33 Best Things to Do in North Lake Tahoe in Each Season in 2024

Sand Harbor State Park

I’ll start with this spot since Sand Harbor State Park is one of the best things to do in North Lake Tahoe. It’s a paradise for people who love water activities and is one of the prettiest parts of Lake Tahoe!

Sand Harbor has coves, white sand beaches, emerald waters, and majestic boulders. (These natural rock formations are perfect for Instagram photos if you’re looking for good photography backgrounds!)

Open from 8am to an hour after sunset, it costs $10 (or $15 for non-NV vehicles) to enter.

Warm Weather at Sand Harbor State Park

Come summertime, the clear water allows swimmers, paddleboarders, scuba divers, kayakers, boaters, and jet skiers to enjoy the lake to the fullest. There are many rental facilities available for all these lake activities, including one located directly at Sand Harbor: Clearly Tahoe Rentals.

Cold Weather at Sand Harbor State Park

Come wintertime, there are also horse-drawn sleigh rides that leave from the Sand Harbor Visitor’s Center when there is snow on the ground. These 1-hour private sleigh rides are available from Friday through Monday from 10am-4pm when there is snow on the ground. They cost $50 per adult and $20 per child ages 2-10. See if they’re operating when you visit and book a reservation here!

All Year Round at Sand Harbor State Park

Something that you can do all year round is exploring this park. If you just want to walk around Sand Harbor, you can walk on the boardwalk, on the sandy beaches, or hop from boulder to boulder (our favorite!). You can also walk to Memorial Point on a short .5-mile trail.

Though kayak and paddleboard rentals through Clearly Tahoe are only available in late spring and summer, if you happen to have your own (and might I recommend a wetsuit in case you lose your balance?), then bring it! Sand Harbor is a year-round destination for paddleboarding.

As you can see, both kids and kids at heart will enjoy this part of North Lake Tahoe!

Conquer the Summit of Mount Rose

The Mount Rose Trail near Incline Village-Crystal Bay, Nevada, is another challenging trek. This 10.7 mile loop trail lies in the gorgeous Mount Rose Wilderness.

On the journey to the summit, the trailhead begins on the north side of Tamarack Peak on Tahoe Rim Trail. The best time to hike is between May and October. Dogs are also welcome off-leash. It takes an average of 5 hours to complete the route. 

You can see the lake, waterfalls, and mountain ranges at the summit. So make sure you bring your camera and plenty of water to have the best hiking experience possible.

If you’re looking for a shorter hike, many people cut it short by only hiking to the waterfall about 2.5 miles up the trail.

Hiking, horseback riding, and snowshoeing are also common here. It’s accessible in winter as long as the roads are open, but be sure to have the right gear with you! Learn more about this trail here.

Monkey Rock Hike

Monkey Rock is one of the main attractions of Lake Tahoe. It offers a breathtaking view of the lake and is also a popular hiking trail among hikers of all ages. It only takes an average of one hour to complete this there-and-back hike. 

First, follow the paved road uphill near the Tunnel Creek Cafe. Follow the paved road until the trail turns into dirt.

There’s a very steep uphill hike before you reach the top of Monkey Rock Hike. Once you’re at the top, take a look at the granite boulders around you and find one that resembles a monkey! (Hence the name Monkey Rock.)

When there’s snow on the ground, I recommend wearing crampons since things can get really slippery on the steep incline portion of this hike!

We did this hike on our babymoon when I was 6 months pregnant and there was barely any snow on the ground. It was challenging but totally doable! And at that point we just wore our regular hiking shoes.

Go On a Scenic Cruise

Hop on a boat tour around North Lake Tahoe to see landscapes that are not visible from land. Bring your camera to capture the beauty of the majestic mountains behind glistening waters. 

From June to October, Tahoe Gal offers daily cruises like their Lunch Cruise to Emerald Bay, Happy Hour Cruise, Shoreline Brunch Cruise, and Sunset Dinner Cruise. Cruise pricing starts at around $60 per adult.

Depending on which cruise you take, you’ll get to see isolated coves, enjoy tasty food and drinks, and/or get to see the fading sun dipping into the horizon. Any of those options sound great to me!

