Nevada state capital has a whole lot going on for it and more of Reno needs to pay attention! From historic downtown streets dotted with cute and quirky businesses to excellent eateries, magnificent museums, a surprising number of exceptional public art displays, and great access to the outdoors, this place has it all without the big city hassles. If you live in the south end of Reno, you're lucky to have the opportunity to choose between Reno's great Midtown and downtown area and almost the same drive away the charm of the capital city. I was recently in Karsen for the murals and music festival and had an absolute blast. Seeing how public art is transformed the city and how it's put the city on the map internationally as well. Almost every business is adorned with some type of creation that speaks to a theme or storyline from the owner or artist or one that merges the two. Carson City is always hosting amazing events thanks to their great tourism board the team at the Brewery art center and everyone investing in that community. Each year Carson City becomes more and more the place to be and I love seeing it. If you haven't been in a while, make a trip! Maybe stay a night too! read more

See all

1 of 2 Reviews as CC has two Yelp listings. Quality/Quantity - #1 reason we come here is because the prices are cheaper than Reno! Especially Costco Gas prices. Sometimes the merchandise/sales are different and cheaper here than both the Reno and Sparks locations. And let's not talk about the CA prices... Plus, we like to support locals. We are slowly visiting all the local breweries, restaurants, etc. in this city. Cut and pasted from the internet: "The city is named after the mountain man Kit Carson (1809-1868)." "The Washoe people have inhabited the valley and surrounding areas for about 6,000 years." Capital of NV. See my other Yelp reviews. I feel this is what/how Reno was 40 years ago. Wait, am I implying I'm old...? LOL. A nice small town vibe. Things to do in CC: State capital. Governor's mansion. Museums. Open lands - Trails (Kit Carson Trail), water falls, dam, parks, disc golf course, casinos, hot springs, and of course for me, breweries; etc. Atmosphere - 157+ square miles, 12.6 of it is water. Elevation 4682. Population 58k+. Service - Overall good. More of a small town feeling. Just double checked and so far the only 3 star restaurant review was for Burger King, do I need to say more?!?! Price - Still affordable, less expensive than Reno and Sparks. Owner Comment - Congrats on your success since 1858. I enjoy visiting more and more. After we are done exploring, what next? Genoa. read more

Carson City-Nevada - 3/26/25 FYI. Yes, I try to visit once a month. Support local :) - Local Flavor Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

See all

1/18-19/2025: During Saturday evening, "gourmet cuisine" restaurants seem to close early which leaves me absolutely miffed. The restaurants who remain open for business are GMO and greasy fried foods, i.e., I refuse inhaling!!!! As a last resort, my Daughter and I disappointingly resigned inhaling In-N-Out Burger--waaaaah~doesn't satiate my hunger. 1/19/2025: Today, we're exploring Carson City, Nevada which is intriguing observing a myriad of 1800's architecture intertwining between a mish-mash of 1960's through modern building construction. Incidentally, the photo of the mural I took is behind Carson Street--Find this mural! Hint: This mural is next door to the bird's nest tower . . . read more

Carson City-Nevada - 1/19/2025: The mural is behind Carson Street--Find this mural! - Local Flavor Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

See all

We were in South Tahoe for some rest and relaxation and had a day trip to Carson City on our agenda. It was about a 45 minute drive for the 30 miles to Downtown Carson City. First stop was the Nevada State Capitol, which you can self-tour with their free brochure. Then we walked along N. Carson St. and saw the Nevada State Legislation building, Supreme Court of Nevada, Attorney General's Building and Carson City Hall. There's also two casinos on the street as well. Walking in the area, we noticed several interesting old buildings with unique architecture. Our final stop was a drive to the Governor's mansion several blocks away. The Governor was in the Halloween spirit as the mansion was all decked out in Halloween décor. It was a nice trip to check out the Carson City's quaint downtown and civic center. read more

