6 cheap summer trips to take in Northern Nevada

Avoid the hottest summer weather with cheap summer trips to Northern Nevada, where temperatures are a little cooler.

Last summer was one of the country’s and the state’s hottest on record, and if the Farmer’s Almanac 2025 forecast is correct, the trend will continue this summer. With the sunny season lasting through late September, the heat isn’t going away anytime soon.

To avoid melting away in the hottest Nevada weather—last year in Vegas reached a scorching 120 degrees—consider a quick trip in Northern Nevada. Whether visiting nearby towns and cities on a road trip or flying into the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), there are plenty of cool options for summer fun, and you don’t have to break the bank to get there.

Reno

Getting There

With 441 miles between the two cities, the drive to Reno from Las Vegas takes just over seven hours with plenty of stops along the way to spice up the drive. On the other hand, a flight from LAS to RNO takes under 90 minutes.

Sin City’s hometown airline, Allegiant Air, discontinued its flights to Reno last year, but a handful of other airlines offer direct flights between the two cities. A quick search on the Southwest Airlines website found round-trip flights for an average of $200 per person, including taxes and fees. However, prices fluctuate daily, and deals are occasionally available. Check travel websites like Expedia and Kayak to compare prices.

The Temperature

The temperature in Reno can reach or exceed 100 degrees in the summer, but average high temperatures are in the 90s and lows are in the 50s, with July being the warmest month.

Things to Do

Whether exploring the great outdoors or hitting the casino, there’s plenty to do in Reno. The Biggest Little City is home to a diverse range of restaurants, attractions, activities, recreation, and cultural experiences. You can hit up museums, hang out at parks, check out public art along the Riverwalk, or go whitewater rafting in the Truckee River. There’s also no shortage of places to stay, including hotels and campgrounds. Many Reno hotels offer competitive deals, making it easy to find affordable options.

Virginia City

Getting There

Virginia City is only 23 miles from the Reno-Tahoe Airport or 425 miles from Las Vegas.

Temperature

In July, the average high temperature is in the mid-80s.

Things to Do

One of the largest historical districts in the country, Virginia City showcases Victorian-era charm with authentic wooden boardwalk sidewalks, historic churches, old-west saloons, museums, and shops. Explore the area in an open-air car on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad or by hiking on a trail. From haunted ghost tours to live music, there’s always something going on, and you may even be able to catch one of the town’s outlandish events like the International Camel & Ostrich Races in early September.

Carson City

Getting There

Carson City is only 28.6 miles from the Reno-Tahoe airport, 434 miles from Las Vegas.

Temperature

Similar to Reno, the summer temperatures here range from the high 80s to the low 90s.

Things to Do

Nevada’s capital, Carson City, is a history and adventure-filled destination with charming shops, 1800s-era Victorian-style homes, museums, and churches throughout its historic downtown, located along the Kit Carson Trail. You can explore a full-scale mock-up of a working mine at the Nevada State Museum or check out old steam engines at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. The city boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, as well as casinos, dining options, breweries, lodging, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities. The scenic Kings Canyon Waterfall Trail is a short (only .3 miles) hiking trail that leads to a 25-foot cascading waterfall.

Zephyr Cove

Getting There

Zephyr Cove is about 53 miles from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport and 445 miles from Las Vegas.

Temperature

The lakeside community boasts cool summer temperatures in the 70s.

Things to Do

Zephyr Cove is a charming lakeside community along Lake Tahoe with resorts, shops, and restaurants. Zephyr Cove Beach offers a variety of water activities, including parasailing, boating, water skiing, and kayaking. Now celebrating more than 30 years on Lake Tahoe, the M.S. Dixie II is the region’s largest and most celebrated paddlewheeler, departing from the historic Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina for daytime scenic cruises and sunset dinner cruises. Whether bumming around the mile-long sandy beach or playing in the water, this area is an oasis with beautiful views and plenty of ways to enjoy the lake. You may have to pay for parking.

Ely

Getting There

Ely is located about 240 miles from Las Vegas and 322 miles from Reno.

Temperature

The average summer temperature is in the mid to upper 80s.

Things to Do

Sitting on the Eastern edge of U.S. 50, “The Loneliest Highway,” Ely is a great base camp for year-round outdoor recreation and a short drive to Great Basin National Park. Founded as a stagecoach station along the Pony Express, there are lots of ways to take a trip back in time, from murals celebrating the town’s history to a ride on a steam or diesel locomotive at the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. The nearby Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park provides a glimpse into the area’s mining history, while Cave Lake State Park has fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, camping, and mountain biking. In the summer, you can enjoy live music in Broadbent Park. Ely has several affordable lodging options and plenty of restaurants.

Great Basin National Park

Getting There

Great Basin National Park is 285 miles from Vegas, 376 miles from Reno, and 56 miles from Ely.

Temperature

With a nearly 8,000-foot difference in elevation between Wheeler Peak and the valley floor, weather at Great Basin National Park varies greatly. The average high in July is 86 degrees with a low of 57 degrees. By September, you may be treated to a high of 75 degrees and a low of 47 degrees. Plus, it can snow any time of the year at high elevations.

Things to Do

Located in an isolated area of Eastern Nevada near the Utah border, Great Basin National Park has a variety of lakes and streams, wildlife, lush forests, a glacier, fossils,  4,000-year-old bristlecone pine trees, and a system of caves. You can drive through the park’s various ecosystems to the top of Wheeler Peak and enjoy the scenery, and possible wildlife, from your car or get out and hike the trails. As a designated Dark Sky Park, the park offers a variety of programs like nighttime, ranger-led tours and special events dedicated to stargazing, including an annual Stargazing Festival in September. Be sure to check out the visitor center to learn more about the park and to make sure you don’t miss out on any of its offerings. As for your stay, camping is a popular option, but lodging is also available in nearby Baker, a tiny town with restaurants and a general store.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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