Go Fishing

Did you know that because it’s so deep (with 1,645 feet at it’s deepest point, it’s the second deepest lake in the US!), Lake Tahoe never freezes? That makes it a year-round fishing destination.

Spend the day immersed in nature. North Lake Tahoe’s vibrant blue waters are home to many fish, making it ideal for anglers of all skill levels. But the fish that Lake Tahoe is most known for is mackinaw (aka Lake Trout). Your best bet to catch mackinaw, other trout, and kokanee salmon is during late spring and summer, but each season offers different fishing options.

You can fish from shore, kayak, or boat, though fishing charters are your best bet in colder weather. So grab your tackle box, and head out on the lake. If you’re lucky, you might snag the catch of a lifetime! And don’t forget that fishing is also available in the Truckee River.

If you’d prefer to join a fishing charter, they’re excellent at bringing you to the right spots for fishing. Here are a few options:

• Reel-Lentless Fishing Charters
• Hooked Up Sport Fishing
• Mickey’s Big Mack Charters

Here’s what you’ll find in Lake Tahoe in each season:

Spring Fishing

As the water warms following the winter, you’ll see larger mackinaw, brown trout, and rainbow trout move toward shallower waters. You can head to deeper waters for school-sized mackinaw as well. Learn more about spring fishing here.

Summer Fishing

With a warmer surface temperature, school-sized and larger mackinaw and other trout species are often in deeper water, which means fishing for these from a boat is your best bet. There’s usually an abundance of mackinaw, rainbow and brown trout (though you’ll usually only catch brown trout at dusk). Additionally, summer brings forth Kokanee salmon season, which is from July to October.

You’ll also find large and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegills, and more. Learn more about summertime fishing in Lake Tahoe here.

Fall Fishing

With cooler temperatures, a lot of fish swim closer to the surface. Rainbow trout move to shallow waters and while mackinaw do as well, they’re still often found in deeper waters. While you can hook a rainbow trout from shore, your chances are much higher from out on the water. Learn more about fall fishing here.

Winter Fishing

You’ll find school-size mackinaw in deeper waters. Though they’re less common, you may also reel in rainbow trout, brown trout and kokanee salmon. Since it can be brutally cold fishing on the lake in the winter, your best bet is to join a charter. These often have heated cabins to keep you warm! Learn more about winter fishing here.

Get a Spa Treatment

If you’re looking to be pampered, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment or massage in North Lake Tahoe. Two of the best destinations for this are the Ritz-Carlton Spa and the Stillwater Spa at the Hyatt Regency.

While staying at the Hyatt Regency, my husband and I both did a sensory deprivation experience in their float tank called “The Pearl.” You literally float in a tub of water and Epsom salt. Not only is it insanely relaxing, but it’s supposed to have healing benefits such as boosted immunity, pain reduction, stress relief, and more. It felt so good on my pregnant body!

At the Ritz, consider their Lake Tahoe Stone Massage (yes, with stones from the lake!) or their Deep Muscle Massage to soothe your aching body after a day on the slopes. Whatever treatment you choose, be sure to follow it with their eucalyptus steam room and their heated outdoor lap pool!

Mountain Biking

Take your vacation to another level with a thrilling bike ride on one of Tahoe’s most popular bike trails: the Kings Beach Superloop Mountain Bike Trail. It makes a big loop from King’s Beach and adds an out-and-back portion of the Tahoe Rim Trail. 

Enjoy biking at your own pace over the bumpy and scenic terrain. You’ll get to see Lake Tahoe, snow-capped mountains, and lush pine trees from this trail.

Winter Mountain Biking

Expert mountain bikers can try their hand at this activity when there’s snow on the ground, but please be careful!

Take a Dramatic and Scenic Lake Tahoe Drive

Enjoy the most beautiful views while driving around North Lake Tahoe. Highway 28 or 89 along the lakefront are crowd favorites.

Go in the morning or on days other than weekends to avoid crowds. Spend as much time as you want at your favorite stops. All 72 miles of the drive around the lake offer gorgeous views!

