As you crest over the summit and cast your eyes on Lake Tahoe, you’ll immediately understand why it’s so celebrated. That it’s the crowning jewel of the Sierra. Why Mark Twain said, it’s “where the angels breathe.” Known as the “Lake of the Sky.” And yet Tahoe isn’t just stunning looks but rather the complete package. An outdoor playground for every activity imaginable – hiking, mountain biking, beach-going, and even skiing in the winter. For our first-timers Lake Tahoe itinerary, we focus on the must-see spots along with a few hidden gems to make your trip unforgettable. You could call it a Lake Tahoe mini road-trip.
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Learn More About Tahoe
For an in-depth look at Lake Tahoe and its culture, be sure to visit our Lake Tahoe Guide. It covers everything from seasonal activities and major annual events to recommendations on places to stay and eat. We also share tips on how to get here even in the winter months.
Everyone Loves Lake Tahoe
Before you even start planning your trip, be aware of a few things. First, Lake Tahoe is big. Real big. A whopping 72 miles around, and without any expressways, it takes time to get around. Combine that with near perfect summer weather and lots to do, the population swells from a quaint 30,000 to a massive 300,000 on peak times. On a busy weekend, it can take you 2+ hours (or more) to get from the north shore of the lake to the south.
How to Beat The Summer Crowds
There are a few ways to beat the traffic. We provide a few alternatives to the most popular attractions via our article “How To Avoid Crowds For Popular Summer Activities In Lake Tahoe”, but here are a few general strategies that you can use during your time in Lake Tahoe.
Get up early, stay late
If you wish to stay in a single hotel or cabin, consider the following plan:
- Start your day early.
- Head to the side of the lake you want to explore.
- Spend your day there.
As the sun sets, you can return to your accommodations without being stuck in a car.
Pick a side
Depending on what’s going on, traffic congestion around the lake can vary significantly. The two most consistent bottlenecks are around Sand Harbor on the northeast side and Emerald Bay in the southwest corner. To minimize daily driving time, consider dividing your trip into two segments: stay somewhere on the north end for part of your trip and on the south end for the other part.
Make it a mini–Road Trip
Better yet, turn your Lake Tahoe trip into a mini road trip by staying at different hotels along the way. To reduce stress and maximize the fun, we’ve laid out our First-Timer’s Lake Tahoe Itinerary as a mini-road trip.
Lake Tahoe Itinerary
The Lake Tahoe itinerary highlighted below can be shortened or even done counterclockwise. This is based on if you fly into SFO or Reno-Tahoe and are going to spend a week in the region.
Day 1: Arrive
Depending on how you get into the Golden State, there are a few ways to get here if you fly. If you’re flying into San Francisco, Lake Tahoe is about a three-four drive northeast of SFO, or better yet, the closest option is to fly into Reno-Tahoe which is then about a 60 minute drive to the shores of the lake.
Where to stay
Quiet Getaway: Franciscan Lakeside Lodge
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com
Social Hub: Basecamp (Tahoe City)
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com
Go all out: Hyatt Vacation Club at High Sierra Lodge (Incline Village)
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com
Day 2 – Kings Beach
You’ve finally made it! Instead of rushing into activities, embrace the local style of living – “Tahoe Time.” Think of it as island time, but in the mountains.
Start with a leisurely breakfast at Spindleshanks, complete with a few mimosas. Then, head down to Kings Beach for some relaxing beach time. Lake Tahoe’s waters are famously clear, with visibility in some places reaching depths of over 70 feet! To fully appreciate this, rent a clear kayak from Wild Society.
End your day with a hike up to the Stateline Fire Lookout above Crystal Bay. For dinner, choose between a romantic reservation at Soule Domain or a more relaxed meal of tacos and margaritas at Las Panchitas.
Where to Stay
Continue staying at your accommodations.
Day 3 – Sand Harbor
* Check-out of your hotel
Today is going to be a big day, so be sure to fuel up! Start with a breakfast burrito from Tree House Café, paired with a cup of locally sourced Coffeebar coffee. Then head to Incline Village and take in the sights at Sand Harbor. Parking at Sand Harbor can be challenging (some days you need to arrive by 6 am), and starting this August, day-use reservations will be required.
Instead of fighting the crowds, experience two attractions with one adventure. Park at Incline Village, rent a bike, and ride “America’s most beautiful bikeway” – the East Shore Trail. This relatively flat, 3-mile path provides easy access to Sand Harbor’s unique cove.
