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 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

Default Image

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! (1,199 reviews)
The cleanest rooms
"Great stay; we weren’t expecting it to be this nice and with breakfast included!!"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 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 Rp1.681.614 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
Rp1.681.614
Rp1.866.657 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
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! (1,019 reviews)
"1 night stay with family. It was nice and comfortable night and there's free breakfast also. The staff are nice!"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 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! (1,004 reviews)
"We liked that the property was located with many things in walking distance. The hotel has great parking, WiFi, and breakfast available."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 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, NV
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
17 Mi to Lake Tahoe: Carson City Home w/ Yard

17 Mi to Lake Tahoe: Carson City Home w/ Yard

3 out of 5
Carson City, NV
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Carson City. Enjoy free parking, patios and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Northern Nevada Children's Museum and Nevada ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"This is a small 2 bedroom/1 bath duplex that has definitely been updated inside and out. Air conditioned in each room, amenities present so didn't really have to worry about anything except personal items. We were missing a fitted sheet on one bed, but we just used the other one. All in all, I would ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

17 Mi to Lake Tahoe: Carson City Home w/ Yard
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and hot springs on-site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (832 reviews)
"Loved the location in the mountains and the hot springs! Everything was wonderful at the hotel. I just wish they offered breakfast at the restaurant at David Walley’s."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Club Vacations David Walley's Resort by IHG
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Carson City