Summer Mini Guide to Lake Tahoe | California & Nevada
That Tahoe blue. It's hard to resist and it doesn't disappoint. The lake is refreshingly crisp and mouthwateringly clear; the towns surrounding comfortingly charming and Northwoods chic. If you're looking for a weekend away, we've got you covered with a mini guide to this mountain/lake town.
Why Go
A short 4 hours from San Francisco, 2 hours from Sacramento and 1 hour from Reno, Lake Tahoe is the perfect summer getaway for northern Californians and Nevadans (is that what people from Nevada are called?). It's so beautiful here, though, that it's worth a flight, and while this is a weekend guide, we could imagine ourselves here all summer long.
Where to Eat & Drink
West Shore Market | 1780 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City
A well put together market offering natural and organic snacks as well as a deli featuring a mean fried chicken and gravy english muffin sandwich.
Tahoe Mountain Brewing Company | 75 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City
With views of Lake Tahoe and delicious craft brews (albeit from across the highway), this is the perfect place to go to watch a game, or to eat a relaxed meal if you like a casual atmosphere with good pub grub.
The Beach House | 4081 Lakeshore Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe
For live music and dining right on the beach, head to Lakeside Beach House for American fare.
Where to Stay
Basecamp Hotels | Tahoe City & South Lake Tahoe
Well designed, community encouraging hotels. The Basecamp property in South Lake Tahoe has a large yard between buildings that acts as a corn hole (bags if you're from the midwest) field and concert lawn on weekends, with live music and a restaurant bar on site.
The Coachman | 4100 Pine Blvd, South Lake Tahoe
THE talk of the town for boutique hotel loving patrons. After opening in February 2016, the Coachman Hotel seems to gain popularity with each day due to it's rustic yet modern design and cozy yet young feel.
What to Do
Rent a boat, go paddle boarding, rent a kayak, or hang out along the deep blue shores. The beaches you find on yelp will be busy, so get up early if you want to snag a spot. Otherwise, we recommend taking a scenic drive around the lake, stopping and scrambling down to the shore when you see a nice spot. Whatever you decide, clean up after yourself and "Keep Tahoe Blue". The lake is one of the clearest in the US, but it gets a little bit foggier each year due to pollution. When we visited, people had left their trash on the side of the road. We picked it up, so do the same if you see something similar. It's always better to leave a place better than you found it.
