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. 

As we all know, there are countless ways to get out and explore North Lake Tahoe. But, what are your favorite types of ways to get out and experience everything this place has to offer? Do you like to sit back and relax while you take in the view, eat your way through one of our adorable towns or villages or maybe you like to charge ahead at full speed? We’ve put together a list for you of the best ways to explore North Lake Tahoe.

 

By Food & Drink – Calling all foodies

Explore North Lake Tahoe by tasting Tahoe…in craft beer form. With locations in Incline Village and Truckee, stop in at Alibi Ale Works to taste one of their delicious beers on tap made from Lake Tahoe water. They’ve even been known to ferment a brew with wild yeast from their very own beehives. Cheers to locally brewed beer!

Ready to explore our area’s locally grown food? The Tahoe Food Hub works with family farms, ranches and specialty food producers within a 100-mile radius of North Lake Tahoe to bring fresh food to the people of Tahoe. Whether you stop in at their retail store, The Farmacy in Truckee, to pick up produce to make a delicious, locally sourced dinner at home or visit one of the restaurants they supply, you’ll have fun exploring Tahoe with your tastebuds.

 

By Boat – Feel the wind in your hair

Now it’s time to explore by water and take in gorgeous Tahoe views as you sail or speed across the lake. Have a need for speed? Rent a powerboat or jetski and race across the water taking in the views as they fly by. Or, looking for someone else to take the wheel and take a relaxing cruise instead? Our favorite Lake Tahoe cruise company is Tahoe Sailing Charters. From a relaxing two-hour sunset cruise on their 50-foot sailboat to an exclusive full day private sailing cruise complete with charcuterie and champagne, they will make exploring Lake Tahoe a breeze!

 

By Helicopter – Views like no other

See the beauty of Lake Tahoe’s many shades of blue from high above. Book a helicopter tour to explore our breathtaking area by air. South Lake Tahoe’s Tahoe Helicopters has tours from 10 to 60 minutes. The one-of-a-kind tour will fly you over breathtaking Lake Tahoe highlights like Emerald Bay, Crystal Bay and Sand Harbor and beyond to Fallen Leaf Lake, area waterfalls, and the Desolation Wilderness. This memorable bird’s eye view adventure will be one to remember.

 

By Tram – Take your vacation to new heights

Photo: Palisades Tahoe

Another exploring option with a view from above is a ride on the Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram. You can hike to High Camp via the Shirley Canyon Trail and make a day of it, climbing over 2000 feet over 5 miles from start to finish. After taking in the views from the top you can ride the Aerial Tram back down to the village below. Or, skip the hike and ride both ways, enjoying views of Lake Tahoe, the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Palisades Tahoe ski resort along the way. Why not elevate you exploration?

There are countless ways to fill your summer days with fun in North Lake Tahoe. Whether you are an active explorer, a diehard foodie or simply like to take in the view, we’ve put together a list of our favorite ways to spend a summer day.

 

West Shore Adventure

One of the most gorgeous views around Lake Tahoe is at Emerald Bay. While you can’t drive down to the lake at this location, there are several viewpoints to take in the scene as well as hiking trails. If you’re interested in seeing Vikingsholm, there’s a steep two-mile round trip trail you can take to get down to the beautiful Scandinavian house below. Be sure to snap an iconic picture before you head home with Lake Tahoe’s only island, Fannette Island, taking center stage in this beautiful inlet.

As you drive back up the west shore on Highway 89, be on the lookout for one of the best summer stops on the lake. Chamber Landing is a bar and restaurant that sits over Lake Tahoe and is the lake’s oldest bar. Grab a seat as the sun goes down and enjoy one of their famous signature drinks, the Chambers Punch.

 

Day or Night at Sand Harbor

Nothing beats a day on the beach at Sand Harbor. Get their early to snag a spot on the sand and spend your day swimming, paddleboarding and reading your favorite book. Or, if you want to add some more activity and gorgeous scenery to your day, bike to Sand Harbor on the Tahoe East Shore Trail, dubbed “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway”. Rent a bike and snag a parking spot at Flume Trail Bikes in Incline Village and ride the paved 3 miles to Sand Harbor, stopping along the way to take in the view of Lake Tahoe.

When the day is done, did you know Lake Tahoe is a fantastic spot to stargaze? After all of the day trippers have left Tahoe’s beaches, stay on to see the sunset and then watch as the stars come out. Whether you book an organized tour with a company like Stargaze Tahoe or simply sit back and gaze up at the sky, it’s the perfect way to end a Tahoe summer day.

