Throw back a beer in the state’s oldest Old West saloon, ride a vintage steam locomotive, or take a hike with a panoramic view in a charming small Nevada town.
Nevada is primarily known for its two largest cities: Sin City (Las Vegas) and the Biggest Little City (Reno), but the Silver State is also home to its share of charming small towns.
Every small town in Nevada has its own brand of authentic charm, whether it’s a cutesy downtown, historic mining relics, public art, or outdoor adventure.
From the state’s oldest and most well-preserved town to a ritzy lakeside village, here are five small Nevada towns so charming you may never want to leave.
1. Genoa
Tucked at the eastern foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Carson Valley, less than 45 miles from Reno, Genoa is arguably Nevada’s most charming town.
As the state’s oldest permanent settlement, dating back to 1851, the adorable town has a cozy atmosphere with locally run shops, Victorian-era architecture, a small market, lodging, golf, restaurants, and Nevada’s oldest saloon, Genoa Bar.
Other draws include The Pink House restaurant and Mormon Station State Historic Park, both part of Genoa’s Historic District, which includes a courthouse, museum, and city hall. The historic district is phenomenally well preserved and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Throw in an apple orchard, free-roaming deer, and pine-filled mountains, and Genoa looks like it stepped out of a postcard year-round. The town is a launching point for outdoor adventures such as hiking, skiing, or horseback riding. Annual events, including the Genoa Western Heritage Celebration and the Candy Dance and Faire, draw visitors from near and far.
2. Incline Village
An upscale alpine resort town and vacation destination on the northeast shore of the majestic Lake Tahoe, Incline Village is a charming small town that’s been compared to a country club. Located an hour from Reno, the town has waterfront dining, gaming, shopping, golf, entertainment, and year-round recreation.
When it comes to outdoor activities, Incline Village offers excellent hiking and biking with scenic views of the lake, as well as plenty of water sports. While the beaches are restricted to hotel guests, there are public beaches nearby. The 3-mile East Shore bike trail connects to the nearby Hidden Beach and Sand Harbor State Park. Grab brunch at Tunnel Creek Cafe, then hop on the trail there.
In the winter, you’ll find plenty of skiing on Tahoe’s north shore. The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and the Local Heroes Fourth of July Weekend are among the annual events that draw visitors to Incline Village.
3. Virginia City
Though most agree Virginia City is haunted, the town still drips with charm. A visit to Virginia City is like a trip back in time to the wacky Old West with historic buildings, old mines, cemeteries, saloons, and the working V&T Railroad. Located 35 miles southeast of Reno, the mountainous land is dotted with walkable Victorian-era homes and mansions, churches, and the Piper Opera House. A wooden boardwalk lines both sides of the main street, with eclectic shops, museums, restaurants, and saloons.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Virginia City is where prospectors discovered the Comstock Lode and struck it rich in silver in 1859. The town has been through many ups and downs, including major fires, which have earned it a reputation as a hot spot for paranormal activity. The town hosts events year-round, including parades, silly races, and pub crawls, but the spooky season and Christmas are especially exciting in Virginia City.
Next time you visit, stop by the Visitor’s Center, 86 S. C Street, for tickets, maps, information, and a bottle of locally brewed Cemetery Gin.
4. Boulder City
The gateway to Hoover Dam, Boulder City is a small town in Southern Nevada with plenty of charm. Just 30 minutes from Las Vegas, it was originally a company town established for workers building the iconic dam.
Boulder City is a non-gaming community with antique stores, novelty shops, golf, restaurants, and bars. The quaint downtown is the perfect spot to grab a bite and some booze on the way to Lake Mead. You can’t go wrong at a locally owned cafe like Southwest Diner or Coffee Cup Café. In the summertime, Chilly Jilly’z is the place to go for a refreshing Dole Whip float.
History buffs will enjoy the colonial-style Boulder Dam Hotel, which houses the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum. Or check out the Nevada State Railroad Museum to see vintage locomotives.
Among Boulder City’s popular annual events are The Dam Short Film Festival and the 4th of July Damboree Celebration. If you stop by Hemenway Park, you might spot a bighorn sheep or two.
5. Ely
Once a stop along the Pony Express and later a copper mining town, Ely doesn’t have Virginia City’s wit or Genoa’s beauty, but its authenticity, history, downtown murals, and remote mountain landscapes give it major cred as a charming small town
Ely is located in east-central Nevada along U.S. 50, the “Loneliest Road in America.” When the town’s historic six-story Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall opened in 1929, it was the tallest building in the state. Today it’s a popular stop for lodging, dining, and gaming.
When visiting Ely, be sure to take a walking tour of the downtown’s colorful murals and sculptures. Created by artists all over the world, each piece helps tell Ely’s story.
Ely is also home to the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, a heritage train station with working vintage steam locomotives. Visitors can buy tickets for a variety of themed and non-themed rides, including a stargazing ride between Ely and Great Basin National Park.
Other nearby attractions include Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park, Cave Lake State Park, and Ward Mountain Recreation Area.
