Lake Tahoe is absolutely stunning is both Summer & Winter. Here are our favorite things to do in Lake Tahoe in the summer months.
Our Northern California Road Trip continues to Lake Tahoe. We were previously in Yosemite National Park and next is Sonoma Valley. To read more on that, see the links at the bottom of this post..
The drive to Lake Tahoe from Mammoth Lakes is about 3 hours North and because we were meeting up with our family & extended family for a little reunion, I'm going to list all the places we'd recommend in Lake Tahoe categorized by theme:
Lake Tahoe Activities
Kayak Sand Harbor
Kayaking Sand Harbor is a MUST! Be sure to get their early because this place is no secret. Kayaks are by reservation or first come first serve and the perfect way to take in the beauty & crystal clear water of Lake Tahoe.
Emerald Bay & Inspiration Point
Emerald Bay is on every list of things to do in Lake Tahoe. Make sure to stop at Inspiration Point for a picturesque view of Emerald Bay!
Cascade Falls & Eagle Lake Hike
If you're looking for more than a view when you get to Emerald Bay, take a hike to Cascade Falls & Eagle Lake. This is a pretty busy trail, but an easy and beautiful hike to a lake in the woods. You'll need a Wilderness Permit from a self-service station to get to Eagle Lake.
Rubicon Trail Hike
Rubicon Trail is another popular hike in Lake Tahoe along the coastline. It's 16.4 miles out and back and we knew that wasn't going to happen so we went as far as we wanted and turned around. There are some great views off the lake & cliff jumping!
Flume Trail via Mountain Bike
Jake and I have no mountain biking experience, but my brother convinced us to go out with him and ensured we were taking a beginners trail. I realized we weren't going on a beginners trail once we had to sign waivers that said, "THIS TRAIL IS NOT FOR BEGINNERS!" And for some reason, I decided not to rent an electric bike because I wanted a 'work out'...well I got what I asked for!
We rented our bikes from Flume Trail Bikes and they describe The Flume Trail as a moderately difficult one way - 14 mile ride at 7000′ to 8100′ feet in elevation with over 1000′ of climbing in the first four miles. I would scrap the word "moderately" for a more accurate description ;)
We took a van to the drop off point and the driver kept telling us horror stories of people falling off the cliffs, calling the shop to be rescued and people not even being able to make it up the climb and having to turn around...that was a great start! All while the drivers dog was biting my face off...seriously it was quite the ride.
We got dropped off at the the trailhead and since I have no experience mountain biking, I had my gears shifted too high so I wore myself out very quickly, rookie mistake. We started climbing up the mountain which was nearly impossible in certain spots so I ending walking my bike part of the way. I honestly didn't think I was going to make it, but I am not a quitter and we FINALLY made it to the top of the mountain, the rest of the ride was mainly flat or downhill after you reach the peak.
I've come to realize that the harder the climb, the more fulfilling the views and experience because I would 100% do this again and recommend anyone to take the challenge! It was extremely rewarding! Although, I wouldn't recommend it, if you are afraid of heights. The trail down is VERY narrow and right on the edge of the cliff with a mix of sand, boulders and sharp turns. You really have to stop and enjoy the views, since you need all eyes on the trail at all times, but the views were absolutely breathtaking! This was hands down one of the most challenging, rewarding AND gorgeous things we have ever done!
MS Dixie Dinner Cruise
A boat cruise on MS Dixie is a classic way to enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe. We chose the Sunset Dinner Cruise with live music & plenty of drinks (I think our server liked our table since they kept pouring us extra champagne)! There are a few different cruise options to choose from as well.
Lake Tahoe Breweries
Alibi Ale Works
Alibi Ale Works made the best beer from all the breweries we visited in Lake Tahoe. They are on the Northern Nevada side of Lake Tahoe in Incline Village. We stopped there after our treacherous & exhilarating Mountain Biking experience. My hands were still shaking when we got there, a nice cold beer was definitely in order. We started out with a flight of their IPAs which were all very solid, but our favorite beer was the Fantasy Island from their Mr. Tartacular's Sour Series. The beertender even mixed two of their sours for a double Tartacular treat!
South of North Brewing
South of North Brewing had our favorite brewery atmosphere from all the breweries of our trip. Located in the heart of South Lake Tahoe & in the courtyard of Base Camp Hotels. They have a large outdoor space outfitted with an Airsteam, camp fire & outdoor games. After a close game of bags, we chilled out and listened to the live performer. This was definitely the type of atmosphere we would love to have in Minnesota.
South Lake Brewing Co
South Lake Brewing Co is home to the Ski & Skateboard flights. I'm a sucker for a creative flight board. We went with the small Ski Flight, they had a huge taplist so we loaded it up with IPAs.
The Hangar
We really wanted to stop at The Hangar, but didn't have time. We drove by it and looked like an awesome spot to hang out. We wanted to keep it on our list of places, for an option to check out.
Lake Tahoe Food
The Naked Fish
The Naked Fish is a quaint Hawaiian-inspired Japanese restaurant with maybe our favorite sushi and sake we've experienced! Cant forget about the Shishito Peppers too! Highly recommend!
Base Camp Pizza Co.
Base Camp Pizza was a perfect spot to stop after a long day paddling on the lake. Great 'za!
California Burger Co.
California Burger Co. wasn't anything out of this world, but they have a speakeasy in the back of the restaurant that was pretty cool, that we saw Tony Romo walk out of!
Thanks for reading about our trip to Lake Tahoe!
To finish reading our complete Northern California Road Trip Guide, jump to Things to do in Sonoma Valley.
Related Posts:
Comentários