Horseback Riding with Alpine Meadows

Located about a 30 minute drive away from Incline Village, you’ll find a family-operated family-friendly horseback riding company. Alpine Meadows Stables has been around since 1967 and they offer a variety of horseback riding tours through Tahoe National Forest.

Alpine Meadows Stables offers rides daily from Memorial Day Weekend through mid-October.

Horseback riding prices start at $50 per person and go up to $190 for a half-day ride. Pony rides for littles are just $10. Check out your options here then call them to make your reservation.

Ski at One of Eleven North Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts

One of the best things to do in North Lake Tahoe in the winter is skiing! From mid-November to mid-to-late April you can gear up for a winter adventure.

North Lake Tahoe is home to the world-renowned Palisades Tahoe ski resort. Formerly known as Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, it’s also where the famous 1960 Olympic Winter Games took place. The wide powdery slopes, terrain, and modern ski lifts make it suitable for all ski levels. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, this winter dreamland is second to none. Check out hours and pricing here!

Other large ski resorts in North Lake Tahoe include Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, Diamond Peak Ski Resort, and Northstar Ski Resort.

Smaller ski resorts include Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort, Sugar Bowl Resort, Homewood Mountain Resort, Boreal, Donner Ski Ranch, Granlibakken Tahoe Ski Area, and Soda Springs Snow Park.

Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing

During the winter, North Lake Tahoe is famous for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The trails are in good condition, offering a safe and enjoyable experience for all levels.

You can ski at Royal Gorge, North America’s largest cross-country skiing area. Many places here let you rent snowshoes and skis. They also give tips, offer tours, and provide maps.

And if you want to go snoeshoeing with a guide, Tahoe Adventure Company is a great company for just that.

Stay at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa, and Casino

If you’re visiting from out of town or are looking for a staycation, book a room and enjoy the amenities of the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. We absolutely love staying here!

It’s also the most convenient resort if you’re flying into Reno-Tahoe International Airport- just about an hour away. Since Southwest flies into Reno-Tahoe and it’s our favorite airline, it just makes sense for us. (In fact, you can check out our favorite Southwest destinations here!)

This 422-room resort lies along the Sierra Nevada mountains and offers a fantastic view of Lake Tahoe. They provide delicious food, private waterfront cottages, and complete amenities. They are also known for their cozy and luxurious rooms and cabin options. During warm weather, you can hike and bike on miles of trails. Thrill-seekers can enjoy skis and snowboarding during the winter season. 

You can swim in the winter in their heated lagoon-style pool. It was one of my favorite things to do after a long day of hiking!

The resort is pet friendly, so you can even bring your furbabies and take them on hikes. And while it’s right by the beach, it does take a short 5-minute walk to get from the main hotel to the private beach.

Along the way, you’ll see several firepits where you can roast marshmallows. You get a welcome kit with s’mores ingredients and can buy more at the hotel shop.

Once you’re at the beach, there are several Adirondack chairs and a long dock along its pretty sands.

The hotel offers on-site activities like archery- we did this and had a lot of fun working on our aim!

It’s also walking distance from several restaurants/cafes, like Austin’s Restaurant (which I highly recommend!).

They will begin renovating on April 1, 2024. Lake access and activities will be unavailable during the renovation, so check them out and experience the place before they start or once they’re finished. I can’t wait to see it when it’s done!

You can book your stay at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe here!

Hit the Links at the Incline Village Golf Courses

Come mid-spring, summer, and even the beginning of fall, Lake Tahoe is a golfer’s paradise- there are 43 golf courses within an hour’s drive!

Though I’m not a golfer, the course that was recommended to my husband is at Incline Village. Probably because you can enjoy incredible Lake Tahoe views while playing one of the Incline Village golf courses! It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro or still a beginner- Incline Village offers courses that fit any skill level, budget, or time frame.

Pack your clubs and make your way to Incline Village! They have a Championship Course, a Mountain Course, and a Golf Academy.

Golfing in Lake Tahoe in the Winter

While the golf courses close usually sometime in October and don’t reopen until the spring, you can do Virtual Golf at the Championship Golf Shop! Rates for the simulator are charged by the hour per person and a max of four people can play. If just one person is playing, 9 holes typically lasts a half hour.

