The ultimate travel guide to Lake Tahoe, here is a list of twenty things to do including where to stay, what to eat and what to see!
After years and years of only hearing incredible things, I finally crossed Lake Tahoe off my travel bucket list! Situated between northeastern California and northwestern Nevada Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United states — 1,645 feet!
Spanning 22 miles long, 12 miles wide and 72 miles around, Lake Tahoe is truly a site to be seen in person.
To help you make the most of your next visit to Lake Tahoe, here is my 48 Hour Travel Guide including 20 things to eat, see and do!
First thing’s first: get settled into the area by checking in to The Landing Resort & Spa.
This waterfront property features modern yet rustic luxury accommodations, each featuring its very own stone fireplace.
Next, refuel after a busy travel day at Freshies, a local favorite. Specializing in vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes, Freshies menu is full of flavor. Don’t miss the buffalo cauliflower and fish tacos while you’re there!
If you’re looking for a coffee fix, head to Clyde’s Coffee Roasting Company. This family owned coffee shop’s mission is simple: shrive the highest qualify coffee available from farm to cup.
If you’re a yoga lover like myself, be sure to sign up for a class with Lake Tahoe Yoga.
Depending on what time of year you visit, I highly recommend the Sunset Beach Asana Yoga which takes place outdoors in the warmer months. Sure beats my usual indoor studio, that’s for sure.
For dinner, head to Jimmy’s located right on site at The Landing Resort.
Their menu offers a wide variety of Greek-influenced dishes with a California twist. The fresh seafood was a true highlight and you can’t be the waterfront views.
After dinner, you can walk or take the hotel’s complimentary shuttle over to Basecamp’s beer garden. Featuring live music almost daily, you’ll love the laid back ambiance.
The next morning start off your day with a kayak ride through Clearly Tahoe.
Offering the first and only guided tours and rentals on Lake Tahoe in completely transparent kayaks, this experience isn’t to be missed!
It was a bit chilly during the 8am sunrise ride but it quickly warmed up once the sun rose.
You won’t believe how clear the water is – you truly need to see it to believe it!
For breakfast after your kayak ride, head to Sprouts Cafe. Their menu is completely organic and made from scratch daily. A great option for any meal of the day or if you’re looking to pack a picnic to go.
Afterwards, take a scenic drive around Fallen Leaf Lake. If you’re lucky, you might even catch some wild horses or bears on your drive!
Stretch your legs while you’re there with a hike to Glen Alpine Falls. The falls weren’t running much during my September visit but it was still a beautiful hike.
For lunch, head to The Beacon Bar and Grill located right on Lake Tahoe. Everyone told me to get the fried calamari and boy were they right – it was huge and delicious! Warning: the portions are huge so you might wish to share.
To burn off lunch, rent one of the complimentary bikes at The Landing Resort.
There are plenty of various bike trails around Lake Tahoe but I really loved the Lam Watah Nature Trail to Nevada Beach.
Afterwards, take a drive up to Bonsai Rock and Whale Beach.
You won’t believe how turquoise and clear the water is against the rocks.
You can chill on the rocks like I did or if you have more time, bring your suit and get in the water!
You won’t regret spending time here, that’s for sure.
Afterwards, grab cocktails at Riva’s Grill, one of the area’s premiere waterfront hot spots. Most famous for their frozen mixed cocktail, the Wet Woody, it did not disappoint. Fruity yet balanced – I can’t wait to try and recreate it at home.
If you love Mexican food, head to Azul Latin Kitchen for dinner. Centrally located right in the heart of Heavenly Village, they offer fresher, lighter and healthier Latin American dishes. The service was also incredible!
After dinner, cozy up by the fire at The Hanger, South Lake Tahoe’s newest taproom.
With 30 rotating taps and a can and bottle selection, there is a little something for everyone.
If you love catching a good sunset as much as I do, head to Cave Rock for the best view in the area.
This short (but steep) hike offers some of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen in my entire life.
Is sunrise more your speed? Head to Emerald Bay State Park at dawn to capture incredible views.
Admittedly, I don’t rise to watch the sunset all the time but I will never forget this magical moment when the sun peaked over the mountains.
Afterwards, hike the Vikingsholm Trail for more scenic views of the magical Emerald Bay State Park.
After sunrise, stop at Bert’s Café for breakfast or a light bite to eat. Their menu feature homemade, from-scratch items plus all of your diner favorites like omelets, pancakes, French toast and more.
Last but not least, you can’t visit South Lake Tahoe without taking a photo at the California-Nevada state line! Let’s be real, this was the coolest photo I showed my seven year old when I got back. How often do you get to jump in between two states? Not every day, that’s for sure.
Ok friends, there you have it! My ultimate Lake Tahoe travel guide featuring my top twenty list of things to do in the area!
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below. One thing is for sure, this won’t be my last visit to Lake Tahoe!
Your passport is waiting.
For other great visits to other destinations I’ve visited visit this link.
Disclosure: The Landing Resort & Spa hosted me during my stay and Tahoe South coordinated activities and meals.
Looking for more awesome adventure guides? Head over to my Pinterest Board!
You said you had a Wet Woody at Riva Grille. It’s Gar Woods that is famous for the Wet Woody.
You covered 1/2 of the lake very well…next time visit the north shore. It’s a bit more quant, and has more of the old Tahoe feel with luxuries of the modern day. You won’t be disappointed (although I’m partially biased as I grew up there)!
Yes I was there in partnership with Tahoe South so I spent most of my time on the bottom half. Can’t wait to go back for the North side!! It is so beautiful!
We live close enough to get there once a year or so. We always eat at Artemis Mediterranean Grill. If we have kids with us we love to play miniature golf, they have a fun course there. Other than that, all the beautiful hiking trails and time lounging on a beach make for a good day trip.
Oh how fun!! I can’t wait to go back!!