Most kids are back in school at this point in August and the hurly-burly of summer activity slows considerably. Beaches aren’t as packed, traffic isn’t as bad and many warm days are still ahead to enjoy.
It’s a great time to enjoy Tahoe’s many sights, the views and the good eats around Lake Tahoe. I usually do a complete tour of the lake at least once a year when friends or family are visiting, especially for first-time visitors who are gobsmacked by the beauty and majesty of Lake Tahoe. Here are my top picks for a tour around Tahoe. You can visit the highlights in a day or fully enjoy Tahoe by biting off a little each day of your vacation.
In this part, I’ll share my picks for the West and South Shores. You can find my “Ultimate Tahoe Family Summer Bucket List” at YourTahoeGuide.com/bucket-list to enjoy many more adventures in Tahoe.
West Shore
I recommend hitting the West Shore spots at the start of the day to avoid the traffic, which is always worse in the afternoon and persists year-round now. I always begin with a stop at one of my favorite coffee shops – Tahoe House Bakery. They open at 6 a.m. and you can pick uppastries, fresh-made bread and grab your lunch for the day.
Eagle Rock | Head south on Highway 89 and look for a small parking area on the right (mountainside) for a short and rewarding climb up Eagle Rock. The trail is .7 miles and is an easy-to-moderate stroll. It is steep, so hiking poles may be useful, but it’s fine for small kids. The top is rocky but the panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and Blackwood Canyon are worth the stop.
Sugar Pine Point | Sugar Pine Point State Park is one of the many local gems with a long shoreline for sunbathing, a paved nature trail or follow the paved path down to the pier and historic buildings including General Phipps’ Cabin built in 1860. Tours of the historic Ehrman Mansion, built in 1903, are available in the summer. Kids will enjoy checking out a replica of a traditional galis dungal, or Washo winter home, on the grounds (one of the many replicas in the region).
Emerald Bay, Fannette Island & Eagle Falls | Continue on to Emerald Bay where it can get busy quickly. Be sure to park in one of the designated parking lots at the top of Vikingsholm Castle or at Eagle Falls and take the walkways for views of Emerald Bay, Eagle Falls (lower falls are on the lakeside with the upper falls on the mountainside) and Fannette Island. Don’t park on the roadway, it’s a rock fall area and avalanche zone in the winter. You will be ticketed, towed and your car may be damaged.
Vikingsholm Castle | If you’re up for a walk down to the beach, follow the 1-mile trail from the Vikingsholm Castle parking lot to enjoy the magnificent Scandinavian-style mansion built in 1929. Tours are offered in the summer. If you need ADA access, there is an option to drive down to the castle by calling (530) 525-9529. Note: The trail is steep coming back from the beach and there is no shade, so plan accordingly.
South Shore
As you round Emerald Bay, you’ll come to scenic Inspiration Point. If there’s room you can stop to enjoy a view of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island from the south.
As you continue, you’ll drive over a narrow ridge with jaw-dropping views that passengers can enjoy. You’ll then encounter a series of sharp switchbacks as you descend and you’ll catch quick glimpses of the private Cascade Lake and Cascade Falls on the northwest side on the cliff above the lake.
Taylor Creek | Once you descend past the burn scars of the 2007 Angora Fire, you’ll be treated to a forest of Aspen trees (one of the finest displays of color in the fall) and I recommend stopping at Taylor Creek Visitor Center.
There are several short trails for the entire family to enjoy and you can pick up a Junior Ranger activity book for kids. Be sure to explore the half-mile Rainbow Trail that leads to the Stream Profile Chamber with an underground view of Taylor Creek thanks to a glass viewing area.
Tallac | Not far from Taylor Creek is Tallac, where you can spend the entire day exploring the grounds of the former Pope and Baldwin Estates, the grand hall at Valhalla Tahoe, a show at the restored Boathouse Theatre and lounging on the beach. In the summer, there are also historic performances, events, tours, a working blacksmith and more.
By this time, you should be famished and if you didn’t grab lunch at Tahoe House, I recommend dining at one of the lakefront restaurants on the South Shore. The Grove at Camp Richardson is located next to Tallac or opt for Riva Grill at Ski Run Marina or The Boathouse with dining on the pier at Tahoe Beach Retreat, both are located on Highway 50.
While you’re driving along the South Shore, you can enjoy spectacular views at Lakeview Commons beach with free summer concerts on Thursdays.
Lake Tahoe History Museum | Located near Lakeview Commons is the Lake Tahoe History Museum featuring a historic log cabin and you can pick up historic walking tour guides for locations around the South Shore.
Heavenly Gondola | For one of the best views of Lake Tahoe that doesn’t require a steep hike up a mountain, head to the Village at Heavenly and purchase a ticket for the Heavenly Gondola. Be sure to stop at the mid-mountain station for more amazing views and at the top there’s a number of activities to enjoy including zip lines, a mountain coaster, hiking trails and more.
Kat’s Picks for Good Eats
WEST SHORE
- Coffee | Tahoe House, West Shore Market
- Lunch | Fire Sign Cafe, Cult Burger
- Dinner | Shadyside Lounge
- Lakeside Eats | Sunnyside, Chamber’s Landing
- Tasty Treats | Where We Met Gelato
SOUTH SHORE
- Coffee | Cuppa Tahoe, Drink Coffee Do Stuff
- Lunch | Sprouts Cafe, Freshies Ohana, Artemis
- Dinner | Scusa’s, Cold Water Brewery
- Lakeside Eats | Riva Grill, The Grove, The Boathouse
- Tasty Treats | Champagne & Chocolate
Read Part II in the next edition with spots to explore on the East and North Shores.
Note: Tahoe Guide uses the spelling Washo as requested by tribal officials instead of the spelling used in their federal tribal designation.
