Curator’s statement
Lake Tahoe is where I go when I want luxury and nature to meet seamlessly. It’s a year-round playground: powdery ski slopes in winter, glassy blue waters in summer, and crisp alpine air every season in between. Here, mornings start with espresso overlooking the lake and afternoons end with a fireside après-ski or champagne at the water’s edge. Tahoe’s magic is its duality—wild yet refined, adventurous yet indulgent.
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Things to do in Lake Tahoe
Scenic gondola ride at Heavenly: Panoramic views of both lake and mountains, with mountaintop dining.
Private boat charter on Lake Tahoe: Summer perfection: cruise emerald coves, swim, and sip rosé onboard.
Emerald Bay State Park: Iconic viewpoint with trails down to Vikingsholm Castle, one of Tahoe’s most photographed spots.
Ski & snowboard Northstar or Heavenly: World-class skiing with plenty of luxe après-ski options.
Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course: Championship fairways right against the lake, equally gorgeous for golfers and non-golfers.
Spa day at Ritz-Carlton or Edgewood: Indulgent treatments infused with alpine botanicals.
Kayak or paddleboard at Sand Harbor: Crystal-clear waters that feel more Mediterranean than mountain lake.
Stargazing & hot tubs: High elevation and dark skies make Tahoe a natural planetarium.
Places to eat & drink in Lake Tahoe
Manzanita at The Ritz-Carlton: Elevated alpine dining with locally sourced menus.
Edgewood Restaurant: Fine dining with sweeping floor-to-ceiling lake views.
Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique (Tahoe City): Asian-inspired California cuisine, legendary since the ’70s.
Driftwood Café (South Lake Tahoe): Cozy breakfast institution with hearty plates.
The Bistro at Edgewood: Chic yet casual spot for brunch or après-lake cocktails.
Moe’s Original BBQ (Tahoe City): Laid-back but delicious for a casual afternoon by the water.
Gar Woods Grill & Pier: Classic Tahoe energy, known for their “Wet Woody” cocktails and lively deck.
Need to know
Seasons change everything. Ski in winter, boat in summer, hike in fall—Tahoe reinvents itself year-round.
Altitude awareness. The lake sits at 6,200 ft—hydrate and pace yourself.
Car required. Unlike Napa or Carmel, Tahoe’s highlights are spread out—self-driving or private transfer is best.
Layer smartly. Even summer nights can dip below 50°F—bring a luxe wrap or jacket.
Book early for peak times. July 4th, ski weekends, and Labor Day sell out months ahead.
Travel Advisor
Lucas Wackford
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Lake Tahoe page.