Reno Surprised Me, and I Wasn't Expecting That
I'm currently exploring Reno, Nevada, and I'm having such a great time. Most people know Reno for its casinos, and sure, that's part of the story here, but there's so much more to this city than gaming. Between the parks, the local food, and the outdoor adventures right outside downtown, Reno has genuinely won me over.
This is one of the best parts of living life on the road full-time. You roll into a city expecting one thing and leave with a completely different impression. Reno was exactly that for me.
The Reno Arch Is a Must-See
One stop you absolutely can't miss is the iconic Reno Arch, proudly welcoming visitors to "The Biggest Little City in the World." The original arch dates back to 1926, and it's become one of Nevada's most recognizable landmarks. Standing under it, lit up against the downtown skyline, it's one of those classic only-in-this-city photo moments — you genuinely feel like you're somewhere with history, not just another stop on a road trip.
If you're passing through Reno, even just for a night, this is worth the five minutes it takes to walk up, take the photo, and soak in a little piece of Nevada history.
Idlewild Park and the Coolest Thing I Didn't Expect to Find
One of my favorite places to relax is Idlewild Park. Nestled along the scenic Truckee River, this 49-acre park features walking trails, duck ponds, a gorgeous rose garden, and plenty of green space for a picnic or an afternoon stroll.
It's also home to one of the Whispering Giants — and once I learned what these actually are, I couldn't stop thinking about it. Artist Peter Wolf Toth has carved over 74 of these massive wooden sculptures across America, one in nearly every state, each one a tribute honoring Native American cultures. They're all part of the same nationwide project, and finding one tucked into a city park in Reno was honestly one of the coolest surprises of this whole trip.
Photos genuinely don't do it justice, it's much bigger in person, and the detail in the carving is worth getting up close for.
If you're someone who likes a destination to have a little soul to it, not just a pretty view, this park delivers that in a way I wasn't expecting from a casino town.
My Favorite Food Stop: R Town Pizza
Hands down, my favorite food stop in Reno is R Town Pizza. And here's a correction for myself: I called this Chicago-style deep dish before, but I was wrong. It's actually Detroit-style pizza, which is its own thing entirely. Expect thick, airy square slices with crispy, caramelized cheese edges and the sauce layered right on top. It's filling, it's packed with flavor, and those crispy cheese edges alone are worth the trip.
R Town has earned some real recognition too, getting praise from diners and landing among top pizza destinations, so this isn't just my personal opinion, it's a legitimate must-try stop if you're a pizza lover visiting Reno.
A quick heads up before you go: they're closed on Mondays. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 8 PM. Plan around that so you don't show up to a locked door.
You can check them out directly at rtownpizza.com.
Why I Wanted to Share This
I don't just plan trips for a living, I live this lifestyle full-time. My husband and I travel the country in our RV, and Reno is wherever I happen to be right now. Part of why I love what I do is getting to actually experience places like this firsthand, so when I recommend somewhere, it's not just a brochure description, it's something I've genuinely walked through, eaten at, and photographed myself.
Reno has the perfect mix of city fun, outdoor beauty, and incredible local food. It's definitely a destination that's worth adding to your travel list.
Thinking About a Trip to Reno or Anywhere Else?
Whether you're planning a quick weekend getaway, a cruise, a Disney trip, or anything in between, I'd love to help you put it together. Message me on Facebook, shoot me an email, or give me a call. All my contact info is on my InteleTravel page, or just hit the button below.
Christina Keech is a certified travel advisor with InteleTravel, specializing in cruises, Disney, resort getaways, and family vacations. She lives the full-time RV life with her husband, currently exploring Reno, Nevada — and yes, this is where she actually is right now.
