It’s June which means it’s time for lazy days on the shores of the lake, e-biking down the east shore, hiking Tahoe’s gorgeous trails, tubing down the Truckee River, leisurely afternoons of shopping and late evening sunsets lighting the sky with alpenglow. There is nothing like summer in Tahoe and it’s finally here. Not only does our area offer endless outdoor adventures but it also transforms into a vibrant hub of summer events. Have you made your vacation rental reservations yet? If not, you’ll want to keep summer events in mind when you plan your trip to Tahoe. We’ve put together a sampling of some of our favorites.
Calling all Music Lovers
Concerts at Commons Beach: What says summer more than Tahoe City’s weekly Sunday evening event? Bring your chair, the whole family and your cooler stocked with food and drinks, then kick back and enjoy the tunes and lake views.
Bluesdays Concerts: Summer Tuesdays in the Olympic Valley mean Bluesdays in The Village at Palisades Tahoe. Mark your calendar for this fun, free and family-friendly concert series. Come early to shop and eat or even do some hiking before the music starts.
Tahoe’s Summer Cultural Events
Photo: The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival [/caption]
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival: This year’s summer lineup on the lakefront stage includes the Little Shop of Horrors, Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, Young Shakespeare putting on As You Like It, Sierra Nevada Ballet and more. Check out the calendar and get your tickets soon. Watch the moon rise over Lake Tahoe and enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Lake Tahoe Dance Festival: This 11th annual July event includes outdoor dance performances throughout North Lake Tahoe. From a sunset performance including hour d’oeuvres and drinks in Incline Village to a bring-your-own-chair dance performance at Truckee’s West End Beach to the Opening Night Gala in Tahoe City, you’ll be wowed by talented dancers performing with gorgeous Tahoe views all around.
Something for Foodies
Photo: Tahoe City Food & Wine Classic[/caption]
Tahoe City Food and Wine Classic – On June 10th check in at Boatworks Mall or the Siren Arts Building between 12:30 and 3:00pm to receive your glass, wristband and, most importantly, your map of all of the pouring stations. Enjoy a delicious afternoon of fine wine and fun.
Looking for fresh ingredients to cook a summer feast? The Tahoe City Farmers Market has already kicked off for the season. Catch it until October 19th on Thursdays at Commons Beach. Over in Truckee, buy your food at both the Truckee Certified Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays and the Truckee Saturday Farmers Market.
Because of Tahoe’s 300+ days of sunshine, kayaking can be a year-round activity. But, as spring and summer arrive and the days get longer, there’s nothing like a warm sunny day out on the water. Whether you have your own double seater for you and your favorite kayaking buddy or rent a kayak for a day on the lake, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous turquoise water and a unique viewpoint to take in the scenery. Did you know there are kayaking trails all along the shores of Lake Tahoe including 20 “trailheads” to launch your boat? Read on to find out where to kayak in North Lake Tahoe and how to get outfitted for a day on the lake.
West Shore Kayak Trails
Kayaking West Shore Tahoe, Photo by Stephanie Sparling[/caption]
The West Shore of Lake Tahoe is home to three kayak launch sites. Once you’re ready for your day on the lake, launch from Kaspian Campground, Meeks Bay or D.L. Bliss State Park. The Kaspian launch site is the perfect starting point for a two-sport day. After an afternoon of kayaking, secure your boat and take the 1-mile roundtrip hike to Eagle Rock for sweeping views of Lake Tahoe.
Another option is to launch from Meeks Bay and head north on your paddle. If you’re ready for a break as you paddle pass Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, you can land your boat on the beautiful sandy beach for a picnic or to explore the Erman Mansion and the interpretive trails.
If you launch from D.L. Bliss State Park in the morning (the parking lot is often full by mid-morning), you can paddle in the morning sun and then return to enjoy time swimming or hiking or even spend the night in their campground.
Looking for more kayak trails in North Lake Tahoe? Explore the Lake Tahoe Water Trail website for more trip ideas. They offer maps for every part of the lake including day trips from Tahoe City, the North Shore’s six launch sites from Carnelian Bay to Kings Beach, and 15.9 miles of turquoise “trails” launching from Sand Harbor.
