2.5 day Reno itinerary

Question

Posting here since I didn't get a response on the Reno forum. Please help review this itinerary!

I will be visiting between April 21 and 23. Driving in from SF.

I like shiny stuff, quiet parks, water (can't swim), and trails in the city, not hiking in the woods. I don't gamble. I sleep late, wake up late.

April 21

- Arrive around 3pm

- Checkout Downtown Murals

- Do the river walk

- Explore The Basement

- Visit The Row

- Checkout casinos: Silvery Legacy, Eldorado

April 22

- 3hour half day trip to Virginia City

- National Automobile Museum

- 2 hours: checkout casinos: Grand Sierra, Atlantis [incl. Sky Terrace], Peppermill

April 23

- Sparks Marina Park

- Sheels @ Spark

- River walk

- Checkout

- 2 hours at South Lake Tahoe

- Break at Sacramento

- Back to SF

Some selfie spots:

- Reno Arch

- Believe sign

- Pioneer center

- National Bowling Stadium

Answer

Your 2.5-day Reno itinerary looks well-paced and covers a variety of interests from murals and river walks to museums and casual casino exploration. Since you prefer quiet spots, water views, and city trails, while avoiding heavy hiking or gambling, here’s a detailed review and some suggestions to enhance your trip:

April 21 – Arrival & Downtown Reno

Arriving at 3pm gives you enough time for a relaxed afternoon. Downtown murals are a perfect start — take a self-guided walking tour to see public art and street installations.
The Truckee River Walk is scenic and peaceful; perfect for photography and leisurely strolls along the waterfront.
The Basement, a local art gallery and cultural space, offers a quirky, indoor option if the weather isn’t ideal.
The Row is good for exploring boutiques, coffee shops, and casual dining.
If you want to check the casino interiors without gambling, Silvery Legacy and Eldorado have interesting architecture, bars, and lounges that you can explore quickly.

Selfie opportunities for today:

Reno Arch – iconic for arrival photos.
Pioneer Center – great architecture shots.

April 22 – Virginia City & Casino Tour

A half-day trip to Virginia City (approx. 3 hours) is perfect for history and old-town charm. Strolling the wooden sidewalks and visiting shops or museums aligns with your preferences for shiny stuff and city trails.
The National Automobile Museum back in Reno is ideal for viewing classic cars and shiny displays.
Spend around 2 hours visiting the Grand Sierra, Atlantis (Sky Terrace), and Peppermill casinos. Even if you don’t gamble, these locations offer interesting décor, rooftop views, and art installations.

Selfie opportunities:

Believe sign in downtown Reno.
National Bowling Stadium – impressive exterior for photos.

April 23 – Sparks & Return via Lake Tahoe

Sparks Marina Park is a serene spot with water views and walking trails, perfect for a calm morning.
Sheels at Sparks is ideal for a leisurely shopping or souvenir stop.
A short revisit of the River Walk in Reno is a nice way to wind down before checking out.
Drive towards South Lake Tahoe for a 2-hour scenic break — even if you don’t swim, the lake views are beautiful and relaxing.
Optional stop at Sacramento on the way back provides a convenient rest and meal break.

Additional tips:

Plan selfie spots near morning or late afternoon light for best photos.
Since you sleep late, starting museum visits mid-morning works well.
Consider a quick coffee or snack at mid-city cafés along the Truckee River — great for quiet downtime.

Overall, your itinerary balances city exploration, history, art, scenic water spots, and light entertainment without overloading your schedule. The mix of Reno, Virginia City, Sparks, and South Lake Tahoe is achievable and enjoyable for a relaxed yet visually engaging 2.5-day trip.

2.5 day Reno itinerary

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