Epic views of Lake Tahoe from Inspiration Point. Park at the top and hike downhill for kayaking, paddle boarding and swimming.
On the north side of Lake Tahoe, the long stretch of sandy beach at King’s Beach is the perfect place to relax in the summer. Family-friendly - play in the water but there are also shaded picnic tables, a playground for kids, and restaurants within easy walking distance.
The resort has world-class mountain biking terrain, scenic hiking trails, fly fishing and golf. The pedestrian-only village has several restaurants, bars, spas and a movie theater.
On Truckee’s historic downtown strip, check out Sweets for fudge and candy (dark chocolate honeycomb!), Riverside Studios, Tahoe Oil & Spice, Truckee Variety Co., and Bespoke, another of my favorite Tahoe area shops. Bespoke has mostly one-of-a-kind items made by artisans and specializes in what they call “slow products.” My favorite items are their jewelry, which feels modern yet natural. Every Thursday evening in the summer, downtown Truckee has a street fair that includes a farmers’ market, live music, kids’ activities, and a beer garden. 5:00-8:30 p.m. June 11-August 20.
Here you can find shops, restaurants, and activities such as mini golf, wine tasting, and free summer concerts. If you can make it there in the evening, bring s’mores supplies (or buy a kit at the front desk) and enjoy some time at one of the village’s fire pits. The Aerial Tram climbs 2000 feet above the Squaw Valley floor, past enormous rocky cliffs, to High Camp. Once at High Camp, visitors can enjoy the overlook of the mountains and Lake Tahoe, swim in the pool or play outdoor games, take advantage of miles of hiking trails with sweeping mountain views, and visit the Olympic Museum; in the winter, there’s ice skating. One word of caution: it can get windy up there, so bring an extra layer and know that your hike may be windy.
Past the Village at Squaw Valley is the Shirley Canyon Trail, a moderately difficult 4-mile trail. It follows Shirley Creek past waterfalls and wildflowers to Shirley Lake. The trail has some strenuous parts where you’ll need to climb over boulders. I did the first stretch with my kids–we hiked to the first waterfall, threw rocks in the water, and turned around. For those who are really motivated, the trail continues up from Shirley Lake to High Camp, where you can take the tram back down for free. Dogs are welcome on the trail and in the tram.
Starting at the north end of Lake Tahoe and ending near Reno, the Truckee River is great for fly fishing (rainbow trout), white water rafting, or casual floating.
Donner Memorial State Park encompasses the area around Donner Lake, a much smaller alpine lake than Lake Tahoe. Cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing trails around the lake make great hiking trails in the summer (about 2.5 miles of hiking trails total). Picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, so bring snacks. The new Visitor Center houses a small museum that highlights local Native American history and, of course, the story of the Donner Party, one of the pioneer families who became stranded near here in 1846. Outside the center is a self-guided half-mile nature trail (you can pick up a brochure at the center) and the Pioneer Monument, which depicts a pioneer family standing on a platform twenty-two feet high–the height that the snow could have been that winter.
Fallen Leaf Lake is a much smaller alpine lake just a couple of miles south of South Lake Tahoe. At the entrance to Fallen Leaf Lake Campground, you can begin the hiking trail, which leads by the lake and a view of Mt. Tallac. The .75 mile walk is flat with a wide trail, easy to navigate even for kids.
The gondola vista point is a 2.4 mile ride up above Lake Tahoe. Once at the observation deck, you can take in a view of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains, or you can continue up to the ski slopes and hiking trails.
The Zephyr Cove Resort Beach is a one mile long beach with spectacular views of the west shore. Great for boating and swimming.
Designed by George Fazio and opened in 1968, Edgewood earned Golf Digest's rating as one of "America's Top Golf Courses." Challenging yet fair, the course offers a choice of four sets of tees, ranging in length from 5,343 yards to a demanding 7,529—providing a challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Throughout its storied history, Edgewood Tahoe has played host to countless major golf events and the renowned golfers who've shaped the game. But before today's greats discovered our course, history's finest discovered its setting. Walk the land John Muir roamed and play through the mountain air Mark Twain revered—all while letting the undeniable beauty of the past inspire the endless future of your game.
Spooner Lake Trail is a 2.4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Glenbrook, Nevada that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Year round, Carnelian Bay is the spot for big Mackinaw trout. The beaches are favorites with dogs, kayakers, SUPers and sunset seekers. There is a mini golf place, as well.
The town is home to museums and historical landmarks managed by the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society, and a visit to any one of them adds insights into how this town has evolved from frontier outpost to an appealing enclave of shops, boutiques, lakefront restaurants, and private estates.
With numerous alpine lakes, scenic waterfalls and towering granite peaks, Desolation Wilderness is a perfect location for a summer trip. Whether you want an arduous climb or a relaxing walk, you'll find what you're looking for here. While summertime draws the most visitors, during the winter, the area becomes a popular playground for experienced backcountry skiers and snowshoers. Thanks to its breathtaking granite landscape and surrounding scenery, as well as relative accessibility, Desolation Wilderness is one of the most popular wilderness areas in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Visitors must obtain permits for overnight camping. Book ahead of time as there are quotas.
"The Biggest Little City in the World" Where the mountains meet the desert - explore the many casinos, restaurants, nightclubs or paddle along the river. Reno has something for everyone.
Home to many casinos, Edgewood Golf Course and Heavenly Ski Resort. Enjoy shopping along the main street, BBQs on the lake, or indulge in a beer (or 2) at one the several breweries in town.
A bit out of the way, but if you are driving to/from San Francisco, you may want to make a stop at this the Sierra foothills town. A Gold Rush-era main street and opportunities to gold pan and explore the old mines. Placerville also has a mini wine country.