Insiders Guide to Truckee, California

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Advisor - Nadia Schwartz
Curated By

Nadia Schwartz

  • Truckee

  • Active Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Nature Escapes

  • Ourdoors

  • Sightseeing

  • Hiking

Lake surrounded by green hills.
Curator’s statement

Truckee is a beautiful small town located in the Sierras with countless outdoor recreational activities available to everyone. If you love skiing, hiking, biking, tennis or just enjoying scenic beauty, it might be the place for you. At 6000 feet a little town nestled within the Sierra Nevada mountain range, has been our family summer home for the past 15 years. Truckee’s own Donner Lake is both beautiful and accessible. Lake Tahoe is only 15 miles away. The town's small-town charm, and its location in the Sierra Nevada make it a perfect year round destination.

The Fora Difference

Book with Nadia to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

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Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

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Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

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Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Truckee

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Enjoy abounding activities year-round with ski-in ski-out access to Northstar California and a 15 minute drive to Lake Tahoe from this stunning property.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $100 hotel / resort credit.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Everline Resort & Spa

Escape to relaxation and rejuvenation at this tranquil retreat, where luxurious accommodations and rejuvenating spa treatments await amid the serene surroundings of Lake Tahoe.

Gravity Haus Truckee-Tahoe

Trendy boutique hotel offering modern accommodations, adventure-focused amenities and a vibrant community atmosphere, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts in the Truckee-Tahoe area.

SpringHill Suites Truckee

SpringHill Suites Truckee is a modern and comfortable hotel offering spacious accommodations, convenient amenities and a prime location near outdoor activities in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Hampton Inn & Suites Tahoe-Truckee

Hampton Inn & Suites Tahoe-Truckee is a comfortable and convenient hotel offering modern accommodations, complimentary breakfast and easy access to outdoor activities in the Tahoe-Truckee area.

Hyatt Vacation Club At Northstar Lodge

Hyatt Vacation Club at Northstar Lodge is a luxurious mountain retreat offering spacious residences, upscale amenities and direct ski-in and ski-out access to Northstar California Resort.

Unlock perks by contacting Nadia to book your trip.

Things to do in Truckee

River surrounded by green trees.

Summer activities

In the summer, which is my favorite season, you can hike, kayak, stand-up paddle board, bike or rent a boat on Donner Lake. Truckee has miles and miles of paved bike trails. You can raft the Truckee River from Tahoe City to River Ranch. Enjoy the beach at Donner Lake or go fly fishing on the Truckee River.

Enjoy concerts in the park and attend Truckee Thursdays — an evening festival every Thursday in the summer where locals and visitors alike gather to listen to music, buy local crafts and goods from local artists and enjoy the unique food trucks.

Other activities include horseback riding, mountain biking, golfing and numerous festivals from classical music to blues to art and wine walks around town.

Winter activities

Winter time is a cold weather enthusiast's destination. It has world class downhill skiing and boarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, tubing and ice skating. Truckee gets as much snow in the winter as anyplace else in the country.

Day trips

Sardine Lake: Located in the Tahoe National Forest, it's an hour drive outside of Truckee. The resort has boats you can rent and an amazing restaurant at the Lodge. Plan ahead. It's very popular and reservations are required.

Places to eat & drink in Truckee

People walking in a street with vendor stalls.

Breakfast

  • Donner Lake Kitchen: Serving Truckee since 1970’s located on Donner Pass Road think big pancakes and omelets

  • Cornerstone Kitchen

  • Zuri’s: Donner Pass Road in Truckee — the breakfast sandwiches are the best.

Lunch

  • Red Truck: Located at the airport, grab a seat outside and watch the planes come and go.

  • RMU Truckee: The burgers are really good They have two other locations in Breckenridge and Whistler.

  • Truckee Food Shop: My personal favorite, I have tried just about everything they make. The ceviche and fried chicken are amazing.

  • Bistro 22: Located at the base of Olympic Valley at the Palisades ski area, a local’s favorite is the Dragonfly Thai Noodle Bowl.

Dinner

  • GreatGold: Classic Italian and hands down the best pizza in town.

  • Tangerine: Delicious French food and beautiful restaurant.

  • Moodys Bistro Bar and Beats: Serving Truckee since 2002 consistently good all year round. Indoor and outdoor seating with music on weekends.

  • Pianeta: Since 1998, a wonderful restaurant and bar that never disappoints
    with a great wine selection and delicious chicken marsala.

  • Stella: Fresh California cuisine at its finest located next door to the Gravity house hotel. They serve great breakfast, too.

Advisor - Nadia Schwartz

Travel Advisor

Nadia Schwartz

Get in touch with Nadia

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Lake Tahoe. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, My Trip to New Orleans in Early November.