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Reno Arch, Reno, NV

Photo: Mobilus In Mobili, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingIconicFree

Reno Arch

Virginia St at Commercial Row · Reno, NV

Why you should go…

The Reno Arch spans Virginia Street at Commercial Row in the heart of downtown Reno. The first arch went up in 1926 to promote an exposition celebrating the completion of the Lincoln and Victory Highways, and the slogan "The Biggest Little City in the World" debuted on it on June 25, 1929. Today's arch is the third version, installed in 1987, fitted with LED bulbs in 2009 and repainted blue and silver in 2018. It appears in films such as Sister Act and Kingpin.

  • #landmark sign
  • #photo spot
  • #downtown reno
  • #neon

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Reno Arch, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Local Gem

    Reno Outdoors

    $50+

    Guided luxury-van day tours from Reno to Lake Tahoe and Virginia City.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Reno Riverwalk District

    Free

    Downtown Reno arts and entertainment district along the Truckee River with shops, galleries, and dining.

    Steps awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    National Automobile Museum

    Under $25

    See more than 200 historic cars from the Harrah collection displayed along recreated period street scenes in Reno.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    Rainy-Day Pick

    Nevada Museum of Art

    Under $25

    Walk rotating exhibitions on art and the environment in a Will Bruder building in downtown Reno.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Virginia City

    Free

    A historic Comstock Lode silver-mining boomtown with board sidewalks, saloons, mine tours, and museums.

    17 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Sierra Valley

    Free

    Visitor information hub for Sierra Valley's small mountain towns in Sierra County, California.

    25 mi awayMore like this