"Tahoe is one of those places I honestly cannot explain. You've just got to see it for yourself. It feels so massive and makes you feel so small. But, you also feel incredibly at home"
Lake Tahoe was a trip Russ and I had wanted to make for a while. It was a place I have always wanted to go. I was so excited to finally see the scenery that everyone talks so much about. We opted out of Christmas gifts last year and gifted each other a trip to Tahoe. Little did we know we were going to get stuck in the biggest blizzard of the year and stay an extra 2 days. We stayed at the Black Bear Lodge and it couldn’t have been a better experience. The owners were so gracious with all of the storm troubles and on top of that, they were always excited to help us learn more about the town or the slopes. Whether you want to snowboard, ski, have a spa weekend or camp in the summer, Tahoe truly has it all. I already want to go back and get so excited at the thought of seeing all those views once again. Pack layers, plan for free time and soak in all the views as much as you can. The beauty of the lake is something you don’t see every day…or year frankly. There is SO much we didn’t do, but we knocked a lot out while we were there. Below are places we went, stayed, got recommended, or are still hoping to go/do when we go back. Have places you love? Tell me! I’d love to add it in.
LAKE TAHOE TRAVEL TIPS
We drove from SoCal, but if you are flying in, I believe flying into Reno-Tahoe is your best bet. It is about a 45 minute ride from there to the lake. You could also fly into Sacramento, but that is about 115 miles out.
If you are driving in the winter, make sure to have chains for your tires. The mountains are narrow and gets sketchy in snowy weather quickly.
The one thing we learned quickly in Tahoe is the “small town” feel. The restaurants closed when they felt like it if the weather was bad and sometimes food was hard to walk around and find. However, if you get out early (5-6), you will find a lot more! If you are staying at a resort / hotel, as the person at the front desk! They are most likely local and know the secrets.
It depends if you are going in the winter or summer, but the likeliness that it will be cold at some point in the day is high. Because of the mountains, there are random clouds frequently and off and on snow. The biggest thing to really know with weather, is be prepared for anything, especially in the winter and PACK LAYERS.
This is the hardest question. I wish I could’ve been there for weeks. It was so breaktaking and massive that I just kept wanting to see more. However, if you are trying to figure out a good length for a ski / snowboarding trip or a weekend getaway, I say 3 nights / 4 days is a great start. Friday-Monday would be great! Just factor in all the prep time for getting equipment, food from the store, driving into / out of Lake Tahoe, etc. It all stacks up quickly. Honestly, the extra 2 days for us were everything and more. It made it worth all the travel!
I cover places to stay below, but if you are traveling on a budget or with a big group, there are so many great rentals on Airbnb and VRBO. Honestly, the Lake Tahoe accommodations are all more laid back (not too ritzy), so if you get defeated by the mountain like appearances, know that that’s what most places look like. Once you are there you won’t care! You feel cozy, at home and so happy. Try and book as far out as possible. Things go quickly!
OUR LAKE TAHOE TRAVEL DIARY
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed here and I truly cannot rave about this place enough. I think “magical” is the best way to describe your stay. You stay in individual little cabins where you can sit by the fire and heat up on chilly nights. They have an incredible property with chairs, a hot tub, beautiful views and string lights everywhere. Inside the lobby, you can go to the bar and enjoy a glass of wine at night. Plus, there are SO many movies and board games that you can borrow and watch/play for the night. If you walk a few hundred feet down the street, there are endless food options that are all quaint and delicious. The owners are some of the kindest people I have ever met and we are looking so forward to returning one day
https://www.tahoeblackbear.com/
edgewoodtahoe.com
tahoeresorthotel.com
thelandingtahoe.com
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/rnotl-marriotts-timber-lodge/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2
LAKE TAHOE GO-TO EATS
-
Cafe Fiore $$
Although we didn't get the chance to go due to the storm, we stopped by the cafe multiple times. We heard amazing things and never like missing out on a great Italian restaurant.
