How to Make the Most of One Day in Tahoe (in Summer and Winter)
Only Have One Day in Tahoe? Here’s How to Make It Special
Let’s face it: one day in Tahoe is not enough to take in the sights and enjoy the outdoor adventures at your fingertips. From the soaring mountain vistas to the incredible skiing and boarding that awaits you in North Tahoe, there’s just so much to see and do when you visit this spot. No vacation is long enough to see every inch of this beautiful locale, but sometimes one day is all you have to spend in Tahoe, and it’s better to take advantage of it than to let it pass you by.
In today’s blog, we’ll outline the perfect one-day itinerary for a trip to Lake Tahoe in both the summer and the winter.
An Itinerary for One Day in Tahoe During Winter
A Fast-Paced Tahoe Morning
Start your morning off bright and early with a visit to a North Tahoe staple for a delicious breakfast: Fire Sign Cafe. This breakfast eatery is located in Tahoe City and it’s the perfect place to grab a bite before heading to your adventures for the day. For an added touch of magic, take your breakfast to the water for a beautiful view while you chow down.
Once you’re fueled and ready to roll, it’s time to dive straight into your winter activities, beginning with a snowshoe or cross country skiing trek through the woods. The Dollar Creek Shared Use Path near Tahoe City features quite a few options for short and long jaunts that will get your blood pumping and your body prepared for the slopes you’ll conquer in the afternoon.
An Afternoon on at the Ski Resorts
As afternoon rolls around in North Lake Tahoe, it’s time to get on the mountain and spend a few hours enjoying the runs. Before heading to your favorite ski resort, however, we recommend refueling with a casual lunch at a nearby restaurant, such as Fat Cat Bar & Grill in Tahoe City or Jason’s Beachside Grille in Kings Beach.
Whether Northstar, Mt. Rose, Palisades, or Incline Village is your pick for a day of skiing or snowboarding, an afternoon of adrenaline-fueled fun is just what you need during your short stint in Tahoe. To save some time, opt for accommodations close to the ski resort of your choice so you can minimize travel time while maximizing your on-mountain experience.
Evening in North Tahoe During the Winter
Once you’ve gotten your fill of skiing or snowboarding for the day, it’s time to wind down with a little bit of exploring, eating, and shopping.
Take a drive over to Truckee for a gourmet dinner at Trokay or stay in town and have a delicious fine-dining meal at Soule Domain in Kings Beach. Once you’ve finished, take a walk around town while you digest your food. There are plenty of interesting shops, boutiques, and other establishments that line the streets of both Truckee and Kings Beach for you to explore.
One Day to Explore North Tahoe in Summer
A Slow Tahoe Morning
Just because you only have one day in Tahoe doesn’t mean that you need to rush to get started. Instead, enjoy a slow morning of waking up and greeting the lake before heading over to breakfast for the day at the Old Post Office Cafe in Carnelian Bay. Enjoy a classic American-style breakfast at this North Tahoe eatery–both the Crab Cake Benedict and the Loaded Potato Plates are popular menu items for breakfast.
Once you’ve eaten your fill, head over to Kings Beach for a few hours of sunshine on the beach. We recommend getting there early, as the parking lots fill up quickly during the busy summer months. Other options nearby in the area include both Moon Dune Beach or Speedboat Beach if Kings Beach is too crowded. Lay out, get a tan, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe–just be sure to apply some sunscreen, as high-elevation sun can be especially damaging to skin.
A Sunny Summer Afternoon at the Park North Tahoe
By the time you’re done enjoying the water, you’re likely to be quite hungry. There are quite a few lunch options in the Kings Beach area, but if you’re hoping to imbibe on a beer or a cocktail as a lunchtime treat, we recommend The Grid Bar and Grill.
After refueling from your sunshine-filled morning, it’ll be the perfect time of day to take a walk through the woods in one of Tahoe’s many state parks. Sand Harbor State Park, located on the eastern portion of the lake, offers incredible trails and amazing views of both the lake and the mountain ranges beyond as well. Or, if you want to stay in California, D.L. Bliss State Park boasts the second highest-elevation lighthouse in the country and is a great place for an afternoon hike.
Evening with the Stars in Tahoe
Once you start to get a hankering for something to eat, grab some dinner at Gar Woods Grill & Pier in Carnelian Bay. There’s plenty of outdoor seating on the deck overlooking the lake, along with a beautiful pier that’s perfect for a romantic walk after you eat.
After the sun has set in Tahoe, take a quick drive over to one of North Tahoe’s best stargazing spots. Lay out a blanket and a few pillows to take in the beautiful night sky, filled to the brimming with spatters and speckles of far-away stars.
Delve Into More Ways to Make a Tahoe Vacation One to Remember
A trip to Lake Tahoe, even for one day, has all the potential to show you just how magical this gorgeous region is. With everything located fairly close to one another, it’s easy to navigate your way around town to enjoy a day in the winter or in the summertime.
Searching for more ways to make your Tahoe trip one to remember? Have a look at our guide to the best natural areas in North Tahoe or check out our list of the best hot springs near Tahoe.