Locals' Summer Guide to the West Shore of Lake Tahoe

• Hiking- Eagle Rock (short and sweet), Cascade Lake (moderate), Tallac (not for the weak).

• Boating & or paddle boarding/ kayaking- Rent a boat, paddle board or kayak from Lee at High Sierra Water Ski School. Top of the line boats, all the toys you would need, and a captain included.

• Boat Cruise-Check out the Tahoe Gal for sunset and dinner cruises.

• Bowling-Drive to Incline Village on the North Shore for a spectacular bowling alley and tiki theme menu. About 30 minutes from Tahoe City. Make sure to secure a reservation prior to.

• Fishing- Fly fishing on the Truckee River or book a private fishing charter on the lake.

• Go for a walk/ Bike ride- Cruise down Tahoe City on the bike path or take highway 89 bike path to Squaw Valley. Bike rentals available.

• Commons Beach-Great area for families. Playground, walking path, beach and farmers market every Thursdays. Live music and movies in the summertime.

• Beach day- Hurricane Bay Beach, Chambers Beach and Commons Beach.

• Truckee River Rafting- Rent rafts from Truckee River Rafting and float the river! Don’t forget sunscreen, snacks and drinks.

• Spa Day- Check out the Resort at Squaw Creek for an amazing massage and access to the hot tubs after.

Day Trips:

• South Lake Tahoe-Check out the other side of the lake, its much different over there. About 1 hour from Tahoe City. Bring some cash and be ready to hit the blackjack tables.

• Truckee-Cute little town right outside of Tahoe; shopping, lunch, Donner Lake, hikes etc.

• Genoa- The oldest settlement in NV, this place is a hidden gem. Go grab lunch at the Pink House, then head to the Genoa Bar & Saloon after, it’s the oldest thirst parlor in Nevada. On your way out of town make one last stop at Wally’s Hot Springs Resort for some soaking in the natural hot springs.

• Emerald Bay- The eighth wonder of the world! Not really…. but I’d like to think so. Get some pictures and take it in, it sure is beautiful. I recommend getting there early, it becomes very busy with limited parking.

Breakfast:

• Fire Sign: Hands down, the best breakfast on the west shore! Love the veggie eggs benedict add sausage and a coconut milk chi tea. Might be a long wait, but its 100% worth it.

• Rosie’s: Yum, chicken fried steak and a bloody please! Enjoy some classic breakfast foods and check out all the odds and ends hanging from the ceiling.

• Tahoe House: A staple to the West Shore, great grab and go coffee shop with incredibly delicious pastries made in house. Must try the ham and cheese croissant.

• Sid’s Bagels: If you love bagels this is your spot! Many flavors to choose from, cute little local spot for grab and go coffee and breakfast. Live music often playing right out front in the summertime.

Lunch:

• Za’s: Delicious Italian food, not super heavy portions, perfect lake front lunch option! Get the poppers appetizer.

• Bridgetender: Grab a burger and a beer right on the Truckee River and feel like a local. Great patio even better fried food and burgers.

• Cult Burger: I promise you, you have never had a better cheeseburger than the ones they serve at Cult Burger. There is nothing fancy about this place, but man is it worth it.

• Front Street Pizza: Hungry for pizza? Front street will get you taken care of. Large slices with the most delicious toppings. Try the Thai pizza, unique and scrumptious.

• West Shore Market: Best sandwiches EVER. Grab a sandwich and a drink on your way to the next adventure.

Drinks:

• Sunnyside-Best place for an appetizer and drink with a killer view of the lake. Must try the famous zucchini sticks. Skip the mai tai and go for the SS refresh.

• Chambers Landing-Head down the West Shore and check out Chambers Landing, you can get there by boat or by car. Small boat house with killer rum punches, they keep it simple.

Dinner:

• Swiss Lakewood: This place has my heart, very charming atmosphere and such superb food. Swiss chalet après feel in the winter and a European vacation vibe in the summer.

• Wolfdales: Charming Lake front fine dining. You will not be disappointed. Amazing food and service-always.

• Christy Hill: Exceptional restaurant with the cutest little patio in the summertime; also, right on the water with beautiful views of the lake.

• Jakes on the Lake: Take in the amazing lake view while you eat an incredible lunch or dinner. One of my all-around favorite places to eat! Live music on the lawn on the weekends, closed for lunch in the winter but have a wonderful early bird happy hour in the bar to make up for it.