Carson City Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Carson City
Sand Harbor
Photo provided by Travel Nevada
Sand Harbor
Sand Harbor

On the shore of Lake Tahoe, the capital of Nevada is lauded for its scenic beauty, skiing, boating, hiking, gambling and its restored railroad. 

Carson City was built on mining, logging and the railroad. It rose up from the Eagle Valley floor in the late 1850s, becoming the state capital of Nevada in 1864. Today, the modern city honors its past with museums and historic homes as well as providing plenty of casino action and a wealth of outdoor activities.

Start your exploration of the city on the Kit Carson Trail. The 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) sidewalk path is named after the famous explorer who mapped the west. It covers more than 60 landmarks including 19th-century mansions, courthouses and churches. A painted blue line and bronze medallions embedded in the pavement mark the route.

Stop by the Nevada State Museum, formerly a branch of the U.S. Mint. Step inside the Carson Brewing Company where Tahoe Beer was made. Visit the Sears-Ferris House, the childhood home of George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., who later invented the Ferris Wheel.

The railroad played a key part in opening up Carson City. Take a ride on the restored V & T Railroad. The line was built to transport gold and silver ore from Virginia City’s mines to refining mills in Carson City. As you travel along the tracks watch for mine relics, exposed silver ore veins and wildlife. Leave time to explore the 19th century railroad cars and locomotives at the Nevada State Railway Museum.

Carson City is located in Eagle Valley in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains and is a magnet for outdoor adventure types. Strap on a pair of skis and swoop down the slopes of Mount Rose. Go hiking, biking and boating through Washoe Lake State Park’s 8,053 acres (3,258 hectares) of wilderness. Climb some of the more than 50 peaks that are close to the city. Enjoy a boating trip across Lake Tahoe, North America’s largest alpine lake, and kayak through the 13-mile (21-kilometer) Carson River Aquatic Trail.

Like much of Nevada, Carson City has been synonymous with gambling since its frontier days. Try your luck at the tables, poker rooms and slots of its numerous casinos.

Where to stay in Carson City

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Stewart

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Stewart. You might want to make time for a stop at Stewart Indian School or Baldwin Museum.

Stewart
Gold Dust West Carson City
Gold Dust West Carson City
3 out of 5
2171 E. William Street, Carson City, NV
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Carson City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,185 reviews)
"The location is perfect for us when we come in to visit family."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Gold Dust West Carson City
Carson City Plaza Hotel and Event Center
Carson City Plaza Hotel and Event Center
2 out of 5
801 S Carson St, Carson City, NV
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £83 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
£83
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Carson City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Clean remodeled friendly"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Carson City Plaza Hotel and Event Center
Hardman House Inn & Suites
Hardman House Inn & Suites
2 out of 5
917 N Carson St, Carson City, NV
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Carson City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"This place was clean and nicely maintained. We liked their hospitality. Big clean rooms and nice ambient. Loved it here."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Hardman House Inn & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Charming 2-bedroom bungalow with WiFi, AC close to downtown & next to LA Bakery.
Charming 2-bedroom bungalow with WiFi, AC close to downtown & next to LA Bakery.
Carson City, NV
Stay at this holiday home in Carson City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a garden. Popular attractions Northern Nevada Children's Museum and Nevada ...
Great location, comfortable, and clean
"We were traveling to Carson City with our adult son, and the bungalow was nearly perfect for us. It was an easy walk to the Capitol and the State Museum, with lots of restaurants nearby. LA Bakery was terrific for breakfast on Saturday. The kitchen was well-equipped, and the beds were comfortable. ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Charming 2-bedroom bungalow with WiFi, AC close to downtown & next to LA Bakery.
The Stone House with Beautiful Sierra Views - 30 Minutes to Tahoe
The Stone House with Beautiful Sierra Views - 30 Minutes to Tahoe
Carson City, NV
Stay at this holiday home in Carson City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Carson Hot Springs and Dotty's Casino are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Golf weekend
"Very clean property with quality bedding & a nice touch of light snacks & beverages"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

The Stone House with Beautiful Sierra Views - 30 Minutes to Tahoe
Spacious 3 bedrooms  house with WiFi, AC in Wonderful Carson City
Spacious 3 bedrooms house with WiFi, AC in Wonderful Carson City
2 out of 5
Carson City, NV
Stay at this holiday home in Carson City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a water park and a garden. Popular attractions Kit Carson Trail and Mills Park are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Carson City
"All was exactly as described. The house was perfect for our little group of 4 for 5 nights!"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2025

Spacious 3 bedrooms house with WiFi, AC in Wonderful Carson City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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