Editor’s Note: Only locations accessible by boats this summer are featured.
Each of Lake Tahoe’s shores has a special charm, but cruising down the West Shore affords viewpoints of some of Tahoe’s most iconic sights – Eagle Rock, Vikingsholm Castle, Ehrman Mansion, the Rubicon Lighthouse and Fleur de Lac (where scenes from “Godfather II” were filmed).
The West Shore is also home to several spots to grab a quick lunch and three of the best fine dining restaurants on Lake Tahoe.
Sunnyside
Dock | A short boat ride south of Tahoe City is Sunnyside Resort, a fixture on the lake since the 1950s.
Guests by boat are welcome with guest buoys with a valet service for those dining at Sunnyside. Other boaters may pull up to the pier on a first-come, first-served basis for short time periods.
Dine | Some of the Sunnyside’s local favorites are the fried zucchini sticks, fish tacos and the shrimp martini. Reservations are recommended for lunch and dinner.
If you’re looking for a quick lunch, tie up and walk over to West Shore Market, next to Sunnyside, with gourmet sandwiches, gelato and espresso drinks. Peruse the market for curated snack selections you might not find anywhere else.
Homewood
West Shore Cafe | Heading south, West Shore Cafe in McKinney Bay offers elegant lakeside dining and can be spotted by the distinctive sienna-colored umbrellas on the patio and pier. The restaurant offers buoys for its customers with complimentary boat valet services. Reservations are recommended for lunch and dinner.
The menu features fresh, seasonal selections and I encourage you to try some of their craft cocktails.
Obexer’s | Just south of West Shore Café is the historic Obexer’s Marina, which traces its start back to 1911. You can dock on the outer wall on a first-come, first-served basis and head inside to Obexer’s Market for deli sandwiches and espresso drinks.
Chamber’s Landing | Chamber’s Landing at the south end of McKinney Bay is the oldest bar on Lake Tahoe, serving a selection of burgers, sandwiches and an assortment of salads, all on the pier sitting over Lake Tahoe.
The grill is a favorite destination for boaters, and you’ll have to pull up and stay a while to try the renowned Chamber’s Punch, which packs a wallop. A boat valet is available.
TIPS
- Avoid peak times at lunch & dinner.
- Make reservations for sit-down meals.
- Check boat valet & buoy hours in advance.
- Tip your boat valet & dock attendants.
- Always have a designated boat driver.
- Piers with gates are private.
Read our Bar Hopping by Boat feature at TheTahoeWeekly.com
