If you’re looking for entertainment and excitement, then Reno is a great bet, with Downtown Reno topping the list for tourists and locals alike.

1. Gamble, gawk and explore the excitement of Downtown Reno.
2. Pile into the family cruiser and head to Hot August Nights to remember the days of old rock and roll.
3. For an even racier road show, give Street Vibrations a try as more than 30,000 motorcycle enthusiasts roar into town.
4. Look! Up in the air! It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s the Great Reno Balloon Race.
5. If you’re inspired by the balloons, visit Lake Tahoe Balloons for the ride of a lifetime.
6. The Oxbow Nature Study Area is a great place for fishing, hiking, picnicking or just enjoying the great outdoors.
7. Bring a bib and head to the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off for family entertainment, great music, and some of the most incredible ribs in the world.
8. Idlewild Park offers a break from the heat with roller coasters and water rides.
9. Experience an air show like no other in the world at the Reno Air Races, with five days of real air racing.
10. The National Bowling Stadium has been dubbed the Taj Mahal of Tenpins and is a must see for all true keglers.
11. Car fans will find hours of interest at the National Automobile Museum as they explore the history of cars on scenic streets.
12. Kids will be entertained at the Wilbur D. May Arboretum’s Great Basin Adventure, which features a petting zoo and a log ride.
13. The 40,000 square foot Fun Quest is a top family attraction that entertains the kid in everyone.
14. The Fleischmann Planetarium features large format films and digital star shows.
15. If you’re an adventure seeker, contact Sierra Adventures to help you plan the ultimate vacation.
16. Gamers will love the history featured at the Liberty Belle Saloon, the most complete museum of slot machines in the world.
17. Lake Mansion is listed in both national and state historic registers and offers a beautiful glimpse into the past.
18. Virginia Lake is a great vacation spot for people who want to get away from the crowds and spend a day at the beach.
19. Northern Nevada’s largest zoo, Sierra Safari Zoo is a must for animal lovers.
20. Or enjoy Animal Ark, a sanctuary for wild animals that cannot be released into the wild.
21. Galena Creek Park offers outdoor fun year round.
22. If you’re thinking about camping then Davis Creek has great campgrounds with amazing vistas.
23. Want a really unique desert experience? Try the Nevada Camel Company.
24. Fans of the TV series “Bonanza” will love a trip to the Ponderosa Ranch.
25. Nearby Virginia City offers a 2.5 mile, 20-minute narrated tour on a trolley.
26. Try a paddlewheel tour through Lake Tahoe.
27. Nevada Museum of Art provides a healthy dose of culture.
28. Win sunken treasure in the desert at Fitzgerald’s Casino.
29. If it’s BINGO you want, the Sands Regency is for you.
30. Nightlife is an art form and Bahia gives it a Latin beat.
31. Or try BuBinga for nightclub entertainment in a posh environment.
32. For an unusual picnic, head to the Bowers Mansion.
33. Historic Downtown Truckee gives you a taste of the old west.
34. Visit one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, Lake Tahoe.  Reno’s Airport serves the Lake Tahoe region.
35. Antique fans will love Mackay Mansion’s period pieces.
36. If a photo is worth a thousand words then the Reno Arch is worth a shot.
37. Looking for a great view or skiing? Mt Rose is where you want to be.
38. Mark Twain got his start in Reno and the Mark Twain Museum offers unique insights.
39. Golfweek magazine has given Lake Ridge Golf Course it’s highest accolades.
40. Hit Northgate Golf Club for another round.
41. For golf spectators, head out to the Reno-Tahoe Open.
42. Rough riders will love the Reno Rodeo Cattle Drive.
43. Or try riding yourself at Verdi Trails West.
44. Get a customized tour with Art Touring.
45. Midway games and circus acts abound at Circus Circus.
46. Get married. Vegas doesn’t own the corner on quickie weddings.
47. Have dinner at Famous Murphy’s Restaurant Grill and Oyster Bar.
48. Learn more about Lake Tahoe at Gatekeeper’s Museum.
49. If you’re in Reno at the right time the International Jazz Festival is hopping.
50. Fridays in the summer rock with Rolling on the River.

Of course, the #1 thing to do is to find a great hotel room in Reno, click here for great rates.

(Photo via flickr cc)