If you’ve arrived in Nevada’s capital city and are looking to stay for a few days, the best way to get the lay of the land is to poke around and ask a local about their favorite hot spots and places to recreate. Here are some of our favorite places where we let it all hang out:

When we’re not working, Carsonites enjoy working out and all recreation activities. The Carson City Aquatic Facility is where you’ll find many before or after work. This underwater family playground has an Olympic-sized indoor pool, a parent and tot pool, therapy pool, weight room and from May to September, a 25-yard outdoor pool. 841 North Roop Street.

The Carson City Aquatic Center is where locals swim laps year-round.

Every morning at around 6:30 a.m. and every night around 6 p.m., you’ll see locals hit the pavement or the grass at any number of Carson City parks. Hundreds of acres give way to open space making the parks havens for families, walkers, joggers, barbecuers, horseshoers and skateboarders at Fuji, Carson River and Mills parks.

Many trails are just minutes from downtown Carson City. Beginner hiking trails include a mile-long loop that winds along a portion of the Carson River at Riverview Park, a 109-acre natural area with miles of traversing trails. Brochures at the trailhead are available for self-guided tours, and benches near the river provide multiple areas to relax.

Another favorite hiking route is at Longview Ranch where 1.9 miles of paved paths connect with a portion of the old V&T Railroad. Dirt trails leave from the paved sections where hikers and bikers can experience more advanced climbs.

Mountain biking can be found in Carson City to the east and west. Local bike shops offer rentals and trail maps, and backcountry tours can also be arranged. BikeCarson.com and MusclePowered.org are two sites that can help set you up for tours.

Carson City is a bike-friendly community with dozens of lanes and off-road adventures. Photo by AroundCarson.com

Carson Hot Springs is the perfect spot to wind down with a relaxing swim after a workout. The naturally heated mineral water pools are said to have therapeutic powers and, well, couldn’t we all use some extra therapy now and then?  1500 Old Hot Springs Road in Carson City. (888) 917-3711.

How’s your golf game? Check out any number of courses that make up the Divine 9. With more than 70,000 yards of spectacular golf terrain, the courses between Carson City and Carson Valley have earned a reputation as being affordable, challenging and rewarding among enthusiasts worldwide.

A myth about locals in a gambling state is that they don’t like to game. Carson City locals do and you’ll find them at a number of casinos such as the Carson Nugget, Casino Fandango, Gold Dust West, Carson Station or at Bodines Casino.

There’s no shortage of dining options in the capital city. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Adele’s Restaurant and Lounge is a favorite as is Firkin & Fox, Sassafras, Red’s Old 395 Grill, and Glen Eagles Restaurant.

The light of the night in Carson City can be found at a number of bars and taverns. You’ll spot locals at High Sierra Brewing Company, The Fiesty Goat Pub, the Tap Shack, Jimmy G’s Cigar Bar and Bully’s Sports Bar.

Families and friends love bowling and Carson City has two of alleys. Carson Lanes Retail Center is built around a complex filled with restaurants, billiards, darts, games and plenty of lanes. This smoke-free center is a locals hangout for all ages. 4600 Snyder Avenue. The 32-lanes at Gold Dust West contains a Bowling Center that is ideal for families and friends looking to catch the spare or try their luck at bowling that perfect game. 2171 East William.

Bowl a few frames at either Carson Lanes or Gold Dust West.

What’s your favorite Carson City local spot?