Carson City

Travel Guide

Carson City
Sand Harbor of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Photo provided by Travel Nevada
Sand Harbor of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Sand Harbor of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park

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 honours 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-kilometre) 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-kilometre) 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 WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,190 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
The price is S$145 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
S$145
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Carson City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
"It’s quite and good place to stay"

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 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
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Carson City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"It's clear there still in the refurb process. There's plenty more to go especially in the public areas, but the rooms are large and clean. I hope the next thing on their list in the rooms is a curved shower curtain rod."

Reviewed on 28 Jun, 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.
BBQ Ready w/ Patio: Walkable Carson City Duplex
BBQ Ready w/ Patio: Walkable Carson City Duplex
3 out of 5
Carson City
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Carson City. Enjoy free parking, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Northern Nevada Children's Museum and Nevada ...
Renovated Duplex
"Our visit was nice. The place was clean, cozy, and had everything we needed. It offered privacy and quiet we were looking for. It was located conveniently to stores, restaurants, museums, and more. We would definitely visit again."

Reviewed on 23 Oct, 2023

BBQ Ready w/ Patio: Walkable Carson City Duplex
Holiday Inn Club Vacations David Walley's Resort by IHG
Holiday Inn Club Vacations David Walley's Resort by IHG
3 out of 5
2001 Foothill Road, Genoa, NV
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Genoa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and hot springs on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (816 reviews)
Retirement party
"Geographic location for our outside activities. This property was the closest."

Reviewed on 23 Jun, 2025

Holiday Inn Club Vacations David Walley's Resort by IHG
North Lake Lodges & Villas
North Lake Lodges & Villas
3.5 out of 5
280 Glen Way, Incline Village, NV
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Incline Village. Enjoy a 24-hour front desk, a garden, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Sand Harbor and Lake Tahoe-Nevada ...
7.8/10 Good! (96 reviews)
"Generally great. Only two issues we had were that parking our vehicle was a challenge due to the skinny lot. If you have a larger vehicle you may struggle a bit parking. We also had an issue where housekeeping thought we were checking out a day earlier and woke us up knocking. Was resolved quickly ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jun, 2025

North Lake Lodges & Villas
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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