Explore North Lake Tahoe’s Coves

There are so many gorgeous coves around Lake Tahoe. In the summertime, you can explore them via kayak or even stand up paddleboard. And all year round, a drive along the lake allows you to stop off at several of these Tahoe gems. You can also find a lot of coves via the Tahoe East Shore Trail (more about that later!).

Our favorite cove in North Lake Tahoe offers my favorite views of all! It’s labeled as “Emerald Cove” on Google Maps with the coordinates 39.205009, -119.930499.

You can park on the side of the road and hike to the top of the rocks or take the wooden staircase down to the beach.

The Granlibakken Resort

This resort, located on the northwestern side of Lake Tahoe, is nestled within 74 acres on the mountain. It’s a family-owned private retreat with rustic (yet modern) lodging. While you can choose to lodge here, visitors can also enjoy their day spa, tree top adventure course, restaurants, and ski/sledding areas.

Cold Weather at the Granlibakken

Though it’s one of North Lake Tahoe’s smaller ski resorts, the Granlibakken’s ski area dates back almost 100 years. It’s also known as “Olympic Hill,” and has a history of ski jumpers coming here to break records. It officially became the Granlibakken in the 1940’s. Now, they let you tube, sled, and ski the day away.  

While the sledding hill is open 7-days a week, skiing and snowboarding are only available from Friday to Monday. Check out activities and pricing here and get your adrenaline going with this popular winter destination! It’s a very family-friendly place and you can book lessons here for all ages.

Warm Weather at the Granlibakken

Summertime at the resort looks quite a bit different. The best way to enjoy their summertime amenities (besides the spa and Treetop Adventure Park) is if you’re staying at the resort. You’ll have access their private nature trail, get to relax in their meditation garden, swim in their pool, and more. You can book your stay at the Granlibakken here!

Kayaking in North Lake Tahoe

Kayaking is always a crowd favorite when experiencing the best lake in America. On the lake’s 72-mile shoreline you’ll find 20 public launch sites like Sand Harbor and Kings Beach.

Kayak rentals are pretty much everywhere, so it’s easy. Discover secret beaches and rocky coves while working your core and upper body.

And if you’d rather join a kayak tour, they leave from several points around North Lake Tahoe. Tahoe Adventure Company even offers a sunset or full-moon kayak tour for added intrigue!

Where can you rent kayaks in North Lake Tahoe in the winter?

The majority of kayak and SUP rental places close in late fall, but there’s one spot that remains open: Waterman’s Landing. It’s a coffee shop that also rents out watercrafts, weather-permitting. Keep in mind that they’ll only rent them out if you have experience and know how to swim, it’s warm enough outside, and if the water is expected to remain calm.

Are there kayak tours in North Lake Tahoe in the winter?

Yes, kayak tours are available in the winter, too! Be sure to bundle up!

Clearly Tahoe offers a winter glass-bottom kayak excursion from December through March. And with a clear-bottom kayak, you get a unique perspective of the lake in addition to a cool view of its surroundings.

Stand Up Paddleboarding in North Lake Tahoe

This is one of the best things to do in North Lake Tahoe to experience the lake!

Since calm waters are ideal for SUP, you’ll want to aim for the morning, early afternoon, or at sunset, unless it’s a particularly calm day. As a general rule of thumb, the lake is windiest and waviest from 2-6pm.

There are a ton of places where you can rent paddleboards around North Lake Tahoe, so I recommend googling it to see which location is closest to you! If you’re staying at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, AWS Incline is just down the road and reserves their watercrafts specifically for hotel guests.

Can you stand-up paddleboard on Lake Tahoe in the winter?

It’s definitely a warm-weather activity, especially since the waters here are cold even in the summer! As a result, rental shops close in late-fall and don’t reopen until mid-spring.

However, if you’re visiting on a particularly mild day in the winter, you might be able to rent a paddleboard from Waterman’s Landing, like I mentioned in the kayak section.

Northstar California

Come enjoy this world-class ski resort nestled among the forests of Martis Valley. Whether you stay at the resort or simply visit to participate in its activities, you can choose to relax and recharge or have an outdoor adventure.

