Now that I live in Los Angeles, it’s been fun to discover what weekend escapes lay within my reach. Whether I’ve called the vibrant streets of Madrid or the rainforest of Costa Rica home, I’ve always believed that discovering nearby sites on a weekend getaway is an efficient way to satiate the inner travel bug and refresh the soul.

I grew up in California, so some of the best weekend escapes from Los Angeles are places I visited in my childhood with my family. While growing up in California’s Bay Area my family always tried to take full advantage of weekends and holidays to discover as much of the state and its surroundings as possible. Now that I’m an adult it’s been fun to revisit these sites of my youth and get a new perspective.

Reno: A Weekend Escape From Los Angeles

Source: VisitRenoTahoe.com

One such place that I visited in my youth is Reno, a city in Nevada near Lake Tahoe, one of my most beloved vacation destinations ever. My memories of Reno consist of enthusiasm over winning prizes at a child-friendly arcade at one of the casinos, so its safe to say I’m over due for another visit! After all, the city has a lot to offer for 20-something female travelers and, with accommodation options such as Atlantis Casino that make luxury affordable, its a top choice for a weekend getaway destination.

So what makes Reno the perfect getaway for Angelinos’? For starters, the city is only a 90-minute flight from LAX, making it within easy reach. While Reno may be most revered for its casinos, it’s also been dubbed as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” so there’s plenty to discover. Let’s take a look:

Source: VisitRenoTahoe.com

While in Reno, you must check out the Riverwalk, located along the Truckee River. The Riverwalk is about enjoyment and celebrates Reno’s rich arts, culture, history and spiritual heritage. The Riverwalk has a collection of art galleries, restaurants and shops to wander in and out of. There are tons of eye-catching public art displays and you can partake in walking tours such as the Wine Walk. This particular tour includes wine tasting at more than a dozen galleries and specialty stores. The Riverwalk also includes the West Market Street, which is a unique gathering place surrounded by food, shopping and entertainment.

The Riverwalk also has something for the adventurous traveler. It is home to the majestic Whitewater Park, which is perfect for Kayakers. Kayakers of all skill levels can enjoy the half-mile park, which includes class 2-3 rapids, 11-drop pools with water temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees.

Source: VisitRenoTahoe.com

If you plan your getaway in the winter months, make sure you hit the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Even though Los Angeles has a few local ski resorts, they do not compare to the slopes of Tahoe and Mt. Rose. Tahoe offers top-notch resorts like Heavenly and Squaw Valley, but if you don’t want to make the trek to Tahoe, Reno’s local mountain, Mt. Rose offers a closer mountain escape. You can take a shuttle from downtown for only $20 per person and partake in a half-day or full-day excursion.

Source: VisitRenoTahoe.com

If you plan your getaway in the summer months, you can still explore the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mt. Rose offers a five-hour hike and is the second highest mountain in the Lake Tahoe Basin. I’m not alone in saying Lake Tahoe is amazing – it’s known internationally as one of the most beautiful places in the country with its crystal clear lake, and its must see Emerald Bay State Park.

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

The luxurious Atlantis Casino is a top pick for accommodations during a weekend escape to Reno. The AAA Four-Diamond Resort has sweeping views of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. If you can afford to splurge, my pick would be the concierge hotel tower with rooms ranging from the luxury tower to the executive Jacuzzi suite all furnished with a contemporary style.

Atlantis Casino offers a lot of amenities that will bring down the cost of a visit such as a complimentary shuttle to the airport, internet and an indoor pool. The resort is conveniently located nearby the majority of attractions in the city. If you’re in the mood to gamble, of course the casino floor is within easy reach from your room.

After you are done adventuring for the day, you can return to the Atlantis Casino and escape to a world of relaxation at the Spa Atlantis. The spa includes some unique treatments including Pantai Luar, and eastern Asian massage, Rasual mineral mud ceremony and a Cleopatra Milk and Honey Cocoon. Its spa also offers a Heated Laconium Relaxation Lounge which stimulates circulation, purifies and detoxifies the body. There is also a Brine Inhalation Light Therapy that brings the climate of the ocean to the room and a Therapy Lounge, which combines salt aerosol with chromotherapy, improving your respiratory system and stimulating your senses. All of the treatments at the Spa Atlantis focus on nourishing your largest organ, the skin.

The Atlantis resort also offers exquisite dining. With the resort’s close proximity to California’s wine country, the hotel offers special wine dinners from different local vineyards. The resort has an array of different restaurants including the Atlantis Steakhouse, a AAA Four-Diamond Award winner which is also rated as the best overall steakhouse in the Reno-Tahoe area; Bistro Napa, a sophisticated and vibrant restaurant with contemporary cuisine inspired by, you guessed it Napa Valley; and Manhattan Deli, a more casual option emulating a east coast meets west coast flare with authentic mile-high sandwiches.

Now when you think about booking your next girl’s weekend getaway, think about passing on Las Vegas and heading up a bit farther north to Reno, the hidden gem of Nevada. Atlantis Casino offers all the luxury you’ll need to complement a weekend of adventure with relaxation.

Note: This post is sponsored by Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno in conjunction with Blog Meets Brand. All opinions are entirely my own