Curator’s statement
Lake Tahoe is a stunning alpine lake in the Sierra Nevada Range. At its deepest, Lake Tahoe is 1,645 feet, with an elevation of 6,223 above sea level and 22 miles of shoreline. Lake Tahoe is known for its incredible clarity. Summer water temperatures hover around 67 degrees, which feels amazing in July and August.
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Where to stay in North Tahoe & Truckee
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Things to do in North Tahoe & Truckee
Sand Harbor summer
Sand Harbor Beach (not requiring reservations due to its popularity): Great place for paddleboarding and snorkeling the crystal clear turquoise water.
Scenic summer gondola rides at Northstar Resort: Here you can ride for free or take your mountain bike up the ski gondolas and hike or bike down the terrain park.
Walking the quaint shops of Old Town Truckee and grabbing coffee at Coffee And... or Jax on the Tracks. There are also art galleries and candy shops.
Walking along the trails at Alder Creek Camp area: This is where some of the Donner Party camped out during the horrible snow storm they were trapped in. From here, you can walk to Prosser Reservoir for fishing and bird watching.
Have dinner and drinks at the lively Garwoods Restaurant on the shores of North Lake Tahoe. Gorgeous lake views, homemade vinegar potato chips, and the famous cocktail The Wet Woody!
Places to eat & drink in North Tahoe & Truckee
Blue Tahoe
FiftyFifty Brewery: A local’s favorite spot. Great pulled pork sandwiches, craft beers, with a relaxed atmosphere.
Stella: An innovative open-kitchen dining experience of simple, locally sourced meals.
The Auld Dubliner: An authentic Irish Pub in the heart of Palisades at Tahoe's Valley. This valley held the 1960 Olympic Games and has an incredible outdoor dining area with views of the Village and the ski mountain. I recommend the Irish Stew with local sourdough bread and of course, a Guinness!
Fire Sign Cafe: This is a must-stop for breakfast. The best pancakes and eggs benedict on the lake by far. Homey atmosphere and friendly service.
Rubicon Pizza and Pasta: Located near the Ice Rink at Northstar California, this welcoming, warm restaurant has delicious fresh basil marinara sauce with spaghetti and is very family friendly.
Need to know
I have lived in/near the Lake Tahoe Basin since 2007. It is a must-visit destination!
In summer, bring swimsuits, but also layers as the evenings can be a bit chilly. You will also want a windbreaker if you plan to sail or speedboat—companies such as Action Water Sports are great for Catamaran sunset cruises and other water sport rentals.
You can explore the Nevada and California sides of the lake. Nevada has casinos and dining like restaurant WOLF, and the California side has the quaint, quiet West Shore. You can buy an audio recording that will narrate a complete drive around the entire lake if you are up to it!
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Lake Tahoe page.