Curator’s statement
Lake Tahoe is truly a year-round destination fit for all travelers: families, couples, girls or boys trips. In the winter you have some of the best skiing in the US and in the summer you have water sports and hiking with views of the crystal clear blue waters. There is a reason people say "Keep Tahoe Blue," it is incredibly clear and blue for a lake, all year round!
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Where to stay on Lake Tahoe
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Things to do on Lake Tahoe
If traveling to Lake Tahoe in the winter, skiing is an absolute must. There are many ski resorts around the lake, but all are amazing. I recommend Heavenly Ski Resort if you like to be close to restaurants and shopping. Kirkwood Mountain Resort is best if you like to beat the crowds and have a quieter experience. Palisades (formerly Squaw Valley) is ideal for overall value with amazing terrain.
Speaking of Heavenly Ski Resort, Heavenly Village is a great spot for shopping and restaurants. There is also the Heavenly Gondola that runs year-round and will take you 2.4 miles to the top of the mountain. Stop at the observation deck for a beautiful view of the lake and a quick snack.
Although hiking can be a year round activity, the best hiking in Lake Tahoe is done in the summer months. Rubicon Trail is one of the most beautiful trails in Lake Tahoe. It is 7.5 miles out and back and you get beautiful, sweeping views of the lake. The Tahoe Rim Trail is a 170 mile loop going around the entire lake. There are many access points on the loops, so you can definitely hop on and off at many different areas of the lake. Not much of a hiker? I highly recommend the Tahoe East Shore Trail. This trail starts in Incline Village and is entirely paved, dog-friendly, and includes six bridges and sweeping views of the lake.
Visit one, or many of the gorgeous Tahoe beaches. Sand Harbor, Meeks Bay and Zephyr Cove are definitely fan favorites. But be aware that they do get incredibly busy. It is recommended to stake your claim on the sandy beaches by 8 am of visiting over the weekend.
Take part in some water activities, best experienced May through September. Charter a boat, rent some jet skis or go kayaking! Fishing is also great in Lake Tahoe, specifically trout and salmon.
Places to eat & drink on Lake Tahoe
Gar Woods: This spot is located in North Tahoe. This lakeside restaurant is a must-try. It is more high-end, but the fresh food and views of the lake are worth it.
The Sage Leaf: This spot is located in Incline Village. It is one of the best breakfast/brunch restaurants in Tahoe. Some would even say they have the best eggs benedict around!
Inclined Burgers and Brews: If you are looking for an affordable and delicious burger, stop by Inclined Burgers and Brews. The burgers are delicious and the garlic fries are some of the best!
Jimmy's Restaurant in South Lake is the best place for fun cocktails and great service. They even have happy hour daily from 3 pm–4 pm!
Christy Hill Restaurant: This fine-dining restaurant is one of, if not the highest rated restaurants in Lake Tahoe. The food is French-inspired California cuisine with sweeping views of the Lake. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu.
The Idle Hour is a beautiful wine bar located in South Lake. They are right on the water and have an amazing menu featuring wine flights, charcuterie and fondue.
Need to know
It is easiest to fly into the Reno Airport, located about a 45 minute drive from Incline Village and about an hour to South Lake Tahoe. Sacramento Airport is also an option but is farther away, about two hours and 15 minutes to both Incline Village and South Lake. You definitely want to rent a car in Lake Tahoe, unless you are not planning on leaving your resort at all. There is so much to see and do, I highly recommend you rent a car, though! Even in the summer, it can sometimes get a little nippy at night, so layers are your friend. In the winter, there are plenty of places to rent snow gear, so if you don't have any of your own or can't pack it, no worries!
Travel Advisor
Isabelle Newcomb
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