What to do and see in Carson City, Nevada (NV): The Best Free Things to do

December 6, 2021 Kandra Bartel

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

Lake Tahoe State Park, Carson City, NV http://www.aboutlaketahoe.com/beaches/skunk_harbor.htm
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

Skunk Harbor

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

Carson Street Musser and 5th, Carson City, NV http://www.visitcarsoncity.com/attractions/capitol
Excellent
55%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 51 reviews

Capitol Complex

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

Carson St., Carson City, NV http://carsonpedia.com/Kit_Carson_Trail
Excellent
38%
Good
62%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21 reviews

Kit Carson Trail

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. Shoe Tree Brewing Company

1496 Old Hot Springs Rd, Carson City, NV 89706-0627 +1 775-222-0108 http://Www.shoetreebrewing.com
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Shoe Tree Brewing Company

5. Carson City Culture & Tourism Authority

716 N Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701-4096 +1 775-687-7410 [email protected] http://www.visitcarsoncity.com/
Excellent
50%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 34 reviews

Carson City Culture & Tourism Authority

Carson City, NV, sits in the center of one of the most scenic and historic areas in the country, making it a perfect starting point for your NV experience. History, year round outdoor recreation, events, the arts... There is always something going on. Pick up your tourism brochures and maps related to the entire region and our office and be sure to follow Visit Carson City on any of your favorite social medias, or our website for all you need to know about the capital of Nevada.

6. Casino Fandango

3800 S Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701-5554 +1 775-885-7000 http://www.casinofandango.com/
Excellent
42%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
3%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 297 reviews

Casino Fandango

Reviewed By momonene - Carson City, United States

Fandango is a fun place to go with your significant other. There are multiple restaurants to choose from and all are good. On the weekends they have live entertainment in the casino and its fun to dance, and play a few slot machines or card games. Try it, you’ll like it!

7. Carson Station Casino

900 S Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701-5206 +1 800-501-2929 [email protected] http://www.carsonstation.com/
Excellent
43%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
8%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 37 reviews

Carson Station Casino

8. Fuji Park

601 Old Clear Creek Rd, Carson City, NV 89705-6851 +1 775-887-2262 http://www.carson.org/index.aspx?page=1041
Excellent
43%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
7%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 14 reviews

Fuji Park

9. Carson Nugget

507 N Carson St, Carson City, NV 89701-4222 +1 775-882-1626 http://ccnugget.com
Excellent
13%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
35%
Poor
15%
Terrible
13%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 99 reviews

Carson Nugget

Play some rounds of golf between playing the slots, blackjack, roulette or keno at this popular casino resort complex.

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