8 Best Things to do in Lake Tahoe this Summer
Lake Tahoe…a USA must see! A lake that feels like an ocean. Here in this guide, you will learn about the 8 best things to do in Lake Tahoe this summer! Plus information on accommodations, restaurants, how to get there and more.
Ever-changing blue tones with white capped mountains in the background and the biggest, most beautiful pine trees outline the lake and the streets. Biking, hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking, skiing, sailing, the activities are never-ending.
My boyfriend and I spent some time here mid June and fell in love it. The people are all like-minded, outdoorsy and active.
Lake Tahoe is definitely worth visiting in the summer! The adventure and beauty is endless.
If you are interested in or planning to explore Lake Tahoe this summer and experience all the beauty it has to offer, this guide is for you!
8 Best Things to do in Lake Tahoe this Summer!
Getting there
Fly into Reno International Airport and rent a car! Rent your car ahead of time to ensure you’ll have it, it’s necessary to have a car in Lake Tahoe. We rented a small compact car and it was perfect!
From here it’s only a 45 minute car ride to North Lake Tahoe.
Where to stay
Looking to save money on your hotel? Check out Airbnbs in Lake Tahoe. You can often find nice condos/apartments nearby the Lake with reasonable prices.
Looking for luxury? Stay at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, it’s beautiful and also in North Lake Tahoe in a great location.
Things to do in Lake Tahoe this summer
1. Things to do in Lake Tahoe this summer- Bike the Flume Trail
This is such a fun, adventurous activity! The trail is absolutely beautiful, give yourself extra time for all the picturesque stops.
Beware of the elevation and take that into account when doing active things like this, especially during your first few days! E Bikes or regular mountain bikes are both available, something to think about when picking out your bike.
Check out our YouTube video on this ride!- Ultimate Lake Tahoe Flume Trail Mountain Biking Adventure | Epic Scenic Ride!
- Rent a mountain bike or mountain e-bike from Flume Trail Bikes (do it ahead of time if possible)
- Buy a pass for the shuttle, you’ll need this, they take you on a 15 minute bus ride to the start of the trail
- Get there at 8am when they open
- A helmet comes with your bike rental
- Load bike onto bus & get a ride to the beginning of the Flume Trail
- The trail is 12.8 miles long, first 4 miles are the hardest if you can make it past that the rest is smooth sailing
- There are countless pictures spots
- What to bring: Backpack or fanny pack with: GoPro, camera, cellphone, bandaids, snacks, lots of water, sunglasses, sunscreen
- If you take a lot of stops, it’ll take about 5 hours total
2. Things to do in Lake Tahoe this summer- Sail Tahoe Blue
BOOK THIS!!! An amazing Experience! Their sunset sail is a perfect way to finish off your day. If sunset doesn’t fit into your schedule don’t worry, they go out three times a day! The boat, the staff, the intimate setting, the drinks, the sailing, the people, and the Tahoe blue…absolutely amazing. If you’re looking to get out on a boat but not a big commercial overcrowded boat, this is the one you should book!
- Located at South Lake Tahoe
- About a 45 minute drive from North Lake Tahoe
- Get there a half hour before
- Beer & wine provided on board
- Good music & good vibes
- Awesome crew
- Beautiful views everywhere you look
- See the constantly changing tones of Tahoe blue
- Bring: sweater, cameras, sunglass, cash (tip)
3. Things to do in Lake Tahoe this summer- SUP out of Sand Harbor → Chimney Beach
Get out on the water!! Rent SUPs or Kayaks, either you are more comfortable with. You won’t regret it!
- Rent SUPs or Kayaks ahead of time online if possible
- Book the full day option
- Arrive at Sand Harbor early… got there at 6:50am to a line of about 15 cars already waiting ahead of us. They told us the day before the parking filled up by 7:15am. This location is the easiest to launch your water vessel out of, make sure to arrive early!
- Pick up your SUP or kayak at 8am
- The mornings are usually nice & calm which makes for easy paddling
- Bring: dry bag with: lots of water, snacks, lunch, sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, cameras
- Launch into the water and take a left…you are heading to Chimney Beach!
4. Things to do in Lake Tahoe this summer- Visit Bonsai Rock
About 15 minutes into your paddle keep an eye out for Bonsai Rock. A perfect spot to park your water vessels on the rocks, get off and swim around. You can climb up the rock and jump off if the water is high enough.
- Look for a cluster of rocks with one extra large rock sticking out that has plants growing out of the top
- Park SUPs or Kayaks
- Swim over and climb up
- Really nice picture spot
- Easier to access Bonsai rock by water than driving and climbing down
5. Things to do in Lake Tahoe this summer- Visit Chimney Beach
Your SUP (or kayak) destination! By this time you’ll probably be ready for lunch, this is a perfect place for it. You come around a corner of rocks and you’ll see a cove with a beach to pull up to. Park your water vessels and find a little spot on the beach to claim as yours for lunch. Take some time here to walk around, there are so many amazing picture opportunities!
6. Things to do in Lake Tahoe this summer- Explore the mountain town of Truckee
If you have an afternoon with nothing planned, something fun to do is drive about a half hour (from North Lake Tahoe) over to Truckee, CA. The coolest, artsy, mountain town, very different vibes from Lake Tahoe. A lot of shopping and restaurants to explore. Lots of local art. Depending on the time of year you visit, the Truckee River is something fun to do too. Get out on a raft for the day or just go relax by the river.
