Summit & Soak: A Couples' Guide to Adventure & Luxury in Lake Tahoe

Hiking

If you want a beginner trail, Van Sickle is a four-mile trail with gorgeous views of the lake at the summit. Parking is plentiful here and it is located at the stateline. Once you make it back down, there are plenty of restaurants to replenish all the energy you burned!

Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake is a beginner to moderate trail located near Emerald Bay State Park. You pass a beautiful waterfall about halfway up, and then are rewarded at the summit with a panoramic view of the lake. Parking is limited here, so I recommend going early, especially on summer weekends.

If you want a moderate trail, the Rubicon Trail is a 12-mile hike and considered one of the most beautiful hikes in all of Tahoe. It runs along the shoreline, so you are treated to stunning panoramic views of the lake the entire way!

Paddleboarding/kayaking

The easiest place to access the beach on the south shore is at Lakeview Commons (El Dorado Beach). Rentals are available right on the water, making this a great spot for beginners.

If you are more experienced, Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay is where you'll want to go on the south shore. This is a three- to four-hour round-trip paddle that takes you along a mostly undeveloped shoreline before arriving at the stunning beauty of Emerald Bay.
An early morning start is strongly recommended so you can catch the calm conditions. There is a parking fee of $12 per day.

On the north shore, Sand Harbor is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches on the entire lake. The water is incredibly clear and dramatic boulders jut out of the shallow shoreline. Arrive early in summer since the parking lot fills up quickly.

Day at the beach

Visit Baldwin Beach for one of the most spacious beaches on the south shore. There are no shade structures, so bring an umbrella! Season passes for National Forest beaches can be purchased at the Baldwin Beach kiosk if you plan to visit multiple times during your trip.

Zephyr Cove on the south shore is a full-service resort beach with a restaurant, beach bar and grill, and a general store on site. This is one of the liveliest beach experiences on the lake, and since you're on the Nevada side, drinking is allowed right on the beach. Play a pickup game of beach volleyball!

Kings Beach is probably the most popular beach on the north shore. It sits right in the middle of the north shore with stunning lake and mountain views. The surrounding town has great restaurants and shops, making it an easy full-day destination.

Day at the spa

Spa Edgewood at Edgewood Tahoe Resort is widely considered the best spa in Lake Tahoe—Forbes Travel Guide has even awarded it a prestigious four-star rating. The resort sits right on the water and offers breathtaking lake views from every angle. Guests receive three hours of spa facility access before and after their service. Note that it is adults-only and a spa treatment booking is required to access the full amenities.

Stillwater Spa at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe has 16 treatment rooms, including two couples' sanctuaries—one with a fireplace and one with an infinity tub. Every treatment comes with all-day access to the spa amenities, plus a complimentary glass of champagne!

Shopping

The Village at Northstar is one of the most picturesque shopping destinations on the lake. You'll find major brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Burton, Oakley, and Lululemon, alongside boutiques, specialty shops, and art galleries. In the center of the village is a year-round ice skating rink surrounded by fire pits—perfect for warming up between shops!

The Shops at Heavenly Village is the south shore's premier shopping and entertainment destination, just a short walk from the casinos. You'll find major brands like Patagonia, Powder House Sports, and Quiksilver, plus plenty of boutiques and specialty shops. There is also tons of entertainment including mini golf, an ice rink, and a cinema.

The Village at Palisades Tahoe has more of a European feel with upscale shops lining cobblestone streets. You'll find major brands like The North Face and Oakley, as well as unique gems like Gallery Keoki and boutique stores like Lather & Fizz.

Gondola/tram rides

The Heavenly Gondola is located right in the heart of Heavenly Village on the south shore and is worth every penny! Once you travel up to 9,150 feet, you'll find an observation deck where you can snap a photo with the stunning panoramic view of the lake as your backdrop.

The Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram is on the north shore, located right in the Village at Palisades Tahoe. Once you travel up to 8,200 feet, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada, Desolation Wilderness, and Lake Tahoe shimmering below—and there are plenty of photo opportunities at the top!

South Shore

Riva Grill on the Lake is located right on the water at Ski Run Marina on the South Shore. This is essentially Gar Woods' South Shore sister restaurant, serving up American cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and steaks. You can't leave without trying the Wet Woody—the famous rum and fruit juice cocktail you may already know from Gar Woods!

Friday's Station Steak & Seafood Grill is located on the top floor of Harrah's Lake Tahoe in Stateline. If you love wine, they have a 1,000-bottle wine cellar. The filet mignon was delicious, and it came with a side of stunning lake views. Don't forget to request a table by the windows!

The Idle Hour is the kind of place most visitors never find—and locals want to keep it that way. Tucked right on the south shore waterfront, this lakefront wine bar boasts over 300 wines, 40 pours by the glass, and curated tasting flights from local Sierra Foothills producers to luxury California labels. Pair your glass with a charcuterie board on the expansive deck and soak it all in!

Wolf by Vanderpump is located at Harveys Lake Tahoe in Stateline and it is absolutely stunning! The 47-foot marble bar flanked by marble wolves and cascading water features has to be seen to be believed—it's the longest bar in Lake Tahoe! The menu is just as fun as the decor, so don't miss the lobster crisps and the pull-apart herb and cheese bread. If you're a Lisa Vanderpump fan, this one is a no-brainer!

North Shore

Gar Woods Grill & Pier in Carnelian Bay holds a very special place in my heart—it's where my husband and I had our first date and got engaged! This North Shore waterfront institution has been serving up fresh Pacific seafood, hand-cut steaks, and California cuisine since 1988, all with breathtaking views of the lake. Don't leave without ordering the world-famous Wet Woody—trust me, one is never enough!

Soule Domain in Kings Beach is the kind of restaurant that makes you want to linger all night. Tucked inside a historic log cabin, chef and owner Charlie Soule crafts globally inspired dishes using natural, free-range, and organic ingredients alongside an exceptional wine list. The warm fireplace and intimate atmosphere make it perfect for a romantic dinner—just make sure you book ahead, because this one fills up fast!

Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge on the west shore of Tahoe City has been a Lake Tahoe landmark since the 1950s—and one look at the view tells you exactly why. The menu features fresh seafood, steaks, and an award-winning wine list, all enjoyed from Lake Tahoe's largest outdoor deck. Live music on Fridays makes it a great excuse to linger into the evening!

Spindleshanks American Bistro and Wine Bar in Kings Beach is one of those restaurants you stumble upon and instantly fall in love with. Tucked into a gorgeous timber lodge on the historic Old Brockway Golf Course, it serves up creative American cuisine from breakfast through dinner with portions so generous you may need to roll yourself out. The crab cake Benedict, hoisin ribs, and signature Berkshire pork shank are all must-orders!