Lake Tahoe: Your Solo Summer Visit to “Big Blue”

Hike

The easiest way to see Lake Tahoe is from up above, on a hike—and the best payoff from the West Shore is on the Rubicon Trail. You can access this trail from the Emerald Bay/Vikingsholm parking area or from the DL Bliss State Park (closed until 2026). Note that to access this trail from Vikingsholm parking lot, you must walk one mile downhill (and then uphill afterward). Parking at Emerald Bay is also quite limited, so plan accordingly or take the shuttle. Once down to the lakefront trail, you will immediately be enthralled by the beauty and color of the lake and the environment surrounding the trail. Feel free to jump in, too! Other great hikes include the Flume Trail and Monkey Rock on the East Shore, or around Donner Lake in Truckee. You can even take a dog for a hike from the Humane Society in Truckee.

Swim

Lake Tahoe never freezes, but it also never gets that warm. I only swim in the lake in July, August, and September, once the temperature reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit or above, but many folks cold plunge year-round. If you are so inclined, go for a refreshing swim. My favorite swimming spots include Commons Beach, Sugar Pine State Park, Meeks Bay, Emerald Bay and Fallen Leaf Lake (South Lake Tahoe), Sand Harbor/Secret Beach (East Shore), and Donner Lake (Truckee).

Float the Truckee River

Another way to get out on the water is by floating down the Truckee River, starting in Tahoe City (park at the Tahoe City Transit Center/64 Acres) and ending at River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant (or anywhere just before that). You can rent a raft with Truckee River Raft Company (book ahead; they also provide post-raft transportation upstream) or launch your own float. Bring water shoes, a dry bag for your keys and cell phone, and even your dog if they’re a great swimmer.

Bike

The West Shore has shared-use trails that allow you to bike all the way from Dollar Hill to Meeks Bay (14 miles one way), and it is easy to rent bikes at either of West Shore Sports’ two locations in Sunnyside and Homewood. South Lake and the East Shore also have extensive shared-use (walking and biking) trails if you happen to be in those areas. The East Shore trail is spectacular and is absolutely worth a visit for either walking or biking. There are endless mountain trails all around the basin, too, if that’s more your thing. Check out All Trails for more options.

Kayak/stand-up paddleboard

The absolute best way to see Lake Tahoe is from the water, and the easiest option there is to kayak or stand-up paddleboard. West Shore Sports is the best place to rent either, and they have convenient launching locations nearby. Tahoe City’s Commons Beach also has a dedicated rental spot just on the sand. Or you can head to the East Shore’s Sand Harbor/Secret Beach area and launch amid the iconic boulder rocks, or up to the calmer, quieter Donner Lake. You really can’t go wrong launching in any location.

Shop

Tahoe City and Truckee have lovely little downtown areas that are very walkable and boast a handful of boutique stores. My favorites in Tahoe City include Tahoe Trunk Show, Tahoe Boho (in the Boatworks Mall), Haven, Alpenglow Sports, and Scraps. Grab a coffee, snap a few pics, and stroll through town for a quiet morning or afternoon break. There is also a farmers’ market in Tahoe City on Thursdays and in Truckee on Tuesdays.

Live music

There is a surprising amount of live music in Tahoe throughout the summer. Tahoe City’s Commons Beach has a Sunday evening music series; Christy Hill’s Sandbar has music three days a week; Palisades has Bluesdays on Tuesday evenings; there are a handful of one- to two-day music festivals; and even Sunnyside, West Shore Cafe, and River Ranch have started hosting bands a few times during the summer. Just search “live music” and the days you are in town, and you will not be disappointed.

Boat

What Lake Tahoe visit is complete without a day out on the lake? Whether you surf, ski, board, tube, or just watch, you can rent the perfect boat (and captain!) at Tahoe City’s Marina or Homewood’s High & Dry Marina on the West Shore. High Sierra Water Ski School is the best in the business, and I can personally attest to Lee getting me back up on my slalom ski after 20 years. And while you’re out on the lake, be sure to stop at Chambers Landing, Dockside Trading Co., or Garwoods Restaurant for a rum punch. One final boating option is the Tahoe Gal, an iconic 120-passenger paddle-wheeler that will take guests on cruises several times a day. My favorite cruise is the Lunch Cruise to Emerald Bay, but they’re all fantastic. Note: This activity is best with a group.

In Tahoe City/along the West Shore

For breakfast or lunch, the go-to is always Fire Sign Cafe, where you can sit outside with your dog. My favorite meal is the breakfast sandwich. Another great breakfast option is The Dam Cafe, right near Fanny Bridge/Gatekeeper’s Museum.

In Tahoe City

For dinner, the best spots include Christy Hill, Sylva, Jake’s on the Lake, Za’s Lakefront, and the Bridgetender Tavern (I’ve listed them in order of fanciness). Sylva is the hot new restaurant, opened in 2025 by a few friends of ours. I recommend the grilled cheese (I’m not kidding) and the croissant bread pudding, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Along the West Shore

Dog & Beach Neighborhood Tavern is another newish restaurant, with a menu including pizza and duck tacos (the newest menu addition, which is super yummy, although easier to split with someone). Cult Burger is next door and provides the perfect burger and fries after a long hike or swim. Shadyside is another great option, featuring Mexican-inspired dishes, refreshing drinks, and a cozy backyard patio vibe.

In South Lake Tahoe

If you find yourself down in SLT, check out Primo’s Lake Tahoe, Sonny’s BBQ Tahoe, or The Idle Hour Lake Tahoe, a local wine bar offering drinks and views of the lake.

In King’s Beach/Incline Village

Up in North Lake, some great options are Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant, Bite Restaurant, and Whitecaps Pizza.