Tour Two of Nevada's Top Destinations: Carson City to Great Basin National Park

Carson CityWhether you're traveling to Nevada for business or on a vacation getaway, you have plenty of entertainment options. Like a lot of travelers, my first visit to Nevada included all the glitz and excitement of Las Vegas - and on to Reno for more! But there's a lot more to Nevada than casinos, resort clubs and golf.

Carson City is a great place to discover the natural beauty, history, unique cultural heritage and western hospitality that make Nevada a spectacular place to vacation. Whether you spend a few hours or a few days in Carson City, you'll find it thrilling, charming, intriguing, and relaxing. Whatever experience you'd like to have in Carson City, there are plenty of options.

Terrific Accommodations in Carson City

If you want to explore some of Carson City's downtown attractions, but you're not interested in the rush and roar of a casino hotel or the blah of a hotel chain, book a room at the Park Inn Hardman House at 917 North Carson Street.

At the Hardman House, you'll be right downtown within easy walking distance of two terrific restaurants and many of Carson City's best attractions. The service here is fantastic, the rooms are clean, spacious and charming, and you'll appreciate the in-room refrigerator, microwave and coffee pot. Considering all you get with this hotel, the rates are surprisingly low, at least as booked through HotelsCombined.com for my stay.

There are all sorts of possibilities for outdoor recreational activities around Carson City. With nine championship golf courses here, golf is of course an option. Carson City is close to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, so if you're interested in mountain biking or hiking, you'll find plenty of opportunities nearby.

As I was planning to spend time in the outdoors later in my vacation at Great Basin National Park, I bypassed the many opportunities to enjoy sports and outdoor activities at Carson City. Instead I spent time discovering the incredible historical district.

Downtown Carson City's Historical District

Nevada State MuseumA walking tour along the Kit Carson Trail is a terrific way to get acquainted with the history of Carson City. You'll see historic homes and tour the Capitol area on this easy, enjoyable 2 ½ mile walk. The trail is marked with a painted blue line and bronze medallions along the sidewalk. More than 60 landmarks are situated along the way, including Victorian homes, churches and museums. You can pick up a trail map at the city's Visitor's Center, or at the Nevada State Museum.

The Nevada State Museum is an absolute must-see attraction if you're interested in learning about Nevada's history. Everything from pre-historic creatures found in the area to money minting and silver mining is covered in this unique, Old West-themed museum.

Some of the highlights of the exhibits you'll see at the Nevada State Museum include a terrific collection of 19th and early 20th century firearms, a recreated ghost town, and a huge assortment of natural history exhibits on the 2nd floor. If you like dinosaurs, you'll be as excited as I was to view the Ichthyosaur Shonisaurus popularis bones displayed here.

Travel along the Loneliest Road in America

After spending time in downtown Carson City learning about Nevada's cultural and natural history, I couldn't wait to get out and experience some of its natural attractions first hand. I opted to take the Loneliest Road in America - historic Rt. 50 - from Carson City all the way to Great Basin National Park.

Route 50If you love desert landscapes, desolate mountain views, ghost towns and abandoned buildings and you happen to like to drive, driving along Route 50 will be an incredible experience. If you hate long car rides, isolation and wide open spaces, Rt. 50 is not for you.

With several stops along the way to explore dunes, take photos and enjoy a picnic and break from driving, I made the drive along Rt. 50 from Carson City to my lodgings near Great Basin National Park in 7 and half hours. In retrospect, I wish I had planned to spend a night camping in the desert along Rt. 50 - although I had plenty of phenomenal camping experiences at Great Basin National Park.

Great Basin National Park

The Mt. Wheeler Scenic Drive is an exciting way to see Mt. Wheeler and the scenic Lehman Creek Valley at Great Basin National Park. There are plenty of pull offs where you can take photos, relax and enjoy the view. Visit the remains of the Osceola gold mining ditch along the way. At the top of the scenic drive, stay at Wheeler Peak Campground - elevation 9,950 feet - for a truly unique camping experience under very starry skies.

Lehman Caves is one of Great Basin National Park's most popular attractions. Take a walking tour along a trail running through the caves to see tons of interesting formations - naturally formed miniature dams, stalagmites, stalactites, silver crusts and helictites are all featured at this National Monument.