See all

This is the capital city of Nevada plus the place I work and call home for over 20 years now. As they say you are either born/from here or eventually Home Means Nevada anddd I am happy to say the later. Centrally located from Reno and beautiful Lake Tahoe we are about 30 minutes from either with mom & pop eclectic shops to big retail shopping, culinary delights from fine to casual dining, breweries to coffee houses and plenty of casinos to see if your lucky enough to hit it big. Gambling not your thing well look at the beauty of the landscape around you for loads to do with hiking, biking, many golf courses and my favorite winter activity of snowshoeing. We also have museums here in Nevada's State Capitol from the State Capitol Building, Carson City Mint, the Nevada State Museum features an 1800s coin press, be sure to take the kids to the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada that offers science and art activities or head over to the Nevada State Railroad Museum that displays vintage trains with ones that you can even ride on. How about take in a show while you are in our quaint city we have a lovely movie theater at the Casino Fandango, I know you were looking for something a little different from the norm, how about movies outside in Mills Park, at McFadden Plaza or the Carson City Library. Oh wait your were looking for something more along the lines of a theatrical performances like The King and I, South Pacific, 42nd Street, The Little Mermaid or the Nutcracker well look no further than the Carson City Community Center for talented, outstanding performances that won't break the bank. How about stroll on by the BAC (Brewery Art Center) to take a pottery class or see some stunning art pieces there, Artsy Fartsy or The Nevada Artists Association Gallery. You can also catch the Carson City Symphony at different locations around town and events they are incredible!! Be sure to follow me for happening things around town for concerts at BAC, McFadden Plaza and monthly tastings, wine walks, beer crawls or the CC Ghost Walks in Downtown that tell some of the rich history of yester year. Take a hike up to C-Hill sit up there for a moment while taking in the entire view of our beautiful town, it's a sight you will not soon forget. Come out for our fantabulous events Run What Cha Brung Car Show, Capital City Brewfest, Epic Rides, CTR Rockabilly Riot, CC Rodeo, Jazz & Beyond Festival, Nevada State Fair, Carson City Fair, Nevada Day Parade - you will have the BEST time! I could go on and on about SO many wonderful events, restaurants, people and places, take a stroll downtown and walk around the beautiful Capitol grounds, you just may see my furry kids & I pass you by so be sure to say Hi! Enjoy Carson City and see what you find here, there is SO much around and close by! Look forward to what you share on here ~ Have a wonderful time exploring Carson City or maybe calling Nevada Home! Here is a link to Visit Carson City for events and things to do: http://visitcarsoncity.com/ read more

See all

I received flowers from Flowers Amor in Carson City. They sat outside all night as I failed to see a text from the delivery person. They were frozen and when they thawed out they were dead and droopy. I've never received flowers that were unwrapped before. I called and was told that they did their part. This is not what I would expect from a florist. read more

Carson City-Nevada - Local Flavor Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

Beautiful community to live in. We enjoy many outdoor adventures all around our beautiful valley. Every day we hike or mountain bike on the many dog-friendly trails all around town. We off-road on the mining roads in the mountains and enjoy Lake Tahoe beaches, hikes and skiing. Lately we have been fishing the rivers and lakes more often. Such a great little community full of adventures! read more

I live in Incline Village, so Carson and Reno are exactly 30 minutes for me either way. I prefer Carson because most of what I need to do (shop, eat, movies, get gas) are all literally at the bottom of the hill AND they have the best gas prices around. There's kind of a sleepy vibe to the town, which in some ways is good - people come here not because they're looking for a Vegas lifestyle. I love that you can be literally in the middle of the desert in 30 minutes and yet Lake Tahoe is the same distance away. I love the old part of town with the quaint bungalows and big yards. Maybe I'll move here when I get tired of it snowing 9 months of the year in Tahoe. read more

I love this town. It's beautiful, our neighborhood is quiet, our neighbors are absolutely wonderful, and I love the all 4 seasons we get up here. It's a small community and there is so much to do and so many ways to give back. This is a perfect place to raise my kids and feel comfortable in this city! read more

