Need a fun and affordable gateway to Reno-Tahoe? Head to Sparks! Located right next to Reno, Sparks offers lakeside relaxation, big events, outlet shopping, and family-friendly parks. Whether you're attending a rib cook-off, boating on the lake, or exploring Nevada’s Wild West charm, Sparks is a great hub for adventure and entertainment.
Sparks, NV Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Paddleboard or kayak at Sparks Marina Park – Enjoy clear water, beach access, walking trails, and mountain views just minutes from downtown.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Sparks Heritage Museum – Learn about the city’s railroad roots and western history in this local gem near Victorian Square.
- For Shoppers: Browse The Outlets at Legends – Shop top brands and catch a movie or bite to eat at this open-air retail destination.
- For Couples: Enjoy a lakeside picnic or sunset stroll – Bring a blanket to the Sparks Marina and soak in the Sierra views at golden hour.
- For Families: Cool off at Wild Island Family Adventure Park – With water slides, go-karts, bowling, and mini-golf, this is Sparks’ go-to family fun zone.
Best Time to Visit Sparks, NV
The best time to visit Sparks is from May to October, when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor events and lake activities. Summer brings popular festivals and nightlife, while fall offers cooler days and fewer crowds. Winters are mild, with quick access to nearby ski resorts.
How to Get to Sparks, NV
- By Car: Sparks is just off I-80, adjacent to Reno, and about 2 hours from Lake Tahoe or Sacramento.
- By Plane: Fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), just 15 minutes from Sparks.
- By Train: Amtrak's California Zephyr stops at the Reno station, a short drive or ride-share away from Sparks.
Where to Stay in Sparks, NV
- Nugget Casino Resort – Iconic resort with gaming, dining, live entertainment, and an indoor pool near Victorian Square.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Reno Sparks – Comfortable and modern with free breakfast and easy access to I-80 and shopping.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Reno/Sparks – Convenient for both business and leisure travelers with clean, spacious rooms and amenities.
Best Things to Do in Sparks, NV
1. Shop, Save, and Stroll at Outlets at Legends Sparks
The Outlets at Legends Sparks provides tourists and local residents alike with plenty of opportunities to shop, offering more affordable prices on a wide variety of big name brands.
The upscale outlet mall is owned and operated by RED Development and is home to nearly fifty restaurants and retailers, anchored by the world’s largest all sport store, Scheels All Sports, as well as Target, Lowes, and Best Buy.
The Outlets at Legends Sparks shopping center is also home to the only IMAX theater in the area of Reno, Nevada. Restaurants at Legends include Blaze Pizza, Great Full Gardens, and Grimaldi’s Pizzeria.
1310 Scheels Drive, Sparks, NV 89434, Phone: 775-358-3800
2. If You’re Feeling Lucky, Stay and Play at Nugget Casino Resort
The Nugget Casino Resort in downtown Sparks, Nevada is a casino and hotel operated by the Marnell Gaming company.
The main part of the Nugget Casino is made up of two towers measuring twenty-nine stories tall, nestled between the Union Pacific rail yard and Interstate 80 at Victorian Square.
The destination casino provides 24-hour gaming, such as a Poker Room, specialty table games, craps, roulette, and blackjack. There’s also a Bingo Hall, Keno, video poker, slots, and full-service Sports Book. In addition to gaming, the Nugget Casino Resort also offers eight award-winning restaurants, including quick meals, a buffet, and fine dining.
1100 Nugget Ave, Sparks, NV 89431, Phone: 775-356-3300
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
3. Sip Bold Brews at Revision Brewing Company
Revision Brewing Company is a craft brewery in Sparks, Nevada that gets its name from the mindset of being in a state of perpetual growth. Along with several prominently hop-forward brews, Revision Brewing Company also produces a number of seasonal, non-hoppy beers, such as lagers, red ales, stouts, and barrel-aged offerings. Visitors can sample a wide range of beer styles in the temperature-regulated taproom or over in the warehouse side of the brewery where several games can be played, such as pool, giant Connect Four, bag toss, and foosball, surrounded by brewery operations.
