The Carson City center is approximately the area of Nevada State Capitol and the area of Downtown Carson City.
Summers prove most popular among tourists in Carson City as well as the rest of Nevada. Despite the heat, visitors arrive in droves to gamble, swim in Lake Tahoe, and enjoy all the other entertainment options this city has to offer. They also enjoy hiking and engaging in other outdoor activities, especially since rainfall is rare during this season.
However, if you're sensitive to heat, you might want to avoid the middle of summer, concentrating instead on the milder seasons. You can still explore the outdoors, take hikes, and even dip a toe or two in Lake Tahoe, but you'll get better rates on hotels and you won't have to fight the crowds at your favorite tourist activities.
Snowbirds, on the other hand, should visit Carson City during the winter. It's an excellent skiing and snowboarding destination, and as long as you're comfortable in the cold, you'll have a blast. The ski season in Carson City and nearby resorts lasts from November until April or May, so you can target those months if you want to hit the slopes.
Keep in mind that hotel rates and crowds also increase during holidays. If you prefer fewer tourists to get in your way, avoid holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Labor Day, Memorial Day, and New Year's.
You can reduce your overall travel costs if you take advantage of discounts. For instance, if you stay in Choice hotels like the Rodeway Inn at Nevada State Capitol, you can save up to 10 percent on your hotel bill. The discounts apply to AAA and AARP members as well as senior citizens, government workers, and military service members. You can also save up to 20 percent by booking your rooms early.
You can find similar deals at the Super 8 Carson City. AAA, AARP, and CAA members can save up to 10 percent, while government workers also get non-publicized special rates. Several Carson City hotels, such as the Gold Dust West Hotel & Casino, offer loyalty programs, as well, that help you save money on hotel stays as long as you stick with the brand.
If you're looking for the best value in Carson City, book a room at The Plaza Hotel. It's one of the oldest hotels in the city, which means you might find a few signs of wear and tear, but it's held up extremely well and guests report that it offers clean, comfortable accommodations. It's also a quiet venue, which benefits guests who awaken easily when confronted with noise, and there's a continental breakfast served every morning. This centrally located hotel will put you right in the middle of Carson City's downtown district, which makes it ideal for guests who love exploring nightlife.
Alternatively, stay at the well-reviewed Hardman House Hotel. It's housed in a unique second-empire Victorian building with spires on the roof and charming arched dormers. There are 62 rooms spread across the hotel's three floors as well as six suites. You get free wireless internet at this establishment, and the continental breakfast offers the usual fare. You'll love your spacious room, which offers a flat-screen television, microwave, refrigerator, premium cable channels, charming old-world decor, and an iron and ironing board.
Carson City is brimming with outdoor attractions that will keep your heart rate up and allow you to enjoy the breathtaking scenery that surrounds the state capital. There's an easy trail that winds along the Carson River, for instance, that leads to Riverview Park, which has a dog-friendly area if you're traveling with your pooch and feel like letting him or her off-leash.
For a slightly more challenging hike, climb to the top of Prison Hill. You'll get an amazing view of the city from the top of this hill, so don't forget your camera at the hotel. Alternatively, if you want to center your outdoor activities around Lake Tahoe, test your bravery with a hang-gliding session or go for a swim in the beautiful water.
Carson City offers something for everyone, whether you're interested in the outdoors, history, shopping, nature, or plain old relaxation. Choose one of the hotels recommended above and start planning your trip today.
Below are reviews of the city of Carson City, NV from an actual visitor's perspective.
Room was spacious.
It had a small town, feeling not the hustle and bustle like Las Vegas.
Great restaurants!
My son lives here so we like to come here. The city has everything we need!
Great roads and scenery!
Small town feel and scenery!
Small town feel and scenery!
Love the traffic pattern, newer highway. Fantastic options for stores and restaurants.
Spent the days in Incline Village, but Carson City was clean and the people were friendly, making our visit very enjoyable.
There's always something you can do.
A great caring staff.
Lots of different things to do around the area. Clean and safe area.
Fine.
Quiet!
Love Carson City. Lots of places to visit, eat and shop!
Carson City has something for everyone. People are friendly. Lots of eating and entertainment options.
Carson City has something for everyone. People are friendly. Lots of eating and entertainment options.
The room was decent with a good bed and shower.
City is spread out and very rural. Charming downtown area.
The town was walkable and quaint with good restaurants!
Neat little historic town.
Carson City has some nice parks that are kid and dog friendly.
We just love everything about Carson City, great little city.
Carson City is less crowded, less frantic, and less expensive than Lake Tahoe. The people are very nice and make visitors feel very welcome. Short trips to neighboring areas for the beaches, shows, shopping, etc. and then you can return to a peaceful place to relax. We come every year!
We very much like the restaurant in the Fandango Casino called Dukes Fine Dining.
Breakfast was very good! Room was clean.
We loved the historic downtown area and had a nice lunch there at Comma Cafe. Beautiful scenery with snow covered mountains surrounding the city.
Carson City is clean. There is not a lot of traffic and people. There is a small town atmosphere in Carson City.
I love the history of Carson City and it's convenient location to other sites.
Carson City is beautiful!
It was a nice and clean city and everything was reachable. Some casinos are there making the city live and roads were nice with mountain views. Would love to visit again.
The view was spectacular! Mountains covered in snow made for a great trip!
Mountain view! Close to places for food and other needs. No disturbances.
Nice
City is okay. Scenery was nice driving there.
We had breakfast at Mom and Pop's Diner. Delicious food and great service.
There were many places to visit and the weather was great!
Great restaurant prices along with free breakfast!
Very nice city.
Nice area.
Nice place!
The city was very clean and the shopping was wonderful.
Good shopping available and convenient location to freeway access.
Clean, growing and friendly town. It feels vibrant and alive. Great mountain views too!
Quiet hotel and nice rooms accommodations.