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.
Summer is winding down, and these lazy, hazy days of August are reminding us that all good things must come to an end. As the kids go back to school and there is a hint of cooler temps in the air, there are still plenty of ways to get in your final dose of summer activities. Here are our favorite ways to wind down summer in Tahoe.
Photo: Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows
Take in the Views
Cooler mornings are perfect for early hikes or bike rides, but if you’re not in the mood for a sunrise session, why not let the gondola do the hard work for you? Catch an Aerial Tram ride at Squaw Valley or a Scenic Gondola Ride at Heavenly. You can explore trails on the top of both mountains, enjoy gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe, and either hike or ride back down. If you’re looking for an exhilarating way down at Heavenly, take the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster, a gravity-powered mountain coaster that winds all the way back down the mountain, with epic views to boot!
Photo: Heavenly Mountain
Make a Splash
The Lake is about as warm as it gets by this late in the summer, making it the perfect time for water sports. Swim, SUP, kayak or wake surf – however you want to get out on the water, there’s a way to enjoy it in Tahoe. Did you know some of our rentals come with a private pier or buoy? You can search for homes with a buoy here. Many of our lakefront homes also come equipped with paddleboards, canoes, or kayaks, so you can explore the shore right from your rental!
Catch a Sunset
Is there anything better than a lazy afternoon winding into a beautiful warm evening? Maybe not – unless you add a cocktail! Enjoy the sunset overlooking the lake from one of our lake view homes, or at one of our favorite cocktail spots in town. If you’re up for an adventure, head up to Eagle Rock and watch the with sunset with one of the best views of the lake. You can even make a delicious batch of pineapple margaritas to go and enjoy it at the top!
