Julie’s guidebook
Sightseeing
This is a great place to visit early on a weekday. It gets very busy on weekends.
435 locals recommend
Emerald Bay State Park
138 Emerald Bay RdThis is a great place to visit early on a weekday. It gets very busy on weekends.
Mt Tallac Peak
Mount Tallac TrailStrenuous hike, but well worth it
If you're here to ski, let us know and we would be happy to suggest the best areas for your ski level.
299 locals recommend
Heavenly Mountain Resort
4080 Lake Tahoe BlvdIf you're here to ski, let us know and we would be happy to suggest the best areas for your ski level.
If you're here to ski, let us know and we would be happy to suggest the best areas for your ski level. Kirkwood is known for its steep and wide open terrain, expert skiers will have a lot of fun here.
155 locals recommend
Kirkwood Mountain Resort
1501 Kirkwood Meadows DrIf you're here to ski, let us know and we would be happy to suggest the best areas for your ski level. Kirkwood is known for its steep and wide open terrain, expert skiers will have a lot of fun here.
Heavenly Gondola
4080 Lake Tahoe BoulevardWell worth a ride up the gondola for some sightseeing.
Sand Harbor Rentals
Fallen Leaf Lake
One of the quieter beaches in the area, but it's best to get here early.
23 locals recommend
Kiva Beach
One of the quieter beaches in the area, but it's best to get here early.
Silver Lake
Pretty lake with easy access!
Food scene
My Thai Cuisine
2108 Lake Tahoe BlvdFantastic Thai food. Probably the best restaurant in town.
By far the best bakery in the area. Worth a visit just by itself! Lines can be really long in the morning.
9 locals recommend
Crazy Good Bakery Cafe
2040 Dunlap DrBy far the best bakery in the area. Worth a visit just by itself! Lines can be really long in the morning.
California Burger Company
1001 Heavenly Village WayGreat burgers with a great atmosphere.
The Hangar Taproom and Bottleshop
2401 Lake Tahoe BlvdGreat outdoor beer garden.
The Brewery At Lake Tahoe
3542 Lake Tahoe BoulevardSonney's BBQ Shack Bar & Grill
787 Emerald Bay RdGood BBQ
Bob Dog Pizza
3160 US-50City/town information
Truckee
Very historic old town with a great Main Street.
City advice
Don't miss
Drive around the lake and hiking
If you have a full day to spend, driving all the way around the lake is highly recommended. Drive clockwise so you can easily pull off to the right to sightsee. The drive typically takes 4-7 hours depending on how much you stop. Squaw Valley, Truckee, Kings Beach are all great places to stop. Also don't miss Lake Tahoe Scenic Overlook off HWY 431 just north of Incline Village.
Don't miss
On the water
Beaches typically fill up very quickly, so it is best to go as early as possible in the day to find parking and a spot.
Many visitors and locals alike also love renting kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards, and even power boats. There are plenty of shops around the area that offer rentals to match any schedule or budget.
Don't miss
Hiking
There are many hiking opportunities available for all skill levels. We highly recommend an app like Alltrails to look at maps for the best hikes in the area. Tahoe Mountain is one of our favorites due to being relatively easy and having fantastic views.
Customs and culture
Leave no trace
The entire Tahoe area is built around respecting and enjoying nature. As such, please follow Leave no Trace principles: Pick up trash, don't go off trails, and be respectful to nature as if you were never there.