Virginia City Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Step back into the 1860s in this authentic National Historic Landmark where the Wild West truly comes alive. From underground mine tours to historic saloons, Virginia City offers a vibrant glimpse into the silver boom that built the West.
Suspended in time high above the Nevada desert, Virginia City is not merely a tourist destination; it is a living, breathing testament to the American West. As you step onto the creaky wooden boardwalks, the scent of roasting coffee and old saloon wood mingles with the high-altitude air. This isn’t a movie set, these are the actual streets where Mark Twain began his writing career and where the Comstock Lode made men millionaires overnight.
Today, the town balances its rowdy past with a charming present. The boomtown energy is still palpable in the live music pouring out of the swinging doors of the saloons, while the silent mines beneath your feet whisper stories of the greatest silver strike in history. Whether you are chasing ghosts, hunting for history, or just looking for a cold sarsaparilla with a view, Virginia City delivers an experience that feels remarkably authentic.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
The Richest Place on Earth
What makes Virginia City truly special is the scale of its history. In the 1860s and 70s, this was the most important industrial city between Denver and San Francisco. The wealth generated here, billions in today’s currency, helped finance the Civil War and built the city of San Francisco.
Unlike many ghost towns that weathered away, Virginia City has been preserved largely intact. It is a National Historic Landmark District where Victorian engineering marvels sit side-by-side with rough-and-tumble mining shacks. The “V” on Mount Davidson overlooks a community that refuses to fade away, offering a rare continuity between the 19th and 21st centuries.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Chollar Mine Tour
Descend 400 feet into a genuine silver mine that was active during the Comstock boom to see the conditions miners endured.
V&T Railroad Ride
Take a scenic 35-minute steam train ride to Gold Hill and back, passing historic ruins and mining sites.
Washoe Club Ghost Tour
Explore one of the most haunted locations in America, featured on numerous paranormal TV shows, including the spooky crypt.
C Street Boardwalk Stroll
Walk the wooden planks to visit candy shops, saloons, and mercantile stores that have operated since the 1800s.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
V&T Railroad - This heritage railway offers a nostalgic journey through the high desert. The diesel or steam trains depart from the F Street depot for a 35-minute round trip to Gold Hill. Prices are approximately $24 for adults.
Chollar Mine - Located at the south end of town, this tour takes you 400 feet into the drift of a mine that produced $17 million in gold and silver. It’s a flat walk but requires a helmet. Tickets are around $25.
The Washoe Club - Once an exclusive club for millionaires, it is now famous for its ghost tours and the ‘Crypt’ in the back. It is located on C Street. Museum entry is $10; ghost tours vary by time.
Piper’s Opera House - A stunning performance venue that hosted the likes of Buffalo Bill and Al Jolson. It stands as a reminder of the culture that accompanied the wealth. Located on B Street. Tours are roughly $10.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Virginia City is an adventure in itself. Most visitors drive the Geiger Grade (State Route 341) from Reno, a winding mountain road that offers spectacular views of the valley below. The drive takes about 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, you can come up from Carson City via Mound House.
Keep in mind that Virginia City sits at 6,200 feet above sea level. The air is thinner, so take your time walking up the steep side streets like D Street or B Street. Even in summer, evenings can cool down rapidly once the sun dips behind the mountains, so bringing a light jacket is always a smart move.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Summer (June - August)
Pros
- All attractions and mines are open
- Warm weather for walking
- Frequent parades and gunfight shows
- Lively nightlife atmosphere
Cons
- Crowded boardwalks
- Accommodation prices peak
- Parking can be difficult
- Midday sun is intense
Shoulder Season: Early Fall (September - October)
Pros
- Ideal temperatures
- Major unique events (Camel Races)
- Haunted tourism peaks in October
- Beautiful photography lighting
Cons
- Weekends remain very busy
- Nights get cold quickly
- Event pricing applies
- Some weekday tours reduce hours
Off-Peak: Winter (November - March)
Pros
- Very few crowds
- Cozy, authentic local vibe
- Snowy Victorian aesthetics
- Lower hotel rates
Cons
- Some attractions close seasonally
- Roads (Geiger Grade) can be icy
- Chilly for extended walking
- Limited dining hours
Ultimately, Virginia City is a year-round destination, but it shines brightest when the events calendar is full. Whether you are watching camels race down the street or listening to carolers during a snowy Victorian Christmas, the spirit of the Comstock is always ready to welcome you.
Sample Itineraries
The Comstock Classic Weekend
A comprehensive tour of the major historical sites, mining history, and classic saloon culture.
Day 1: Arrival and The Main Drag
- Morning: Arrive in town and start with a ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad ($24/person), departing from the F Street depot at 10:30 AM for a scenic trip to Gold Hill. After the train returns, walk up to C Street to explore the Fourth Ward School Museum ($7 entry) to understand the town’s educational history.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a hearty lunch at the Palace Restaurant ($40 for two) before taking the Chollar Mine Tour ($25/person) located right off the south end of town. You will spend about 30 minutes underground learning about the silver extraction process that made the town famous.
- Evening: Check into the Silverland Inn ($150/night) and freshen up before heading to the Bucket of Blood Saloon. Grab a drink and listen to the live house band, Comstock Cowboys, then have a casual dinner at the Red Dog Saloon nearby ($45 for two).
Day 2: Mansions and Mysteries
- Morning: Start with coffee and pastries at the Canvas Cafe ($20) before heading to the Mackay Mansion ($20 tour). This tour offers a glimpse into the life of a Silver King with original furnishings and an incredible view from the balcony.
- Afternoon: Walk north on C Street to visit St. Mary’s in the Mountains ($5 donation suggested) and the eclectic Way It Was Museum ($4 entry). Grab a late lunch at Cafe Del Rio ($50 for two) for some excellent southwestern food.
- Evening: Before leaving, drive up to the Silver Terrace Cemeteries for a self-guided walk through the history of the town’s residents. If time permits, stop at the Visitor Center to pick up a souvenir Comstock silver coin.
Spirits and Specters Adventure
A thrill-seeking itinerary focused on Virginia City's reputation as one of the most haunted towns in America.
Day 1: Descent into Darkness
- Morning: Arrive late morning and brunch at the Cider Factory ($35 for two) inside a historic building. Afterward, take the trolley tour ($15/person) to get the lay of the land and hear the initial ghost stories associated with the various buildings.
- Afternoon: Visit the Washoe Club Haunted Museum ($10/person) on C Street to see the crypt and the famous spiral staircase. Spend the late afternoon browsing the pyschic shops and antique stores, perhaps booking a reading at The Spirit of the Comstock.
- Evening: Dinner at the Gold Hill Hotel ($80 for two), which is notoriously haunted. Afterward, return to town for the official ‘Bats in the Belfry’ guided ghost tour ($30/person), which provides EMF meters and access to restricted locations after dark.
Day 2: Historic Haunts
- Morning: Sleep in, then head to the Roasting House for coffee ($15). Walk to Piper’s Opera House ($10 tour) to hear about the performers who allegedly never left the stage.
- Afternoon: Take the Ponderosa Mine Tour ($15/person) located in the back of the Best & Belcher bank building to experience the claustrophobia of the underground. Grab a quick lunch at the Firehouse BBQ ($30 for two) right on the main boardwalk.
- Evening: Spend your final hours at the Silver Queen Hotel saloon. Order a drink ($20) near the massive picture of the Silver Queen (made of silver dollars) and ask the bartender about the woman often seen wandering the upper hallways.
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