North Lake Tahoe is the kind of place that truly has something for everyone. A place where your soul can wander and your spirits can soar higher. With 12 unique towns and ski resorts, hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, dozens of beaches, exciting gaming, 120+ eateries, and the largest alpine lake in North America, this all-season destination is great for all ages and all members of the family. Recently my family and I got to experience the enchantment, beauty and adventure of North Lake Tahoe for ourselves, and here were some of our favorite spots…
Stay
Granlibakken – Located in a peaceful 74 acre wooded valley, Granlibakken offers cozy cabins in a secluded mountain escape with direct access to hiking and biking trails. Additional amenities include yoga classes in the Soul Shelter yoga and meditation space and the onsite Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park. Granlibakken’s Sled Hill is also a great allure, being on site – the historic ski and sled area is split between a beginner and intermediate ski hill and a 300-foot long sled hill, perfect for any family adventure.
Play
Ski at Alpine Meadows – Tucked between Truckee and Tahoe City, Alpine Meadows Ski Resort is a picturesque playground for off-the-radar thrill-seekers. At Alpine Meadows, skiing and riding experiences always come first. From easy-riding progression parks to wide-open bowls, Alpine Meadows brings an exciting challenge to any level of skier or snowboarder and breathtaking views from every chair lift. Not too big and not too small, it’s a great one day or multi day ski stop.
Bridgetender Tavern and Grill – Located at the historic Fanny Bridge, is a great apres-ski scene offering riverfront drinking and dining in a relaxed, rustic tavern. A great spot to grab a Sierra Nevada and pull up a stool after a long day on the slopes.
Chickadee Ridge – This three mile, family-friendly trail offers a great snowshoeing adventure for visitors of all skill levels. But ‘Chickadee’ isn’t just part of the trail’s name – adventurers can say hello to these friendly little birds by offering them birdseed. Keep an eye out for them, specifically the black-capped chickadee (also known as “Cheeseburger birds”), which are some of the most human-friendly birds around.
Commons Beach – Hot or cold out, don’t miss your opportunity to touch the lake at Commons Beach and relax by the water.This four-acre family-friendly beach and park located lakefront on Tahoe’s North Shore. Great for swimming, sunbathing and hosting picnics/BBQs….as well as just walking the docks and enjoying the crystal waters and mountain views.
Tahoe East Shore Trail – Once a dangerous and difficult area of the shoreline to access, the newly-paved multi-use East Shore trail hugs the shoreline and expands for nearly 3 miles down to Sand Harbor. The trail offers some of the most stunning views of the lake. Make sure to take lots of footage!
Dine
Sunnyside Reatsuarant and Lodge – Located in Tahoe City, this award-winning restaurant with an expansive dining room, serves a menu full of mouthwatering appetizers and refreshing cocktails, and boasts a stunning outside deck overlooking the West Shore. Be sure to arrive by sunset over the lake, and order up some fried zucchini to start your meal.
Jakes on the Lake in Tahoe City – A lakeside restaurant serving California cuisine and priding itself on treating guests with “mountain aloha” hospitality, this family-owned restaurant features an abundance of fresh seafood, high-quality meats, and seasonal produce. The menu is inspired by Californian & Hawaiian flavors so be sure to try their Ahi Poke Roll or Fish Tacos for a coastal feeling lunch on the lake.
West Shore Cafe & Inn in Homewood, – A next level cuisine stop with with chef-inspired menus that change with the seasons, with the opportunity to sit on the restaurant’s stunning lakefront balcony. Dedicated to sourcing their food from local and organic farms the West Shore Cafe’s menus change with the season and doesn’t disappoint. Every dish here is exceptional and unique – full of flavor. If they are still making it, be sure to order up the House Burrata with grilled seasonal fruit, lavender truffle honey and focaccia.
The Lone Eagle Grille – Enjoy sunset cocktails and light eats by the water at the Lone Eagle Grille lounge. Here you can sit outside by fire pits and and enjoy views of their private beach, while savoring a a warm craft dessert cocktail as you take in the stunning Tahoe sunset. Try the “Almond Joy” – a hot chocolate with coconut rum, amaretto and whipped cream, or the “Grounded Eagle” – Starbucks coffee with Godiva chocolate liqueur, Baileys and Grand Marnier.