Sightseeing

From jaw-dropping vistas to charming historic streets, discover the places that make Truckee worth slowing down for.

Starry sky over a lake, person sitting on a dock gazing at the Milky Way.
Large abstract metal sculpture in front of a wooden building on a sunny day.

Catch the Sights on a Scenic Stroll

Meander through time, natural history, and modern beauty in this spectacular town that is equal parts lake, mountain, community, and charm. Let the sights stop you in your tracks and linger a little longer in Truckee.

Our Favorite Sights & Scenic Stops

Curving road and bridge over a scenic lake at sunset with mountains in the distance.

Rainbow Bridge

This iconic 241-foot concrete arch on Old Highway 40 offers one of the most photographed views in the Sierra. Built in the 1920s, the bridge was a marvel of engineering and remains a symbol of early mountain travel. From the overlook, take in sweeping views of Donner Lake, the surrounding peaks, and California’s transportation history in one unforgettable frame.

Historic street with colorful storefronts and blooming tree.

Historic Downtown Truckee

Wander past 19th-century buildings, browse shops and galleries, and grab a bite where the town’s frontier past meets modern mountain culture.

Snow-covered statue surrounded by tall trees under a cloudy sky.

Donner Memorial State Park

A place of quiet reflection and striking beauty, this lakeside park shares the stories of the Donner Party, the Washoe people, and the pioneers who crossed these mountains.

Old Jail Museum in Truckee California Old Brick Building

The Old Jail Museum

One of the few surviving 19th-century jailhouses in the West. In use from 1875 to 1964, it once held infamous figures like “Baby Face” Nelson and “Machine Gun” Kelly. Today, visitors can explore the original cells and view relics from Truckee’s early industries—lumber, ice, and box-making included.
 

Cyclists riding along a riverside path in a scenic, grassy landscape.

Truckee River Legacy Trail

Stroll, bike, or jog this scenic riverside path and enjoy art installations, interpretive signs, and plenty of photo-worthy stops along the way.

Dimly lit Donner Summit Tunnel with graffiti walls, rocky side, and a person walking inside

Summit Tunnel at Donner Pass

Peer into history (and an actual tunnel) where Chinese railroad workers blasted through granite to build the Transcontinental Railroad in the 1860s.

Four people cycling on a scenic path by a river and trees.
Joanna Rutkowski
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What To Look Out For

Things We Love

  • Catching the alpenglow on surrounding peaks as the sun sets behind Rainbow Bridge
  • Photographing Donner Lake at golden hour—the hour after sunrise or before sunset—for soft, warm light. Use a neutral density filter to smooth the water and capture cloud movement for dreamy, dynamic shots.
  • Watching fireworks over Donner Lake from the vista point on the Fourth of July

Key Experiences

20 Mile Museum on Old Highway 40

Created by the Donner Summit Historical Society, this open-air museum features 32 interpretive signs along Old Highway 40 from Nyack to Rainbow Bridge. Each sign shares historical photos and stories about the landscape—turning a scenic drive into a journey through Sierra history.

Key Experiences

Fall Foliage Scenic Drives

When the Sierra bursts into autumn color, follow creeks and meadows lined with glowing aspens, willows, and cottonwoods. Favorite routes include Highway 267 to Kings Beach, Stampede Meadows Road past Boca Reservoir, and Highway 89 toward Sierraville.