Can't Miss List: Lake Tahoe

Areas to check out:

Incline Village — some consider this the best place on the lake to catch a sunset. This is also where you want to be if you are doing Tahoe in the winter, to be in the heart of all things skiing. Keep an eye out for celeb sightings, as Incline Village is one of the wealthier areas in Lake Tahoe that has many mansions and estates that will have you putting in overtime at work (after you get back from your Tahoe vacation, of course).

South Lake Tahoe — this is the summer hot spot where you get the best of both worlds — a walkable town (Heavenly Village) with lots of shops and restaurants, situated only four blocks from the beach.

Tahoe City — located on the Northwest side of the lake, Tahoe City hosts the famous Fanny Bridge, which is where Lake Tahoe runs off into the Truckee River. In the summer, this is a popular tourist destination for watching thousands of rainbow trout passing through the dam. Jake’s on the Lake is also an incredible stop to watch the sunset.

Hikes:

Flume trail — this is a 20-mile-roundtrip hike but can be hiked in separate, more manageable sections. One option is to take the shuttle from Tunnel Creek Café, which will drop you off at Spooner Lake State Park and allow you to hike/bike back down to your car on a one-way trip. Another is to start at Marlette Lake in the Spooner Backcountry, which will take you on a 4.4-mile descent that ends at Tunnel Creek Road. Flume Trail is known as one of the most scenic and beautiful trails in the country and is worth checking out, even if you only taste a small piece of it!

Van Sickle Bi-State Park — this park is located in South Lake Tahoe and sits right on the Nevada/California state line, so if you have ever wanted to be in two places at once — now is your chance! The one-mile round-trip hike to the scenic view point right off the main parking lot is worth its weight in gold. The hike itself is made of beautifully carved out sand-like paths that wind and curve through the 360-degree views of the forest, and once you make it to the peak and climb up the large boulders at the top, the view of Lake Tahoe is unmatched.

East Shore Trail — this is a three-mile (one-way) walk that starts in Incline Village and wraps around the east rim of Lake Tahoe. It is a paved path, so very bike/stroller/group friendly, and offers views of several different beautiful lookouts and beaches along the east side of the lake. It even reaches to Sand Harbor, so if you miss your chance at entering the park, this is a great way to see Sand Harbor on foot.

Beaches:

Sand Harbor State Park — When you picture the huge, round, pebble-like boulders in the crystal clear water of Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor is what you are thinking of. This is probably the most popular tourist spot in Lake Tahoe, so be prepared to wait in line to get in (and most days, the park fills up and closes by 9 am). Pro-tip: Arrive early (before 7 am). Go on a weekday if possible, and pack a cooler for the day because once you enter the park, you won’t be able to leave and come back. All of that being said, this was worth the wait – one of the most beautiful, calm and peaceful beaches I’ve ever been to and the pictures were worth a thousand words.

Lakeside Beach — located in South Lake Tahoe, access is $30/day but the beach is very clean and well-kept, has its own restaurant right on the sand where you can grab lunch and also has a playground right on-site. Pro-tip: check out the hotels fronting this beach for discounted day passes!

Secret Cove — this semi-nude beach requires a half-mile hike down to the water that is worth every step. When the trees open up to showcase the cove, you’ll be greeted with turquoise water with large rocks visible throughout the crystal-clear water. This beach is small and parking can get pretty packed on the road where the trail begins, so getting there before 10 am is best.

Other things to do:

Heavenly Gondola — this 2.4 mile ride goes over 10,000 feet high for a 45-minute ride up the mountain. There is an observation deck halfway off where you can get off and take pictures, and another stop that offers adventure activities such as summer tubing, a mountain roller coaster and zip lining. The price tag on the gondola ride might give you a little sticker-shock, but I can honestly say it was one of the coolest things we did there and was worth its price.

Emerald Bay — this is one of the must-see areas of the water to check out, located on the Southwest side of the Lake and featuring unbelievable blue/green water (living up to its name). This is a great spot to rent a boat for the day and to check out the Vikingsholm Castle, a 38-room Scandinavian masterpiece built in the 1800s.

Clear Kayaking — with some of the most iconic and beautiful water of any lake in the country, there is really no better place to experience a completely clear kayak. For rent in both Sand Harbor and Emerald Bay, this is a must-do activity if you are into kayaking (or really just into beautiful views). Pro-Tip: rent these first thing in the morning when the water is the most calm and still.

Inspiration Point – one of my absolute favorite Tahoe sights is driving up to Inspiration Point to experience the sunrise. The sun comes up directly over Emerald Bay, and this view point is hard to beat. Pro-tip: When you get to the inspiration point parking lot, you’ll notice the view is blocked by some trees — keep driving! If you go about another half of a mile (past two small pull outs), you’ll get to a third pull out (big enough for about 10 cars and only as wide as one car). If you see the half-stone wall, you’re in the right place, and you’ll get an incredible, unobstructed view of the sunrise.

In South Lake Tahoe:

Breakfast – Driftwood Café (right in Heavenly Village, indoor and outdoor seating, gets very busy so get there early! Also check out Tahoe Bagel Company for great breakfast sandwiches and inventive coffee drinks.

Lunch/dinner – South Lake Brewing Company. Get a beer flight in a ski and do yourself a favor and order the giant hot pretzel. Also worth stopping in is Dumpling 85, which now serves soup dumplings!

Dinner – Edgewood Resort. One of the most beautiful resorts on the entire lake, it is a gated property and the price tag for staying there certainly shows when you pull in. A loophole in checking out this property is having dinner at Brooks’ Bar & Deck and walking around after dinner to check out the grounds, including their private beach.

Wine – Idle Hour. A super quaint and relaxed atmosphere raised over the water for an unbeatable happy hour view. They have wine flights and also some light food. Stop in for a glass of wine with 180-degree views of the beautiful Lake Tahoe water.

In Tahoe City:

Breakfast – Syd’s Bagels. A grab-and-go bagel and coffee shop that makes for a quick and tasty option.

Lunch – Tahoe Tap Haus. Great patio, local beer and better than average bar food.

Dinner – Jake’s on the Lake or Gar woods – both incredible sunset spots.

In Incline Village:

Breakfast - Sunshine Deli for a more casual breakfast (try the quiche!) or The Log Cabin for lunch with a view.

Lunch - T’s Rotisserie (grab-and-go Mexican style rotisserie chicken dishes. Super fresh and always busy, but no wait).

Dinner – Lone Eagle Grill. This is the restaurant located in the Hyatt Regency Resort but is right on the water and has an impressive American menu that has something for everyone. Bite is also very good, more of a Tapas style restaurant if you like family-style dining. Bite is also open late-night for some cocktails after the slopes.