-
Blue Angel Cafe $$
We went to Blue Angel Cafe one night and loved how easy of a walk it was from Black Bear Lodge. The food was great and so were the drinks...;)
-
Lotus Pho Asian Cusines $
I had never had Pho before, but love ramen and was super excited about this meal. The food came out SO FAST and was absolutely delicious. For cold nights, this meal is for sure at the top of my list.
-
Chimayo Tacos y Tortas $$
This was the other place on Ski Run that we didn't get to go to because of the storm but everyone RAVED about it. People love it and say it's a really, really great Mexican option in the area.
-
Scusa Italian Ristorante $$
Again...can you ever have too much Italian? Plus, they have a great heated outdoor patio if the weather is looking good!
-
Sprouts Cafe $$
If you are looking for healthier food (smoothies, wraps, etc) this is your spot. Mountain town eating can be fun...but this place is great if you're looking to feel good after a meal.
IF YOU ARE SKIING / SNOWBOARDING...
We LOVED Heavenly. There were endless run options on both the California and Nevada side. Although we were there on what was claimed to be a busy Lake Tahoe weekend, the lift lines were never too long and everything was easy as can be. The gondola up is beautiful, but the view on the mountain is unbeatable. If you ski more than 1 weekend a year, I highly recommend getting the Epic Pass. It has a higher price point for sure, but it is worth the money as soon as you really start skiing/riding. Plus, it works on our favorite places. Hello Tahoe, Breck, Vail, Whistler…etc.
THINGS TO DO & SEE
snowmobile tours
Although I haven't done it in Tahoe, I know they have a ton of fantastic options. We've been snowmobiling in Colorado and it is a treat E-V-E-R-Y-T-I-M-E. The adrenaline rush, giggles and the views you get are worth every penny. Make sure to bring something to cover your face, as getting pelted with snow is quite likely.
go to emerald bay state park
I had the lookout in my head before we got there and I am SO THANKFUL we went the first day or we would've never got to see the beautiful view of the lake due to the storm. It took my breath away. It's honestly hard to grasp how massive the lake and mountains are. If you've got time, you must go!
snowboard / ski
There are a ton of different mountains you can ski/snowboard in Tahoe (Squaw Valley, Northstar, Kirkwood), but for my level of snowboarding (I'm an average easy blues girl at best), Heavenly was PERFECT. There were hard enough runs that Russ could go wild, but a lot of runs that we could do together. There is the Nevada side and the California side, so your options are endless. The lines weren't too long and the parking was always interesting but not too bad.
snow tubing
This is one of those things you see and say "cute" when the 4 years are going down the hill. Well let me tell you, if you don't do it, you're missing out. TUBING IS A BLAST. Seriously. We did it with our friends in Colorado and I've never laughed so hard. It is such a fun memory to make with people and a nice break from mountain days. Plus, not having to climb back up the hill and riding the people mover up is worth it.
snow shoe / cross country ski
I personally haven't done this, but our friends rave about it! There are a ton of paths and fun trails to take in Tahoe, so if you're not trying to snowboard/ski, this is a great choice! I hope to do it next time we go to the mountains.
take a sleigh ride
Cheesy? For sure. Fun, definitely so. Pack your hot chocolate, a cute date and enjoy a ride around Lake Tahoe. There are a few different places that give rides and it'd be the perfect vacation date night or excuse to get outside in the snow at night.
hike
Obviously hiking in the winter is a task, but if you are headed over in the summer and fall take advantage of all the hikes you can! Bayview Trailhead is challenging but will get you to the Emerald Bay State Park lookout. Also, Skyline trail, Fallen Leaf lake and Cascade Falls hikes are all great options in South Tahoe!
Beaches
I haven't been in the summer, but I know the beaches are beautiful. Some of the great options are D.L. Bliss (one of the best views), Zephyr Cove (if you are looking for boating, kayaking, jet skis, etc) and Sand Harbor for the best panoramic views. The lake is so beautiful, you can't go wrong!
OUR TRAVEL DIARY PT. 2
MY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
IDEAL TAHOE LOOKS
What other things do people love?
TRAVELING SOON? PIN FOR LATER!