Kayak Rentals on the West Shore
Eagle Rock, Photo by Elliot Gilfix[/caption]
With rentals available throughout the Tahoe area, you’ll have an easy time getting out on the water with all the gear you need for a fun-filled day.
South of Tahoma, Meeks Bay Resort offers single and double kayak rentals. If you’re headed out to explore the West Shore’s kayak trails and need the gear to do it, this is an ideal location to rent a boat to explore the lake. From a quick 1-mile paddle to Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park to a longer 3-mile journey to D.L. Bliss State Park, Meeks Bay is the perfect basecamp.
Looking for something extra unique? Clearly Tahoe offers clear kayak rentals for a DIY adventure where you’ll be taking in the views around you as well as under your feet. Or, sign up for one of their guided tours, including their amazing nighttime LED kayak experience!
There’s nothing like watching a sunset over Lake Tahoe. The beautiful alpenglow over the Sierras and the reflections on the water make for a picturesque and peaceful way to end the day. In the winter, with the early sunsets, you can end your day of skiing and stop in Tahoe City for a sunset before heading to dinner. Or after a day of summer fun, make your way to a beach or make dinner reservations lakeside to enjoy the beauty of a long summer day coming to an end. We’ve listed sunset viewing spots and lakeside restaurants all around North Lake Tahoe for whatever season you choose.
Tahoe City
Photo: Tahoe City Downtown Association
With so much to do in Tahoe City – biking the trail along the lake, shopping, visiting a museum or catching a movie at the Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema – it’s likely you’ll find yourself here after a day in North Lake Tahoe. If you have a blanket and picnic basket, Commons Beach is the perfect spot to end your day. Whether you snowshoe out to the beach in the winter or stay at the beach after a long day in the sun, this is a fantastic viewpoint.
Looking for a romantic dinner spot with a sunset view? Christy Hill’s location can’t be beat. With huge windows looking out over Lake Tahoe, you can take in the sunset over a gourmet meal and a glass of wine. And if you’re lucky, after the sun goes down you can watch the moon rise over the Sierras.
Carnelian Bay & Agate Bay
Photo: North Lake Tahoe Business Association
For a quintessential North Lake Tahoe experience, catch a sunset over the lake while enjoying a World Famous Wet Woody at Gar Woods. Whether you dine indoors or outside on the deck, you’ll have a fantastic night with unbeatable sunset views. Want more fun after the sun goes down? Check their website for weekly live music and other events.
Maybe you’re looking for an outdoor experience instead? Make your way down the road three miles and take a seat on the sand at Moon Dune beach. One of the most beautiful beaches in North Lake Tahoe, it’s not to be beat and is a fantastic spot to end a fun-filled Tahoe day.
Incline Village
If you’ve spent your day on the Nevada side of the lake, you can enjoy a beautiful evening sunset. Our favorite spot to enjoy both a day at the beach and a cotton candy sunset is at Sand Harbor. Get there early to secure a parking spot and stay late to enjoy the gorgeous light of the day coming to a close. Pack a dinner and dine at one of the picnic tables under the cedars and Jeffrey pines before calling it a night.
If you don’t want to make your own dinner, make reservations at Incline Village’s lakefront dining destination, Lone Eagle Grille. Start your night with cocktail service at their lakefront fire pit and then enjoy a meal made of in-season ingredients paired with a wine from their extensive wine list.
In case you didn’t already know, Palisades Tahoe is known as the Spring Skiing Capital. Titles aside, North Lake Tahoe’s ski areas are the place to be once the sunny days and soft snow hit. While it might feel like we’re in the middle of the winter right now, goggle tans and après ski lounging on a snow beach are just around the corner. As the season warms up, we wanted to help you put together you spring skiing bucket list to make the most of the end of the ski season.
Ice Bar and Golf at Alpine Meadows
Photo: Palisades Tahoe
One of our favorite “spring only” locales is Alpine Meadow’s Ice Bar. Tucked away at the base of the Sherwood Chair. This on-the-snow bar is both weather and snow dependent. Open during that perfect combination of sunny weather and snow still covering the backside, you’ll want to make sure you stop for a drink and a bratwurst if you see it open.
