There’s more to do than just beach-hop and hike (though you should absolutely do those things, too). Here are a few extra ways to soak up the season and make the most of lake life:
Make it a Tahoe Summer
• Float the Truckee River – Grab a raft, a cooler, and your wildest friend. Start in Tahoe City and drift your way down to River Ranch, where the rapids (and the patio drinks) await. You can either purchase your own rafts to float down or rent one from Truckee River Rafting Co.
• Take a Sunset Cruise – The Tahoe Gal and Sierra Cloud Catamaran both offer dreamy evening rides. Perfect for gliding across the water with a breeze in your hair and a drink in hand. It’s giving main character energy.
• Lake Tahoe Balloon Rides – For the bold and the bucket-listers. Soar high above the lake at sunrise in a hot air balloon and watch the entire basin come to life from the sky.
• Go on a Boat Bar Hop – Start your engine and hit the lake’s best dockside drink spots; Chambers Landing, Gar Woods, and beyond. Bonus points for a captain’s hat.
• Treetop Adventures or Granlibakken – Zip lines, rope courses, and outdoor fun the whole family can get behind. A great way to burn off ice cream energy.
• Ride the Aerial Tram at Palisades Tahoe – Float above the mountains and take in some of the most jaw-dropping views in the region. There’s even a pool at the top.
• Rent a Paddleboard or Kayak – Or better yet…
Sunsets, Soundtracks & Sandy Toes
Sunset hits different here. Grab your beach blanket, your people, and a bite to-go—because the best Tahoe nights start with music and end with moonlight on the water. If you're looking for some fun things to do in Lake Tahoe at night and casinos aren't your thing, these are the places you want to be.
• Commons Beach (Tahoe City) – Sunday summer concerts, wide grassy lawns, and picnic-perfect sunsets. It’s a local favorite for good reason.
• Kings Beach – Shallow, calm water makes this a favorite for families and floaties alike. On Friday evenings, the beach comes alive with Music on the Beach; a free summer concert series where locals gather, kids dance barefoot, and the lake turns gold behind the band.
Bonus: Want the best seat in the house? Catch the show from the water on our Lit-Up After Dark Clear Kayak Tour with Wild Society. The beach lights up, the kayaks glow, and the lake feels like magic. Learn more.
• Incline Beach – Technically private, but if you’ve got a local friend with a pass… go. Especially on Thursdays in the summer, when the Incline Village Summer Music Series turns the sand into a dance floor. The vibe? Local, laid-back, and just the right amount of lively.
Craving Something Special? Here's Where to Go
Sometimes you just want to sit down, order something incredible, and feel like you’re on vacation again. These Lake Tahoe restaurants deliver—whether you’re in the mood to splurge, savor, or just seriously treat yourself.
Old Range Steakhouse
Cozy, low-key, and legit delicious. The kind of place you bring your appetite and leave with a new favorite entrée.
Soule Domain
Candlelight, vintage cabin vibes, and unforgettable flavors tucked just beyond the state line.
Smoke Door
Michelin-level magic nestled in the pines. If you’re going to splurge, this is the place.
Remedy Eatery
Okay yes, this one’s mine. But it truly is something special—fresh, organic dishes, dreamy lakefront views, and a vibe that feels like a little exhale. Come in your sundress or sandals—we’ve got you.
Lupita's Mexican Restaurant
Casual, authentic, and so satisfying. Their enchiladas hit the spot after a long beach day.
Thai Recipe
A hidden gem for cozy, flavorful comfort food. The curry? Chef’s kiss.
Whitecaps Pizza
Not just a pizza place. The Buffalo chicken dish is to die for, and the broccolini might just change your life.
Historic and hip, this old railroad town is now buzzing with stylish shops and that perfectly walkable charm.
• Dressed Boutique (tucked upstairs in The Cooking Gallery) is a must for edgy leather jackets, flowy boho dresses, and all the “wait, where’d you get that?” pieces.
