Looking for a little adventure, a sprinkle of romance, and maybe just a touch of luck? Don’t miss our list of the best things to do in Reno Tahoe for couples.
Reno, Nevada, affectionately known as “The Biggest Little City in the World”, packs way more charm than you might expect.
Situated in Northern Nevada with sparkling Lake Tahoe just a short drive away, a lively downtown casino scene, and plenty of date-worthy restaurants and adventures, Reno Tahoe is the perfect playground for couples looking to mix relaxation with excitement.
Here are the best things to do in Reno Tahoe for couples from fun Reno date ideas to delicious dining:
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over Lake Tahoe
For one of the coolest single experiences you can have an hour from Reno, book a flight with Lake Tahoe Balloons.
This is the only place in the world where a hot air balloon launches from a boat!
The unique atmosphere nestled between the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe makes this engineering feat possible.
Not only is it incredibly interesting to watch the hot air balloon inflate, launch, and deflate from a boat, it’s also one of the most romantic things you can do in the area.
It’s an over-the-top date idea to surprise your loved one with for a special occasion and one of the most unique experiences you’ll find around the world.
It’s the perfect place to get a birdseye view of the Tahoe area as you snuggle up in the basket.
Enjoy a Couples Spa Experience
Kick off your trip with some serious pampering.
Spa Atlantis at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is a little slice of bliss.
It’s a great place where you and your partner can enjoy a couples massage or one of many other spa treatments, followed by time in their multiple incredible spa lounges.
Whether you want to soak in a hydrotherapy pool, unwind in an inhalation light and salt therapy lounge, or simply sip tea in plush robes, this is the relaxation glow-up your relationship deserves.
The spa facility is the best we’ve experienced; even the locker room is equipped with a variety of salt scrubs and the showers have waterfall rain heads and body sprayers.
It’s one of the great Reno date ideas that will leave you completely revitalized.
Savor Gourmet Japanese Cuisine
Smoke Door is unlike any Japanese restaurant that we’ve been to in America.
Originating in Japan, this Saryo restaurant, meaning “small tea shop”, focuses on the Japanese technique of cooking over embers using their custom-made grill.
Located in North Lake Tahoe on the Nevada/California stateline, the moment you walk in your senses are engulfed in the rich, smokey scent of the almond wood.
The open kitchen gives diners a preview of the food cooking over the open flames.
Unlike a typical American BBQ restaurant which would be loaded with meat, you’ll spot fish hanging to make homemade bonito flakes used in their dashi broth, whole heads of cauliflower dangling on a hook, and even beets roasting and drying on top of the apparatus.
We treated ourselves to the ten-course tasting menu with beverage pairings, which was a date night to remember.
The amuse bouche starter felt more like a tasting menu on its own. Prepared tableside, the homemade smoked bonito flakes were pressed into hot water for made-to-order dashi broth and were served with three other small bites.
The fish course was shipped in from the Toyosu Fish Market, our favorite fish market in Tokyo.
Meanwhile, the Japanese A5 wagyu was exquisitely marbled and served with yuzu koju, BBQ salt and even fresh wasabi that was prepared tableside.
Surprisingly, the dishes that blew us away the most were actually their vegetable courses.
The embered squash was smoky, delicate, and topped with the most addicting egg miso sauce.
The smoked head of cauliflower was finished with brown butter and virtually melted in your mouth.
Regarded as one of the top new restaurants in America, this spot is just begging for a well-deserved Michelin recognition.
Grab Some Sweets at a Local Bakery
Sometimes romance comes in the form of flaky croissants and warm cookies.
Swing by Perenn Bakery for buttery pastries that will make you both swoon for creative sweets and a cozy atmosphere.
There are three locations to choose from: Midtown, Rancharrah and inside NAM.
Pro tip: It’s a great place to grab extra treats for a mountain picnic later.
We loved the sweet and custardy-filled kouign-amann and a savory pastry that was filled with cream cheese, green onion, and everything bagel seasoning.