For extra dual sport fun, try to time your visit to the ice bar on the Annual Snow Golf Tournament day. Arrive early to secure your foursome’s spot for the 37th year of the top-to-bottom 9-hole course. Celebrate your team’s low score with live music on the sundeck and raffle prizes.
Sunshine and Sweets at Palisades Tahoe
Photo: Palisades Tahoe
Now it may seem obvious based on the name, but Palisades Tahoe’s Sun Bowl run is one of the very best locations for sunny spring laps. Accessed from the Headwall Express, this black diamond-rated run gets perfectly soft as the sun warms it up. Whether you hit it on a “slush bump” day or when it has been perfectly groomed, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe and a sunny southern exposure.
After your legs are burning and you’re ready for some afternoon après, it’s time for a sweet treat. Wildflour, hidden away in their downstairs location and only open during the ski season, is both the perfect way to start and end a day at Palisades Tahoe. They’ve got coffee and pastries and delicious pizza bagels, but do not leave without buying one (or a dozen) of their famous chocolate chip cookies. Their scratch made cookies are simply the best reward for a day of skiing.
Dual Sports at Homewood
Warm Tahoe spring days mean that you can take advantage of world-class spring skiing and enjoy the world-renowned Lake Tahoe…in the same day! Our favorite dual sport day involves make your way down the west shore to Homewood. Celebrated as the ski resort “where the mountains meet the lake”, it’s the perfect stop for your morning of carving turns. Then it’s time to trade in your ski gear for a wetsuit, board and paddle. Did you know that Homewood is just 280 steps from lift-to-lake? After a paddle on the lake, it’ll be time for some lakeside après. Watching the alpenglow light up Lake Tahoe and the Sierras with cotton candy colors might just be the perfect ending to a perfect spring day.
It’s February in Tahoe which means both snowflakes and romance are in the air. With Valentine’s Day coming up and snowy days in the forecast, there will be lots of opportunities to cozy up with your sweetie. From spa treatments for two to powder-filled ski dates to dinner by the shores of Lake Tahoe, we’ve got lots of ways to turn up the romance. Whether you’re a Tahoe local looking for date ideas or a visitor coming up for a couple days with your love, we’ve put together a list of some of our area’s best winter date ideas.
Powder Turns for 2
Photo: Palisades Tahoe
Tahoe’s ski resorts are sprinkled with 2-seater chairlifts which are a perfect addition to a skiing date day. But, when the snow piles up, we recommend making your way to Alpine Meadows for some romantic powder turns. With tree turns on your mind and your date at your side, point your skis to the Alpine Bowl chairlift. The two-seater accesses some steep and very fun powder terrain and lets you cozy up in between runs. After some morning laps the snow will start to get tracked up which means its time to ski over to Yellow Chair. This cozy chair has been known to hide some untracked powder stashes well into the ski day. End your ski date day with après at The Crest Café. Enjoy a couple well-earned beers with views of the Truckee River.
Spa Day with your Valentine
After a day of skiing on the mountain, nothing feels better than a professional massage. One of our favorite spots to both ski and get a massage is at Northstar California. After a day of turns with your sweetheart and a free champagne Tōst (every day at 2:00pm) with a view, book a massage slope side at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe spa. With winter friendly highlights like cozy fireplaces in the relaxation areas, a eucalyptus steam room and a heated outdoor lap pool with views of the ski resort, you’ll be sure to have a spa experience to remember. Call today to book your February appointment for their signature “Tranquility for Two” couples massage.
Romantic Lakeside Dinner Spots
There are lots of outdoor and active date options in Tahoe, but sometimes it makes sense to stick with the classic – a dinner date. But not just any dinner date, a table for two with a view of Lake Tahoe. Make your way to Tahoe City for a trio of our favorite lakefront restaurants. For a memorable fine dining experience with views of the moon rising over the lake, make reservations at Christy Hill. For mouthwatering Alabama-style BBQ paired with live music, choose Moe’s Original BBQ. Or, for a great Happy Hour with some Hawaiian-themed specialties on the menu, Jake’s on the Lake doesn’t disappoint.
