Curator’s statement
Lake Tahoe in summer is a family travel dream: refreshing alpine water, sun-soaked trails, scenic paddles, and luxurious resort options that balance fun and relaxation. Whether you’re craving lakeside chill or treetop thrills, this mountain-meets-beach destination delivers.
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Where to stay in Lake Tahoe
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Things to do in Lake Tahoe
Cruising the East Shore Trail: stunning lake views for bikers, walkers, and stroller crews alike.
Bike or walk the East Shore Trail: A scenic, paved trail that runs from Incline Village to Sand Harbor with jaw-dropping lake views.
Paddleboard or kayak in the morning: Calm, clear water makes mornings ideal for exploring the lake via SUP or kayak. Rentals are widely available.
TreeTop Tahoe Adventure Course: A forest obstacle course with zip lines and swinging bridges for all ages and ability levels.
Swim and rock-hop at Sand Harbor: A classic Tahoe beach with shallow swim areas and dramatic boulders to climb and jump from.
Stay cool in a resort pool: The Ritz-Carlton and Everline both offer excellent pool setups. The Hyatt has a heated indoor-outdoor pool that’s great for all seasons.
Ride the Palisades Tahoe gondola: Take in expansive views and enjoy mountaintop hikes and food options.
Watch the sunset from the firepits at Edgewood: Toast marshmallows or sip a drink while the lake turns pink.
Explore Sugar Pine Point State Park: A peaceful alternative with easy trails and lakeside picnic spots.
Enroll in sailing or boating lessons: Many local marinas offer day camps or lessons for kids and teens.
Catch live music or outdoor movie nights: Seasonal events like Tahoe City’s Concerts at Commons Beach add fun for the whole family.
Places to eat & drink in Lake Tahoe
Enjoying a really delicious and elevated PB&J with a view at Gar Woods.
Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats (Truckee): A cozy and lively spot for seasonal American fare and live music. Excellent cocktails, too.
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar (Truckee): Set in a historic ski lodge overlooking downtown, Cottonwood serves elevated comfort food with a killer view.
Truckee Tavern & Grill (Truckee): A warm, wood-paneled steakhouse known for its craft cocktails and hearty entrées.
Stella at Gravity Haus (Truckee): Intimate, ingredient-driven dining experience with a modern twist. Great for a grown-up night out.
Coffeebar (Truckee): A local favorite for espresso drinks, pastries, and healthy breakfast or lunch bowls in a relaxed setting.
Christy Hill (Tahoe City): Upscale lakeside dining with a view, featuring seasonal California cuisine just steps from Commons Beach.
Uncommon Kitchen (Tahoe City): A quirky, hidden gem for creative sushi burritos, salads, and vegan options.
Gar Woods (Carnelian Bay): Classic Tahoe waterfront dining with unbeatable lake views and a lively après-ski (or après-boat) scene. The menu leans upscale-casual—think seafood, steaks, and hearty salads—and the large pier and deck make it a top spot for summer sunset dinners or boat-up lunches.
Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet (Tahoe City): A Swiss-owned bakery with excellent coffee, sandwiches, and pastries. It’s a great picnic stop.
Tunnel Creek Café (Incline Village): A great pre-trail coffee and sandwich, with e-bike rentals next door.
Need to know
Lake Tahoe is an ideal destination for families, especially in the summer. Most beaches are public, clean, and perfect for sandcastle-building, paddleboarding, and splashing around in crystal-clear water. Bring water shoes for the pebbly shores, and note that mornings are usually calmest for paddling or boating. Many rental spots offer kid-sized kayaks, SUPs, and even sailing camps through the local parks and rec departments.
The East Shore Trail is stroller- and scooter-friendly and offers jaw-dropping views for minimal effort. Treetop Tahoe’s aerial adventure courses are well-run and have scaled options for ages 5+. Many of the lakeside restaurants offer kid menus (and crayons), and both Edgewood and Everline resorts offer seasonal kids’ programming.
Pro tip: Bring layers. Even in July, mornings and evenings can be chilly, and those alpine thunderstorms can sneak up fast.
Travel Advisor
Lilly S.
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Lake Tahoe page.