7 Most Walkable Town Centers In Nevada
When the great state of Nevada comes to mind, most people think about Las Vegas and the enticing excitement "Sin City" offers its visitors and residents, with its many activities, including abundant walkable areas. However, not far away from the fast-paced excitement are numerous relaxing and slower-paced communities throughout the state, which have some incredible walkable town centers that attract visitors from far and wide. When it is time for a peaceful stroll through some wonderful towns, Nevada does not disappoint, offering many carefree and calm options to explore.
Boulder City
Just near the Hoover Dam and the Arizona state line is the tranquil city of Boulder City. The city boasts a walkable downtown area with no casinos, creating a very stress-free environment and an incredible place to enjoy for the weekend. The Boulder City-Hoover Dam Museum is right on Arizona Street, and visitors can learn about the history of the men and women who built the iconic landmark. The museum is open seven days a week, and admission is free of charge. The Boulder Dam Hotel is a one-minute walk from the museum, as they're in the same building. The hotel itself is a non-gaming hotel, originally built in 1933 and serving government officials and engineers supervising the construction of the Hoover Dam. The hotel has wonderful amenities for guests to enjoy, but non-service animal pets aren't allowed on the property.
The Boulder Theatre is a two-minute walk east of the hotel and is a local performing arts theater where people can learn and engage with many classes, including dance, perform in theaters, and even do acrobatics. The staff is friendly, and it is a warm, welcoming place for everyone to enjoy the latest play or entertainment and educational offerings. The Boulder Dam Brewing Company is a three-minute walk away from the theater, serving locally crafted beers, tasty food like the "best dam wings," and hosts events and live music for the community to enjoy.
Ely
Just near the Utah border is the mountainous city of Ely, which boasts a strong mining history, access to outdoor activities, and a historic and wonderful town square. Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall is in the heart of downtown, and the rooms are cozy and comfortable with modern amenities and have an old, wild west charm. Just five minutes away from the hotel, on foot, is the Ely Renaissance Village, a museum that has old miner cabins and homes telling the story of settlers in the West. The village can be booked for weddings, family reunions, class reunions, class events, and much more.
The Jailhouse Motel and Casino is a three-minute walk south of the Ely Renaissance Village, and is a modest casino with a jailhouse theme to it, which has slot machines, video poker, and other games (please gamble responsibly). The Cellblock Steakhouse is in the casino and keeps up with the jailhouse theme with tables in fictional jail cells. The food itself serves tasty steaks, seafood, and refreshing drinks for patrons.
Genoa
About 12 to 15 miles south of Carson City is the town of Genoa, the oldest town in the state, which is also a very nature-oriented destination, being near Lake Tahoe, and has small-town charisma throughout the community. The White House Inn in Genoa is a historic boutique inn right in the heart of downtown. The rooms have plenty of the adorable factor, as well as being comfortable. The hotel hosts weddings, special occasions, and events, and provides its guests with easy access to the town's amenities. A one-minute walk west from the hotel is the Pink House, a quaint and cozy restaurant built in 1855, serving community-driven chef meals and hosting live music, which keeps the atmosphere enticing for both visitors and residents alike.
A one-minute walk north from the Pink House is the Mormon Station Historic Park on Main Street. The park is lushly appointed as well as being historic, as it was the beginning of the state's first settlement, with a recreation of the state's 1851 post, and is an elegant spot to enjoy a sunny morning or afternoon. Just across the street is the Genoa Courthouse Museum. The courthouse has original oak wood furniture that has been restored, along with exhibits displaying what early life was like in the Carson Valley.
Fallon
About 62 to 68 miles east of Reno is the city of Fallon, which is nicknamed "the Oasis of Nevada" due to the lush agricultural scene in the desert. Historic Maine Street is the place to be, as there are plenty of local businesses, restaurants, and shops for visitors and residents to enjoy. The Nugget Casino is one of the main stays in town, featuring over 140 gaming machines (please gamble responsibly), and has a dark and gritty atmosphere. Fajitas Gourmet is a two-minute walk across the street, where patrons can enjoy incredibly delicious fajitas in a traditional setting
Millennium Park is a relaxing place to unwind for the day, and it is a two-minute walk north of Fajitas Gourmet. The park features a clock tower and a few benches where people can enjoy a sunny day. A four-minute walk due south of Millennium Park is Street Golf, an indoor golf facility with simulators for people to improve their game, and it has a bar and lounge where visitors can enjoy food, drinks, and socializing while playing an exciting round of golf.
