As a travel writer, I’m always on the lookout for getaway inspiration, for both readers and myself. On my first trip to Reno, I discovered a city buzzing far beyond the casino floor. With bountiful brunch spots, art-focused enclaves and plenty of outdoor activities under the desert sun, Reno delivers everything you need for a girls’ weekend, whatever your vibe.
In this guide, we’ll cover where to stay, play and eat with your girls to get the most out of your PTO. So, pack your bags, grab your crew and finally get that trip out of the group chat.
This trip was hosted, but all opinions are my own
Best Things to Do on a Girls’ Trip to Reno
Thanks to its desert locale, Reno offers a prime mix of outdoor adventure and indoor relaxation.
SheBuysTravel Tip: To make the most of your time, I’d suggest planning for early mornings and late nights with leisurely afternoons for R&R.
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Take an Art Tour
Reno is a haven for artists, as evidenced by the larger-than-life sculptures and captivating murals covering the city. I loved exploring the art of Burning Man (without the dust) along the Neon Line from the back of a pedicab with Travel Pineapple.
If you prefer a self-guided adventure with your girls, follow MidTown Mural Tours’ pre-planned route to get a glimpse of the more than 120 murals dotting MidTown and downtown Reno, with plenty of coffee stops along the way.
- Time needed: The pedicab tour lasts one hour, but you’ll want to give yourself ample time on the self-guided tour to explore, roughly two to three hours.
- Best time for this activity: First thing in the morning or around sunset to avoid the heat of the day.
- Things to know: Wear comfortable walking shoes and plenty of sunscreen. Bring water, sunglasses and a hat, especially if you’re planning to do the tour in the morning.
Kayak in Lake Tahoe
I loved this Instagram-worthy outdoor adventure. The Nevada shore of Lake Tahoe is just a 45-minute drive from downtown Reno and a must-visit on a girls’ weekend getaway, whether you plan to lounge on the beach or take to the crystal clear waters.
With Clearly Tahoe’s Bonsai Rock Tour, we paddled through Lake Tahoe in a clear-bottomed kayak that let us peer straight down into the depths. Our guide took plenty of pictures for us, so all we had to do was kick back, relax and enjoy the view.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Wear layers. Breezes off the Alpine lake can be chilly in the morning, but temperatures tend to rise in the afternoon.
- Time needed: The drive from downtown Reno takes around 45 minutes. The Bonsai Rock Tour itself lasts an hour and a half.
- Best time for this activity: First thing in the morning.
- Things to know: You’ll check in at Clearly Tahoe’s office in Incline Village. The tour includes transportation to and from Lake Tahoe as well as a cooler with snacks and water. Make the most of your morning with brunch at Sage Leaf, located right next door to Cleary Tahoe’s office.
Enjoy a Pub Crawl
A Reno pub crawl turns a girls’ getaway into a tasty adventure. More than 15 breweries and local businesses pack the Reno Brewery District, including Lead Dog Brewing Company, The Depot Craft Brewery Distillery and, my personal favorite, 10 Torr Distilling and Brewing, each pouring inventive flights and seasonal releases.
Beyond downtown, swing by Revision Brewing in Sparks for bold IPAs. Design your own self-guided crawl or let City Brew Tours do the driving — its guided trips include VIP tastings, behind-the-scenes access and plenty of local lore.
- Time needed: The guided tour lasts around 3.5 hours.
- Best time for this activity: Late afternoon or evening.
- Things to know: City Brew Tours offers transportation during the tour. Be sure to take a rideshare or taxi to and from the pickup location to avoid drinking and driving.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Evenings are best for pub crawls when the temperatures start to dip and the sun isn’t directly overhead. Bonus: If you sit outside, you can typically catch a desert sunset.
Pamper Your Girls
Take it from me: In the middle of a hot desert day, there’s nothing better than a spa and pool break. Among my top picks for pampering are The Spa at Silver Legacy — where you can melt stress with Himalayan salt stone massages — Atlantis Casino Resort Spa with its light therapy lounge and jetted pools under cascading waterfalls and Peppermill’s Spa Toscana with its outdoor pool deck framed by mountain views.
- Time needed: Two to four hours, depending on the spa service.
- Best time for this activity: Midday to avoid the hot sun.
- Things to know: You don’t have to be a guest of any of these hotels to book a spa or pool visit. Be sure to book your spa treatment or pool pass in advance to avoid disappointment.
SheBuysTravel Tip: For sun-soaked glamour, book a private cabana at Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. The daybeds, VIP service and craft cocktails made this an absolute dream on my recent trip.
Shop Local
If there’s one activity I insist you make time for in Reno, it’s local shopping. MidTown buzzes with boutiques like Nomad Boutique and Sierra Belle for unique fashion, while Prude & Boujee has all the best Korean skincare for dried-out desert skin. I loved browsing The Basement in the old Post Office for artisanal gifts, then scouting quirky finds at Coyote Supply Co. and Bad Apple Vintage.
- Time needed: As much time as you want! I’d recommend planning for two to three hours.
- Best time for this activity: Late morning or early evening.
- Things to know: Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat and plenty of sunscreen. Bring a water bottle to help you stay hydrated as you walk between shops.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Between shops, I’d suggest popping into Perren Bakery for a coffee and a sweet treat – don’t miss the miso peanut butter cookie.
