely one of the best, as well as one of the largest with almost 600 acres. The park has all sorts of recreational options for the budget-conscious visitor. There’s everything from picnic and BBQ areas, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, volleyball courts and lots of walking, hiking and biking trails. It also has a very popular dog park area for canine lovers. The park is located at 1595 North Sierra Street.
- Cherish a Living Museum
Nancy V./Yelp One of the many fun things to do located inside of Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is the Wilbur D. May Arboretum. This stunning complex consists of 23 acres featuring more than 4,000 plant species. The botanical garden focuses on plant species that are native to the area around the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Great Basin desert. It’s completely free to visit this incredible living exhibit. The arboretum is found inside the park at 1595 North Sierra Street.
- Take in a Show at the Reno Little Theater
Reno Little Theater/TripADvisor This small venue features local productions with everything from family-oriented shows to more adult-themed dramas and plays. Food and drinks are also available and prices are reasonable, which is matched by the affordable ticket prices as well. Visit their website for a schedule of upcoming shows. The Reno Little Theater can be found at 147 East Pueblo Street.
- Fill Up on Food at Restaurante Yesenia
Danny A./Yelp For some very reasonably priced and absolutely mouthwatering Mexican and Salvadoran cuisine, visit Restaurante Yesenia. This place has a definite unassuming exterior, but the pupusas are a local favorite made by this family-owned restaurant. This hidden gem is located at 581 East Moana Lane.
- See the Cheetahs Run at Animal Ark
Jen B./Trip Advisor This wonderful educational zoo is an excellent spot not just to view their animals but also for the natural scenery around the grounds. You can combine some hiking with your visit for a great value trip! The Animal Ark takes in abandoned animals and they are known in particular for their Cheetah Runs, where you can observe these animals “letting loose” in a large open (fenced!) field, which at top speed is a truly unforgettable sight. Admission is $11 for adults, $10 for seniors and $7.50 for children (free for ages 2 and under). Make sure you visit their website before going as they close for part of the winter. They are located at 1265 Deerlodge Road.
- Take in a Game at the Reno Aces Ballpark
Reno Aces Ballpark/TripAdvisor A great family or couples outing is watching a game at Reno’s own ballpark. Prices for minor league games are much more reasonable than a major league one, so this is a great fun activity and even more fun at night with the lights on! There’s also a reasonably priced ice skating rink at the stadium in the winter months. Visit the website for game schedules and ticket rates. The stadium is at 250 Evans Avenue.
What are some of your favorite “great value” activities in Reno? Share in the comments!
Pete T./Yelp
There are many places in and around Reno for some excellent hiking, which is also a nice low-cost activity. The Hidden Valley County Park Trail is a 2 mile trail with an 1,000 feet gain, so you’ll definitely burn some cardio on the way up! The trail has some incredible views of the Carson Range and Truckee Meadows and you can usually see wild horse herds roaming nearby, which is always an awe-inspiring site. The trail is part of a larger 480-acre park so there’s many other trails to choose from. The park is located on Parkway Drive, from the Pembroke Drive exit off 659/South McCarren Boulevard.
Joe R./Yelp
This trail, which is still under construction in some parts, is for walkers, hikers and bikers. It runs from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, and along the way it passes scenic views of the Truckee River and Downtown Reno. The plan for the final bikeway will be a 116 mile connected route. Riding on the trail is fee, although a fee is required for the Pyramid Lake Reservation area. Visit the bikeway website for maps on available sections you can presently use.
Walter H./Yelp
In addition to exhibits on astronomy and the solar system, the planetarium has several shows that are sure to be educational and fun for children and adults. Some shows are specifically targeted for families such as “Larry, Cat in Space.” And you can have a date night at the Dark Side of the Moon show! Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children and seniors and free if you buy an annual membership which ranges from $25 to $100. The planetarium is located at 1664 North Virginia Street.
Peter K./Yelp
Located in the West Street Market, this small eatery has delicious, authentic Greek food at extremely reasonable prices. You’ll fill up on gyros, hummus, souvlaki and spanakopita that tastes fresh and homemade while sitting at their open air seating area. Nikos Greek Kitchen is located at 148 West Street, Suite A8.
Ed Z./Yelp
This lovely walking path runs along the Truckee River and through Downtown Reno, with brilliant views of both along the walk. It’s popular with walkers, hikers, joggers, and dog walkers. You’ll pass several beautiful parks along the way, such as Brick Park, Truckee River Whitewater Park, and Wingfield Park. You’ll also spot lots of outdoor art, from paintings and murals to colorful sculptures, along the walkway. The Riverwalk District in Reno is located between Arlington Avenue and Lake Street. You can visit the websiteto download a map.
mini/TripAdvisor
Reno has many lovely parks but Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is definitely one of the best, as well as one of the largest with almost 600 acres. The park has all sorts of recreational options for the budget-conscious visitor. There’s everything from picnic and BBQ areas, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, volleyball courts and lots of walking, hiking and biking trails. It also has a very popular dog park area for canine lovers. The park is located at 1595 North Sierra Street.
Nancy V./Yelp
One of the many fun things to do located inside of Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is the Wilbur D. May Arboretum. This stunning complex consists of 23 acres featuring more than 4,000 plant species. The botanical garden focuses on plant species that are native to the area around the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Great Basin desert. It’s completely free to visit this incredible living exhibit. The arboretum is found inside the park at 1595 North Sierra Street.
Reno Little Theater/TripADvisor
This small venue features local productions with everything from family-oriented shows to more adult-themed dramas and plays. Food and drinks are also available and prices are reasonable, which is matched by the affordable ticket prices as well. Visit their website for a schedule of upcoming shows. The Reno Little Theater can be found at 147 East Pueblo Street.
Danny A./Yelp
For some very reasonably priced and absolutely mouthwatering Mexican and Salvadoran cuisine, visit Restaurante Yesenia. This place has a definite unassuming exterior, but the pupusas are a local favorite made by this family-owned restaurant. This hidden gem is located at 581 East Moana Lane.
Jen B./Trip Advisor
This wonderful educational zoo is an excellent spot not just to view their animals but also for the natural scenery around the grounds. You can combine some hiking with your visit for a great value trip! The Animal Ark takes in abandoned animals and they are known in particular for their Cheetah Runs, where you can observe these animals “letting loose” in a large open (fenced!) field, which at top speed is a truly unforgettable sight. Admission is $11 for adults, $10 for seniors and $7.50 for children (free for ages 2 and under). Make sure you visit their website before going as they close for part of the winter. They are located at 1265 Deerlodge Road.
Reno Aces Ballpark/TripAdvisor
A great family or couples outing is watching a game at Reno’s own ballpark. Prices for minor league games are much more reasonable than a major league one, so this is a great fun activity and even more fun at night with the lights on! There’s also a reasonably priced ice skating rink at the stadium in the winter months. Visit the website for game schedules and ticket rates. The stadium is at 250 Evans Avenue.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
