Location: Carson City
Top Things to do in Carson City
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The 10 Best Things to do in Carson City, Nevada (NV)
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. Baldwin Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Learn about the Washoe Indian culture through slide presentations and displays of housing, artifacts and pictures.
2. Warren Engine Co. No. 1 Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Museum that preserves the heritage of firefighting with a wide collection of apparatus, equipment, photographs and other items dating back to 1863.
3. Jack C. Davis Observatory
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
4. 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!!
5. St. Paul's Lutheran Church
6. Nevada State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 417 reviews
This museum focuses on the rich natural and cultural heritage of the "Silver State." Visit to learn about local wildlife, see the bones of pre-historic creatures found in the area and the Ichthyosaur Shonisaurus popularis, Nevada's state fossil.
Reviewed By EricG141 - Pasadena, United States
The exhibits are very well designed, with a nice combination of artifacts, signage and multimedia. There is plenty of interest for both adults and teenage kids. This is a great way to understand the development of the State. There is a good gift shop and very clean restrooms.
7. 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.
8. Nevada State Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 281 reviews
Train buffs will love this museum which features a diverse collection of photographs and artifacts that trace Nevada's railroad history. Highlights include a 19th-century rail equipment exhibit and five steam locomotives.
Reviewed By jamescF5515DT - Reno, United States
The Museum has a wonderful selection of historic RR artifacts including steam locomotives Dayton,Inyo and #25, McKeen and Edwards motorcars and Coach 17 from the “Golden Spike” ceremony at Promontory Summit in Utah as well as several other rolling stock pieces. On selected days kids and adults alike can get up close and take a short ride on one of the authentic trains. It is a wonderful place with a friendly staff who welcome questions and love to discuss the museum pieces. Ask about the locomotive with no brakes!
9. Stewart Indian Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Once a school that taught Native Americans how to get along in "the white man's world," this cultural center now houses a fascinating collection of Native American art including the work of photographer E.S. Curtis.
Reviewed By RedRoss53 - Richland, United States
I can't remember how we heard about this when we visited Carson City, but we were glad we did. The visitor center was quite impressive and the movie was helpful to understand the school, how & why it was founded and perhaps more importantly, how it changed to encourage traditions of Native Americans rather than drum them out of the children who came here, either voluntarily or by force of the white establishment. Very nice, enthusiastic volunteers and beautiful buildings - some abandoned and some in use as govt. offices. No cost - great for bad weather!
10. Bowers Mansion Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Tour back in time to Nevada's heyday and see how Comstock millionaires Eilley and Sandy Bowers lived the posh life in Washoe Valley. Picnic, swim and play on the grounds as every generation of visitors has done since the Victorian era. Bowers Mansion is open seasonally (weekends and holidays), usually from Memorial Day through Nevada Day weekend. Tours are every hour, on the hour, from 11:00am-4:00pm. Summer group tours are also available by appointment.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We returned to Bowers Mansion Regional Park This is a nice large park with green area, picnic area, swimming pool, and playgrounds. Its a wonderful park to go to. There is also the historic silver barron mansion, complete with mining exhibits and ranch exhibits to see.
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