Reno  calls itself The Biggest Little City in the World. But sometimes the reality is that its casinos, shops, restaurants and nightlife often play second fiddle to the main attraction surrounding the city: the great outdoors.

Reno has a Class III whitewater park on the Truckee River that runs through the heart of downtown. Outside Magazine named it the nation's best town for whitewater paddling. There are 11 alpine skiing areas around Reno and North Lake Tahoe, including Squaw Valley USA, which hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. There are also resorts at the lake's south end. Winters around Reno are mild. Temperatures can average in the 50s in mid-February.

Reno also is a golfer's paradise. It's home to the PGA Tour's annual Reno-Tahoe Open. The Reno Tahoe visitors bureau claims 50 courses within a 90-minute drive, some open year-round.

Lake sports also are a big draw. Pyramid Lake, nearly as big as Tahoe, lies about 47 miles to the north. Other outdoor attractions include hiking, climbing and road and mountain biking.

But not all Reno activities are outdoors. Bowling is hugely popular. Reno now hosts the annual United States Bowling Congress championships, which brings up to 155,000 bowlers.