Summer in Lake Tahoe

Summer at Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite things in the world. The smell of sun-warmed pine trees, the bright blue hues of the water, the snow-capped mountains in the background all really demonstrate the magic of the Sierras.

My family started taking trips to Tahoe every summer before I was even born. It’s been a place full of memories with my immediate family, grandparents, cousins, and friends, spanning from childhood to the current day and our annual trips are still something I always look forward to.

During college, Tahoe (and the greater Eastern Sierras) was a place where I came into my outdoorsy-self. Countless weekends spent camping, rock climbing, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and hot springing opened up my world in a new way.

While Tahoe is known for it’s winter activities (which are great), summer in Tahoe is not to be missed! Come for the nature—hitting the beaches, exploring the trails, or getting out on the water—because the best experiences here are ones had outside adventuring.

This summer, finding ourselves working remotely and unable to do our usual vacations, we decided to head up to Tahoe for a month. It was the first time we explored the north shore for an extended time and it did not disappoint!

See some of my favorite Tahoe things below:

STAY

There is a wide range of accommodations from large chain hotels (Ritz, Hyatt) to quaint cottages, boutique hotels to old cabins, and lots of rental homes. Depending on your preferences, you have some options. While we grew up staying at a resort at the base of Heavenly, we now prefer to rent a house since we like to relax at “home” and cook a lot of our meals. I’ve listed some of the rental homes at which we’ve stayed and enjoyed as well as some boutique hotels that look promising if that’s more your speed.

AirBnb, Kings Beach (North Shore) - We most recently stayed here for 5 weeks (thank you COVID WFAnywhere). It was my first time staying on the North Shore and I really enjoyed it! Kings Beach is a cute town right on the lake that has a handful of restaurants, shops and a well-developed beach. The house was spacious, newly built, and well appointed. It’s a 15 minute walk to the beach and has forest trails right across the street.
AirBnb, South Lake Tahoe (large party) - Great for a larger party and located in a great part of South Shore, there is easy access to most things but tucked near the base of Heavenly, it feels more removed.
AirBnb, South Lake Tahoe (small party) - For a smaller group, this new townhouse it in a busier neighborhood, but it walking distance to the lake and near some restaurants.
Basecamp Hotel South, Basecamp Hotel Tahoe City - These are remodeled motels that have a hip, fun vibe. It’s not nice hotel status, but for the rate, it is clean, well-designed, and fun.
Coachman Hotel (South Lake Tahoe) - Despite being near Stateline in South Shore (avoid at all costs!), this beautifully redone hotel paid the right amount of attention to the details.
The Landing - For a more resort-y experience, the Landing is well done, across the street from the beach and has a decent restaurant on-site.

ACTIVITIES

Emerald Bay - A beautiful cove on the South Shore with a small island in the middle. It does get busy but it’s worth at least driving through and stopping at the lookout if you can.
Vikingsholm Castle - This historical landmark sits on the shore of Emerald bay and offers tours if you’re interested. But just walking the grounds and surrounding area is stunning.
Tallac Historic Site & Valhalla - These historic estates built in the 1920s take you back to Gatsby-era summers spent on the lake. The houses and property are free to walk through and make me wish I could live there.
Camp Richardson - A summertime hub, you can go to the beach here and there are campsites, bike rentals, a restaurant, marina, and an ice cream shop so it’s got energetic vibes. It’s also right next to Tallac Historic Site if you want to do both on the same day.
DL Bliss State Park / Rubicon Point - Hiking through DL Bliss is one of my favorite Tahoe activities. Doing a portion of the Rubicon trail to Lester Beach and ending with a swim in the lake is summer time perfection.
Fallen Leaf Lake - A small alpine lake located just south of Lake Tahoe, Fallen leaf is a pretty little lake to visit, camp at or hike near.
Angora Lakes - These little lakes below Fallen Leaf require a short hike from a parking lot with limited spots. The second lake is a secluded “resort” of small cabins and has a little shack where they sell fresh squeezed lemonade and PB&Js. They also rent SUPs and row boats to access the far side of the lake where you can jump off rocks. It’s a great destination for a mountain-y beach day.
SUP - SUPing is one of my favorite activities to do on the lake! There are lots of places to rent from and if you’re on the north shore, I would recommend Adrift Kings Beach, they are awesome. Consider renting an inflatable SUP as it would provide you the ability to launch out of some hike in beaches, where some of the most beautiful shoreline is found. It is a lot of work and is not for the faint of heart, but it is quite the reward.
Float the Truckee - another favorite activity is to float the Truckee. You can go through a rafting company or bring your own inflatables and drift lazily downstream. If you go this route, you can park and launch your tubes at the 64 Acres Tahoe Rim Trailhead in Tahoe City.
Rent a boat - A boat is one of the best ways to get a tour of the lake. You can hit several beaches and swim spots in one afternoon without having to find parking. I recommend a cruise through Emerald bay as it is beautiful from the water.
Bike / Walk Tahoe East Shore Trail - Some of the prettiest shoreline of the lake are now accessible from the bike trail. Walk or bike it and go find a good swim spot along the 2.6 mile stretch. It’s also a great sundown walking spot and provides beautiful sunset views. There is parking and a bike rental shop at the trailhead.
Tahoe City Farmers Market - Right on the beach in Tahoe City, it’s a nice vibe to wander the small market. They have great vendors from coffee to produce to a butcher and more.

