Five Ways to Elevate Your Summer in North Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe's 5 Best Summer Adventures

08.23.2018

1) Best Day Hikes in the State

North Lake Tahoe has some of California’s best day hikes. The Five Lakes Trail rises to 7,400 feet in the Granite Chief Wilderness and connects to a series of lakes. Or opt for Shirley Canyon Falls, hiking alongside waterfalls and granite boulders while soaking in views of Squaw Valley (Pro Tip: The trail starts at the base of Squaw Valley, but post-hike you can take the tram down at no cost—ticket is free for going down only!). And don’t miss the panoramas from the summit of Mount Judah. We could go on … See more top hikes in North Lake Tahoe.

2) End It with Beer!

Beer just tastes a little bit better after getting outdoors. The Lake Tahoe Ale Trail interactive map connects your hikes, bike rides, and beach hops to craft breweries and other hotspots for grabbing a beer and a bite. Hover over the beer icons for detailed itineraries, like the easy 11-mile Squaw Valley to Tahoe City Loop alongside the Truckee River with an Ale Trail stop at Rocker@Squaw. See other Ale Trail adventure itineraries.

3) Paddle the Best of Big Blue

Lake Tahoe has a big shoreline: 72 miles of it! And the north side has some excellent access points—from Kings Beach to Tahoe City—where sandy beaches and rocky inlets make great spots for kayakers, paddleboarders, and non-motorized watercraft. The Lake Tahoe Water Trail guide shows you the best places to get out on the lake and paddle the crystal waters, pulling up for beach breaks in quiet coves and more.

4) Sundowners

Where do you like to watch a sunset? North Lake Tahoe has all the options. Dip your toes in the sand and kick back on the beach with live music and a glass of wine. Relax by a fire pit with a cocktail. Have dinner on a lakeside patio, or watch a show on the shoreline. Find the best places to take in North Lake Tahoe’s sunsets.

5) Festivals!

From outdoor summer movies at Squaw Valley to Concerts at Commons Beach, there’s always something going on in North Lake Tahoe. One of the biggest events of the year, the Autumn Food & Wine Festival is happening September 7 – 9. See the events and festivals in North Lake Tahoe.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Napa Valley Paddle kayaker and paddle boarder on the Napa Valley river

    Napa's Wild Side

    It’s wine country’s Amazon. The gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle sets you up for maximum enjoyment of this experience.

    View

  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View

  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Hike Mount Tamalpais into Muir Woods

    Muir Woods Through the Backdoor

    A backdoor entrance into Muir Woods? Hike a tranquil trail that starts in Mount Tamalpais State Park and quietly leads into Muir Woods, letting you avoid the busyness of the main parking area.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View

  2. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View
  4. Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin

    Lookout for This View!

    Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!

    View