Virginia City
Just east of Mount Davidson is the census-designated place of Virginia City, a preserved Old West mining town with amazing historical architecture, an incredible downtown, and a tourist hub. The Way It Was Museum showcases the community's Western heritage, old photos, and mining artifacts on display, and stories about the old American West. About a one-minute walk down the street due south is the Marshall Mint Museum, a coin and jewelry shop, which also shows its visitors a collection of coins, minerals, precious stones, and items relating to the town's mining past.
About a six-minute walk further south down C Street is the Tahoe House Hotel, a historical hotel dating back to 1859, which was reopened in 2020 with a luxurious environment, keeping guests coming. The rooms have a traditional 19th-century feel to them, with modern-day amenities, and the hotel can host weddings and other memorable events. Just a two-minute walk north across the street from the Tahoe House is the Virginia City Outlaw Theatre, where visitors and residents are treated to a 30 to 45-minute comedy show with comedic gunfights, cowboy humor, audience participation, stunt shows, and a wonderful time to laugh with family and friends.
Minden
In the heart of Carson Valley is the census-designated place of Minden, a community with historic buildings and stunning scenery, as the town is near Lake Tahoe. Highway 395 (U.S. Route 395) is the main street in town, and the Carson Valley Inn and Casino is right on the avenue. The casino floor is open 24 hours a day (please gamble responsibly), the rooms and suites are relaxing and unwinding, there's a pool, fitness center, and hot spas, and hosts events and concerts at TJ's Corral, which is a minute walk from the main hotel. Amerikan Ni Sushi is an eight-minute walk west of the hotel, where patrons can enjoy sushi and other Japanese-style cuisine for a night out on the town.
A good park to visit in town is Minden Park, which is a five-minute walk south of the Carson Valley Inn. The two-acre park features a nice gazebo where people can hang out on hot sunny days, is perfect for picnics, and can be rented year-round for small weddings and other local events. Another park to see, located about a 15 to 16-minute walk north of the Carson Valley Inn, is Jake's Wetland and Wildlife Meadow. The 7.4-acre wetlands have trails for residents to explore, an excellent place for birdwatching, a pond with scenic views, and flowers that make the trail more enjoyable.
Incline Village
In between Lake Tahoe and Washoe Lake is the census-designated place of Incline Village. The town is ready for adventure, thanks to being on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, the abundance of outdoor activities, and having a lovely town to walk around in. The Incline Lodge is a luxury boutique hotel offering guests a sophisticated and laid-back place to enjoy for a long weekend. The rooms offer guests exquisite views of the mountains and landscape, and the lobby is a mix of luxurious and forest lodge themes, making for a memorable stay. About an eight-minute walk south of the lodge is the Classical Tahoe Music Festival, which hosts concerts and live musicals at the University of Nevada, Reno, at the Lake Tahoe campus.
An eight-minute walk due south on Country Club Drive is FUMO Restaurant and Bar, a Tahoe eatery and craft cocktail bar serving patrons exciting meals and drinks, and has a warm, welcoming wooden interior and outdoor seating, making for an alluring place to dine when out on the town. A nine-minute walk further south of FUMO is Ski Beach, a small, yet relaxing beach with a boat launching facility, an area for picnics, and a volleyball court. The beach gives its visitors gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe and is surrounded by lush green pine trees.
Whether people spend time in communities outside of Las Vegas or explore the mountainous towns near Lake Tahoe, these communities are extremely walkable and offer visitors a warm, welcoming local experience. Towns like Virginia City and Genoa also showcase history throughout their walkable streets, whether it's through the architecture or through museums, leaving endless memories for many wanting to return to see more. Other walkable towns like Incline Village and Minden have relaxing parks and natural wonders surrounding the communities, making for whimsical places to unwind for the day or weekend. "The Silver State" awaits your next adventure.
