The 7 Best Small Towns In Nevada To Chill Out
The state of Nevada sits in a landlocked corner of the Southwestern United States. It is best known for the big, gambling, and entertainment-centric cities of Las Vegas and Reno, but being the seventh-largest entity in America (in terms of area) leaves a lot of additional space to investigate. There are mountain towns, desert towns, lake towns, and ghost towns to visit, all offering a unique look into the state's lucrative silver-mining phase, a chance to explore different aspects of the contrasting landscape, and a variety of social scenes to participate in. If you have had it with the bright lights and noise pollution and just want somewhere to chill out for a while, then aim for these small towns.
Virginia City
Roughly equidistant (i.e., a 30-minute drive) from Reno (to the Northwest) and the state capital of Carson City (to the Southwest), Virginia City (which, despite the name, is actually a small town), waits to transport you back in time. With a 2020 population of 787, this Storey County community indeed tells a story about a Victorian-era mining town that has transformed over the years. The Old West architecture along C Street makes Virginia City a perfect place to unwind, stroll the wooden sidewalks, sip some suds in the local saloon, take an old-timey cosplay photo, listen to live music, ride a steam engine, and join a ghost tour to tap into the spooky underbelly of "one of the most haunted towns in America."
Ely
The small city (population 3,924) of Ely is another old-school mining and railroad town that hit its stride in the early 20th century and maintained its aesthetic charm into the 21st century while also transforming itself into a modest tourist town. Similar to Virginia City, this White Pine County community also hits the intriguing Wild West/haunted ghost town/artistic vibes (be sure to take the walking mural tour) while also acting as a leaping-off point for Great Basin National Park. Just over an hour's drive Southeast of Ely brings visitors to the 77,000-acre park, which features such highlights as the 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak (i.e., the second-highest in the state) and the intricate, spellbinding Lehman Caves. This whole area, being well clear of the light pollution of Las Vegas, is also celebrated for its brilliant night sky.
Caliente
A couple of hours South of Ely and another two hours removed from Las Vegas, the sizzling Southeast city of Caliente is most certainly a cool spot to hang out. This Lincoln County town is named after the natural hot springs that have long attracted folks seeking relaxation and wellness. But nowadays, as a delightful contrast, Caliente has also morphed into a mountain biker's paradise. Here, you can rip the mountain trails in the morning and soak those sore muscles in the afternoon – not a bad combo. For the remaining free time, casually take in the alluring railroad infrastructure, including the old cottages and the Spanish Mission-style Union Pacific depot. Caliente also claims to be the "City of Roses," as beds of these attractive flowers can be seen lining the streets.
Tonopah
In Southcentral Nevada, roughly halfway between Las Vegas and Reno, Tonopah is a great spot to get away from it all and just chill. "The Queen of the Silver Camps" continues the trend of noteworthy mining towns – a history that can be thoroughly enjoyed at the Historic Mining Park and expanded upon at the Central Nevada Museum. This Nye County settlement is also appealing to those who get a kick out of feeling unsettled. There are once again ghost tours to join; bold visitors can stay at one of Nevada's most haunted places, the Mizpah Hotel, and non-coulrophobes can brave "America's Scariest Motel," The Famous Clown Motel (which is exactly what it sounds like!). But no matter where you find yourself during the day, go outside at night and take in the grandeur of the Milky Way, as Tonopah is considered one of the best stargazing spots in the country.
Gardnerville
Over on the far West side, 16 miles South of Carson City and just East of Lake Tahoe, the Douglas County town of Gardnerville has an understated appeal. Struggle to choose your branch-off adventure in this little community that is backdropped by the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, sits on the Eastern shore of the East Fork Carson River, and is tantalizingly close to the massive, aforementioned high-altitude lake. But don't rush off too quickly; Gardnerville is a hip place that emphasizes arts and crafts. Check out the local galleries, antique shops, and theater performances before washing the day down at a charming saloon or fun restaurant.
Incline Village
Speaking of Lake Tahoe, Incline Village is hands down the best Nevada-based community to sink into the subtle art of lake life. This sub-9,000-resident resort town is located on Crystal Bay, which is Lake Tahoe's Northeastern fin. Vacationers flock from all over to enjoy the exquisite views of the largest alpine lake in the country, which is bordered by crisp green coniferous forests and contrasted by the snowy Sierra Nevada peaks. During the summer, water sports are what send ecstatic giggles reverberating across the bay, while winter has people trading in their paddles and golf clubs (or disc golf gear) for skis and directing the fair-weather fans into the pampering spas and popular casinos.
Austin
If the country club scene of Incline Village isn't your fancy, and you'd prefer to drift into anonymity in a tiny, off-the-radar tumbleweed town, then make sure to steer towards the heart of the state and park yourself in Austin. This Lander County community sits within the Toiyabe Range and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest at an altitude of 6,575 feet and has a whopping population of 167 people. Austin is a stop along Highway 50, which is affectionately known as "The Loneliest Road in America." The humble Stokes Castle sits on a hill above the town. It further accents the intriguing desolation of a middle-of-nowhere desert town, and acts as a reminder of the mid-19th century silver mining boom, and the 20th century bust.
The Silver State sees a lot of traffic come through its energetic cities, but there are a plethora of sites throughout the barren yet stimulating land that are deserving of side trips. Whether you hit the town hard and now need a break or sought to discover a different side of Nevada to begin with, these seven small towns will give you a slew of reasons to simply let go of everything else, and chill out.
