Location: Carson City
Top Things to do in Carson City
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10 Nature & Parks in Carson City That You Shouldn't Miss
A city of natural beauty, charm, history and western hospitality, this state capital derived its name from Kit Carson, the legendary trapper, scout and explorer. A trip to the city is a living history lesson. One need only jump on the Kit Carson Trail downtown, which passes old mansions, courthouses, a depot and a brewery, to experience a taste of life in the Old West. Also downtown, the State Capitol, built in 1870, offers a look at the birth of Nevada as a state and Carson City as its capital. Other historic landmarks, cultural heritage centers and museums dot the landscape around town, but don't forget your clubs. The city is well-known for the Divine Nine, a group of top-rated area courses designed by pros such as Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller and John Harbottle and set amid the magnificent Sierra Mountains. After a little golf, gambling or sightseeing, spend some down time at the Carson City Hot Springs. You will emerge feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and ready for more exciting endeavors.
Restaurants in Carson City
1. Skunk Harbor
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By lkbashor - Carson City, United States
This spot on Tahoe has ahhhmazing breathtaking views, dog friendly beach access for everyone and is truly a hike to a hidden gem that you won't soon forget!! Skunk Harbor not only combines all of these wonderful attributes but also throws in a bit of history for you to check out too! Parking is FREE but limited, located at a turnoff along HWY 28 about a few miles north of the Spooner/HWY 50 junction - look for an old green pipe gate which is also the entrance to the trailhead (do NOT park in front of gate, you WILL be fined). After you park, grab your gear (keep in mind there are NO facilities - take out what you take in). Travel along the old dirt road on the other side of the green gate through the Tahoe forest. When you reach the fork in the road you have 2 choices: left fork leads to Prey Meadows which is blanketed with many varieties of wildflowers in the spring anddd right fork leads you to Skunk Harbor. Throughout your hike down to Skunk Harbor take in the breathtaking picture worthy views all around. Upon your arrival to the beach be sure to find the historical remants of an old railroad ramp used to supply timber to Virginia City after the Comstock Lode plus an abandoned stone house along the waters edge with historical markers from the 1920s that belonged to the wealthy family of George Newhall built as a summer house here for vacations and parties. Everything was brought in by boat, during the Roaring Twenties ~ WOW!! This is a MUST DO!! Hike is roughly 3 miles round trip, I always enjoy an adventure / hike with a reward at the end, Skunk Harbor not only has this throughout but pays off at the end. Be prepared for a bit of workout on the way back out as it is uphill and can be exposed depending on time and season/weather. So bring plenty of H20 and take your time but this hidden gem is worth it!!
2. Capitol Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Tour the lovely grounds of this historic complex which includes: the Nevada State Capitol building, an architecural marvel made of native sandstone with marble hallways, the Legislative Building, the Supreme Court and the State Library and Archives.
Reviewed By getawayeasy
We had 20 minutes to kill and took a stroll through the grounds of the capitol. We thoroughly enjoyed the wide variety of plants and trees, many labeled. It was something our 88 year old mom could safely enjoy. The statues were interesting and the grounds well kept. This is a very inviting capitol.
3. Kit Carson Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By L509RLtinaw
We spent a couple of hours walking around the streets, following the map from the visitor centre. The map gave a trail to follow to view the homes and it provided information such as when the house was built and who lived there. you will see the house where John Wayne shot his last film. And Samuel Clemens brother's house - Samuel Clemens did stay there. You can shorten your walk if you wish - we could have spent longer enjoying these quiet streets. My mother is restricted with mobility so she followed in the car, making stops to get out on occasion. The streets are quiet, tree lined with many manicured gardens. Well worth your time - and at no cost.
4. King Canyon Waterfall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By X1X2mom - Henderson, United States
Super easy hike, loved the view, reminded me so much to home. I'll visit whenever I go to Carson. This will be my go to spot when going back with friends and family.
5. Sonoma Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By KALAMARIVERRAT - Rainier, United States
Sonoma Park is a five-acre, fully-fenced municipal park that is divided into a kiddie park and an off-leash dog park. The kiddie par, which is nicely shaded with big trees, features a jungle gym, slides, swings picnic tables, a water fountain, and sanitary facilities (Port-a-potty). The dog park is mostly open and grassy, with some shade trees at one end. There are four gates, so you can avoid crowds at one end; a doggy water feature, and several doggy-bag dispensers and waste cans. As long as owners clean up after their pups, it is a very nice dog park.
6. Mills Park
7. Carson City Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 104 reviews
Not a place for a quick in-and-out soak and run, the hot springs in Carson City are great for a soothing and relaxing respite.
Reviewed By laynielee - Baltimore, United States
During an extended work related trip, I visited this hot spring on my days off. First off, splurge and get the private room for 2 hrs for just a few dollars more. Ahhh, just to float in your own giant sunken pool with a great hot jet! The extra cost also gives you access to the dry sauna. If all of this is not enough for the cheap price, you also get all day access to the warm public pool, hot tubs and cold tub outside. You can bring your own food in and enjoy the fire pit when it gets dark. Oh, I forgot to mention the "Hammer". I'll leave that as a extra surprise if you visit!
8. Washoe Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By FlowerFotographer - Carson City, United States
I visit Washoe Lake State Park a lot. There is an irrigated field parallel to some of the park where deer often graze and rest. While I haven't yet kayaked in Washoe Lake, I plan to. There are facilities at the park that make it convenient if you want to say a while for a picnic or even camp where camping is allowed. You could spend less than hour, several hours or even days at the park.
