Lake Tahoe is a world-renowned vacation destination and I feel so lucky to get to spend time here in the natural space! We’ve rounded up our top 10 things to do in Lake Tahoe, a complete travel guide for your next trip! For this guide, I focused on things to do in the warmer spring and summer months in Tahoe. I’ll create another for the winter season too!
Keep reading for the best things to do in Lake Tahoe!
Top 10 Things To Do in Lake Tahoe:
Stay at the best Lake Tahoe AirBnb: The Tahoe A-Frame
Maybe we are a little biased, but our sweet little A-frame cabin is a great place to stay in Tahoe. The A-frame architecture is so classically cool, it’s fun to wake up to a light-filled cabin. Check out the new renovation photos in our Airbnb listing here!
Watch a game at the Fat Cat Bar & Grill (bring your dog too!)
We are animal lovers and bring our pup Lola as many places as we can in Tahoe. We discovered Fat Cat Bar & Grill in Tahoe City and it has a diverse and yummy menu and is very dog-friendly–each time we go there are at least two other dogs inside. With lots of big screen TVs, we love coming here to catch a game after a long day on the lake or in the snow. They have tons of great shareable appetizers and tons of different burgers to suit your taste. We love getting the wings (classic bar food!), kale Caesar salad, and sweet potato fries.
Rent some bikes and ride the Truckee River Bike Trail
Before becoming a Tahoe semi-local, I had NO IDEA about the Truckee River Bike Trail! This paved trail runs from Tahoe City to Squaw Valley on the West Shore and is the perfect bike ride day along the river. You can stop at different cafes and restaurants as you make your way (or my personal favorite, pack a lunch from West Shore Market!). During your summer ride, you’ll see boaters, river rafters, kayakers, and fisherman too!
Soak in the views at Skylandia State Park & Beach
This place is such an amazing hidden gem! We took our holiday card photos here and the views are just breathtaking of the lake. Enjoy a day at the beach during the warmer summer months and you’ll be here all day. It’s a bit off the beaten path so make sure you pack your supplies for the day since there aren’t local vendors–totally worth it for the secluded privacy of this beach.
Enjoy a punch at Chambers Landing
Summertime in Lake Tahoe isn’t truly summer until you’ve had a punch at Chambers Landing. The dock at Chamber’s Landing is a very popular place to watch the boats come and go and people-watch on a warm and sunny afternoon. Chamber’s punch is one helluva drink so order one and enjoy it’s fruity, slushy, and boozy qualities for good laughs and good times with friends.
Grab a coffee and pastry at West Shore Market
West Shore Market is a beautiful hidden gem on the west side and I almost don’t want to add it to my Top 10 list for fear of it getting more popular than it already is! West Shore Market is part coffeehouse, part deli, part general store, and part home goods–and it is so beautifully done. Not only is the selection of products beautiful and well curated, but they make incredible pastries and sandwiches with a special handcrafted touch. Our coffee bar favorites include the cold brew, chai tea latte, ham & cheese croissant, and the maple bacon scone (OMG!). Your best bet is to come with a group and raid their pastry case to share and taste different things–their in-house pastry chef is THAT GOOD!
For sandwiches, this place gets pretty busy at the lunch hour but don’t let the moderately long line scare you away. They have tons of classic sandwiches (Turkey, Pastrami, Roast Beef, etc) and have a daily special too. Our favorites include the Pastrami and BLTA! They have you build your own salads too!
Hike the Eagle Rock Trail
This trail is super close to our cabin, The Tahoe A-Frame, and we love popping over in the mornings for a quick hike (it’s a little under 1 mile out and back). The views are insane of the west shore and the best part–it’s dog-friendly!
Grab a casual lunch at Char-Pit (get the tacos!)
Char-Pit in Kings Beach is totally unassuming–it looks like a hole-in-the-wall restaurant but aren’t those restaurants the best?! The burgers are bomb but make sure you order the taco box! They are perfectly crunchy and cheesy and worth it! Grab a picnic table outside to soak up the sun while waiting for your order. Yum!
Go shopping in Downtown Truckee
Downtown Truckee is a great afternoon getaway when you’re looking to check out local shops and do some shopping. There are great clothing stores (affordable too!), art galleries, local homewares–all with a Tahoe flair. I like to make the drive out here every so often to pick up a cozy sweater, cool home decor items for the cabin, or local Tahoe olive oil to stock our pantry.
Sail the lake with Tahoe Sailing Charters
The lake is the perfect place to spending time in Tahoe so you definitely want to experience it from the water. Tahoe Sailing Charters offers daily public and private charters on their catamaran and 50′ Santa Cruz boats! Prepare for a day in the beautiful lake for a true Tahoe experience!
Have you been to Tahoe? I’d love to hear your favorites too! Leave me a comment below and I’ll link you and add your recommendation to these things to do in Lake Tahoe list!
I’ve always wondered what it’s like to travel to Lake Tahoe. I’m wanting to go one of these days with the family. It looks like a great vacation spot.
My family loves Lake Tahoe. It’s such a gorgeous place. We’ve been there in both summer and winter, and it’s amazing during both seasons.
Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. I’ve only ever been in the winter, though. I need to take the family during the warm months, too.
I have always wanted to go to Lake Tahoe. I hope to get there one of these days.
The scenery is beautiful. I have never been there. I wish we could soon. The lake looks so serene. I would love to witness the beautiful sunset in Lake Tahoe.
I have visited Lake Tahoe but have no idea Truckee River Bike Trail is even exist. The scenery on the trail is too beautiful and I would love to bike this one on my return trip.
Staying in an a-frame sounds so fun! And I adore the idea of renting bikes. It is a great way to see things more quickly than on foot while getting exercise, too. <3
We’ve rented bikes on vacation before and it was a blast. These recommendations look amazing.
ive always wanted to go there. i have to save this for when i do. hopefully some time this month.