Best Things to Do in Carson City, Nevada

What’s your favorite thing to do in Carson City, Nevada? This historic city dates back to the Gold Rush days of the 1850s when it was built as a stopover point for prospectors heading to California in search of gold. But it wasn’t long before the largest silver find in history was uncovered in the hills outside Carson City and it became a hub of its own. When Nevada became a state in 1864, Carson City was named as the state's capital, so it's got over 160 years of history waiting for you.

▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:21 - A Brief History of Carson City, Nevada
01:19 - Nevada State Museum
02:13 - Nevada State Capitol Complex
02:45 - Capitol Building
03:18 - Governor’s Mansion
03:35 - Fuji Park
04:07 - Waterfall Chasing
04:42 - Take a Soak in the Hot Springs
05:10 - The Kit Carson Trail
05:31 - Carson City Dining
06:13 - Nevada Railroad Museum
06:50 - Ride the Rails
07:24 - Outro

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You can check out museums like the Nevada State Museum and Nevada Train Museum where you’ll learn plenty about the history of the state. You’ll find exhibits about the state’s wildlife, prehistoric fossils found in the area, and the city’s silver mining history in the State Museum. And the train museum takes you through the history of rail transportation in the state and what it meant to Carson City’s mining industry.

If you're more of an outdoor enthusiast, there are lots of great things to do in Carson City, Nevada. You can visit some of the many waterfalls in the area, like the King Canyon Waterfall, or hike one of the many trails in the hills surrounding the city. Or combine outdoor activity with a bit of Carson City history by walking along the Kit Carson Trail. The trail goes through the historic part of the city where you’ll see beautiful Victorian-style homes, the Governor’s Mansion, and the Ferris House - home to the inventor of the Ferris wheel.

If trying new foods is on your list of things to do in Carson City, Nevada, you’ve got lots of options. The city offers everything from fast food spots to fine dining. A couple of our favorites include the barbecue at Red’s Old 395 Grill and the English-style Fox Brewpub.

Best Things to Do in Carson City, Nevada

[natalieerickson]

This may be obvious to locals but seriously needs to be noted for anyone thinking about visiting:

Northern Nevada has Lake Tahoe, Reno (mini Vegas with a homey art town vibe) and Virginia City (a REAL mining/cowboy experience on a mountains edge that is STRAIGHT UP haunted) within about 45 min drives each that are so easy you really wouldn't need GPS.

I have always found that to be so cool - you can go in any direction from Reno and find the coolest places that are lovely, welcoming, and fun for any age in life (you can do a beer crawl one day and have a family day in the next if you so choose)....

Honorable mentions: West of Reno, again 45 minutes, is Donner Lake/Truckee...yep, the actual Donner Party - but the Lake is insanely beautiful and the town of Truckee is seconds away from it, with a full blown vintage feel of a newly settled mountain town in the 1800s...but because it is a very affluent area the place is teeming with adorable shops, restaurants and bars.

Lake Pyramid is about 45 minutes North...a haunted, stunning, Native American lake that is amazing for its strange beauty, natural pyramid coming from the water, local lore and...wake boarding, because you know, fun.

I've been to many places around the world, but I'm always reminded in my travels of how lovely my hometown is. The people are beautiful as well - many different cultures to learn from and celebrate in one place, filled with artists and adventurers from all walks - that are quite always up for fun.

It's a great place to visit and an even better place to live (she wrote from her home in Las Vegas....see, we're fun. 🤣)

Prayers anyone reading this is blessed, has a great holiday season and an amazing 2023!

[cornpop]

Looks like a cool vacation spot definitely very underrated you don't hear about too many people going over there.

[coreybellfaust]

The old State Library next to the nugget is an awesome building to check out as well as the New State Library and archives.

[liamgamble]

Been there a few times and i love its old rustic charm

[yessicanaomi]

Great video! On top of those fun places you mentioned go visit the trails around carson river such as Riverview Park loop and the Mexican ditch next to Silver saddle ranch!!

[janeburton]

Hi - Really enjoyed your video! Thanks for posting it. Cheers!

[christopherchristianvanlan]

When I think about it I will make a video about my 200 acre property. "Pop in to the local property Gym right outside the toilet", enjoy the main Barn, enjoy a day working with firewood, or driving a tractor. Play with chickens and the 7 local cats, test numerous types of whiskeys or take a bicycle ride along the many miles of dirt roads. Swim in the river, visit the local outdoor fireplace. Ride a Horse, use the local solarium and finally visit the local Library

[richardturner]

How about a TRAM ride up to Lake Tahoe, like they have in Palm Springs? Incline village and access to North and South Lake Tahoe, year round. Support business's below.

[davebarnes]

CARSON AND SUROUNING AREA SUCKS BAD!!! Don't risk it... Stay the fu#% away from that place.