The Best Small Towns In Nevada To Chill Out

Nevada’s highways connect more than just destinations. They link together railroad towns, mining camps, and desert communities that once played outsized roles in shaping the state. Explore Caliente’s historic train depot and canyon-lined parks, Virginia City’s silver boom streets, Goldfield’s eerie remnants of wealth, and the welcoming storefronts of Eureka. These towns preserve moments when Nevada stood at the center of industry, travel, and ambition. Add in Austin’s mountain trails and hot springs, and Tonopah’s turquoise mines and dark skies, and a pattern emerges: each town offers a different reason to slow down, explore, and chill out.

Caliente

Located in the southern portion of Nevada, Caliente is a small town and a popular stop for many road trips. Its central location in Lincoln County makes it very handy to see the rest of the county with ease. However, despite being the smallest incorporated city in Nevada, there is still a lot to do.

Caliente served as the halfway point between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City for the Union Pacific Railroad. As a result, plenty of boxcars stayed here and are on display in the Box Car Museum. Caliente is also surrounded by natural wonders. Just two miles south of town, you'll find an oasis-like setting in Kershaw-Ryan State Park. The 265 acres are home to lush gardens, a soaking pool, and easy and challenging trails with plenty of benches along the path for you to sit down and take in the sights. This town is also close to the Rainbow Canyon, a secluded yet stunning canyon that appeals to both sightseers and recreational enthusiasts alike.

Virginia City

Once upon a time, Virginia City was the capital of Nevada thanks to its overnight success in the late 1850s. When miners struck silver, miners from all over the country gathered to mine the hills of Storey County. The telling of this history is now captured in several buildings. The Fourth Ward School Museum depicts school life during those times and preserves the heritage of the Comstock, Storey County, and the state of Nevada overall. The Mackay Mansion Museum is another iconic landmark of the town, where you can learn about local lore and more history. And if you're feeling especially hungry for history, swing by the most haunted locations in the West, the Washoe Club Museum and Saloon. From daily ghost tours to overnight investigations or just a drop-in for a drink, the Washoe Club Museum is flexible to any visitor's needs.

Goldfield

A blend between a modern town and a ghost town, Goldfield is a place where history feels more tangible. The intrepid traveller might find it exciting to visit haunted places, such as the Goldfield Hotel, a prominent building that offers historical tours and ghost hunts. For a tamer experience, the Historic Esmeralda County Courthouse shows off Goldfield's vast wealth back when it was a gold mining town. Another great place to take in the sights and capture some photographs is the International Car Forest of the Last Church. It is an unusual sculpture garden, dotted with cars, trucks, and vans, most of which are stacked or protruding from the ground.

Eureka

Probably one of the friendliest towns you'll see along the Loneliest Road in America, its well-maintained historic buildings reflect a time when the town thrived, with the Eureka Opera House standing as a striking reminder of that once-bustling era. Visitors can step directly into the past at the Eureka Sentinel Museum, a must-see stop that brings local history to life. For a quieter break, the Eureka Depot combines history with comfort, offering espresso drinks, specialty teas, and breakfast sandwiches in a restored railroad building. Just down the road, Raine’s Market is an experience of its own. What began as a small mom-and-pop shop has evolved into a 35,000-square-foot hub that combines a supermarket, hardware store, outdoor outfitter, drugstore, and deli.

Austin

Austin, not to be confused with the one in Texas, has a good mixture of outdoor fun and prominent history. There are 11 National Historic Sites that cover a variety of Old West attractions in Austin. One of those includes Stokes Castle, an old mansion that was modeled on Roman architecture and was a brief summer home for the Stokes family in June and July 1897. Another is a trio of beautiful churches, with St. George's Episcopal Church being considered the prettiest church still standing and being used. Outside, Spencer Hot Springs is a soothing way to unwind from a long drive or hiking trip and consists of a cluster of natural springs with some man-made improvements to enhance the experience. You'll be needing those springs, particularly if you want to try out the trails in the area. Many range from easy to incredibly challenging, but a middle-of-the-road trail is the South Twin River Trail in the Arc Dome Wilderness area. Following along the South Fork Twin River, you'll be guided by the river through scenic canyons and a trail with more beautiful viewpoints and an area with less traffic and serenity.

Tonopah

Halfway between Las Vegas and Reno, you'll find another town that has spooky vibes if you stay but thrilling adventure if you're hanging out there. Tonopah is the only town with a turquoise mine that's also open to the public. Thanks to the Otteson Brothers Turquoise Mining Tours, you can explore and maybe even dig up some turquoise yourself. If you come by during the night, the Clair Blackburn Memorial Tonopah Stargazing Park is considered to be the #1 Stargazing Destination in America due to the clear skies and minimal light pollution. Otherwise, a nice place to hang out is at the Beans and Brews Coffee Shop, a chain coffeehouse with a distinct roasting style, with your choice of hot and frozen blended drinks and quick bites.

There is a great deal of charm in many small towns across Nevada, alongside diversity. From the storied history still told in Virginia City and Goldfield to the natural wonders of Caliente's state parks and Austin's multiple trails, you can find places to chill out with any kind of backdrop. So pack your bags and discover some of the greatest wonders that Nevada has to offer in all of its sand, canyons, and oases.