North Lake Tahoe has so many exciting events and fun activities coming up this winter. There are lots of ways to get outside with lively options throughout the coldest months of the year! From world-class ski racing to 10 days of SNOWFEST celebrations to spring skiing by day and bluegrass concerts by night, you’ll want to make sure you have plans to be here this winter. Read through the list below for some of our favorite upcoming winter events.
2023 Audi FIS Ski World Cup
Mark your calendars for the last weekend in February because the World Cup is coming to Tahoe! Palisades Tahoe has been picked to host one of the stops on the 2023 Audi FIS Ski World Cup tour – so it’s time to get out your cowbells and US flags. There will be two men’s events – Saturday’s Giant Slalom and Sunday’s Men’s Slalom both taking place on Dog Leg and Red Dog Face so the action will be visible from the village. With seven Team Palisades Tahoe athletes currently on the US Alpine Ski Team, you’ll want to be sure to come out and cheer them on. Plus, there will be lots going on in the village over the weekend. With fireworks, outdoor concerts and more happening all weekend, you won’t want to miss out on the fun!
North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST
Come join in on ten days of winter celebration! North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST kicks off on February 25th and continues through March 12th with events across our beautiful region. Sign up for the Snow Golf Tournament, catch the parade in Kings Beach or, if you’re very brave, make your way to Carnelian Bay to join the 33rd Annual Polar Bear Swim at Gar Woods. But don’t forget, one of the most exciting and family friendly events…the SNOWFEST Firework show! There will be live music and food trucks at the Tahoe City Golf Course. Music starts at 5:30 and the fireworks will be at 7:30pm. Don’t miss this exciting celebration of winter with something for everyone!
Winter Wondergrass Tahoe
After a 3-year hiatus, the Winter Wondergrass Tahoe festival is back and you won’t want to miss it. The three-day festival (Friday, March 31 through Sunday, April 2) returns for its 7th year, attracting Bluegrass music lovers from across the country and takes place in an unbeatable Tahoe venue showcasing the beauty of our area. The backdrop of the tram face at Palisades Tahoe makes for a gorgeous view while listening to some fantastic music. Not only does the festival feature multiple bands at multiple stages over 3 days, but you can also take advantage of the free beer tastings from 2-5pm each day. Or, for a truly unique experience, book tickets for Thursday night’s Tram to Table dinner featuring a ride on the tram, two music sets, family-style dinner and a beer/cider/wine and whiskey tasting. Don’t miss it!
Winter has arrived in North Lake Tahoe and with it, lots of events and activities are in full swing at our area ski resorts. Whether you’re an all-day skier or a fair weather après expert, the 11 ski resorts in our area will deliver lots of fun. We’ve put together some highlights of what’s happening at your favorite ski areas.
Northstar California
It’s winter which means it’s time to “tōst” to a great day of skiing at Northstar California. Ski-up, kick off your skis/snowboard, grab a complimentary glass of bubbly and relax. This unique tradition is not to be missed with its beautiful views and fun vibe. It’s the perfect way to end a day on the slopes.
Palisades Tahoe
This season’s big news at Palisades Tahoe is the new Base-to-Base gondola! The new gondola will connect Palisades Tahoe to Alpine Meadows allowing access to all 6,000 acres of terrain. Whether you take the almost 2.5 mile, 16-minute ride between the two areas or want to check out the expert terrain from the KT-22 mid-station along the way, you’ll be skiing at the largest ski resort in California.
Sugar Bowl Resort
Sugarbowl, the historical Donner Summit ski area, is an ideal spot to take the whole family this ski season. For those who don’t ski, check out the new Sugar Rush Tubing area on a winter weekend or holiday. Reserve a two-hour session for your family and race each other down the multiple tubing lanes. For the tiniest in your brood, check out the Snow Play area complete with a snow volcano. After you’re done playing, hang out to enjoy hot cocoa for the littles and warm libations for mom and dad.