For lunch, savor what might be the best house-smoked turkey sandwich you’ve ever had at Mountain High Sandwich Company. Afterward, celebrate with a beer fermented with wild yeast from Alibi Ale Works‘ own beehives. If you have enough energy and want to see where Mark Twain coined his words about Lake Tahoe, take the short but steep hike up to Monkey Rock or catch a sunset at Zephyr Cove.
Adventurous Alternative
If you’re not a beach person but still want to take in Sand Harbor, consider hitting up the Flume Trail. It might arguably be the most photogenic mountain bike trails in the country providing a unique birds-eye view of Sand Harbor and Lake Tahoe. Even if you aren’t super fit or want to take things more relaxed, Flume Trail Mountain Bikes also rents E-bikes helping make this pedal a breeze.
For those wondering what to expect, be sure to read our personal experience of riding the Flume Trail.
Where to stay:
Now it’s time to head down south to your next set of attractions. Each of these hotels provide easy walkable access to dining and other activities.
Quiet Getaway: Resthaven Tahoe (South Lake Tahoe)
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com
Social Hub: Basecamp (South Lake Tahoe)
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com
Go all out: The Landing Tahoe Resort
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com
Day 4 – Heavenly Views
Heavenly Village is filled with fantastic restaurants and cafes to pick from, but our favorite breakfast spot is the Red Hut Café with its delicious Bavarian Waffles. If you’re not into breakfast, we highly recommend visiting Free Bird Café. It’s one of our top 5 coffee shops in ANY ski town. They serve locally roasted coffee and traditional Indian chai made from scratch with real whole ingredients.
Take in the Sky High Views
The day’s adventures begin with a ride on the Heavenly Village Gondola. The 2.4 miles journey quickly whisks you up from the Lake Tahoe Basin (6,229’ above sea level) to Tamarack Lodge (9,150’) in under 20 minutes. Once at Tamarack Lodge, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, lift rides to the summit, and the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster.
Instead of sitting in traffic, make the journey part of the adventure by renting a cruiser or E-bike from one of the many places in the casino corridor, like Tahoe Powder House. From the intersection of Pioneer Trail and Lake Tahoe Blvd, there’s a dedicated path that takes you across town without the hassle of being on the road. For a full bike map, check out TahoeBike.org.
Lunch And Beach Time
Break for lunch at Sprouts Café which is mere steps from the El Dorado Beach and the Lakeview Commons. Located in the center of South Lake Tahoe, this area is perfect for large picnics, renting a kayak or paddleboard, viewing the lake, or simply relaxing. On Thursday (summer) nights, it even features free music as part of Live at Lakeview.
More Beaches Please
If you’re an aquaphile and haven’t gotten enough beach time, continue onwards via the Pope-Baldwin bike path to the string of Pope, Kiva, and Baldwin beaches and spend the afternoon taking in the sun rays. Don’t forget to make a stop at the famed ice cream parlor at Camp Richardson.
Where to stay:
Stay at your current accommodations.
A Glorious Sunset
When you’re ready to shift gears from water activities, head back towards Heavenly Village and discover a hidden gem right under everyone’s nose – Van Sickle Bi-State Park. Spanning both California and Nevada, it’s the only bi-state park in the country. Beautiful at any time, the park truly dazzles at sunset. As the sun dips behind the western peaks, you’ll understand why John Muir wrote, “Of all the mountain ranges I have climbed, I like the Sierra Nevada the best.” If you plan to stay later, bring headlamps for added visibility.
Wrap up your adventurous day with dinner in Heavenly Village, or for something unique, venture to Himmel Haus for authentic German cuisine. Our two favorite dishes are their Schwein Haxen with homemade mashed potatoes and their sausage platter with Curry Ketchup.
Day 5 – Emerald Bay
*Check-out of your hotel
Waterfalls, towering granite mountainsides that shoot up from its shoreline, and the lake’s only island, Emerald Bay is what gives Tahoe its worldwide acclaim. Prepare to be awestruck! As expected, Lake Tahoe’s crown jewel is one of the most popular summer attractions. Grab a quick breakfast sandwich from Tahoe Bagel Co. as they open at 7 am, then head out to Emerald Bay via Highway 89.