• Tahoe Oil & Spice offers flavor-packed fun. Taste your way through craft oils, vinegars, and seasoning blends. It’s the kind of place you didn’t know you needed until you walked in.
• Atelier is a creative dreamscape; part art supply shop, part workshop studio, part gallery, and totally worth a wander.
Truckee
• Christy Hill sits just above the water with one of the best views in town and a seasonal menu to match.
• River Ranch Lodge & Restaurant is perched right on the Truckee River’s edge, where you can sip cocktails while watching people shoot the rapids — equal parts thrilling and hilarious.
• Cobblestone Center is a whimsical collection of shops housed in a Bavarian-style village. It’s home to everything from bookstores and art galleries to ice cream shops and yoga studios. Ideal for a lazy afternoon of browsing, people-watching, and picking up something cute you didn’t know you needed.
Tahoe City
Tahoe Towns With a Side of Charm
Once you've had your lake fix, it's time to explore the towns that give North Tahoe its soul.
Think dreamy boutiques, lazy brunches, riverside lunches, and just enough whimsy to make you wonder if Tahoe life might actually be a dream.
Beyond the Big Blue
Sometimes the dreamiest spots are just a scenic drive away.
Sure, Lake Tahoe gets all the love — and we’re not mad about it — but venture just a bit beyond the big blue and you’ll find hidden gems that feel like your own personal Heaven.
1
Donner Lake
About 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe, this smaller (but mighty) lake offers warm water, public docks, paddleboard rentals, and a hometown charm that Tahoe can’t always pull off. It’s perfect for laid-back dips, dockside lounging, and sunset swims with fewer crowds and more local love.
2
Serene Lakes
Tucked high in the hills near Soda Springs, this peaceful pair of lakes feels like summer camp for grown-ups. Think glassy paddles, pine-scented breezes, and that “no cell service, no problem” energy. Ideal for mellow days and reset-worthy getaways.
3
Caples Lake
Just past Kirkwood, Caples is where wildflower meadows meet alpine glass. Paddle, fish, or just sit in awe. It’s especially gorgeous in late summer, when the water sparkles and the mountains reflect like a painting. Bonus: it’s usually quiet, peaceful, and phone-free.
4
The Yuba River
Craving something a little more off-the-grid? The Yuba’s for you. Natural swimming holes, boulders for sunbathing, and aquamarine waters that look like they belong in a travel magazine. It’s a little wild, a little rugged, and totally unforgettable.
Float Through a Postcard (Yes, Really)
Wild Society Clear Kayaks | Kings Beach
Because floating on the lake is cool. But floating in it? Next-level.
Start your day in one of our signature clear kayaks, gliding across Tahoe’s transparent blues like you’re starring in your own sun-soaked movie montage. You’ll paddle past rock formations, chase sunbeams, and maybe even spot a curious fish or two doing their thing below you.
No crowds, no cookie-cutter tours — just you, your crew, and a lake so clear you’ll swear it’s been photoshopped. Spoiler: it hasn’t. And yes, we highly recommend the two-hour rental. One hour just isn’t enough to soak in all that magic. If you are going to go kayaking in Lake Tahoe, this is the way to do it.
Your Dreamy Guide to Lake Tahoe
Because what's magical can't always be Googled
Bonus: Alpine Awe in Desolation Wilderness
For the true adventurers
If you’ve got hiking boots, stamina, and a love for remote beauty, Desolation Wilderness is your kind of place. Tucked behind Tahoe’s southwestern rim, it’s home to some of the most jaw-dropping alpine lakes in the Sierra — think glacier-carved bowls, granite spires, and water so pure it feels like a secret. It's a magical place that has to be included in this Lake Tahoe travel guide. It's really that special.
Favorites include:
• Lake Aloha – A shimmering expanse dotted with tiny granite islands. It’s a trek, but oh so worth it.
• Susie Lake – Peaceful and picturesque with views that make the sweat worth it.
• Heather Lake – Smaller, quiet, and a stunner during wildflower season.
• Gilmore Lake – Clear, icy-cold, and tucked beneath Mount Tallac.
