One of the best things about living anywhere in Northern Nevada is the sheer variety of road trips from Reno and Sparks that you can take at a moment’s notice. From alpine lakes and hot springs to coastal cliffs and Gold Country towns, unforgettable destinations surround you in every direction. The Truckee Meadows is the perfect base camp for adventure, whether planning a spontaneous day trip or a long weekend with friends.
Back Before Dark: Weekend Road Trips Under 2 Hours From Reno
You don’t need to travel far to feel like you're in a different world. These convenient and simple road trips from Reno and nearby places in Northern Nevada are ideal for spontaneous Saturday outings or mid-week day trips. From historic towns to lakeside activities, each destination is within a two-hour drive from Reno.
Virginia City
Step back in time with a visit to Virginia City, where wooden boardwalks and historic saloons line the streets of this former mining boomtown. Once the wealthiest city in the West, it still pulses with Old West energy—from the rumble of the V&T Railway to underground mine tours and costumed reenactors. Grab a sarsaparilla, hop on a trolley ride, or take a ghost tour after dark.
Carson City
Nevada’s capital offers more than just government buildings. Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada, Carson City is home to vibrant local museums (including the Nevada State Museum with its working coin press), historic homes, and a walkable downtown filled with cozy cafes and public art. It’s also a great starting point for exploring regional trails and Carson River kayaking routes.
Carson Valley
Just a short hop from Reno, Carson Valley’s open ranchlands and dramatic views of the eastern Sierra make it a quieter alternative to Lake Tahoe. Towns like Minden, Gardnerville, and Genoa offer a blend of cowboy heritage and modern charm—think rodeos, hot springs, and destination dining. Keep an eye out for wild mustangs on the hillsides.
Truckee
A former logging town turned mountain hub, Truckee is popular among Reno locals seeking fresh air and mountain charm. Its historic downtown is full of art galleries, independent shops, and well-known restaurants. In winter, it’s a ski town gateway. In summer, Donner Lake and miles of hiking and biking trails make Truckee a relaxed outdoor retreat.
Lake Tahoe
Take a scenic drive around Lake Tahoe through Nevada and California on a 68-mile loop (not always open year-round) that passes South Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, and Tahoe City. You’ll see iconic spots like Fanny Bridge, Sand Harbor, Emerald Bay, and even drive through a mountain at Cave Rock. For nightlife, the casino hotels in South Lake Tahoe offer entertainment, fine dining, and gambling.
Sierra Buttes & Lakes Basin
Located along Gold Lake Road, the Sierra Buttes and Lakes Basin Recreation Area is an outdoor wonderland with craggy peaks and year-round activities, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, alpine touring, swimming, hiking, fishing, kayaking, sailing, boating, biking, horseback riding, and 4-wheeling.
Nevada City
Nevada City is California’s best-preserved Gold Rush town, with so much to offer. Deer Creek flows through the center of town, as does the history of the Nisenan tribe. Nevada City has a substantial cultural and environmental community, including the Nevada Film Festival, the Miners Foundry, headquarters for the Tahoe National Forest, wineries, fine restaurants, and friendly bars in its vibrant downtown.
Get An Early Start: 2–3 Hour Road Trips from Reno for a Full-Day Escape
With just a bit more drive time, your options expand dramatically. These trips are ideal for early risers or long daytrippers—places where you can hike, raft, wine-taste, or soak in hot springs, then be home in time for dinner (or stay the night if the wine pours freely). Reno puts you on the doorstep of California’s Gold Country and Sierra treasures.
Amador County
Amador County is one of the best-kept secrets for road trips from Reno. Located in the heart of California’s Gold Country, it offers a blend of historic charm and modern wineries. Explore Jackson, Sutter Creek, and Fiddletown—where fiddle-playing miners once set the tone—and enjoy hiking, camping, and wine tasting, all within less than three hours away.
Apple Hill
As the name suggests, Apple Hill is famous for its fruit farms, but along the way, there are wineries (David Girard, Boeger, Lava Cap, Madrona, Patriot, to name a few), grape orchards, flower gardens, bake shops, berry farms, and restaurants like the Farm Table in Placerville. It’s a perfect fall day trip from Reno, especially when the leaves turn and the cider flows.
American River
The American River is a thrilling destination for whitewater rafting and one of the most action-packed day trips from Reno. Located in the heart of the Sierra Foothills in the middle of the Gold Rush country, the towns of Coloma and Lotus offer professional rafting company-guided trips from Chili Bar to Salmon Falls. The trip features class 3 rapids that challenge even professional kayakers. However, high water levels may close the river to rafters, so check ahead.