Key things to know:
Emerald Bay is being loved to death (highly trafficked) so be sure to do your part and follow the Leave No Trace principles so that your great grandkids can enjoy it as well. Bring at least $10 cash to pay for parking.
Stop at Inspiration Point, a drive-up overlook offering a breathtaking view of the island and iconic bay. Continue to the Vikingsholm parking area. From here, descend to the shoreline to admire Vikingsholm Castle, keeping in mind you’ll need to climb back up!
Heading back toward South Lake Tahoe, pull into the Bay View trailhead across from Inspiration Point. Here you can embark on a short hike with a big payoff: Cascade Falls, a majestic 200-foot-tall waterfall cascading into the lake below. On your return, indulge in a classic outdoor burger at Burger Lounge that’ll remind you of your childhood with family spent at a beach town.
For the Adventurous
Consider peak-bagging Maggie’s Peaks—a short but challenging endeavor. The 4.1-mile out-and-back trail climbs a hefty 1,700 vertical feet in elevation. That effort pays off with a big reward. Stunning 360-degree views of Emerald Bay, Granite Lake, and the entire Lake Tahoe region.
Late Riser Option
Don’t like the idea of getting up early? There’s no better way to get a close-up look at this magnificent cove than from the water. Hop on a boat like the MS Dixie II for a scenic tour, or better yet, book a cruise with Cruise Tahoe, which includes a tour inside Vikingsholm Castle as part of the admission price.
For dinner, Lake Tahoe offers a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste. From high-end restaurants like Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen to laid-back spots like Lake Tahoe AleWorX, there’s something for everyone.
However, a local favorite and somewhat hidden gem that we point visitors to is Curry Grill. Tucked inside a liquor store, it’s unassuming and and you can only take their food to go. What sets it apart is the authenticity of its food. Having traveled to India multiple times for work in my corporate days, I can attest that Curry Grill serves some of the most authentic Indian cuisine I’ve found outside of India itself.
Where to stay:
Now it’s time to head over to the western shore for your next set of attractions. Each of these hotels provide easy walkable access to dining and other activities.
Quiet Getaway: Cabins in the quiet village of Tahoma
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com
Social Hub: Basecamp (Tahoe City)
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com
Go all out: Everline Resort and Spa (Olympic Valley)
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com
Day 6 – The Western Shore
Tahoe Time may resemble island time, but many locals kickstart their day with adventures before work. Be like them and embark on a sunrise hike up Eagle Rock. The trail winds through an eroded, dormant volcano, and at its summit, offers one of the best views of the sunrise over Lake Tahoe and the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountain range. Afterward, unwind with a leisurely brunch at Fire Sign Cafe.
Explore the history of Tahoe at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, where you can tour two beautifully maintained mansions that offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of summer residents from the early 20th Century.
**Please note that D.L. Bliss State Park will be closed for repairs all of 2024.
Nearby, D.L. Bliss State Park boasts stunning beaches and fantastic hiking opportunities, including the iconic Rubicon Point Lighthouse—the highest elevation lighthouse in the United States. From its scenic overlook, marvel at the panorama of Emerald Bay, Fannette Island, Lake Tahoe, and the distant Nevada shore. Rubicon Point also offers a close look at one of the lake’s deepest spots.
For lunch and a refreshing beverage, stop at Chambers Landing, a historic establishment since 1854 and the region’s first lakefront bar. Continue north to “Fanny Bridge,” Lake Tahoe’s sole outlet, named humorously for the observers who gaze over the edge into the cool waters below.
Carry on to Tahoe City, a charming town with quaint bars, restaurants, and shops. Don’t miss Alpenglow Sports, our favorite for outdoor gear, conveniently located on the water’s edge near Commons Beach.
Finally for dinner, indulge in a juicy burger at Bridgetender Tavern and Grill, offering options like elk, turkey, and veggie burgers. For exceptional BBQ, head to Moe’s Original, serving some of the tastiest brisket we’ve had on the West Coast.
For the Adventurous
Just ten minutes west of Lake Tahoe lies Palisades Tahoe, the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Immerse yourself in this history by visiting the museum atop the Aerial Tram, offering stunning views of Lake Tahoe from 8,200 feet above sea level.
For a nature adventure, hike the picturesque Shirley Canyon, where you can marvel at a beautiful waterfall. Feeling adventurous? Conquer your fear of heights or push your limits with the Tahoe Via Ferrata experience.
Where to stay:
Stay at your current accommodations.