Diamond Peak Ski Resort
Photo: Diamond Peak
Make your way to the Nevada side of the lake for some epic Lake Tahoe views from the slopes at Diamond Peak. If you have a 3- to 6-year-old that’s itching to learn to ride or ski this season, a new magic carpet style surface lift has been added. It will make moving around the beginner area a lot easier. Just sign them up for one of the Child Ski & Ride Center lesson programs and they’ll be speeding around the mountain in no time.
Homewood Mountain Resort
Photo: Homewood Mountain Resort
Last, but not least, on our ski area roundup is Homewood. If you haven’t checked it out already, we recommend their unique offering which accesses 750 acres of backcountry terrain above the resort’s traditional ski boundary. Book an all-day Homewood Snowcat Adventure. This fully guided trip is the ideal activity for a true powder hound and up to 7 of their favorite ski buddies and includes lift tickets, breakfast & lunch, avalanche safety gear and demo skis. Enjoy the panoramic Lake Tahoe views while racing through the powder bowls and carving through trees.
There’s nothing like North Lake Tahoe as the area moves from fall to winter with beautiful fall foliage coloring the trees and a nice dusting of snow on the mountaintops. With the shorter days and colder temperatures, warm drinks are the perfect way to kickstart a day of adventuring outside. For those that like to stay caffeinated as the sun rises later and later, we’ve put together some of our favorite spots to pick up a coffee to go, a sweet or savory snack and a bag of beans to take home.
Drink Coffee Do Stuff
The first stop on our tour of our favorite coffee shops is Drink Coffee Do Stuff. With North Lake Tahoe locations in downtown Incline Village and Truckee, you won’t be far from your caffeine fix. They take coffee seriously and roast their beans right here in Tahoe. Roasting at 6,000 feet results in a coffee that’s more sweet and less bitter. Try some of their beans which have been mountain grown sourced from farms across the globe and then mountain roasted her in Tahoe by enjoying a coffee in store or grab a bag of their “Tips Up Tahoe” French Roast blend to try at home.
Tahoe House & The Dam Café
Before leaving Tahoe City to ski at your favorite ski resort or cross-country ski area, swing by the Tahoe House for one of their fresh made pastries and a coffee to go. All their pastries are made in house so grab an Apple Strudel for you and a Nussgipfel for a friend. Or, stop in at The Dam Café for Italian coffee and a real-fruit smoothie. If you’re in a hurry, order ahead online for pickup. Both shops are the perfect way to start a day on the snow.
CoffeeBar
With its well-loved “OG” CoffeeBar location in Truckee, you might just want to choose the original, grab a table inside or out and enjoy some craft coffee and a burrito bowl. But, if you’ve got your sights set on a day of skiing or riding at Palisades Tahoe, save your coffee stop for CoffeeBar’s village location. With views of KT 22 and the slopes of Palisades Tahoe from their outdoor patio and indoor seating area, you might find yourself back here for an après ski beer to kickback and enjoy the alpenglow sunset views.
Treehouse Café & JavaHut
Whether you’re visiting Kings Beach to enjoy the gorgeous views on the shores of Lake Tahoe or are headed out for some outdoor winter activities, why not swing by one of their cozy coffee shops? Treehouse Café sources their coffee from CoffeeBar and makes in house savory and sweet treats. Kings Beach is also home to JavaHut with organic, fair trade coffee. While you’re there, pick up one of their breakfast sandwiches and head out to enjoy another beautiful day in North Lake Tahoe.
Tahoe is a beautiful place to be in the fall with the changing leaves, crisp air and sunny blue skies set against the gorgeous autumn colors. It’s also the perfect time of year to get outside with the whole family. From hiking the trails to boating across Lake Tahoe to taking everything in from high above it all, the whole gang will be exhilarated by all this area has to offer as the weather cools and the colors change. We’ve put together a list of the best activities for families to get you started on your fall Tahoe adventure.
