Lake Tahoe is an impressive 35 miles long and 19 miles wide. The largest alpine lake in North America, it straddles California and Nevada at an altitude of 6,200 feet. A large, beautiful, pristine blue lake is surrounded by towering pine trees and snow-capped mountain peaks. To say it’s picturesque is an understatement, and a summer weekend in Lake Tahoe is worthy of your travel wish list.
Known as a world-famous ski resort, Lake Tahoe is just as enjoyable during the warmer months. With temperatures averaging in the 70s, Lake Tahoe’s summers are perfect for hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding and boating to explore the lake. But that’s not all. There is no shortage of things to do in Lake Tahoe. From ziplines, ropes courses and quirky movie theaters to beach concerts, aerial trams, roller-skating and even castles, Lake Tahoe is the perfect place for a summer weekend.
How to Spend a Perfect Summer Weekend on Lake Tahoe
Here’s everything you need to know for your epic summer adventure. America’s Most Instagrammable Destinations
Lake Tahoe Accommodation
Popular accommodations in Lake Tahoe are South Lake Tahoe and North Lake Tahoe. Both are equally beautiful and offer great outdoor adventure options, but South Lake Tahoe offers plenty of casinos, bars and restaurants for travelers looking for a more lively atmosphere.
North Lake Tahoe is quiet. It’s the perfect place for a family vacation, pampering yourself at our luxury spa, or just relaxing with a book by the beach.
south lake tahoe
Marriott Timber Lodge
Featuring a fitness center, outdoor pool, hot tub and prime location in South Lake Tahoe, Marriott Timber Lodge puts guests in the middle of the action and promises massive summer entertainment.
The Landing Lake Tahoe Resort and Spa
Steps from the beach, The Landing is the perfect place for those looking for a quiet luxury hotel on the south side of the bustling lake. It has a pool, an on-site restaurant with live music nightly, and is conveniently located next to the casino, shops, restaurants and bars.
north lake tahoe
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort
A stay at Hyatt begins with a glass of champagne at check-in. The ideal summer hotel on Lake Tahoe, the Hyatt features a gorgeous private beach with lounge chairs and cabanas, two pools, a small casino, a restaurant, and multiple fire pits. Anyone with smores?
Edgewood Tahoe Resort
For the ultimate luxury experience, stay at Edgewood. This luxurious boutique hotel is located on the shores of Lake Tahoe and is the definition of luxury on the lake.
Where to eat at Lake Tahoe
There are many delicious restaurants around the lake, so it can be hard to decide where to go.
breakfast
The Getaway Café serves a homemade breakfast and specializes in Mexican dishes such as chilaquiles (fried corn tortillas with salsa, sour cream, avocado, red onions, refried beans, and two eggs).
Driftwood Café has also been a local hotspot since 1999, specializing in Eggs Benedict and potato pancakes.
lunch
Jason’s Beachside Grill in Kings Beach is a casual spot by the water. The family-friendly restaurant serves traditional American cuisine with stunning lake views.
If you’re looking for a healthy lunch, try Sprouts. Freshly made sandwiches and salads are perfect for dining in or take-out to enjoy by the lake.
dinner
Are you celebrating your birthday? anniversary? Or just a fancy night out? The Edgewood Restaurant offers fine dining with stunning views of Lake Tahoe.
For a casual, lively atmosphere, try Base Camp Pizza Co. The outdoor patio is a great place to enjoy pizza, beer and live music.
Things to do in Lake Tahoe
relaxing on the beach
A day at the beach is typical california summer activities. With 116 kilometers of shoreline, Lake Tahoe offers plenty of calm waves and sandy beaches. The largest and best beach is Kings Beach. Water sports equipment can be rented on site at the beach, and there are many good restaurants nearby. Enjoy from June 16th to September 1st Free summer concerts every Friday night. Watch the sunset while listening to live music and sipping a delicious cold drink. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Another popular spot is Baldwin Beach. Located between Emerald Bay and South Lake Tahoe, the water here is shallow and perfect for those who like to swim in warm water.
Commons Beach is on 4 acres and includes a large lakeside lawn area and a playground for small children. Summer at Commons Beach is especially great for families. There are free summer concerts every Sunday afternoon and free movies on the beach every Wednesday night.
Zephyr Cove on the East Shore is perfect for partygoers. Popular beaches have full-service resorts with beach bars and grills and beach volleyball courts.
go to adventure park
Aerial Adventure Park Lake Tahoe is the perfect way to spend an afternoon for all ultimate adventurers ages 6 and up. Ziplines, rope swings, wobbly logs and bridges, tightrope walks, wall climbs, and more as you progress through his 2.5-hour course, which ranges from easy to difficult. Let’s try. Even if you sweat and get a little dirty, please have the best time.
kayak or stand up paddle board
Explore the beautiful lake at your own pace. There are many places to rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, but a glass-bottom kayak at the Hyatt in Incline Village lets you see perfectly clear water below. The lake is cold, so be careful not to fall.
watch a movie
Lake Tahoe is home to several movie theaters, including Heavenly Village Cinemas (complex), Tahoe Art House & Cinema (quirky) and Incline Village Cinema (old-style theater). If you pick just one, try the Tahoe Art House & Cinema. With comfortable sofas, leather rocking chairs, and a bar serving beer and wine, this unique theater is a fun option when you want a break from the hot sun.
Explore Emerald Bay
A short drive from South Lake Tahoe, beautiful Emerald Bay is one of Lake Tahoe’s most photographed locations. No wonder. That is wonderful. There is a visitor parking lot just off Highway 89, and the view from there is great. There are several hiking trails in the area, but access the beach by hiking a short one-mile trail to the pristine coastline. Going down is much easier than going back. It’s worth the effort.
Visit Vikingsholm Castle
Located next to the beach of Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm Castle was a large mansion built in 1929. Considered one of the most important Scandinavian buildings in America, visitors can tour the castle during the summer months.
Ride the Palisades Cableway to High Camp
of Palisades Ropeway High Camp (8,200 feet above sea level) is a scenic 10 minute ride. From the top, the views of Lake Tahoe and the high Sierra Mountains are unobstructed and, in a word, breathtaking. Enjoy hiking trails, disc golf, geocaching, roller skating, and a market serving sandwiches and snacks during your stay.
hike
Hiking is the ultimate summer activity on Lake Tahoe. Eagle Falls is a beautiful and easy hike (2 miles round trip). Just off Highway 89, this popular hiking trail offers some of California’s most gorgeous scenery, including cascading waterfalls, giant pine trees, lush greenery and lake views. It’s popular, so weekdays and early mornings are best.
For longer hikes, try the Rubicon Trail. Starting at DL Bliss State Park the distance is 15.9 miles. The trail gradually descends towards the lake, with sweeping views of Lake Tahoe all the way. After reaching the coast, you will pass through a small cove. Perfect for cooling off before resuming your trek.
A summer weekend spent on Lake Tahoe will be one to remember forever.