Cold Weather at Northstar Resort

During the winter months, you can hit the slopes for a day of skiing and snowboarding here. Take the area’s stunning views and challenge yourself with new ski trails.

They also have an ice skating rink open in the winter from 2-8pm, weather permitting. It’s free to skate, and if you don’t have skates, you can rent them for $21.

Warm Weather at Northstar Resort

You can also experience disc golf courses, zip lines, and much more during the summer months. If you choose to lodge at Northstar, you can easily book your stay here!

Magic Carpet Mini Golf

Test your skill at this fun mini golf course full of creative surprises at each hole! 

As you work through the 18-hole course, Magic Carpet Mini Golf challenges you with obstacles like flying carpets, friendly dragons, and hole-in-one challenges.

Magic Carpet Mini Golf is a perfect place for your family to have fun and test your skills. See who can get the lowest score!

It’s open from April to October.

Dine in North Lake Tahoe

Lone Eagle Grille in Incline Village provides you with a memorable dining experience. They offer a truly enchanting backdrop of Lake Tahoe while you dine- you can kind of see it in the photo I took above. Their oversized windows and cozy wooden interior will make you feel warm and right at home!

Enjoy their Niman Ranch steak and fresh seafood menu. They also serve vegan food and offer a collection of fine wines to warm you up. While their menu is seasonal, their signature Baked Tahoe dessert is available year-round and is a must!

And with the wide variety of restaurants in North Lake Tahoe, you can easily try something new each time you dine! North Lake Tahoe has plenty of options to explore, from fine dining to casual eateries. For more great lunch and dinner options, here are some suggestions:

• Incline Village’s Big Water Grille
• Incline Village’s Austin’s Restaurant and Bar
• Northstar California’s Zephyr Lodge
• The Resort at Squaw Creek’s Six Peaks Grille
• Tahoe City’s Jake’s On The Lake
• Alpine Meadow’s River Ranch Lodge
• Palisades Tahoe’s Terrace Restaurant & Bar
• Tahoe Vista’s Old Range Steakhouse
• Kings Beach’s Soule Domain

Grab Breakfast and Coffee in North Lake Tahoe

Once again, there is no shortage of dining options here! But, if you’re looking for a great breakfast or coffeeshop, here’s a round up of the region’s most delicious options:

• Carnelian Bay’s Old Post Office Café
• Carnelian Bay’s Waterman’s Landing
• Tahoe City’s Fire Sign Café
• Olympic Valley’s Coffeebar
• Tahoe Vista’s Pep’s Place
• King Beach’s JavaHut
• The Hyatt Regency’s Sierra Café (breakfast pictured above)

North Tahoe Regional Park

The 123-acre North Tahoe Regional Park is great for the whole family. Littles will love its two playgrounds with slides and swings. And in addition to its disc golf course, tennis courts, and ball fields, you can hike or mountain bike on its trails all year-round.

Winter at North Tahoe Regional Park

Come wintertime, the North Tahoe Regional Park actually has a snowmobile course, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails, and a sledding hill.

See Tahoe from the Sky

While most floatplane and helicopter tours (like this one!) depart from South Lake Tahoe, there’s one company that’ll take to the sky in North Lake Tahoe. It’s Fly Truckee Tahoe and you can contact them to reserve a scenic tour. Contact them at 970-376-5620 for more information!

Charter a Boat

If you’d prefer to rent a boat instead of joining a boat tour, you definitely can! Most boat rentals open up in May.

Here are a couple of places that offer just that:

• North Lake Tahoe Boat Rental offers boat rentals starting at $699 for a half-day rental. They have incredible reviews, too!
• Full Throttle Boats boat rentals start at $425 an hour. Looking for something more adventurous? They also do waverunner rentals for $180 an hour.
• North Tahoe Watersports offers not only fun activities like parasailing but boat rentals, too. Half day pricing starts at $900, and jet skis start at $200 an hour.

Indulge in Luxury at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Located mid-mountain at 6,941 ft elevation, the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe is a dream resort for skiers looking for luxury. It offers ski-in ski-out access to Northstar California. And after a day on the slopes, wind down and relax in their incredible spa or heated pool (or do both!). You can also dine in their California-inspired restaurants with views of the Martis Valley before retiring to your room. You can book your stay here!

