When it comes to fun and relaxing summer vacations that are enjoyable for the whole family, one of my favorite travel destinations that comes to mind is Lake Tahoe.
As a California native, my family and I have been visiting this picturesque locale since I was a kid, which naturally stirs up old memories of us traversing down the Truckee River, speeding across Lake Tahoe on an exhilarating powerboat, and dining at all the local waterfront hotspots.
Since my parents weren’t skiers, we rarely came up during the winter season, but I fondly recall spending many summer vacations here, usually around my birthday (July 4th), which is extra special (thanks to the dazzling fireworks over the lake). While we’ve stayed in a variety of towns around Lake Tahoe (from Incline Village and Olympic Valley to Tahoma and South Shore), these days I’ve grown to develop a personal affinity towards North Lake Tahoe, as it provides a much-needed peaceful feeling of tranquility (which is a priority to me lately, given my busy life and work schedule). Because of all this, I was recently inspired to plan a family vacation here to kick off the beginning of summer.
To inspire you to discover this sparkling gem of a destination this season, today’s travel guide shares ideas on wonderful places to stay, eat, and visit in Lake Tahoe. From an upscale luxury vacation home rental that raises the bar on lodging to leisurely outdoor excursions with breathtaking vistas from every turn, discover notable spots to experience in Lake Tahoe.
About North Lake Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe is a beautiful mountain haven that encompasses towns such as Brockway Vista, Kings Beach, Crystal Bay, and Incline Village, offering a delightful setting for unforgettable family vacations year-round, but especially during the warm, sunny days of summer.
Nestled amidst the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains (on the border of California and Nevada, located about 4 hours away from the San Francisco Bay Area), this region offers a number of pristine beaches, areas to view crystal-clear waters and a variety of engaging outdoor activities (including boating, hiking, bicycling, and more). Plus, it’s easy to zip around the lake by car (or by boat) to visit other must-see towns (such as Tahoe City, a boating hub on the West Shore, and Truckee, a historic western-style town that exudes character and rustic charm).
Offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, you can do everything in Lake Tahoe – from kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and mountain biking, to simply relaxing on the sandy shores while enjoying breathtaking alpine views. There are a few upscale lakeside resorts as well as vacation rental homes, in addition to renowned restaurants that offer gourmet lakefront dining, and charming boutiques that all add to the allure of this dreamy destination.
Where To Stay in Lake Tahoe
While there are several upscale hotels in Lake Tahoe, if you’re traveling with family or a group of friends, another wonderful option is to book a vacation home rental.
Because our family also works together (in our family-owned business), booking a vacation spot that creates a tranquil work-from-home environment that boosts morale, expansive thinking, and creativity while also acting as a relaxing retreat in our leisure time, a vacation home rental is an ideal way for us to enjoy quality time together.
The only challenging part was finding a first-class vacation rental home that suits all of our needs and desires… Fortunately, I discovered (by chance) a solution for that too.
Even though I’ve used vacation home booking sites like Airbnb and VRBO in the past, more often than not, we’ve been disappointed, even when the photos online made it look awesome. Of course, there’s the rare occasion where we discover a fabulous home rental, but I’m done with the days where I gamble on having a great vacation.
If you’re like me and have high standards and the desire to ensure that the vacation you book exceeds your expectations, then I can promise that you’ll be in good hands with Tahoe Luxury Properties.
I happened to discover their agency on social media when one of their videos (featuring a spectacular lakefront mansion) popped up in my Explore feed. Their Instagram feed is so breathtaking that I ended up watching a variety of videos about various vacation homes they represent, which inspired me to learn more about them.
As seen in Vogue, The Hollywood Reporter, Forbes and The Robb Report, Tahoe Luxury Properties is a local family-owned company (proudly celebrating its 30th anniversary this year).
As a full-service real estate agency that specializes in everything from magnificent waterfront estates to charming mountain cabins, they offer both luxury real estate sales as well as luxury vacation home rentals (that range from $300-$30k/night, and many of which have lake views or are lakefront).
The majority of the upscale vacation homes they represent include beautifully landscaped properties that are updated, fully renovated, and offer exceptional amenities (such as hot tubs, game rooms, entertaining decks, etc.), in addition to meeting the high standards of the agency, with their team’s goal of providing guests with an outstanding vacation experience that would be on par with staying at a top-rated resort (such as the Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton).
The best part is – the agency also provides concierge services, making it easy to book in-home massages, boat rentals, babysitting, grocery delivery, etc. They enable you to use their private booking portal after you reserve a vacation home, to have digital access to information about the home (including turn-by-turn driving directions, lockbox access codes, and other relevant details).