Many years ago I was in Carson City at night for a short drive through, and was less than impressed--I actually was glad to leave. Last week, I wanted to give the City another chance to impress me so I went back during the daytime. Now I have seen many State Capitals and government complexes, like Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Sacramento, Albany NY to compare. Unfortunately, my initial impression was correct. With the exception of that very small block area around the State Capital--it's not nearly as nice as all of the above places, and standing on it's own--it's just plain depressing. But it should not have to be...it has so much potential--but it's going to take a massive re-gentrification and lot's of bulldozing. There is no reason Nevada, and this city--surrounded by towering snow capped mountains should not have a happening fun appealing capital area. I guess the capital investment money is not there. Or the property owners are just happy living with complacency and not motivated for change. I don't know what it is, but if the plan is not to make sizable improvements soon, I am going to recommend moving the State Capital South to Summerland or Henderson. read more

Still decent enough but it ain't affordable no more. And that was kinda the largest share of the charm, sooooo .... Thanks Tesla. Thanks California insane cost of living pushing hordes across the border. Thanks greedy Washoe leadership for courting Tesla with public money with no plan whatsoever for stable, steady growth. Don't worry though folks, the State Legislature will start thinking about the important issue of housing costs in the area Real Soon Now (sometime in 2019): https://www.watchdog.org/nevada/legislature-to-address-nevada-s-housing-crisis-in-debate-over/article_70c05660-0c4f-11e8-b1bb-3b1c6ceeb3c4.html read more

That person who really blasted Carson City needs to go back to California. You are so dang clueless. Just saying. Deborah

I highly regret living in Nevada for just over 2 years now. I do not own a car and didn't get heavily stalked by strangers until this summer when I traveled around on foot or in public busses alone. Now I am very terrified often. And when I speak out online others tell me that Reno is really bad for this right now too. read more

I was born and raised here for most of my life, but finally left for good in my 30's and I have never looked back (except in the rear view mirror of my car). Carson is not a horrible place, but it is not great by a long shot. It is culturally bankrupt and there is hardly anything stimulating to do. Downtown is downright sparse, with hardly enough eateries or shops, and it is tiny. For a capital city, it's surprisingly bland and limited downtown sector is mind boggling. I would say another major issue is the social element; if you were not born here, most likely it will be extremely difficult to make lasting friends (and if you're a single young person your prospects are depressingly bleak) and even as a native I found the community very clique based. It has some pretty areas, but overall if you move here get used to the color brown and be prepared for long, dry, and cold winters. Although it is close to Reno, Tahoe, and the airport, I do not feel "being close to neat things" warrants a city to be called great simply on that merit. Wages and job opportunities are overall horrendous as well, and there is a severe drug problem. You may visit/move here and find it rather charming with a small town vibe, but even with Tesla moving into Reno to create jobs, I cannot in good conscious recommend Carson City, NV as an overall long term place to live especially if you're looking for a fresh start, or if you're moving here to find love or a career change. P.S. If you end up living here, regardless of what the locals tell you, Nevada is a Spanish word, it is not pronounced with the same "a" sound you would use to say apple. read more

I'm going to be a big bad ol' Bay Area Yelper who is going to review the town of Carson City. Watch out. Oh wait, I grew up in Carson City, and have lived on both coasts, so I have a unique perspective. Sure, compared to Boston, Portland and the Bay Area (places I have lived since I left Carson), there's not a whole lot to do, and not much culture to speak of. That being said, Northern Nevada has some of the best weather around (January in Boston sucks, July in SF sucks, essentially 6 months in Portland suck), and you're amazingly close to one of the most beautiful places in the world. Growing up there as a child and teenager, I was envious of cities that had more to do, but I wasn't completely sheltered and left when I could. Sure, although I live this Carrie Bradshaw life now, going back there makes me feel weird because I'm not married, nor do I have kids. Point is, it's not a bad place to raise a family, but I wouldn't want to live there as a single adult. read more

This is by far the best centrally located city in Nevada to have fun outdoors there's desert to enjoy there is trees in wonderful lakes to enjoy their skiing hiking boating off-road Ing desert racing mountain biking. The most traveled were the capital bar none. read more

I love visiting this town when we have to come up from Mammoth Lake for supplies. We always stay overnight at the Casino Hotel and try the different great restaurants in the downtown area. The old part of the City has been restored and is just beautiful. We love to stroll around and look at the buildings and try out the various bars. Worth staying a night if your traveling through. read more

