Allie & Chris
Things To Do
Ikeda's
For those flying into Sacramento or San Francisco, you’ll hit this joint on your drive up I-80. Any Northern Californian will tell you to stop here: be it for a burger, a crab sandwich, a milkshake, or a browse through the market next door. (Katie and I have tasted every single salsa and hot sauce in that market.) The freshly picked fruit and the pies are the stuff of legends.
Sugar Pine Point State Park
With a private pier and nearly two miles of epic lakefront viewpoints, this is a beautiful place to walk around! Another attraction is the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion (also known as Pine Lodge), a summer home built in 1903 in a grove of pine and cedar. (Three winters ago, Chris and I snowshoed here under the full moon and simultaneously decided that our wedding would one day take place in Tahoe. Awww.)
Eagle Rock Trail
An easy, <2 mile round-trip hike near Homewood with gorgeous lake views!
Emerald Bay State Park
One of THE most beautiful areas around the lake! Take in the views, hike around the rim, or cross the road and explore the trails overlooking the bay.
Squaw Valley
Grab a drink at High Camp, relax in the mountaintop hot tubs, or just enjoy an aerial tram ride up the peak. This is where the 1960 Winter Olympics took place! (Please note, the property is undergoing a name change, so some signs may say “Palisades Tahoe.” It’s the same place!)
Picnic Rock
A 3-mile round trip hike at the north end of the lake with rewarding views of the whole area at the top!
West Shore Sports
Explore Tahoe's many bike trails, or get your workout in on the water via paddleboard or kayak. Either way, you'll probably need some equipment, and these guys have 3 locations around the west side (in Homewood, at Sunnyside, and within Sugar Pine Point State Park.) **Note, availability is weather dependent!
Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge
Enjoying an [upscale] brunch, or even just a round of drinks, while overlooking the lake here is pretty unbeatable.
Za's Lakefront
Located right down the hill from Tahoe City with unobstructed lake views, they have a knockout menu and a buzzing bar scene. We've never been disappointed.
Fire Sign Cafe
A fave breakfast spot with a coffee house out back for the (likely) wait for a table. HUGE portions, fantastic breakfast potatoes!
Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet
Coffee? Check. Amazing baked goods? Check. Sandwiches? Check. Cute souvenirs? Check.
Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema
This cobblestone square in Tahoe City has a movie theater, shops, and a tap house! (Go for the beer, not the food.)
Bridgetender Tavern and Grill
Enjoy burgers, beers and killer waffle fries along the Truckee River, right near the intersection of Tahoe City and Lake Blvd.
Gar Woods Grill & Pier
The best reward after a hike up to Picnic Rock! Come for the Wet Woody, stay for the lakefront dining (especially the short rib tacos.)
Tahoma Market & Deli
Our pick for deli sandwiches on your way out to the beach, a hike, or anything outside! (Also, an easy spot to pick up eggs & produce for the cabin.)
Mirada Tacos & Tequila
This is a new Mexican restaurant in the Boatworks Mall with gorgeous views from both the bar and patio. They just opened over the summer and we haven’t had a chance to eat here yet, but the menu (and margaritas) look fabulous.