Soar to Higher Elevations
Photo: Tahoe Helicopters
We all know Tahoe is known for its beautiful fall colors along the miles of trails. But, why not take it all in from a new perspective? Tahoe Helicopters offers tours year-round and fall is an especially gorgeous time to head up to do some elevated leaf peeping. They offer several tours including a 45-minute tour that circles Lake Tahoe or a quick 10-minute tour to see the yellow trees set against the blue/green water in Emerald Bay. Take your family’s leaf peeping to new heights this fall!
Take a Hike
One of our favorite family activities to enjoy is a fall hike. The weather is perfect for some exercise while taking in the views of the crystal blue water and fall colors. Our first pick is Eagle Rock Trail located between Tahoe City and Homewood on Lake Tahoe’s west shore. At an average of a half hour to complete and a length just under a mile, this is the perfect hike to do with your little ones. The gorgeous views are worth the short trek.
Make your way to Incline Village on the Nevada side of the lake for our next family friendly hike with a view, Monkey Rock. The trail is short at just 2.5 miles, but it is considered moderately challenging so older kids might enjoy this most. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of the adorable Monkey Rock set against the gorgeous lake below.
Both trails allow dogs on leashes so bring your four-legged family members along for the fun!
Experience the Lake by Boat
Photo: Tahoe Sailing Charters
Fall might just be the perfect time of year to get out on Lake Tahoe. Get your family out to enjoy it on one of the area’s boat tour offerings. Both Tahoe Gal and Tahoe Sailing Charters offer memorable and picturesque boat tours. For a family of history buffs, we’d suggest choosing the 3.5 hour lunch cruise to Emerald Bay on the iconic Tahoe Gal. You’ll get to see both the historic Ehrman Mansion and the Vikingsholm Castle as the captain narrates along the way. For those that like to sit back and cruise, we recommend a sailing cruise with Tahoe Sailing Charters. Whether you book a private charter for your crew or join one of their daily 2-hour cruises, you’ll be sure to see smiles on everyone’s faces as you sail across the water with the wind in your hair.
Fall in Lake Tahoe is here and with the changing of the season comes fantastic autumn adventures. The changing leaves make views even more beautiful and the cooler air makes for ideal hiking and outdoor activity weather. Whether you stop to take in the views or just love to see some yellow blurring by as you focus on the trail over your bike’s handlebars, fall means less visitors and more space to play.
Leaf Peeping Adventures
By Car
If you like to stay cozy in your car and listen to tunes along the way, check out the Mount Rose Scenic Drive. From the Mt. Rose Highway Scenic Overlook, you will be treated with some truly epic views of Lake Tahoe from high above. The fall colors look especially stunning again the stunning blue backdrop of the lake. The 25-mile scenic drive will take you from the tip of Lake Tahoe to Reno where you can try your luck at one of the casinos.
By Foot
For a leaf peeping adventure on foot, we love to hike in Page Meadows this time of year. Just 10 minutes from Tahoe City, this is one of our favorite spots to stroll while taking in the beautiful colors. Don’t forget to look beyond the aspen trees at the mountain peaks above. You can catch views of Twin Peaks, Grouse Rock, Ward Peak and Scott Peak in the distance.
By Bike
Fall in Tahoe means that ski season is almost here, but it also brings awesome mountain bike trail conditions. The trails are ready to ride, and the cooler air makes for a comfortable pedal. If you want an exciting and picturesque mountain bike ride, check out the Flume Trail. You’ll get your heart pumping as you take in some truly stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the fall colors along the trail.
Or, if an e-bike is more your speed, take in fall views from the Tahoe East Shore Trail. Rent a bike and cruise along “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway” made even more breathtaking with fall colors as the backdrop. After returning your bike to Flume Trail Bikes, grab a beer and a bite to finish off your perfect fall Tahoe afternoon.
By Village
The fall months bring events to Palisades Tahoe that we look forward to every year. The village hosts sporting events and seasonal celebrations like Oktoberfest for some fall fun. Coming up, you can make your way to the village for the Made in Tahoe Festival (October 8-9). Kick off fall by starting your holiday shopping early with locally handcrafted wares that will be sure to check off everyone on your list while enjoying live music.