We drive to Carson City about once a month, just for the heck of it. As were there yesterday, again just for the heck of it while we did our usual. Got to a few stores and drive though the main street areas as well as some of the neighborhoods. I have to say I like this little city, it is well maintained with even the closed store fronts are pretty well kept, very little decay is seen. I do not know if I would enjoy living here but if I were forced too I am sure I would not hate it. what a backhanded compliment huh. Yeah Carson City is a decent place. read more

Nevada means home Carson City is the capital and happens to be where I live good place to raise a family and schools are nice and all no tolerance for mischief really beautiful and 35mins from Tahoe 3hrs to Sacramento 8 1/2 hours from Los Angeles 2 different policing agencies capital police (near state official offices) Carson City sheriffs office (they don't like fast cars and I do ) other then that perfect place to live read more

Way to go Carson City. Lots of changes in the right direction. Keep spending the money on redevelopment. I'v lived here 40 years and like the changes.. Robert read more

Plain and simple I visited last week for the first time ( I'm from Portland , OR ) and I believe I've found a new home . We're talking....clean streets, ....friendly people ,... strong economy ,.... deep appreciation for American history and heritage ,. overall the absolute BEST of Nevada. read more

I moved to Carson City way back when. Living in Las Vegas for several years I was burnt out but loved Nevada and didn't want to leave the State. Just love those mountains and all the places to explore. I had a friend that used to come and visit and he'd look in all the rock crevices when we explored - he said there were "creatures" that lived in there lol. Like Jeremy H. said, I was looking for "less traffic, less partying, probably less gang stuff, less meth connosieurs and less non-stop spousal abuse in the more affordable rentals". I lived in a small trailer (it was only myself and my dog - and the price was amazing!) in the middle on nowhere and loved it. I like solitude, I don't want to hear the couple next door arguing, some kids loud music, or the neighborhood kids playing. I never felt afraid, thanks to Nevada's very generous gun laws - a 38 Special with hollow point bullets make you feel very safe. That and a BIG German Shephard and I was never nervous - that gun and dog went with me anywhere I was on my property. I agree with Kara V., the Police there are hard heads but they always made me feel comfortable. I enjoyed that it was close to Lake Tahoe, as I love it there. Carson City may not be for everyone, but I plan on retiring there. Nice and quiet. And a BIG Glock! :) read more

Wonderful destination. Golf, skiing, museums, restaurants, capitol area, family friendly. Beautiful scenery too!

What a lovely atmosphere with the best Chinese food we have had anywhere in the area. We went at 4 p.m. on a Tuesday and it was nice and quiet. Coupled with background music and a nice glass of wine, we couldn't have asked for a better dining experience. The service was excellent, without them being overbearing. (The only negative was their TV was on CNN. But we had to add points because the sound was muted. kidding... not really.) read more

Carson City is a very basic town with not much going for it. It can be very difficult to find things to do if your not into the events that are being offered. Alot of the events are live music bands playing old people music. If you go down Carson Street (the most happening part of the town) it is usually quiet. Even on saturday nights when your driving around it is quite quiet. If you want to find any action, you have to look online for specific events and go there at the right time. I did not realize how boring Carson City was until I graduated and wanted to make friends and meet girls beyond High School. The community college is nothing special. The classes are mostly lecturers with no group activities. Its hard to make any friends in class because everyone is usually silent listening to the teacher. Afterwards they just send you home with homework. Carson City is mostly urban sprawl with generic stores copy and pasted around the city. The small historic part of downtown is not enough to give it character. Its just big franchise businesses like Walmart and Mcdonalds filling up the commercial areas. Tahoe and Reno might by nearby, but I don't want to have to drive to other places all the time in order to do any activities. I wish I could just go downtown and be able to find interesting things to do when I don't feel like going on a roadtrip. I often end up spending my time behind the computer at home or playing videogames because Carson City is just too boring. If your a single adult avoid Carson City at all cost. I don't even know if married couples would enjoy it here either. read more

What's not to like about this incredible little town?! Living in Carson city is like living in Mayberry. Small town dreaming.