They even offer cookies that are made with marshmallows and homemade croissant pieces!
Explore Secret Cove in Lake Tahoe
Is there anything more romantic than discovering a hidden beach together?
Secret Cove on Lake Tahoe is exactly what it sounds like: tucked away, serene, and absolutely gorgeous.
Pack that picnic (with your bakery finds), dip your toes in the crystal-clear water, and feel like you’ve stumbled onto your own private paradise.
It’s the perfect spot to cool off, thanks to the sandy beach and boulders that are begging for you to sunbathe on them.
Keep in mind that this beach is technically clothing-optional, but we’ve found most visitors are outfitted in swimwear.
Read our full guide on Secret Cove Lake Tahoe for information on the parking options and the hiking difficulty.
Have a Romantic Dinner at a Steakhouse
Candlelight, a perfectly seared steak, and a glass of red wine—need we say more?
Atlantis Steakhouse nails the fine-dining romance factor.
With impeccable service and an award-winning wine list, it’s the kind of meal you’ll remember long after dessert.
Many of the menu items are prepared tableside, which is a show and a meal all in one.
The steak Diane entree was seared before our eyes and flambéd to create a rich mushroom sauce.
A creamy sauce with trout roe was poured over seared sea bass tableside, which was also a beautiful presentation.
It’s a great option for celebrating a special event (or for spending your casino jackpot windfall!).
Embark on a Craft Cocktail Crawl
Reno’s craft cocktail scene is buzzing, and it’s perfect for date night.
There are a number of great options to choose from if you’re looking for taste craft cocktails, all three of these cocktail bars are located on the same block in the Midtown district.
For the moody, speakeasy vibes, check out Death & Taxes.
They are serving incredible craft cocktails like the carajillo topped with coconut cream and shaved chocolate-covered coffee beans.
For a traditional cocktail with an elevated edge, order the vesper infused with fig.
Right next door to Death and Taxes, you’ll find Italian-inspired aperitivo cocktails at Amari.
The strawberry martini was perfectly balanced and oh so delicious.
Head there during aperitivo hour and your drinks come with complementary snacks like potato crisps and capastrano olives.
If you’re a rum lover, don’t miss Curse of Cain.
Located right around the corner from the other two cocktail bars, the rum-centered menu features creative libations served up with vibrant presentation.
Cheers to love (and maybe one too many Negronis).
If you need some grub to soak up all the booze, walk over to Arario Midtown for Korean fusion.
The beef bulgogi cheesesteak sandwich is a game changer, and no cheesesteak will ever surpass the level of deliciousness from using bulgogi.
For the ultimate munchie, upgrade your side dish to their bulgogi kimchi fries. Are you drooling yet?!
Experience Clear Kayaking
What’s more romantic than floating over Lake Tahoe in a see-through kayak?
Clear Kayaking with Clearly Tahoe offers guided tours where you and your partner can paddle over turquoise water while marveling at the lake’s impressive clarity (during our visit we were able to see to 70-foot depths!).
It’s a fun date idea for those looking for romantic outdoor activities; a mix of exercise and natural beauty.
Don’t forget the camera; it’s couples-photo gold and one of the most fun things you can do to enjoy the crystal clear water in the Reno Tahoe area.
Choose from a number of launch points around Lake Tahoe.
For the tour closest to Reno, opt for the Bonsai Rock Tour which departs from Sand Harbor.
You’ll have a guided tour with facts and history about the lake as you glide through the crystal clear water with a 360 view: including through the bottom of the boat!
Taste Your Way Through Basque Restaurants
Reno has a surprising culinary tradition—Basque food!
Head to a local Basque restaurant like Louis’ Basque Corner for hearty dishes, family-style dining, and their famous Picon Punch (just be careful, it packs a punch in more ways than one).
Our lunch came with bread, Basque beans, a salad, soup, and even a carafe of wine!