El Dorado Hills
Bike trail riding through the rolling foothills of the Sierras is a big draw for El Dorado Hills. Take the El Dorado Trail out of Placerville, and the Lake Natoma look from Folsom and Browns Ravine to Mormon Island Auxiliary Dan Trail. Situated east of the State Capital of Sacramento, this Gold Rush town was the site of two Pony Express routes.
Calaveras Big Trees
Want to see giant sequoias without a giant drive? Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a spectacular day trip from Reno that delivers towering beauty, hands-on exhibits, and trails for all seasons—including snowshoeing in winter.
Grover Hot Springs
Situated on the east side of the Sierras, at the edge of the Great Basin Province south of Marleeville, Grover Hot Springs State Park is known for “open pine forest and sagebrush meadows.” The green water of the hot springs comes from mineral salts, and even with snow on the ground, the waters offer warmth and relaxation. Campers should be prepared to store food and keep it out of the reach of bears.
Make It an Overnighter: Weekend Road Trips from Reno in the 3–5 Hour Range
For destinations that deserve a full weekend—or at least one unhurried night—these mid-range trips strike the perfect balance. Think redwood forests, coastal boardwalks, rugged waterfalls, and volcanic wonders. You can leave Reno after work and be cozied up at a lodge or seaside inn before bedtime.
Napa Valley
Just a few hours away, there are more than 400 wineries in the fertile Napa Valley, a premier viticulture region famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon. You can stay in a lavish resort or settle in a charming B&B. Hot air balloon rides, wine tastings, and interesting shops will fill your day, followed by meals prepared by top-rated chefs at the numerous restaurants dotting the area. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a girls’ weekend, this is one of the most popular weekend trips from Reno for good reason.
Santa Cruz
Surfing first came to the mainland from Hawaii at the amazing beaches in Santa Cruz. The pedestrian-friendly beaches, the legendary Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, tree-lined downtown, and historic half-mile-long Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf allow visitors to enjoy the waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. There’s a surfing museum and a redwood forest to explore nearby.
Ukiah
Looking for a funky, creative weekend getaway from Reno? Ukiah’s blend of natural beauty and offbeat charm makes it an unexpected favorite. Just 2 hours north of San Francisco, Ukiah is a community for those seeking escape from the usual. Featuring world-class cultural venues, wineries, and outdoor recreation, this quirky little town, where “expression is a tradition," is home to the City of 10,000 Buddhas, the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, Real Goods Solar Living Center, the Historic Skunk Train, Shambala Ranch Spa, Orr Hot Springs, and Seabiscuit Ranch.
Monterey
One of the most beautiful places in the world, with iconic beaches and an endless sea, along the magnificent Monterey Peninsula, Monterey draws visitors to enjoy the Pacific Ocean. There is so much to see at the historic Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, the 51-acre Monterey Zoo, the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the 17-mile drive along the coast through Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach.
Take the Whole Weekend: 5+ Hour Road Trips from Reno Worth the Drive
These longer hauls are well worth the miles. Whether you’re craving desert solitude, a high-elevation retreat, or an iconic stretch of the Pacific Coast, these adventures are perfect for long weekends and three-day getaways. Living in Reno means these world-class destinations are closer than you think—no airport required.
Mammoth Lakes
The size of the mountains pretty much says it all in Mammoth Lakes, a land of majestic peaks and year-round natural beauty. From wide valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes, there are endless opportunities for adventure. Whether hitting the slopes or dipping into hot springs, Mammoth is one of the best Reno weekend getaways for outdoor lovers.
Benton Hot Springs
The Old House at Benton Hot Springs near Mono, CA, is a rustic history lesson where you can enjoy a soak and watch the stars. The Inn and ranch have been family owned and operated for 90 years and offers all of the amenities you’ll need for a relaxing commune with nature.
Big Sur
A favorite place for generations, Big Sur is known for its soaring cliffs, miles of shoreline, and deep forests. The activities range from whale watching to hiking to luxuriating at local spas. There are three million acres of wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest on the eastern slope of the spectacular coastline for walking on the beaches. Big Sur is on National Geographic's “50 Places of a Lifetime/The World’s Greatest Destinations” list.
