Although Lake Tahoe is well known as a winter destination, summer in Lake Tahoe is filled to the brim with natural beauty and fun activities for the whole family. To save you time deciding which of these fabulous Lake Tahoe attractions to see, here is an itinerary of the most popular and fun things to do on a four-day North Lake Tahoe summer journey.
Day 1: Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
With colorful vistas and over 300 sunny days per year, a bike trail tour through a beautiful state park will be good for your physical and mental health! If you’re not up for physical activity you can rent an electric bike and ride to Sand Harbor and other sightseeing areas of the park. Are you a mountain biker? Hop on one of the chairlifts at a local ski resort and ride back down!
If you’re a museum lover or history buff, the Nevada State Museum awaits you a short drive away across the Lincoln Highway and up I-580 to Carson City. Dedicated to the history and culture of Nevada, you will learn about local flora and fauna, the geological history of the area and the people and cultures throughout time.
Dining: Drive back toward Lake Tahoe and see King’s Canyon Waterfall in the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest for a picnic dinner or a peaceful rest stop.
Day 2: King’s Beach and Crystal Bay
After all the activity from the day before, you may just want to take it easy. Play some golf at Old Brockway Golf Course, or just sit on the beach at the Kings Beach State Recreation Area. You can also take a lake cruise in an old-fashioned paddle wheeler or sailboat.
But if you’re in the mood for a bit more adventure you can try to hang gliding or rent a canoe and hit the lake. Been there did that? Then try to stand up paddleboarding or parasailing, or even rent a boat from Tahoe Wakebusters and go your own way!
To the east of King’s Beach, Crystal Bay waits for you. The Incline Village, which is a pass to all the activities in town, is a short drive east of the lake. Play tennis, golf and water sports, hike/bike a mountain trail or check out a skate park in town. If you’re here in July and August and love the culture, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is a must-see!
Dining: After you’re done, try one of the 30+ King’s Beach restaurants, many of which are right on Lake Tahoe. Did you bring the dog? Many of the restaurants on the lake welcome them! And remember that Fridays are Music on the Beach nights at King’s Beach.
Day 3: Truckee
You have paddle boarded, golfed, cruised, kayaked, hiked, biked, and eaten your way through north Lake Tahoe so far. What’s left? Horseback riding at Truckeefor one thing! Hire a guide for your group or join a regular tour—either way, you will see some of the best nature viewing yet at Lake Tahoe.
There are lots of choices in Truckee for dining. If you like outdoor seating, try FiftyFifty Dining: Brewing Company, Wild Cherries Coffee House, Bar of America, or Full Belly Deli. If you’re in the mood for more upscale dining, check out Pianeta Ristorante.
Day 4: Ziplines
As your four-day journey to North Lake Tahoe in summer is coming to an end, make it memorable with a zipline adventure! The Olympic Valley Treetop Park boasts a 50’ tower with vertical climbing events, 16 platforms up to 35’ above the ground, 6 zip lines, 10 unique events and bridges, and a new “Leap of Faith” event.
The park is often used for corporate team building events, family parties, and other get-togethers. It faces Shirley Canyon, known for its beautiful alpine scenery, and Palisades Tahoe peaks. They offer aerial adventures to those 5 and up who can follow directions and have the coordination and physical ability to perform mandatory tasks. The park is open daily in the summer.
Dining: Fireside Pizza Company, Plumpjack Café and Graham’s are all highly rated, and if you’re in the mood for something a little different don’t miss the Auld Dubliner Irish Pub.
North Lake Tahoe in Summer Is Better
Of course, you don’t have to leave when your four-day North Lake Tahoe summer journey is over, but if you do have to go you can always come back and check out the other visits and adventures Lake Tahoe has to offer.
Always make sure you book your vacation rental as soon as possible. Talk to the experts here at Tahoe Signature Properties about our extensive choices and amenities. Whether you’re in the mood for guided tours, hiking, fishing, golf, sightseeing, or more adventurous activities like parasailing, rock climbing and ziplining, we know where to look and where to book. Check out our 4-bedroom vacation rentals in North Tahoe, big enough for everyone!
