Nevada’s capital sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada, minutes from Lake Tahoe, Reno and historic Virginia City. The Nevada State Capitol, built in 1870 with a distinctive silver dome, anchors a historic downtown that also includes the 1879 Bliss Mansion and the 1909 Nevada Governor’s Mansion.
The Kit Carson Trail, a 2.5-mile self-guided sidewalk route, links more than 60 landmarks including 19th-century homes and churches, and the Nevada State Railroad Museum lets visitors ride historic trains.
Outdoor stops include Kings Canyon Waterfall, an easy half-mile hike to a 25-foot cascade, and Lake Tahoe’s ski resorts less than 20 miles away. Spring and fall bring the most pleasant weather for exploring on foot.