380 S Rock Blvd, Sparks, NV 89431, Phone: 775-331-2739
4. Step Into the Past at Sparks Heritage Museum
The Sparks Heritage Museum shares the story of how the town of Sparks, Nevada got its start, as well as the rich history of the rest of the state. Visitors can learn more about the Truckee Meadows and Sparks, as well as look at many different artifacts, printed materials, and photographs from several eras of the region’s history. Items in the museum collection are rotated in the permanent exhibits to provide guests with a chance to see different artifacts during each visit. Along with the indoor galleries, the Sparks Heritage Museum also displays items in outdoor exhibits in two adjacent parks.
814 Victorian Ave, Sparks, NV 89431, Phone: 775-355-1144
5. Try Your Luck and Enjoy Local Flavor at Rail City Casino
When most people think of the state of Nevada, they think of casinos and gambling, and the town of Sparks is no exception. The Rail City Casino provides guests with plenty of opportunities for gaming and gambling, including all the billiards and slots imaginable. In addition to games, of chance, the Rail City Casino includes several restaurants in case visitors get hungry while gambling. The Cafe serves a seemingly endless menu for all day dining, while the Ale House offers signature beers and hearty dishes. The casino also has an all-you-can-eat buffet for guests who are especially hungry.
2121 Victorian Ave, Sparks, NV 89431, Phone: 775-359-9440
Where to Eat:
6. Feast on Smokehouse Favorites at BJ’s Nevada Barbecue Company
BJ's Nevada Barbecue Company has been a part of the Sparks, Nevada for more than thirty years and is a popular dining joint among both visitors and local residents alike. Founded in 1986, the family-owned and operated barbecue restaurant loves and supports the local community of Truckee Meadows and strives to provide the best barbecue in the area, offering Louisiana hotlink, pulled pork, smoked chicken, beef brisket, and pork ribs with their own award-winning barbecue sauces, as well as their famous signature Kick-Ass Fries. The BJ's Nevada Barbecue Company also serves a daily breakfast featuring Southern classics.
80 E Victorian Ave, Sparks, NV 89431, Phone: 775-355-1010
7. Kickstart Your Day at Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs
Established in 1999 and open every day of the week, Peg's Glorified Ham n Eggs is a family-owned and operated local restaurant in the Sparks community that has been voted as offering the “Best Breakfast” by local residents, as well as voted by the Esquire Magazine as the “Best Breakfast in America.” Today, the restaurant has expanded to include multiple locations throughout Northern Nevada, as well as California, but all of the Peg's Glorified Ham n Eggs still remain family-owned and operated and carry on the original family tradition of “Peg’s” and “Pops” of providing “egg-cellent” service and “glorified” food.
1495 E. Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89434, Phone: 775-331-3388
8. Savor Italian Classics at Pietro’s Famiglia
Pietro's Famiglia is a family-owned and operated restaurant that first opened its doors in Sparks, Nevada in 2005, providing the community with authentic Italian cuisine. The menu features soups, salads, appetizers, a variety of entrees, and of course, pasta. In addition to authentic Italian dishes, Pietro’s Famiglia also offers specialty wines that pair well with the menu offerings, with wines ranging from Italy to the Napa Valley. Reservations at Pietro's Famiglia are recommended.
834 Victorian Ave, Sparks, NV 89523, Phone: 775-355-7557
9. If You’re Craving Mediterranean Flavors, Dine at Niko’s Greek Kitchen
Niko's Greek Kitchen was established in the Spanish Springs area of Sparks, Nevada in October of 2015 by the husband-and-wife team of Nikos and Jacqui. The couple opened the restaurant with a desire to offer their customers delicious and authentic Greek-inspired cuisine every day of the week. One thing to note is that the restaurant is small with limited seating, however, the popular opinion is that the food is worth the wait.
171 Disc Dr, Sparks, NV 89436, Phone: 775-499-5777
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