 

Bike Riding along the Truckee River

If you’d like to spend part of your day cruising on a bike, check out the picturesque Truckee River Trail. Start your morning by grabbing a coffee and pastry at Coffeebar in the Village at Palisades Tahoe. Take in the views of KT-22 from their deck before making your way down the Olympic Valley bike trail for the 8-mile ride to Commons Beach in Tahoe City. Spend the day lounging on the beach, shopping and eating your way around Tahoe City or use the Tahoe City bike trails to explore by bike. If you want to try out an e-bike, in the Olympic Valley, you can rent one at Truckee River Bikes or the Parallel Mountain Sports in the village.

While all four seasons in our area are fun-filled and exhilarating with endless outdoor options, we can all agree that there’s something special about the magic of a Tahoe summer day. Whether you spend the day in a river or on a lake or on the trails or shopping in one of the downtown areas, you’re going to be hungry. From mountainside to lakefront, no matter where you go you’ll be sure to have an awesome dining experience with delicious grub and gorgeous views.

 

Tahoe City

Photo: Paul Hammill via Visit Tahoe City

Why not start with some Tahoe City flavors? If you’re looking for a lake view and some killer BBQ after a morning of shopping, make your way to Moe’s Original BBQ. Dig in to some Alabama-style pork on the deck or order a couple southern fried catfish sandwiches to go and take your meal down to Commons Beach for a picnic with your toes in the sand.

Or maybe it’s date night and you want to impress your sweetheart? Make a reservation for two at Christy Hill. Just 100 feet above Lake Tahoe’s shoreline, you can watch the moon rise over the lake as you finish up your dinner with a glass of wine and dessert. Whether you enjoy scallops on the deck or trout seated inside, you’ll have a memorable (and delicious) evening.

 

Incline Village

Photo: Lone Eagle Grille

Our next stop for delicious food is Incline Village. A local favorite for grab and go sandwiches to take on your lake or hiking adventure is Mountain High Sandwich Co. Try the house smoked tri-tip sandwich along with their potato salad and you’ll be fueled for the day. Or, if you’ve spent the morning biking the East Shore Trail or the Flume Trail, park your bike and pull up a chair on the deck at the Tunnel Creek Café for a late lunch and a pint of beer.

With a private, white sand beach and a truly spectacular view of Lake Tahoe, you can’t go wrong choosing the Lone Eagle Grille for dinner. With huge windows and a two-story stone fireplace, you can sit back, relax and enjoy one of the best dinner views on the lake whether you dine alfresco on the patio or inside next to the fireplace.

 

Mountain Villages

Photo: Northstar California

After you’ve had your fill of lake views, it’s time to dine with mountains as your backdrop. If you’ve finished your hike up Shirley Canyon and are ready for lunch, swing by the deck at Rocker in the Village at Palisades Tahoe. We love digging into a plate of their nachos with a frosty tap beer to enjoy while taking in the view of the tram face and world-famous KT-22 chairlift.

One of Northstar California Resort’s claims to fame is that it has Northern California’s largest mountain bike park. After a day in the park and lift assisted downhill biking, you’ll be ready to relax with a glass of wine and delicious food. Pair your wine with dinner at an outside table in the heart of the village at Northstar at Petra Restaurant & Wine Bar. Cheers to summer in Tahoe!

North Lake Tahoe is known for outdoor adventures. But, something that makes those activity-filled days even more fun is spotting wildflowers along the way. We’ve put together a list of four of our favorite spots to see wildflowers on your next spring hike. From Lake Tahoe Lupine to Mule Ears to Sierra Tiger Lily, you’ll be sure to have a day filled with beauty.

 

Monkey Rock

Photo: Macs Explores

Our first stop is Monkey Rock on the Nevada side of North Lake Tahoe in Incline Village. It’s a fun and quick hike with fantastic views of Lake Tahoe. The 2.5 mile round trip hike has an elevation gain of over 400 feet along the way, so your slow steady pace will give you ample opportunity to take it all in. The Monkey Rock trail name is literal, and you’ll be rewarded for your hike with a rock that looks like a monkey’s head taking in the gorgeous view. On your way back to the car, stop by Tunnel Creek Café for a snack and a cold beverage.

 

Mt. Rose

Photo: Outdoor Project

Another fantastic hike on the Nevada side is the Mt. Rose trail. This hike is a full day commitment – at 11 miles roundtrip with 2,500 feet of elevation gain – and will take about 6 hours. Be sure to take plenty of water and snacks for your journey to the top of the third tallest peak in the Lake Tahoe Basin. From the top you can see well beyond Reno, over Lake Tahoe and on a very clear day you can even catch a glimpse of Mount Shasta. Along the way you’ll pass the Galena Falls area which puts on quite the gorgeous spring wildflower display.

