Whether you’re a seasoned Lake Tahoe traveler or a total newbie, sometimes it’s nice to have a pre-made itinerary to take the guesswork out of planning! Explore forested trails and enjoy the crisp mountain air as you glide through the water in a kayak. Indulge in gourmet dishes at fun, funky and high end restaurants around the lake and unwind with a luxurious spa day. No matter what your dream vacation includes, this seven-day itinerary in North Lake Tahoe has been curated to offer you the ultimate getaway!
While each day is designed to balance relaxation with exploration, you can also mix and match our recommendations to create your own perfect seven day getaway itinerary!
Ready to make it happen? Check out our incredible portfolio of vacation rentals around North Lake Tahoe to find your perfect home base in the region! Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin, a luxurious home, a romantic retreat or a pet friendly place, we’ve got all this and more!
Day 1: Arrive and Relax
Morning:
Arrive in North Lake Tahoe and swing by Pep’s Place in Kings Beach for some incredible handheld brunch or lunch options and enjoy a quick lunch or brunch on the beach before you check into your Tahoe Signature Properties vacation rental to unpack and unwind!
Afternoon:
After you’re unpacked and ready for adventure, Kings Beach State Recreation Area is a great spot to relax by the lake, swim, or rent a kayak or paddleboard. You can also explore the little beachside community – browse shops, check out the restaurants and soak up the vibe!
Evening:
Enjoy a stunning sunset on the lake by booking a dinner cruise with the Tahoe Gal in Tahoe City! There may not be a better way to end your first day in North Lake Tahoe than by gliding through the water, enjoying Californian cuisine and the incredible views of the lake!
Day 2: Outdoor Adventures at Palisades Tahoe
Morning:
Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at Fire Sign Cafe in Tahoe City then head up to Palisades Tahoe to enjoy a fantastic aerial tram ride! With every tram ticket you’ll get free access to all the incredible activities at High Camp!
Afternoon:
After spending time on the mountain, you’ll have worked up an appetite! You’ll be amazed at the selection of restaurants and pubs at Palisades Tahoe who serve up delicious food and cold beer–perfect after a day in the sun!
Evening:
Dine at Gar Woods Grill & Pier in Carnelian Bay on Lake Tahoe’s west shore! This restaurant is one of the top restaurants in the region for a delightful lakeside dinner.
Day 3: Spa and Wellness
Morning:
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your rental before heading to Truckee to Balance Holistic Health Spa for a spa day! Here, you can choose from a variety of treatments and packages, including massages, facials, and body wraps!
Afternoon:
After you’ve been pampered, you can spend the rest of the day wandering through historic downtown Truckee where you’ll find boutiques, cafes and tons of great restaurants!
Evening:
To finish your relaxing day in North Lake Tahoe, you’ll want to have a relaxing dinner at home whether it’s home made or a delicious pizza from our favorite pizza spots! Take this time to enjoy an evening watching a movie, soaking in the hot tub or reading as the sun sets over the lake!
Day 4: Wine and Dine
Morning:
Start your day with breakfast at Wild Cherries Coffee House in Truckee where you’ll find delicious, in-house-made breakfast sandwiches, baked goods, smoothies, protein shakes and more!
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, you’ll want to visit Truckee River Winery for an outdoor patio wine tasting! As Truckee’s only winery, you’ll be able to taste some unique, cold weather varietals and enjoy the summertime patio vibes! Then head to Alibi Ale Works to enjoy a great menu and a local beer! If you’re looking to go really local, Donner Creek Brewing in Tahoe Donner is a great place to go for pico brews and laid back atmosphere!
Evening:
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for a fun night at Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats, known for its live music and creative menu!
Day 5: Scenic Drives and Exploring
Morning:
After a day of libations, there’s only one place to go for breakfast: the Old Post Office Cafe in Carnelian Bay. Here you’ll find a huge array of breakfast options including the always popular Hangover Helper – a great way to make sure you’re fueled up for a day of exploring!
Afternoon:
Pack a picnic lunch, get your Spotify list queued up, make sure the battery is full or fill up the gas tank and get ready for an epic road trip around this stunning lake! A drive around Lake Tahoe without stopping, will take around three hours but while you’re on your journey, you’ll want to stop along the way so it’s best to plan for a full afternoon and evening! Make sure to stop at sites like Sand Harbor, Inspiration Point, visit the Vikingsholm Castle in Emerald Bay, explore South Lake Tahoe and then drive up to Incline Village and admire the views! For audio driving tours around the lake, click here!
Evening:
Return to North Lake Tahoe and grab a fun, laid back dinner at Jax on the Tracks in Truckee before heading back for a relaxing night and great sleep!
Day 6: Active Adventures
Morning:
Have a cup of coffee and light breakfast at the vacation rental, pack snacks for a day out on the trail and get up to Northstar for a morning of mountain biking or hiking! Or if you prefer, you can head to one of the many golf courses in the region for an incredible day on the green!
Afternoon:
If you’ve chosen to head to Northstar, head to Northstar Village to explore the shops and grab a delicious lunch! If you’re playing a round of golf, you can find incredible lunches and refreshments at the golf course club houses.
Evening:
For your last evening in North Lake Tahoe, you’ll want to indulge in a gourmet dinner at Petra Wine Bar, featuring a curated selection of wines and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Day 7: Departure
Morning:
Enjoy a final breakfast at your rental, and ensure that you’ve collected all your belongings. If time permits, you can head to downtown Truckee and perhaps visit the Old Jail Museum, grab a coffee and baked good for the road!