Beaches

Round Hill Pines - A stretch of beach with lots of amenities—restrooms, a restaurant, beachside bar & food service, chair & umbrella rentals, activity rentals (SUPs, jet skis, paddle boats, etc), and oddly, a pool. It’s great for a long beach day.
Camp Richardson - A fun and lively beach that definitely gets more crowded. There is a beach front restaurant and pines that come right to the water and provide some shade on the sand.
Speedboat Beach (Incline) - This tiny cove has about 100 sq ft of sand, but the shallow water is great for a refreshing dip and the rocky shoreline has lots of boulders for sunbathing (& jumping).
Sand Harbor (North Shore) - One of the most popular beach destinations in Tahoe and for good reason—it’s small coves provide shallow water that stays a little warmer and is more enjoyable to swim in. The parking lot often fills up, so plan accordingly especially during busy season.
Lester Beach (DL Bliss) - This beach is right next to Rubicon Point and a great beach to relax at after a hike on the Rubicon Trail.
Hidden Beach (Incline) - There’s no parking lot for this beach so you will have to walk or bike in (it’s just off the Tahoe East Shore Trail) so pack light. The tiny strip of beach has crystal clear water and is a great place to launch an inflatable SUP as well.
Kings Beach (North Shore) - Easy to access and lots of beach space at this north shore beach.

Hikes

Eagle Falls > Eagle Lake - A short, easy hike with views of Emerald Bay and lots of trail options.
Rubicon Trail - A gorgeous forest trail that goes along the west shoreline, way up above the water. You get consistent lake views without tons of sun and the trail ends (or starts, depending on how you do it) at Rubicon Point with stunning views of Rubicon Bay and a nice spot to take a dip and sunbathe on a boulder. Doing entire trail is long, but there are several points where you can join the trail for a shorter trek. Getting to the top of Rubicon Point and the swim spot take a bit of scrambling—agility and willingness to get dirty are a must to access these two points.
Echo Lakes - The trail goes along Echo Lake and upper Echo Lake providing nice views of the water the whole way. It is pretty flat and exposed in moments.
Floating Island > Cathedral Lake - This trail follows a ridge line above Fallen Leaf lake and provides some great views at the beginning of the hike. Hike to two smaller lakes for a dip or a picnic before hiking back.

FOOD

I can’t say that I go to Tahoe for the food & beverage scene or culture. There are a few spots I enjoy, but get explore-y and see what you find!

South Shore

Sprouts Cafe - My fave lunch spot! A healthy menu of sandwiches, wraps, bowls, and smoothies.
Berts - When you’re craving some pancakes and diner coffee, head the Berts but be prepared to wait, especially on the weekend.
Jimmy’s Restaurant - The restaurant at the Landing serves up California-Greek food in a nice patio setting.
Verde

North Shore

Jason’s Beachside Grille - Basic American restaurant & bar with patio seating. Nice to be right by the water.
Kings Cafe - Perfect for a casual, breakfast burrito or taco. Even better if you can walk there.
T's Rotisserie (Incline)
Alibi Ale Room
Sage Leaf
Manzanita (Ritz Carlton)

Truckee

Truckee Tavern & Grill - New American restaurant and a great bartender on the cute main street in Truckee.
Old Town Tap - Rustic vibe serving Italian food and cocktails.
Alibi Ale Room - Lots of beer and small bites. Fun vibes to hang out and have a drink and snacks.

COFFEE, TEA & JUICE

South Shore

Alpina - Quintessential mountain town coffee shop that also serves up a small menu. Coffee isn’t great but it’s got charm. Be prepared to wait for any food.
Black Cabin Coffee - Decent coffee in a cute old cabin.

North Shore

Drink Coffee Do Stuff - The name may be funny, but the coffee menu is one of the better options in Tahoe.

Truckee

Coffeebar Truckee - A hub of Truckee, Coffeebar serves a menu of coffee, tea, and food. Order an iced oat latte and an avo toast to enjoy on the patio.
Pacific Crest Coffee Company - Located in a warehouse, come here to pick up beans or a good cup of coffee to go.
New Moon - Health food store that has a fresh smoothie and juice bar as well as lots of grab-and-go options.