Here are just a few of our favorite spots in the Lake Tahoe area - but truly the possibilities for adventure and exploration are endless!

Downtown Truckee is a charming mountain town with local shops, restaurants, and a train that runs right through the heart of it. We’re lucky to call the town of Truckee our home, too!

Food Recommendations in Truckee:

- Coffee: Drink Coffee Do Stuff; Coffeebar; Pacific Crest Coffee Company

- Breakfast: Cornerstone Kitchen; Squeeze In; Wild Cherries Coffee House

- Lunch/Dinner: Fifty Fifty Brewing Co.; Truckee Brewing Co.; 1882 Bar & Grill; Great Gold; Drunken Monkey

- Drinks: RMU Truckee (They also have some great food, highly recommend the burger); Bar of America; Alibi Ale Works (Truckee location); Craft & Logic Taproom

Kings Beach is a laid-back lake town with a fun, beachy vibe. This is a great spot to rent paddleboards or kayaks as there are a few local shops in town and a sandy public beach to launch at!

Downtown Tahoe City sits along the lake and offers a perfect mix of mountain vibes and lakeside charm. Enjoy local shops and restaurants on one side of the street, and a view of the Lake on the other!

https://www.palisadestahoe.com/

Brody at the summit!

In early June, the conditions at Palisades Tahoe can vary depending on the season’s snowfall. The resort may still be open for spring skiing and snowboarding, or it may have transitioned to summer activities like hiking. The mountain skiing/snowboarding season tends to end Memorial Day weekend but if they’ve had an exceptional season they will stay open as long as possible (a few yrs back, the closing date was July 4th)!

We recommend checking the resort’s website closer to the date for the most up-to-date information on available activities.

Restaurants & shops open/closure status and hours can vary based upon the mountain activities. There are some places within The Village that will close or have more limited hours during the ski/snowboard off season.

We recommend checking the resort’s website close to the date for the most up-to-date information on restaurant & shop hours!

Hike the Stateline Lookout Trail for panoramic views of Lake Tahoe from above. The 1.7 mile trail is paved on what used to be a fire road. It takes about 50 minutes to complete, with great views at the top. Heads up it is all uphill to the lookout point!

Directions: Enter coordinates (39.2373500, -120.0041300) into your GPS. When you get there, you will need to park on the side of the road. The trail starts by a gate, but you cannot park there.

AllTrails Link: Stateline Lookout Trail

This is a very unique and historic hiking experience! We highly recommend bringing a flashlight as there are not any artificial light sources in the tunnels. That said, the tunnel system on Donner Pass is a series of disconnected tunnels. This is an out-and-back route, so make it as long or short as you’d like!

Directions: Enter coordinates (39.31671,-120.33003) into your GPS. There are no official signs to the train tunnels, but there’s a small dirt lot in this area and you should be able to see the tunnel at the lot.

AllTrails Link: Donner Pass Train Tunnels

This is a great place for a casual walk along the river! There are also great spots along the walking path for picnics or hanging out by the river. Not necessarily a ‘must see’ but it’s one of Brody’s favorite places for a walk!

Directions: We recommend entering at the Truckee entrance. Enter ‘East River Street, Truckee CA’ into your GPS. Drive down this road until there are no more houses on your right and you see a bridge (on your right). There is a small dirt area to park in front of the bridge. Another dirt lot is across the street, but we don’t recommend parking there as we believe it’s a construction lot.

This is one of our favorite spots on the lake! A great place to lounge and/or swim. When you arrive, you will find a beautiful beach flanked by giant boulders. There are multiple spots between the boulders to walk down to the water. If you are enjoying the walk, the Tahoe East Shore Trail also continues along the lake to the left (if you’re facing the water)!

Although the name would suggest otherwise, this spot is far from hidden at this point. That said, you can still find a great spot! On weekends, we recommend getting there early.

Directions: Park in the Tunnel Creek Cafe lot (1115 Tunnel Creek Rd suite a, Incline Village, NV 89451). Parking here does require a fee. Take the Tahoe East Shore Trail (uphill with a fence along the highway to start). This is a paved ~20 minute / 1 mile walk, but it’s an incredibly beautiful trail! Once you reach the portion that takes you through a tunnel under Highway 28, you’ve arrived.

Sand Harbor is one of the most picturesque and popular destinations in the area. Ideal for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and sunrise/sunset viewing & photography.

Due to it’s popularity, parking/getting a spot can be a hassle. New starting Summer 2025, a mandatory day-use parking reservation system has been implemented. A parking reservation will be required 7 days a week from 8a-10:30am daily, with unclaimed spots becoming available on a first-come first served basis after 10:30am. Reservations can be made through ReserveNevada.com. Advanced reservations are at a fee, as well as a parking entrance fee.

If you do choose to visit we highly recommend making a parking reservation, visiting during the week, and arriving early!