Reno Riverwalk District

The Truckee River runs west to east through the middle of downtown Reno, and the Riverwalk District along its banks is the city's most successful piece of urban renewal — a half-mile of brick-paved paths, riverside restaurants, small galleries, boutiques and the free Wingfield Park amphitheater. In 2004 Reno rebuilt the river channel into North America's first purpose-built downtown whitewater park with class II-III drops through the middle of the city, and kayakers still practice their spins with the casino skyline as a backdrop. It's an entirely different Nevada from the Strip: mountain-town scale and Sierra water.

Enter at Wingfield Park (a small island in the river reached by pedestrian bridges) and walk east along the north bank past the Nevada Museum of Art (3 blocks north on Liberty), the Automobile Museum (5 blocks east on Lake Street), and the pizza-and-beer strip on California Avenue. The Reno Arch (1926, saying 'The Biggest Little City in the World') spans Virginia Street 2 blocks north. The 2nd Saturday Wine Walk each month lets you buy a $25 wristband and taste at 15+ galleries and shops around the district. Summer Sundays have free concerts on Wingfield Park's amphitheater stage.

Come in September for warm evenings and lower crowds. The Reno Rodeo (third week of June) and Hot August Nights classic-car festival make August raucous. Whitewater park sessions are best in spring (April-June) with high snowmelt flows. Combine with lunch at 4th Street Bistro or Old Granite Street Eatery. Free 3-hour parking is available at CitiCenter garage on 4th Street. Skip in winter — the river is beautiful in snow but restaurant terraces close.

Hours & entry

Free to walk · Wine Walk 2nd Saturdays $25 for tastings

Riverwalk open 24 hours daily · Whitewater park 24 hours · Most galleries and shops 11:00-19:00

What to see

• Wingfield Park amphitheater and whitewater play spot — Island in the Truckee River between Arlington and Sierra Streets
• The Reno Arch — 'Biggest Little City in the World' — Virginia Street between 1st and Commercial Row
• 2nd Saturday Wine Walk tasting circuit — Starts at West Street Market, 148 West Street, 2pm-5pm second Saturdays

Tips from the ground

• Whitewater kayakers are best watched from the Sierra Street footbridge — drops right below.
• Wine Walk wristbands sell out at the first three stops on second Saturdays; arrive by 1:30pm.
• The Silver Peak Restaurant on Wonder Street brews decent local ales with river views from the patio.