Lamoille Canyon
Known as the Grand Canyon of Nevada, situated in the Ruby Mountains, Lamoille Canyon is breathtaking in any season. Located near Elko, the scenic drive is only 12 miles long and spears deep into the heart of the glacier-carved Rubies. Day hikers can drive to trailheads and walk up to many mountain lakes and canyons. Campers and RVs are allowed.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park features roaring fumaroles (steam and volcanic gas vents), boiling pools, bubbling mud pots and ground that steams. Super-heated steam rises through fractures to form fumaroles like those found at Bumpass Hell and Sulphur Works, signifying that this is an active volcano. For safety, there are established trails and boardwalks. There is limited hiking on snow-free trails and opportunities for ski and snowshoe activities.
Elko
The Great American West is alive and thriving in Elko, located near the Ruby Mountains. Famous for its annual Cowboy Poetry, this ranching community offers fishing, edgy adventure, and snowmobiling in season. The Northeastern Nevada Museum Western Folklife Center features the Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum with a replica saddle shop and exhibits depicting the culture and traditions of the cowboy in America.
More Places Near Reno to Explore
Besides these iconic road trips from Reno, don’t forget to explore closer-to-home gems like Galena Creek Regional Park, Pyramid Lake, Washoe Valley, and the trails near Verdi and Peavine Mountain. These spots are perfect for spontaneous day trips or a quick outdoor reset—without ever leaving the Reno-Tahoe region.
Frequently Asked Questions About Places Near Reno
What are the best road trips from Reno for a weekend getaway?
Some of the best weekend road trips from Reno include Lake Tahoe, Nevada City, Grover Hot Springs, and Calaveras Big Trees. For a longer weekend, head to Mammoth Lakes, Monterey, or even Death Valley. All offer stunning scenery and unique experiences, without a flight.
Are there good day trips from Reno?
Absolutely! Popular Reno day trips include Virginia City, Truckee, Carson Valley, and Sierra Buttes. These spots are all under two hours away and are perfect for hiking, sightseeing, or just exploring someplace new for the day.
Where can I go wine tasting near Reno?
You’re just a few hours from renowned wine regions like Napa Valley and Amador County. Apple Hill and El Dorado Hills also offer scenic tastings paired with foothill charm.
What are the most scenic drives near Reno?
The loop around Lake Tahoe is a must-do, especially in fall. Other scenic drives include the route to Nevada City through the Sierra, the approach to Lamoille Canyon in the Ruby Mountains, and the mountain roads through Gold Country towns like Jackson and Sutter Creek.
What’s a hidden gem road trip from Reno
Try Benton Hot Springs if you want a quiet, unplugged retreat. Or explore the Sierra Buttes and Lakes Basin for alpine views and fewer crowds. These lesser-known destinations still offer the wow-factor, just with fewer Instagrammers.
Essential Road Trip Planning Tips
Before you hit the road from Reno, a little prep goes a long way—especially when your destination is high in the mountains or deep in the desert. Here are a few smart tips to make the most of your adventure:
1. Check Road Conditions & Weather
Mountain passes and scenic routes (especially around Lake Tahoe and Sierra Buttes) may close seasonally or require chains. Always check Caltrans and Nevada 511 for road updates before heading out.
2. Fuel Up—Literally and Figuratively
Some destinations have long stretches without gas stations or reliable cell service. If you're venturing off-grid, fill your tank, pack snacks, and download maps ahead of time.
3. Book Lodging in Advance
Popular weekend spots like Napa, Mammoth, and Monterey often book out during peak seasons. Even campsites fill fast. Reserve your spot early, especially if you’re traveling on a holiday weekend.
4. Be Altitude-Aware
Many road trips from Reno climb quickly into higher elevations—think Angel Lake, Lake Tahoe, and Lassen. Stay hydrated, pace your activities, and keep in mind that the weather can shift fast up there.
5. Pack for Microclimates
From coastal fog to desert heat to alpine chill, Northern California and Nevada can serve up four seasons in a day. Layers are your friend, especially if you’re heading into the mountains.
6. Respect Local Wildlife & Communities
Whether you’re soaking in Grover Hot Springs or exploring cowboy country in Elko, leave no trace and be mindful of local regulations, speed limits, and closures. It’s part of being a good neighbor on the trail.
Ready to Make Northern Nevada Your Basecamp?
Whether you’re exploring new places near Reno or dreaming of putting down roots somewhere along the trail, Dickson Realty is here to help you feel at home—wherever life takes you. We're deeply connected to our communities with full-service offices in Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Gardnerville, Incline Village, Truckee, Portola, and beyond. As a proud member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, we also partner with the best real estate professionals around the globe.
