Visit Tahoe

One of the most frequent questions I get is what to do and where to eat when visiting Tahoe so I thought it was high-time I put a visitor guide together.

We live in South Lake Tahoe, though I am familiar with some other areas around the lake {email me or leave a question in the comment area if you have any questions specific to the north shore, like Incline Village, Tahoe City or Truckee}.

Here are my favorite things in South Lake Tahoe, which is focused mainly on the summer months:

SEE/DO:

1) Emerald Bay is a must for first-time visitors. 

 2) Then hike up to Cascade Falls that can be accessed through the campground behind the viewpoint of Emerald Bay.

3) Take the Heavenly Tram up for the views.

4) Go to the beach!

We love Baldwin and Pope Beach. Both have a parking fee but you can always park on the highway and bike/walk in.   Depending on where you stay, Zephyr Cove Resort is on the opposite end of town and is always fun "scene" with beach-side service.

5) Catch an outdoor concert show!

6) The casinos are fun for nighttime--there's always a concert, stand-up comedy, etc going on. And it's quite the scene...something you wouldn't expect to find in a small mountain town.  Ciera Steakhouse at Montbleu is super fun and swanky if you're looking for a more upscale steak and martini dinner.

EAT:

Here are some of my favorite spots:

1) Freshies (must sit on the rooftop during the summer): Love their tacos and try the Pliny the Elder on tap...it's a cult favorite.

2) Brook's Bar at Edgewood: Fabulous views of the lake and golf course. Another one to check out is the Bistro, which is located inside the new Lodge on property. It's a gorgeous restaurant and the cocktails are super yummy!

3) Azul at Heavenly Village...sit outside...they usually have live music and it's a fun scene.

4) Beacon, which is down by the beaches and on the lake, so great views. Grab a rum runner.

5) Artemis at Ski Run (sit outside!): Their fries are the best and they make their pita bread on-site. I love their chicken lettuce wraps! They have a great breakfast too.

6) Lake Tahoe Aleworx: Amazing wood-fired pizzas and beer on tap...that you get to pour yourself! Don't worry, they have wine on tap too! ;) Update: they just opened a second location down by the casinos!

7) Off the Hook Sushi: We love their unique rolls and the amazing quality. Our favorites: Flying Tiger, The Gambler, Hula Girl and be sure to check out their special rolls.

7) Revive: A cute new coffee and wine bar with fabulous outdoor seating and a great charcuterie platter!

For more kid-friendly restaurants in the area, check out my article!

STAY:

1) I've talked about the Coachman Hotel, which is a fun hipster spot with great coffee and a cool little lounge + outdoor area with cornhole, etc.

2) Basecamp Hotel--similar fun vibe but more of an outdoor theme:

3) If you want to stay somewhere on the lake, check out Beach Retreat:

4) Edgewood {where we got married!} now has a lodge on the lake and the property is just stunning!

5) Black Bear Inn An adorable and charming property located on Ski Run Blvd which is equal parts close to the lake and Heavenly Ski Resort. Plus there are a lot of great restaurants nearby and a farmer's market on Fridays in the summer. Bonus: they have a wine bar in the lobby!

6) Station House Inn Under new ownership and I love their retro vibe! Lots of great details including poolside service and craft cocktails at their restaurant.

Don't forget, winter is a whole new world, so while some of the above applies, it is still worth a return visit!

For more ideas by season, check out my local column:

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Have you visited South Lake Tahoe before?  What's your favorite thing to do?

xo natasha