Bonus: take a ride on the Highlands Gondola that connects the Village at Northstar to the Ritz-Carlton. It’s free for pedestrians to use!

Go Rafting Down the Truckee River

From around June 1st until the beginning of August, you can do a five-mile river float trip with Truckee River Raft Company. On this 2-3 hour journey, you’ll get to do a leisurely, self-guided float down the Truckee River.

As you paddle down the river, you can choose to stop and relax in a swimming hole, pack a picnic to enjoy on a sandbar, or simply sit back and relax as you float along. Your float will start in Tahoe City and end at the River Ranch Lodge patio (another great lunch option if you didn’t pack a picnic!).

Pricing is around $60 for adults and $40 for kids, see more details here!

Kings Beach State Recreation Area

Kings Beach State Recreation Area is home to the largest beach open to the public on Tahoe’s North Shore of Lake Tahoe. Since the waters close to shore gradually deepen, it has some of the warmest swimming waters on the lake!

You can easily spend a good chunk of your day here since the beach is right next to shops and restaurants like The Grid, Whitecaps Pizza, and Jason’s Beachside Grille.

It’s free to be at the park but you have to pay anywhere from $3 to $10 per vehicle for parking.

Shop in North Lake Tahoe

There are a lot of different shopping centers among the small towns in North Lake Tahoe that are worth visiting! You’ll be able to find unique items and souvenirs in addition to any gear your need.

Since shopping takes you indoors for the most part, this is one of the best things to do in North Lake Tahoe in the winter or if it rains.

One of the coolest shopping areas in North Lake Tahoe to me is the Village at Northstar. You’ll find boutique stores, restaurants, and even a movie theater in this little hamlet.

Handmade at the Lake is the cutest shop in Incline Village to get handmade goods made right in Lake Tahoe.

Some more stores in North Lake Tahoe that are worth checking out include Tipsy Gypsy, Dorinda’s Chocolates (yum!), Lather & Fizz Bath Boutique, Gallery Keoki, The Robin’s Nest, and Panache.

Try Your Luck at the Grand Lodge Casino

Located at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, this 20,000 square foot casino offers world-class gaming. If you’re staying on the northwestern side of the lake, then the Crystal Bay Club Casino will most likely be closer to you.

Enjoy the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

Each year from July to August, you can catch a live performance at Sand Harbor. They’re performed seven nights a week, and tickets usually start at $15.

Imagine watching world-class entertainment under the Tahoe sky with the lake in the background… that sounds pretty spectacular if you ask me!

And though it’s called the Shakespeare Festival, their play isn’t always Shakespeare… in 2023 it’s The Little Shop of Horrors. See their dates for this summer and get tickets here!

Bike the Tahoe East Shore Trail

Stretching along the northeastern shore of Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe East Shore Trail is known to be “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway.” Whether you want to bike the trail in one go or make a day of it by stopping to explore the coves and trails along the way, this is one of the best things to do in North Lake Tahoe. The 3-mile paved trail has one end in Incline Village south and the other at Sand Harbor State Park.

In the drone shot we got above, you can see where the trail crosses over the main highway to start following the water at Hidden Beach. (Check out what else is in our camera bag here!)

Not into biking? You can definitely walk this trail, too!

Explore Thunderbird Lodge Estate

I had no idea before visiting Lake Tahoe, but Tahoe is home to some famous historic mansions! Thunderbird Lodge Estate is one that you can visit in North Lake Tahoe. On Tuesday and Friday mornings starting in May, you can join a guided tour that departs from the Incline Village Visitor’s Center. You’ll get to explore the allure of the mysterious historic Thunderbird Lodge and Whittell Estate grounds. Captain Whittell’s famous mansion even has secret tunnels to explore! Reservations are required and tickets cost $75 per person; guests must be at least 6 years old.

Get a New Vantage Point at Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park

From April until the beginning of September you can glide from the treetops on a zipline or do an aerial trek through the forest. This adventure is great for both adults and kids ages 6 and up. They’ve got three locations in North Lake Tahoe: Tahoe City, Tahoe Vista, and Olympic Valley. Tickets start at $59; check out pricing and hours here.