Things To Do
Enjoy Lake Tahoe!
1. Commons Beach (Tahoe City) Just 10 minutes from Palisades, this beach has grassy picnic areas, calm water, and is walkable to shops and restaurants in Tahoe City. Great for families and relaxed afternoons. 2. Kings Beach (North Lake Tahoe) A larger sandy beach about 25 minutes away, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or renting paddleboards and kayaks. Lively vibe with nearby food spots. 3. Sand Harbor (East Shore) Roughly 45 minutes from Olympic Valley, this iconic beach is known for its crystal-clear water and smooth boulders. Perfect for photos, swimming, and paddleboarding. Requires a reservation in the summer. 4. Moon Dunes Beach (Tahoe Vista) A quiet and less crowded beach about 30 minutes away with soft sand and stunning lake views. Ideal for a peaceful sunset or low-key visit. 5. Meeks Bay Beach (West Shore) A beautiful, family-friendly beach about 35 minutes away, with a wide shoreline, gentle water, and picnic facilities. Great for swimming or lounging in the sun.
Our Favorite Summer Activity - Hiking
1. Five Lakes Trail A local favorite just minutes from Palisades. This moderate 5-mile round-trip trail winds through forest and granite to a series of peaceful alpine lakes in Granite Chief Wilderness. 2. Eagle Rock Trail Short and sweet! This 0.7-mile round-trip hike climbs to a rocky outcrop with sweeping views of Lake Tahoe’s west shore. A perfect choice for a quick outing or sunset photo op. 3. Tahoe East Shore Trail This paved 3-mile trail runs from Incline Village to Sand Harbor and offers gorgeous lake views the entire way. Great for walking, biking, or just enjoying the lookout points. 4. Monkey Rock Trail A 2.6-mile out-and-back trail from Incline Village leading to a viewpoint with a famous monkey-shaped rock Z&J All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/lists/j-z-wedding-6292e1e?i=2327142e-02e5-47c5-b378-d14165fd385d&utm_medium=collab_list_invite&utm_source=alltrails_virality
Scenic Drive Around the Lake
If you have a few hours to spare, a full lap around Lake Tahoe is a must. The 72-mile loop offers stunning lake and mountain scenery, and there are plenty of scenic pullouts to explore along the way. Plan for 2–3 hours (more if you want to stop and soak it in) Tip: Drive clockwise around Lake Tahoe so the lake is on your side of the road, it's safer and easier to pull over for views and photos! Here are some favorite stops: Emerald Bay State Park One of Tahoe’s most iconic views. You can also hike down to Vikingsholm Castle or check out Eagle Falls Inspiration Point Just above Emerald Bay, this elevated viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of the bay and the surrounding peaks Sand Harbor (East Shore) Turquoise water, smooth granite boulders, and perfect swimming or picnic spots Logan Shoals Vista Point A peaceful pullout with dramatic views over the lake’s east shore. Great for a quiet photo stop Cave Rock A short trail leads to this sacred Washoe site with stunning elevated views
Float the Truckee River
Floating the Truckee River is a classic summer activity in the Tahoe area. The route from Tahoe City to River Ranch Lodge is about 5 miles long and takes 2–3 hours, with calm currents, scenic mountain views, and a few light rapids along the way. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors during your visit. What to Know: Start: Tahoe City (check out Truckee River Raft Company or Truckee River Rafting for rentals) End: River Ranch Lodge (a great spot for drinks or lunch afterward) Best Time: Mornings and early afternoons on warm days What to Bring: Sunscreen, water shoes or sandals, snacks, and a dry bag for your phone
Explore the Nearby Towns
While you’re here, take some time to explore the charming towns around Olympic Valley. Each has its own personality and is full of great food, shopping, and mountain-town character. Tahoe City Just 10 minutes from Palisades, this lakeside town offers a walkable downtown with coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, and a beautiful shoreline path. It’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon by the water. Truckee About 20 minutes north, Truckee is a historic mountain town with a lively downtown full of galleries, breweries, shops, and restaurants. It's also a great place to catch live music or grab brunch before heading out for a hike or drive.
Restaurants & Breweries We Love
Here are some of our favorite local spots around Olympic Valley, Tahoe City, and Truckee: Restaurants: Tremigo Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar (Palisades Village) Festive and fun with tasty Mexican favorites Moody’s Bistro Bar (Truckee) Seasonal menus, great cocktails, & live music on the weekends Old Town Tap (Truckee) Pizzeria and taproom with housemade pastas Shadyside Lounge (Tahoe City) Cozy, upscale lounge with craft cocktails, small plates, a great patio, & live music Sunnyside Restaurant (Tahoe City) Classic lakeside spot with great views, a lively patio, & perfect sunset vibes Tahoe Tap Haus (Tahoe City) Casual spot for burgers, beer, & outdoor seating near the lake Breweries Alibi Ale Works (Truckee) Creative, locally brewed beers. The Truckee location often has live music & food trucks FiftyFifty Brewing Co (Truckee) A laid-back brewpub known for its IPAs & burgers Tahoe National Brewing Co (Tahoe City) A casual taproom near the lake
Truckee Thursdays
If you’re in town on a Thursday, don’t miss Truckee Thursdays, a lively summer street festival in downtown Truckee with live music, local food trucks, craft vendors, beer gardens, and that small-town mountain magic. It runs from 5:00–8:30 PM, and it’s a great way to soak up the local vibe! Parking can get tight, arrive early or consider carpooling!
More Things to Do
Ride the Aerial Tram to High Camp Take in sweeping mountain views as you ascend to hiking trails, a pool, and the Olympic Museum Go Fishing Cast a line in the Truckee River or Lake Tahoe Hit the Golf Course Play a scenic round at courses in Olympic Valley, Kings Beach, or Truckee Bike the Truckee River Trail Cruise a flat, paved path between Olympic Valley and Tahoe City Paddle on the Lake Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Try Outdoor Yoga Check out mountaintop or lakeside classes offered by local studios and resorts.