To ensure seamless communication, you’re also connected with a dedicated luxury vacation specialist who can answer any questions and provide assistance with your booking. This was especially helpful for us, as we had questions about everything ranging from bear-related inquiries (which we learned means, putting all food away after meals) to a last-minute inquiry about the feasibility of bringing my dog along for our road trip. Our vacation specialist was so prompt at getting back to me, that she even responded to emails during the weekend, to my surprise. This made me feel more at ease, given that we were road-tripping 5-hours from home to get here.
For this particular family vacation, we were looking to stay at a luxury vacation home rental that offers spacious accommodations, epic lake and forest views, and fun things to do on the property itself (as we wanted our getaway to feel like a rejuvenating and refreshing retreat for our family). We ended up staying at a sensational, 3-level dog and kid-friendly house called Tahoe’s Tranquility, which is a gorgeous, 5-bed, 4-bath vacation home (which can host up to 12 people).
This luxurious house is an extensively renovated, tastefully decorated, and spacious private home in North Lake Tahoe that offers unparalleled panoramic lake, forest, and mountain views from the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and deck. The home features comfortable, contemporary seating (including plush sofas and lounging areas), a mix of traditional and modern styles (including rustic accents such as a stone fireplace, antler ear chandeliers, and bear figurines), beautiful mountain paintings and charming wall art (that lends a sense of humor and a dose of originality), as well as majestic sculptures of wildlife throughout the pristinely-manicured garden.
This luxury vacation home rental also offers a fully landscaped yard with a bocce ball court, a hot tub, a relaxing outdoor patio and deck seating, picture-perfect grassy lawn areas, mountain sculptures flanking the home, a children’s play structure, an open floor plan in the living room, casual dining area, and gourmet kitchen (making it ideal for entertaining), a dining room, two large decks with lake and forest views, a den with a full bar, billiards table, chess game table, oversized television, and comfortable seating area, reading nook, queen-sized bed, and private bathroom.
In addition to this, the 3700-square foot, 3-story home is set on a secluded 2.7-acre lot up a private driveway and is surrounded by a lush 214-acre National Forest. It also has easy access to a small walking trail through the forest behind the house, which is ideal for guests visiting with dogs.
The home feels like it’s perched high on a mountain, secluded from the world (without any views of neighboring homes), however, it’s only a quick 5-minute drive to the beach, Old Brockway Golf Course, restaurants, and other lakefront activities. The home is located in Brockway Vista, which is on the North shore (California side of Lake Tahoe), in between Tahoe Vista and Crystal Bay, and approximately 15 minutes west of Incline Village, making it ideally situated.
Where To Eat in Lake Tahoe
When we weren’t in the home’s gourmet kitchen whipping up a hearty breakfast or cooking meals for the dog, naturally, we were inclined to venture out into North Lake Tahoe to eat at the local hotspots. From popular eateries (such as Jake’s on the Lake and Gar Woods Grill & Pier) that are perfect for casual lunches to enjoying dressed-up dinners at renowned fine dining establishments (like Christy Hill and Lone Eagle Grille), here are my recommendations for several of the best, top-rated places to eat in Lake Tahoe.
To start with, a visit to Gar Woods Grill & Pier is a must for lunch, especially on a sunny afternoon. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, Gar Woods is the quintessential spot for a delightful lunch. Renowned for its panoramic views of the lake, this upscale yet laid-back restaurant offers a perfect blend of fresh, locally sourced cuisine and classic American favorites.
You can savor the famous “Wet Woody” cocktails while enjoying signature dishes like the Dungeness Crab Sandwich and the Blackened Mahi-Mahi Tacos. The vibrant outdoor deck, coupled with the inviting indoor dining area, creates a charming and relaxed atmosphere, making Gar Woods an ideal destination for a memorable lakeside lunch.
Another wonderful place to visit for lunch al fresco is Jake’s on the Lake, located in the Boatworks shopping mall. Perched above the shores of Tahoe City, Jake’s On The Lake offers a fabulous lunch experience with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe.
With a relaxed atmosphere, a hospitable and welcoming staff, and a dog-friendly outdoor patio, Jake’s is a superb local hangout whether you’re coming for drinks or staying for a tasty bite. This iconic lakeside restaurant is celebrated for its warm, rustic ambiance and a menu that artfully blends Hawaiian and Californian influences.
You can indulge in delectable dishes such as the Ahi Poke Tacos and Grilled Salmon Salad, perfectly paired with a curated selection of local wines and craft beers. The expansive outdoor deck provides a serene setting to unwind and soak in the remarkable scenery, making Jake’s On The Lake an ideal choice for a leisurely and memorable lunchtime retreat.