You will pass by Northstar Ski Mountain on the way, a cool little detour to drive up and explore. The mountain is big, you can get out and walk around. The drive from Lake Tahoe to Truckee is beautiful, especially on a clear day. Big tall trees and mountains in the distance, the views alone on the drive make it worth going.
7. Things to do in Lake Tahoe this summer- Get to the Lake for sunset
Being at the Lake for sunset looks very different than during the day, beautiful in a whole other way. There isn’t one designated spot to get to for sunset, just get to the water. Even if you end up somewhere where you don’t actually see the sun setting it’s still worth it for the colors. Try and make it a point to do this at least one night When you go be sure to bring a camera, sweater & bug spray.
8. Things to do in Lake Tahoe this summer- Hike Eagle Rock
Eagle Rock is a nice and easy, quick hike with stunning views. Takes only about 25 minutes to hike to the top. Starts off on a pretty easy cleared path, gets steep quickly then a little rocky towards the top with some climbing required.
- Hiked in sandals
- Totally doable hike for almost anyone
- Quick hike with really nice views
- Bring: water, cameras, sunscreen & snacks
Where to eat in Lake Tahoe
Perfect place to get dinner after getting off the sunset sail with Sail Tahoe Blue. This restaurant overlooks the dock where the sailboat parks. Just steps away.
- Located in South Lake Tahoe
- Didn’t make a reservation and got sat right away at a table inside with nice views of the lake, if you want to sit outside you should make a reservation
- Great food & drink
- Great service
- Beautiful views of the lake
When you’re finished biking the Flume Trail you’ll end up back at Flume Trail Bikes. Right out front of the bike shop is a cafe, you can’t miss it. It’s the perfect place to stop in after biking to grab some lunch!
- Located in North Lake Tahoe- Incline Village
- A couple sandwiches, some water and gatorade, they had exactly what was needed after a 13 mile day
- Draft beers
- Indoor & outdoor seating
A beautiful restaurant that overlooks the water located in Tahoe City. This was recommended to us by a local and did not disappoint.
- Located in Tahoe City
- Beautiful views
- Didn’t make reservations
- Got sat right away inside, upstairs by a window
- Great food & drink
- Great service
Another local’s recommendation, was a perfect nightcap after a fun day on Lake Tahoe. Arriving at 9pm to a line of about 10-15 people in front of us, it was totally worth the wait.
- Located up in Kings Beach
- Ice cream & gelato
- Something for everyone
- Nice seating area
Great breakfast spot! A local’s recommendation, so thankful for it because we wouldn’t have ever found it otherwise.
- Located in Tahoe City
- Delicious breakfast
- Try the carrot/orange juice
- 20 minute on a Saturday morning around 9am (worth the wait)
The best time to visit Lake Tahoe:
Lake Tahoe is a beautiful place to visit year-round though I think summer or winter are the best times to visit. In the summer you can spend time on and in the water! Really enjoying the lake as much as possible. In the winter there is amazing skiing with a winter wonderland type setting. It’ll be great whenever you go, make your decision based on what activities you’d like to do while you are there!
If you are interested in visiting in the summer, I reccomened coming mid-late June or in late August. Those are the best summer months to visit. The weather is beautiful and the crowds are a little less crazy than mid summer.
Lake Tahoe is a place I think about often, my experiences there leave me daydreaming about this amazing destination all the time.
A destination I tell everyone I know they should visit one day.
Let me know what you think of this post. I hope my blog helped you on your trip to Tahoe in some way!
Check out my Lake Tahoe Summer Packing List!
sierra
Hello there! It's wonderful to have you here. I'm Sierra, a NH native with a love for travel and adventure. I have a constant desire to explore beautiful places around the world and go on awesome adventures! I seek to inspire others to travel to see all the beauty and culture the world has to offer! 🌞⛰️🌼🫶🏼🦋🌲📸🥾💛
12 Comments
Brittney
I’ve always wanted to visit Lake Tahoe. It looks truly incredible. Saving your post to reference later!
sierra
It’s an amazing place…You definitely should visit one day!
Saunter With Sanika
What a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation! I would love to pan a trip here soon.
sierra
The mix of adventure and relaxation is something I really loved about it! Early summer is a great time to go 🙂
simplyjolayne
I don’t remember the water at Lake Tahoe being so clear and so blue.
sierra
We noticed it changed depending on the area we were in and the time of day. So many beautiful tones of that Tahoe blue water!
Bre | Somewhere With a Suitcase
I would love to plan a visit here! It seems like it has everything my husband and I love to do (bike, hike, and kayak)! What more could we ask for?! Saving this for reference. Thank you for the information!
sierra
Oh then I think you guys would love Lake Tahoe!! Thanks for checking out my post 🙂
Jillian
This all looks amazing! I’ve never been but always wanted to, Bonsai Rock in particular has pushed this up my bucketlist. Thanks for sharing!
sierra
Bonsai Rock is really cool to see in person and I don’t think many people know about it yet which makes it even better! 🙂 Thanks for checking out my post!
mark
Awesome post, and great shots!!
sierra
Thank you Mark!! 😊