Make sure you are very careful with you credit and debit card information in Carson City Nevada. I had some debit card problems there and the only way to fill out a police statement is you actually have to physically go there and hand it in at the front desk. You can't mail it in, you can't do it over the phone, and they won't return your phone calls. Be very very careful there. read more

Somewhat rustic and has more "charm" than Reno. But, lots of Podunk politics. People appear nice but are at arm's length and never become good friends. (Sounds like the fake "southern charm", huh?) Been in CC for over 20 yrs and a lot has changed. The culture is getting more Californianized but not integrating with the previous base of lower income/means population & moderate political views. Even small RV's (campervans) are being tagged now for being on public streets with extreme local ordinances enforced by overzealous volunteer sheriffs. But other more impactful issues are being ignored. Seems the cons are outweighing the pros now. Weather is hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Hard to grow outdoor plants and vegetables. Very dry climate which can be hard on skin conditions and breathing issues along with the lower oxygen altitude effects. Readily close to Tahoe compared to Reno. Real estate becoming too expensive especially for the nominal income of most folks. This is driven by the influx of retiring Californians. read more

this review is about the Nevada Day Parade that happens every year here in the capital city of this Awesome State called Nevada!! We have been Djin for Punjabi Culture Of Reno/Carson City For three years..and each year the Nevada Day Parade gets Bigger and better with all sorts of different Floats and acts and performances I want to give a hand and salute too alll that are involved in making this day happen! I believe this day could be better and bigger if we had more locals involved it's such a fun and joyful day! I just wish they would choose a warmer time to put this together cuz when u have to set up at 7/8am and its 40 degrees that's not the business loll..but even then we all bundle up and set up and entertain the on go crowd! Simple joys of life..who knew music and drums can make other regions smile and dance and that's why we do it! So next year I hope I see different smiling faces! One love read more

I moved to Carson City when I was in the third grade 1988. I have to say I couldn't see growing up any where else I have been all over the world even lived in Europe for a few years I always wanted to come back to Carson. I hear a lot of people claim that it is boring nothing to do. Reno, Lake Tahoe 20 30 min away plenty to do there in my opinion it doesn't get any better than Tahoe summer or winter. So those claims are from people that are not very adventurous or can't find there way around. Now there are a lot of elderly that doesn't bother me there alway good for a good story about back in the day. The legal gambling that goes on here is the back bone to the state. I think that this is the down fall to this area. The average person makes about 40-50 thousand a year not enough to gamble and pay the bills but the casinos are never empty that not a good thing. I take that with a grain of salt I don't gamble so that aspect about Carson City I really don't pay attention to. It is a very windy state that can get aggravating some times. So hold on to those hats and wigs. So if you looking to move or visit this Wild West town enjoy the views we have the sunsets are the best the people are a little weird my self included but friendly. Come on over and enjoy you'll have a good time read more

Tried this place after a soak in the hot springs. It has really great ambiance as far a the decorations and set up goes. Has plenty of bar space and seating for dining. A cool little stage set up and nice lighting and artwork throughout. Very cozy and comfortable. This would be a great venue to see music. The downfall was the service, the food, and the prices. The bartender was nice enough but she was only concerned about getting the place clean to shut it down. I can see if there aren't any customers in the place spending her time cleaning, however, a good bartender who wants tips should at least act interested in the patrons. "How are you guys tonight? So where are you from? Have you been here before?" are good examples of questions every bartender should ask. I think we overtipped her but my wife is and has been a server in several high end, high profile, high speed local establishments and leaves a decent tip no matter what. This service can certainly improve with training. The food was ok. It arrived way too quickly to think it was prepared fresh. Like I said, it was ok. But what really ticked us off was the price of the drinks. The vodka was Smirnoff and not enough to even taste it. Tasted like straight fruit juice. $7.50 for a weak screw driver is rediculous. If the owners of this establishmen want this place to succeed, they really need to make it more affordable. I'd hate to think what a shot of top shelf vodka would cost. We would have stayed and had more drinks had the service been friendlier and the prices more reasonable. We'll give it another shot during music because it is a cool place and maybe this review will help change things. read more