When you make your way back through Incline Village after a long day of hiking, make sure to make a pit stop for some food and drinks. Our favorite spot to stop is the Alibi Ale Works – Incline Public House where you can enjoy a Wagyu Beef Cheeseburger and a pint of one of their many locally-brewed beers. Cheers!

 

Shirley Canyon

Photo: Palisades Tahoe

Our favorite spring hike in North Lake Tahoe has to be Shirley Canyon trail. Located in the Olympic Valley, it winds its way along a creek full of spring runoff including beautiful waterfalls. The rushing water is gorgeous, but don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for wildflowers including pink Penstemon, Mule’s Ear, Lupine, Paintbrush and more. Depending on your stamina you can choose to hike the full 5 miles to High Camp and ride the aerial tram down or make it an up and back hike to Shirley Lake.

 

Eagle Lake

Photo: Tahoe Activities

Make your way to the Desolation Wilderness to one of the best hikes in the area and a great location to spot wildflowers. Eagle Lake trail is just shy of 2 miles out and back so it’s a quick way to get out in the forest. If you want to bring the whole family, it’s a kid-friendly hike. Your first reward along the trail is the beautiful Eagle Falls. If you keep going, you’ll reach Eagle Lake. Take your shoes off and dip your toes in the cold water before heading back down the trail.

As our Tahoe days grow longer and the snow starts to melt away, we look forward to getting outside to enjoy warm weather activities. While some days we want to boat on the lake or hike in the woods, there are some spring days that are perfect for strolling around and shopping under the Tahoe sun. North Lake Tahoe offers some fantastic options for retail therapy. Check out some of our favorites!

 

Spring Shopping with your Spring Skiing

Photo: Palisades Tahoe

Not only does Palisades Tahoe attract Olympic-bound athletes to its slopes, but it also draws shoppers from around the region. From jeans to technical gear and original art pieces to pajamas & bath bombs, the Village at Palisades Tahoe has some fantastic options.

Stop in Gallery Keoki with its selection of original photography so you can pick up a gift for a friend or a limited-edition print to hang over your mantle. Whether you’re a world traveler or a dog lover at heart, it’s worth a stop.

Next make your way to the one stop shop in for some serious self care! Lather & Fizz Bath Boutique specializes in relaxing after a day of skiing with handmade bath & body products and even the pjs to wear after you’re done with your day of skiing and shopping.

Or if you’re enjoying a day of spring skiing at Northstar California instead, why not mix in another sport on your family-friendly shopping day? After your family day of fun on the slopes, make your way to the ice skating rink in the middle of the Village at Northstar with some shopping along the way. Just be sure to swing by the Bigtruck Hat Bar with the whole crew for the unique opportunity to design your own custom hat.

Around the Lake & Beyond

Photo: Ruffles & Ruffnecks

If you like your spring shopping with gorgeous lake views, it’s time to cruise around the lake. The first stop is Tahoe City, especially if you have some kiddos in your life. Ruffles & Ruffnecks has been helping children and infants stay stylish for over 40 years. Cruise around the rest of the Cobblestone Center and beyond before you make your way to Kings Beach. A local favorite for 25 years, The Robins Nest has a gift for everyone on your list and is worth the stop. Or, if you’re in the market for a new SUP board and all the gear to go with it, we recommend a stop at Adrift Tahoe before you take your maiden voyage on Lake Tahoe.

Be sure to end your day with a stroll and dinner in charming Historic Downtown Truckee. No exploration of Truckee’s main street is complete without stopping in at Bespoke & Atelier with their unique collection of handcrafted gifts. Complete your day of shopping with a stop for art and gifts at Riverside Studios or please your inner Julia Child with some items from the Cooking Gallery or grab a new outfit for tonight’s dinner at Kalifornia Jean Bar. After your day of shopping in North Lake Tahoe, the only decision left is where to sit down and relax with a delicious dinner while taking in the beautiful alpenglow.

Arguably the best part of spring skiing is the après. From sunny slopeside sips to taking in the alpenglow over the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe, you’ll love these Tahoe area after ski options. Whether your post-ski drink of choice is champagne or hot chocolate, you’ll enjoy all of our beautiful area’s après offerings. So, take those boots off and kick back because we’ve got you covered from Northstar California to Palisades Tahoe to the shores of Lake Tahoe.

Northstar California

Photo: Northstar

One of our favorite Lake Tahoe ski traditions is ski-up bubbly brought to you by Tōst at Northstar California. While Northstar won’t be welcoming back Tōst until the 22/23 season, we want to make sure you mark your calendar for next spring so you can clink your glasses to a perfect day of spring skiing in 2023.