Pro tip: You’ll need a day permit to enter Desolation, and you should be ready for a moderate to strenuous hike. But if you’re looking to swap beach towels for trail mix and earn your swim? This is where the real magic hides.
Let’s be real, Tahoe in the summer is a full-on love affair.
We’re talking pine-scented air, boulder-lined beaches, water so clear you’ll question reality, and sunsets that’ll make you believe in magic again.
But this isn’t just any travel guide. This is your dreamy, locally-loved, carefully curated blueprint for making the most of it; the swims, the snacks, the sunsets, and the secret spots (shhh… don’t blow them up).
Whether you’re a lake-life newbie or a seasoned sand-between-your-toes soul, welcome. You’re in the right place.
Wander with a View
You don’t have to summit a mountain to find soul-shifting scenery. These trails give you max reward for minimal complaining (we mean effort… sort of).
• Eagle Rock (West Shore) – A quick but heart-thumping climb that rewards you with a sweeping lake view from the top of a volcanic bluff. Perfect for golden hour.
• Stateline Lookout (Crystal Bay) – Paved, peaceful, and wildly underrated. A mellow walk with jaw-dropping views right at the California-Nevada border.
• Shirley Canyon Trail (Olympic Valley) – Waterfalls, granite boulders, and alpine magic. You can turn around whenever you want or go all the way to High Camp if you’re feeling ambitious.
• Tahoe East Shore Trail (Incline to Sand Harbor) – Not a hike, but a must. A paved path hugging the shoreline with crystal coves and lake photo ops around every bend. Rent a bike, walk it, bring snacks—just go.
• Tunnel Creek to Monkey Rock (Incline Village) – Short but steep, with a rock shaped like a gorilla’s head and a view that might just steal your breath.
Bonus: If you’re feeling brave (and ready for a real workout), keep going to Marlette Lake. It’s a beautiful trek—but definitely bring water and snacks. It's one of the most scenic Lake Tahoe hikes.
Want to see Tahoe from a different perspective? Join us at Wild Society for a clear kayak tour; where the lake glows beneath you, the stars come out above you, and the whole world slows down just enough to feel the magic.
Sunset and our signature Lit-Up After Dark tours available. Book early. They fill fast!
Stars, Sparkles & Clear Kayaks
Tahoe Tips Before You Go
Tahoe is pure magic, but even magic has its fine print. A little prep (and a few insider secrets) go a long way. Read on, wander smart, and thank us later.
01
The altitude is no joke
You're over 6,000 feet above sea level, and your body will notice. Drink extra water, ease into your first hike, and maybe don't go full vacation mode on night one.
02
Layer like a local
Tahoe can't pick a season most of the time, so you'll need a little bit of everything. Hoodie, tank top, swimsuit, jacket? Yes.
03
Protect the lake
She's gorgeous...and fragile. Use reef-safe sunscreen, skip the glittery floats, and pack out everything you bring in.
04
Parking is...competitive
Lots fill fast, especially near beaches and trailheads. Arrive early, carpool if you can, or be ready to hoof it a bit. Bonus points for patience and a backup plan.
05
The water is safe, but not the warmest
Even on hot days, Tahoe's water can cause cold shock if you're not ready. Jump in, but do it mindfully. It's refreshing, not tropical.
06
Dogs are welcome
Tahoe is super dog-friendly, but the pavement gets hot and not every beach is pup-approved. Always carry water for your four-legged explorer, check signs before you let them run free, and consider booties to protective sensitive paws.
07
Support local
Shopping small matters. You'll find better coffee, cooler gear, and friendlier faces when you spend your dollars at local spots. And it helps keep Tahoe's community thriving.
08
Wildlife is...wild
You might see a bear. Don't panic, don't feed it, and don't try to film a nature documentary with your ice cream as bait. Store food smart and keep your distance.
09
Plan a little, wander a lot
Some of Tahoe's best moments aren't marked on a map. Leave space in your schedule for spontaneous swims, hidden trails, and that "let's just keep driving" kind of feeling.