Top Restaurants and Bars for Girls’ Night Out
You won’t go hungry on a girls’ trip to Reno. Every casino resort is jam-packed with steakhouses, buffets and upscale eateries from which to choose. But if you’d rather dine local, these are some of my top picks.
Restaurants
Toro Bravo: One of the city’s newest restaurants, this Mexican-style steakhouse offers bold flavors, shareable plates and creative cocktails that are perfect for a girls’ night out.
Whispering Vine: Perfect for foodies, this wine-centric spot on 4th street boasts a menu of over 2,500 bottles that pair beautifully with international small plates like duck confit tacos and shrimp scampi flatbread.
Claio Rotisserie: Live music , homestyle rotisserie chicken and colorful cocktails make this convivial restaurant from the owners of Perenn Bakey a must for a girls’ night out in Reno.
Liberty Food & Wine Exchange: Girl dinner gets an upgrade at this lively downtown destination, where locally sourced ingredients give you and your crew a delicious taste of Northern Nevada.
Louis’ Basque Corner: This standby for classic Basque cuisine specializes in family-style dishes like paella, oxtails and lamb chops. Be sure to try the Picon Punch, a Basque specialty and Nevada’s official state drink.
Bars
Amari: Spritzes and espresso martinis are the order of the day at this breezy European-inspired cocktail bar. Small bites and an umbrella-shaded patio make this a perfect spot for aperitivo hour with your girls.
The Eddy: This lifestyle space made from repurposed shipping containers is a local Riverwalk hangout for good reason. I’d suggest popping by for a daytime drink from one of the three bars, then staying for free yard games, live music and even outdoor fitness classes.
Death & Taxes: Throw on a little black dress and head to this swanky spot for a girls’ night out that’ll make you feel like a Bond Girl. I love sipping on cocktails crafted with house-made syrups and infusions and snapping moody photos at the blacked-out bar.
Rum Sugar Lime: As the name implies, this tiki bar keeps things simple with tropical classics like painkillers and mai tais made well. I appreciate Rum Sugar Lime’s thoughtful non-alcoholic offerings — beautifully balanced and not overly sweet.
The Emerson: This Mad Men-style lounge in MidTown is a must-visit for martini lovers. Classic cocktails are the highlight here any night of the week, but I’d recommend visiting with your girls on Tuesday for Grilled Cheese Night.
Best Brunch for a Girls’ Trip to Reno
No girls’ trip is complete without brunch, and luckily, Reno has plenty of options. These are just a few of the highlights I’d recommend for you and your crew.
Champagne and Chocolate: The name says it all. Come for bottomless mimosas and stay for over-the-top brunch plates like blueberry ricotta pancakes.
Great Full Gardens: A homegrown cafe with three locations around town, Great Full Gardens is a must for better-for-you breakfasts . I love their red velvet latte (dyed with beet powder) and their chilaquiles verde are a must-try. Other highlights include Benedicts, grain bowls, a hefty avocado toast and sweet liege waffles large enough to share.
Two Chicks: For brunch staples with a twist, you can’t go wrong with Two Chicks. Creative morning cocktails (lavender French 75, anyone?) make this a celebratory spot for you and your girls.
Sage Leaf Tahoe: Duck fat fries, refreshing mocktails and homemade biscuits make Sage Leaf Tahoe my go-to for brunch after a morning of kayaking . Order a few dishes to share and be sure to request a seat on the patio to soak up the sun while you dine.
Where to Stay on a Girls’ Trip to Reno
From the rowdy to the relaxing, there are plenty of hotel options for a girls’ trip to Reno. My top picks (depending on the vibe you’re looking for) are Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and Best Bet Motor Lodge.
Grand Sierra Resort and Casino
For a classic Reno girls’ getaway complete with a casino, live shows and endless food options, the 2,000-room Grand Sierra Resort and Casino is my top pick. Spacious rooms with plush king beds could easily sleep two, while a bountiful breakfast buffet, Charlie Palmer Steakhouse and even an onsite bakery satisfy every palate.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Grand Sierra Resort and Casino offers a free airport shuttle .
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
If you’re searching for a spa-focused girls’ getaway in Reno, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is your spot. The 30,000-square-foot Spa Atlantis is a must-visit, but for an extra dose of pampering, request one of the six spa suites with a patio. Indoor and outdoor pools, complete with chairside service, add an extra dose of pampering.
Best Bet Motor Lodge
When it comes to location, you can’t beat Best Bet Motor Lodge. This refurbished motel is now a very cute 21-room boutique stay in MidTown , walkable to local shops, breweries and restaurants. The sauna room and outdoor firepit are perfect for gathering with your girls and a lively bar offers a fun spot to unwind after a long day.
What to Pack for a Girls’ Trip to Reno
- Reno gets breezy after dark, so pack layers (cute sweaters, light jackets) for easy day-to-night swaps.
- A sparkly dress and heels for casino night.
- Sundresses, long skirts or shorts for daytime exploring.
- Comfy sneakers or boots for walking or hiking.
- Swimsuit and cover-up for pool days and spa time.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for daytime adventures.
- Crossbody bag for hands-free shopping.
- A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated in the desert sun
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