The oxtail and sweetbread entrees were rich, hearty, and made with love.
Sharing giant platters of food? Pretty romantic, if you ask us.
See a Show in Downtown Reno
A trip to Reno Tahoe isn’t complete without checking out their events calendar for live performances.
From festivals to concerts, there is always something fun going on.
Since there are so many casinos in downtown Reno, you’ll also find special shows and entertainment all throughout the city.
We were able to catch Magique, a show with a current residency at The Nugget, that could rival most Vegas performances.
A mix of dancing and magic. It was a unique way to have a great time while having our minds blown!
Stroll the Riverwalk District
Cutting through the middle of downtown, the Truckee River creates a beautiful place for a stroll.
Meander along waterfalls and adorable bridges on the Riverwalk and find a great place for a meal.
Situated right on the Reno Riverwalk, Toro Bravo offers Latin cuisine with modern ambiance.
Offering a wide array of ceviches and Mexican fare, we highly recommend starting with the blue corn cornbread, it’s probably the best cornbread that we’ve tasted anywhere.
Another favorite dish?! The quesabirria is meaty, cheesy, and begging to be dunked in the rich consommé broth.
Be sure to add on the charro beans as a side dish, it’s loaded with two types of sausage and eats like a meal.
Wander Through the National Automobile Museum
While most people wouldn’t think of vintage cars and automobile museums as their first thought for a date night, this is one of the most highly rated Reno experiences.
From classic cars, to a race car, to even a classic DeLorean that you might recognize from Back to the Future.
If you’re looking for unique date ideas, this museum is full of unique things to see.
The museum is close to downtown which is a great option if you’re looking to take a break from gambling for a bit.
Take a Gorgeous Hike
Couples who hike together, thrive together.
One of the most amazing attributes of the Reno Tahoe area is that you have a mix of glitz and excitement with outdoor wonder and natural beauty.
There are a number of trails throughout the Sierra Nevada mountains that offer incredible vistas and views for hiking and biking.
We love walking the trails around Lake Tahoe. You can find a number of hiking routes all through the region..
Another option is the 6-mile Hunter Creek Trail, which leads you to a waterfall, and while it’s a bit of a workout since it is a longer hike, we have heard that the views are worth every step.
Conquering a hike hand-in-hand makes for a pretty epic bonding experience.
Toast to Happy Hour
Reno Tahoe couples know: Bistro Napa’s social hour is legendary.
With half-priced cocktails, wines, and small plates, it’s the ultimate classy-but-fun pre-dinner date.
Get there early—it’s a local favorite for good reason and a line usually forms prior to their opening.
Who could blame them? It’s half off a large number of appetizers that are HUGE portions.
What a great way to kick off a fun and fabulous evening in vibrant downtown Reno.
Try Your Luck Gambling in Downtown Reno
When in Reno Tahoe, you’ve got to try your hand at the tables.
Downtown Reno casinos like the Eldorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus bring the fun (and hopefully a little luck).
You’ll also find large hotel resorts all across town, such as Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and Peppermill Resort Spa Casino.
From slot machines to poker tournaments, who knows, you might just leave with enough winnings to fund your next romantic getaway.
If you’re gambling at Atlantis and are on a heater until the wee hours, fill your stomach at the Lucky Beaver, a 24/7 burger shop just across the street that specializes in wagyu beef burgers that are cooked over a spinning flame-throwing grill.
Even if you don’t hit a jackpot, you’ll still be a winner.
Reno Tahoe may be small in size, but when it comes to date ideas and keeping that romance thriving, it’s mighty.
Whether you’re sipping cocktails, relaxing at the spa, or paddling across Lake Tahoe, you’ll find that this “Biggest Little City” is brimming with ways to connect, laugh, and maybe even fall in love all over again.
Planning a trip to Reno Tahoe?! Don’t forget to check out Visit Reno Tahoe for more resources and trip guides.
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