One through five
1. Riverwalk District along the Truckee — kayakers running the whitewater park in summer, brewery patios in autumn. 2. Nevada Museum of Art — the state's only accredited art museum, small enough to see in two hours. 3. National Automobile Museum — 200 cars including Elvis's Cadillac. 4. Midtown Reno for dinner — Süp for soups, Great Full Gardens for brunch, Death and Taxes for cocktails. 5. Peppermill fireplace lobby — the last unironic 1980s casino interior in the American West, and you don’t have to gamble to walk through.
Six through ten
6. University of Nevada campus — the Fleischmann Planetarium and the Mackay School of Mines museum are both free. 7. Rancho San Rafael Park for the Balloon Races in September or hot-air launches most calm mornings. 8. Mount Rose Highway to 8,900 feet — 45 minutes and you’re above the tree line. 9. Idlewild Park's rose garden and the adjacent California Building. 10. A show at Pioneer Center or the Reno Little Theater — the local arts scene is stronger than visitors expect.
Good to know
Is downtown Reno safe to walk at night?+
The Riverwalk and Midtown are fine into the evening. The blocks north of the arch on Virginia Street thin out after 10pm; stick to well-lit routes or use a rideshare.
How many days do I need in Reno?+
Two full days covers this list without rushing, plus a third if you’re pairing it with Lake Tahoe or Virginia City.