Something you won’t have to wait until next season for is après ice skating in The Village at Northstar. Whether your idea of relaxing is gliding on the ice under the night sky or cozying-up next to a firepit, this après activity is sure to please everyone in your group.

Palisades Tahoe

Photo: Thrillist

You can sum up après at Palisades Tahoe in just two words, two French words to be exact: Le Chamois. The “Chammy” is an après institution and no visit to Palisades Tahoe is complete without a beer and a lounge chair to end the day at this classic skier hangout. Only open during the ski season, the Chammy is the perfect way to end a spring day with a pitcher of beer, your ski buddies, and some sunshine.

For the hungry après skier, you’ll want to make tracks to the Wildflour Baking Company. While there are lots of delicious menu items, we recommend ordering a pizza bagel and one (or a baker’s dozen) of their legendary chocolate chip cookies. We’d argue there’s no better way to end a day at Palisades Tahoe!

Shores of Lake Tahoe

Photo: Jakes on The Lake

North Lake Tahoe has its share of fantastic ski resorts to spend your day on the slopes. But, if the lake is calling you after a day of skiing, make your way to Gar Woods. Open year round at their lakeside location, they take après ski seriously. With après drink specials on Tuesdays and Fridays and views every day of the week, this is a must stop. Locals tip: No visit is complete without ordering one of their famous Wet Woody rum drinks.

If you like your après with a view of alpenglow over Lake Tahoe, make your way to Jakes on the Lake. This family-owned restaurant has been a Tahoe City hot spot for over 40 years. Their food is the perfect companion for the warm weather of spring with menu items influenced by Hawaiian and Southern California cuisine. Sunday-Thursday evenings you can take advantage of food and drink Happy Hour prices from 4:30-6:30pm in the bar. Cheers!

We are so proud to be celebrating 50 years in the North Lake Tahoe community. From the Wells & Bennett start in Oakland in 1924, our fourth-generation family-owned company has always put family and community first in each and every one of our offices. During our 50 years in this beautiful lakeside community, we’ve been entrusted with helping community members realize their Tahoe dreams whether that’s a vacation rental for a week, a long-term ski lease for the winter or buying your dream house for a lifetime of memories.

 

Vacation rentals in Lake Tahoe since 1972

With over 200+ vacation rentals in our rental program, we make it easy to find a home for a weekend getaway or, if you dream of more time on the slopes, a ski lease for the winter season. Over our 50 years in Tahoe City, we’ve become a trusted brand in this community. Trust has been built by both our local maintenance team and office staff who can help with any issue or question that may come up during your stay at one of our properties. That local, boots on the ground special touch is not something you find with larger rental companies and we are proud of how that sets us apart. Whether you’re coming up for a visit to our area or leaving us to handle vacation rentals in your home, you’ll know that you’ll be taken care of.

 

Booking a stay with us? We’ve got more good news for you. Because we are a local, Northern California business, we charge on average, 10% less than our large corporate competitors. When you book directly with us, our team will be there for you every step of the way. So, whether you want to book a lakeside home for a family weekend or spend every spare moment of your time enjoying our community with a long term location to call home, we’re here to help make your dreams a reality.

 

Tahoe Real Estate Sales

When you choose to work with our Tahoe City team, you’ll benefit from our combined experience of over 41 years of home buying and selling. Our small, dedicated team has the experience and knowledge that only a local could have of the homes available and a solid history of what to expect in the North Lake Tahoe market. Along with our local expertise, you will get to take advantage of Wells & Bennett’s 95 years of real estate experience in Northern California. When you work with us, we have direct contact with our Wells & Bennett’s Bay Area offices which gives you access to both buyers and sellers from that area.

 

Whether you’re a buyer or a seller in our region, you’ll know you’ve got the best real estate team this area has to offer. Our agents will not only find you the home to meet your needs, but also the perfect combination of amenities, location and design to best fit who you are and exactly how you aspire to live.

 

We’re proud of how far we’ve come in the last 50 years, but more than anything we’re proud to be a part of this community. Thank you for being with us along the way.

Winter has officially hit North Lake Tahoe, which means endless outdoor adventures await you.  It can also mean stressful travel and winter closures.To ensure you enjoy a stress free trip, we have put together helpful hints for getting here and for when you arrive.

Getting Here 

Getting to the North Lake Tahoe region can be challenging in the winter months. There are numerous resources available to help you find the safest, fastest and easiest route to your rental. Visitors arriving from California can stay informed through the California Road Conditions website.  If you are traveling from Nevada or flying through the Reno Tahoe International Airport, you can utilize the Nevada Road Conditions website.  

