Brittany & Gregory
Things To Do
Hike Shirley Canyon Trailhead
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. 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.
Go stand up paddleboarding or kyaking
SUP is very popular at Lake Tahoe. There are many places to rent paddleboards, but if you’d prefer, you can rent a kayak instead. The water is calm and clear–it’s no wonder that so many people are out on the lake in the summer.
Heavenly Gondola
The Heavenly Mountain Gondola is a 2.4 mile ride up above Lake Tahoe. Once at the 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.
Tour the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion
The Hellman-Ehrman Mansion from 1903 provides an interesting peek into the life of the rich on Lake Tahoe. During the house’s early years, invited guests would arrive here after a long train ride. The tour of both the main mansion rooms and servant areas lasts less than one hour; if you have kids with you, the tour guide will likely tailor some of the information to their interests. Tours run from late May through late September.
Kings Beach State Recreation Area
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. Families come to play in the water (kayaks and paddleboards are available to rent), but there are also shaded picnic tables, a playground for kids, and restaurants within easy walking distance. Parasailing rides are available for $60-80 (information about water sports equipment rentals here). Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Have dinner at Trokay
Trokay is the area’s finest restaurant and is well worth saving for a special night out. Owned by a couple of award-winning chefs who relocated here from New York City, Trokay offers two prix-fixe menus of several courses, or you can order individual items from the menu. One of the owners is a cheesemonger, so the cheese plates are exceptional here.