When it comes to dinner, it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the fine dining options that Lake Tahoe has to offer.
To begin with, a visit to Lone Eagle Grille in Incline Village is highly recommended. Located in the picturesque town of Incline Village, Lone Eagle Grille offers a sophisticated dining experience right on the pristine shores of Lake Tahoe. This elegant restaurant is known for its rustic-chic decor and a menu that features a rich variety of gourmet dishes, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors.
You can savor exquisite options like the Cedar Plank Salmon and Bison Short Rib, or even enjoy a gourmet vegetarian menu while relaxing in the the cozy ambiance of the stone fireplace or taking in the phenomenal lake views from the expansive windows and outdoor terrace.
A few of my favorite dishes include the roasted beet salad (with baby iceberg lettuce, roasted yellow & red beets, orange goat cheese, pine nuts, herbs, and balsamic vinaigrette), Seared Diver Scallops (with cauliflower, chives, pomegranate salsa, and micro herbs), and the Roasted Cremini Mushrooms (with sherry cream and herbs).
With its impeccable service in a breathtaking setting, Lone Eagle Grille provides an extraordinary backdrop for a truly unforgettable dinner.
Last, but certainly not least, is Christy Hill – a refined restaurant in Tahoe City that offers a romantic and enchanting atmosphere, outstanding service, gorgeous lake views, and incredible gourmet food. This upscale restaurant prides itself on its innovative New American cuisine, highlighting the finest seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
You can devour their popular dishes such as Seared Day Boat Scallops and Roasted Rack of Lamb, complemented by an extensive wine list that caters to all palates.
A couple of my favorite dishes to order here are the hearty and delicious Spring Salad (with butter cake greens, purple asparagus, strawberries, pistachios, Miticaña Cheese, and Cabernet Sauvignon vinaigrette), Beet Carpaccio (with goat cheese, arugula pistou, hazelnut, golden frisée, and fig vincotto), and the must-try Heirloom Tomato Toast (made with milk bread, roasted garlic stracciatella, basil, Castelvetrano olives, and aged balsamic vinegar).
For dessert, you have to order their scrumptious signature dessert, the Chocolate Croissant Bread Budding (garnished with crème chantilly and chocolate shavings).
The elegant, intimate setting, combined with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the stunning panoramic views, makes Christy Hill a premier choice for a refined and memorable meal by the lake. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a wonderful night on the town, this delightful restaurant is an exceptional choice.
Activities To Do in Lake Tahoe
While there is no shortage of fun-filled and exhilarating outdoor activities to partake in (such as jetskiing, parasailing, and powerboating), Tahoe is one of the best places to indulge in tranquil and relaxing experiences. From outstanding hiking spots to amazing beaches, there are a variety of fantastic places to explore in North Lake Tahoe.
For this particular family vacation, we were truly in need of rest and rejuvenation. That said, we decided to skip the high-speed powerboat this trip, and instead opt for more easy-going activities. Aside from enjoying the games and recreational activities that the vacation home offered, when we ventured out to explore Lake Tahoe, we were interested in easy-going activities that our family and dog could enjoy together.
To start with, walking along the new Tahoe East Shore Trail (located in Incline Village) is a great way to exercise outdoors, enjoy quality time with your family, friends, and even four-legged pals, and of course, take in the incredible lake and mountain vistas. Recently opened in 2019, this 3-mile paved walkway takes you from South Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park, offering a relatively easy recreational path.
From families with young children to senior citizens and even pregnant ladies, this easily accessible trail is perfect for people of all athletic abilities and ages. Whether you take a leisurely walk or choose to challenge yourself with an invigorating run, this lovely paved trail is a perfect choice for spending a sunny day in nature.
While you’re enjoying the East Shore trail, a marvelous place to stop along the journey is Hidden Beach. This secluded beach is easily accessible via a dirt walking path (about a 3-minute walk from the road to the beach itself). It’s not only dog-friendly, but it’s simply magical to behold. From shimmering crystal clear waters to epic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountain terrain, this scenic destination is a dreamy escape from the bustle of the crowds. It’s a beautiful place to visit whether you plan to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
As you can see, Lake Tahoe is truly an incredible family-friendly summer vacation destination that’s ideal for celebrating life’s memorable moments with the ones you love.
For more inspiring vacation ideas and travel tips, check out the Travel section on Inspirations & Celebrations. To discover other incredible travel destinations, hotels, restaurants & lounges, and activities to enjoy in each destination, join 65k+ email subscribers and sign up to receive exclusive travel e-newsletters from I&C.
[Disclosure: Complimentary accommodations provided by Tahoe Luxury Properties. All opinions are my own.]
