Post by Ashley
Lake Tahoe is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the USA, located between California and Nevada. It’s also one of the world’s oldest lakes, dating back approximately two million years! This is a really popular destination for all kinds of outdoor activities. In the summer you can enjoy the beaches and hiking trails. In the winter, this is a very popular destination for skiers. Here’s what you should check out if you only have time to make a day trip to Lake Tahoe.
This summer one of my friends got married in Reno, and while I was there of course I had to make a day trip to Lake Tahoe! I’ve heard so many great things about Tahoe and how beautiful it is.
Day Trip to Lake Tahoe
Now, Lake Tahoe is huge so there are quite a few options you have when deciding on where to go for the day. Because this was mine and my friends’ first time going to Lake Tahoe, we decided to take a sightseeing cruise and explore Tahoe City, which is on the California side.
The drive from Reno to Tahoe City is about an hour, and it is an incredible drive through the mountains. We decided to do the hour and a half brunch cruise aboard the Tahoe Gal. It was a little pricey, but it definitely gave a great overview of the area and offered spectacular views.
After the brunch cruise, we then spent time walking around Tahoe City. There are great shops and restaurants to check out. We also walked along a trail along the water. None of us could get over how stunningly beautiful it is here. I also enjoyed how rustic everything is. It is such a different vibe than Florida.
Then we decided to take the scenic route back to Reno. While we were trying to find the border between Nevada and California, we accidentally stumbled upon a place called Speedboat Beach. This beach is very, very small and hidden, but the views were incredible with the rocks and beautiful blue water. It is located between Kings Beach and Crystal Bay Casino. It’s located in a residential neighborhood, but it is a public beach. There is very limited parking.
More Things to do in Tahoe City
- Kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, biking, jet skiing
- Golf
- Hiking
- Shop at local stores
- Grab a beer at Tahoe Tap Haus
- Boatworks Mall
- North Tahoe Arts Center
- Fanny Bridge
- Gatekeeper’s Museum
Things to do at Lake Tahoe in the Summer
- Emerald Bay State Park
- Kings Beach
- Harrah’s Casino
- Helicopter tour
- Squaw Valley
- Truckee River Bike Trail
- Hot air balloon
Overall, I loved Lake Tahoe and this is definitely a place I would like to back and spend a long weekend at exploring and seeing more of the area. It is absolutely worth seeing, even if you only have a day!
Other Resources
Have you been to Lake Tahoe? What are your recommendations? Comment below!
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One of my most favorite places on Earth! I’ve had several friends get married here and agree it’s a great place to visit.
Thanks! Yeah it was so beautiful here we still can’t get over it!
I loved reading this. My husband and I went to Lake Tahoe several years ago, and it was one of our favorite vacations.