Book in Advance

North Lake Tahoe is home to 12 ski resorts, 6 cross-country resorts and snow play activities.  Due to covid-19 restrictions, we suggest you do the following to make sure you get to experience all of the dining options and activities you have on your Tahoe bucket list:

• Pre-book guided tours and pack your own equipment if you are able
• Making dining reservations in advance
• Visit all ski area websites prior to arrival – book your tickets, lessons and rentals prior to arrival
• Stay up-to-date on social media channels and business’s websites for real time information
• Set realistic expectations – expect things to move slower due to covid-19 safety measures and staffing shortages
• You may have a hard time knowing which restaurants offer take-out, we have you covered with this Take-Out Tahoe guide

Stay Safe and Book a Tour

You made it to Tahoe, now it is time to sit back and relax. Below are some of our favorite ways to enjoy Tahoe in the winter:

• Tahoe Adventure Company offers guided snowshoe tours (and sunset tours) to help you explore Tahoe safely!
• Interested in taking your backcountry gear out for a spin, but aren’t sure where to start – we recommend booking Alpenglow Expeditions for private or group backcountry skiing or guided snowshoeing tours!  Not ready for the backcountry yet, no problem, they also offer avalanche and backcountry safety courses!
• Interested in a unique backcountry experience just outside of the ski boundary – look no further than booking with Sugarbowl Ski Resort.  Sugarbowl maintains an open boundary policy, but advises you to keep an eye on safety conditions with Sierra Avalanche Center

We are excited to welcome you to the region, but want you to plan a safe and fun trip!

Winter has arrived in full force this year, and we couldn’t be happier! Snow is blanketing the peaks around Lake Tahoe, the village is bright with Christmas lights, and there is a distinct feeling of holiday cheer and excitement in the chilly air. If you’re joining us in Tahoe for the holidays, there are plenty of wonderful activities and fun for the whole family happening over the next two weeks, from ski resorts opening to visits from Santa, sleighrides, and more. Read on for our favorite holiday activities in Tahoe, and be sure to check out our website for all the winter activities available at this time of year.

Caroling, Sleigh Rides, and Santa!

The Village at Palisades Tahoe has a full roster of holidauy events starting December 20th and continuing through their New Years Celebration. Some highlights include: The Great Basin Carolers performing classic Christmas Carols in the Village December 20-24th, winter carriage rides through the Village December 27-31st, and a visit from Santa himself December 23-24th. If you’re in the mood for some holiday cheer, Palisades Tahoe is the place to find it! You can view their full schedule of events for the season on their website.

Snowshoe Tours and Night Sky Stargazing

If you’re eager to get out on the snow but away from the crowded slopes, there are a number of snowshoe tours operating in the area. Take a guided tour with Tahoe Adventue Company through the snowy Tahoe forest and learn about the natural history of the area, and then take a peek at some stunning stars through professional telescopes with award winning astronomer Tony Berendsen. They also offer Full Moon Snowshoe Tours – check their website for dates and price. These tours last about 4 hours, all equipment is provided, and are great fun for the whole family! Book your snowshoe adventure today!

Sledding and Tubing

All this new snow isn’t just for skiing – it also means the hills are ripe for sledding and snowtubing! Check out our list of the best sledding spots in our winter activities section, or head over to Palisades Tahoe for some fun after dark with Disco Tubing! Featuring LED lights, lasers, and a live DJ, Disco Tubing is a party on the hill! It’s happening every night from 5-8pm December 26th-31st. Advance tickets required – purchase online for your desired time slot.

Shop Local

Still need to cross some last-minute holiday gifts off your list? Tahoe City and Truckee both boast an impressive number of locally-owned businesses, filled with handcrafted art, jewelry, clothing, and more designed in and inspired by the Tahoe mountain community. When you shop locally, nearly 70% of your money spent stays in the community, and you are contributing to the unique mountain town atmosphere we know and love. Check out Alpenglow Sports, Bluestone Jewelry, and Tipsy Gypsy in Tahoe City for all your gifting needs.

Awesome Spots for Apres

After a long day on the slopes, shopping, or sledding, you deserve a delicious libation. Lucky for you, there is no shortage of good food and drinks in Tahoe City; the hardest part is just choosing where to go! A few of our favorite spots after shredding the slopes are: River Ranch – famous for their happy hour specials; The Tahoe Bridgetender – the classic neighborhood bar; Uncorked – for the wine-o; and Pioneer Cocktail Club – for unique and artsistic cocktails. You can also view our full list of dining recommendtions in the Explore Tahoe section of our website. Wherever you end up, cheers to spending the holidays in Tahoe!