Things To Do
Things To Do in Olympic Valley
Tahoe Via Ferrata - A guided adventure route up the iconic Tram Face at Palisades Tahoe. https://tahoevia.com/ Aerial Tram - A scenic tram ride to the top of Palisades Tahoe to enjoy hiking, sightseeing and views of Lake Tahoe. https://www.palisadestahoe.com/events-and-activities/activity-finder/aerial-tram Palisades Yoga Studio - Located directly in the Village at Palisades Tahoe. https://www.palisadestahoe.com/events-and-activities/activity-finder/palisades-yoga Olympic Valley Ski and Bike - Bike rentals for an easy ride down the bike path along the Truckee River to Tahoe City or for a mountain bike adventure. https://olympicvalleyskiandbike.com/
Donner Memorial State Park
Walk along the beaches of Donner Lake! You can pay to enter the state park and drive in, or park alongside the road just past the entrance of the park (east end) and walk in. There are also public docks trickled all along the north shore of the lake! You can park next to them as well. This lake is near our cabin and where we swim and walk the dogs all summer. Lastly, there's a water sport rental shack on the south shore of the lake (must walk through the state park along the walking path or drive in to find rentals).
Float the Truckee River
We love this lazy float from Tahoe City Transit Center to River Ranch at Alpine Meadows. It typically takes 2-3 hours, depending on water level. You can buy your own inflatable tubes in town (which we recommend) or rent a raft with the local river rafting companies.
Water Falls in Shirley Canyon
This is where Connor and I had our first date! In less than a mile hiking the Shirley Canyon Trail, you will have already encountered several waterfalls and granite pools to swim in. This section is family friendly. The entirety of the hike is a moderate out-n-back up to Shirley Lake (found on Alltrails app), with option to take the Aerial Tram down for free! Side note, I took my future mother-in-law Kathy on this hike (I swear she's smiling in the picture above) and she lived to tell the tale!
Eagle Rock
Located on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, about 5 miles south of Tahoe City. Hike up a short 20 minutes or less for a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe. This is a 0.7 mile easy out-and-back trail that is family friendly.
Sand Harbor State Park
Some of the most beautiful shoreline, often mistaken for the Caribbean in photos, is actually on the east shore of Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side. If you get to Sand Harbor State Park early enough to find parking, it's worth it to rent a kayak or SUP and paddle south along the waterline. If you're looking to get a little adventurous, there is a hiking trail from Sand Harbor that you can take south to smaller beaches and coves, even a nude beach! Additionally, if you enjoy theatre, there is an outdoor amphitheater at Sand Harbor that puts on plays multiple times a week!
Sugar Pine Point State Park
Best public beach! Park on the side of the road and walk down the walking path to the lake. Stop at West Shore Market or Tahoma Market for sandwiches on your way!
Take a Drive for a Chambers Punch
This is where Caitlin grew up spending time with her family in Chamberlands! If you're looking for a little drive along the lake there's a rum punch waiting for you at the west end, at Chamber's Landing Bar & Grill. Go to the dock bar on the lake. There is also a restaurant on site. This place is a dream.
West Shore Market
Great sandwiches!
Bridge Tender Bar and Grill
One of our favorite greasy burger spots on the river in Tahoe City. Walk off the waffle fries through downtown Tahoe City on Lake Tahoe.
Fire Sign Café
Best sit-down breakfast spot!
The Dam Cafe
Casual little breakfast (& lunch) spot! We love their breakfast burritos and bagel sandwiches.