Travel

Roadtrip Roundup: Lake Tahoe

West Coast couples - this one's for you! While you may benefit from a far more uplifting weather climate than your East Coast friends, we know how difficult it can be to spend so long in the same place, even with each other. If you and your partner are long overdue for an escape from the norm, we’ve got you covered. Lake Tahoe’s extensive list of options to relax and recharge is sure to impress.                                                                                                                                                                                                              

ACCOMODATIONS

Depending on where you’d like to stay on/near Lake Tahoe, you can find a plethora of accommodations that boast impressive views of the lake, nestled into the mountains, or buried deep in the woods. If you aren’t familiar with the area, we recommend reading up on what each “neighborhood” has to offer - there’s North Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, and Carson Valley. 

 As always, Airbnb features dozens of affordable and unique stays like the Little Dipper, a “magical mountain modern” stay, or this resort studio with access to amenities including a pool, sauna, and fitness center.

And if you’re looking for accommodations that promise to pamper you both, The Landing - located in South Lake Tahoe, pairs stunning lake views with stellar spa services, private stone fireplaces, and even heated bathroom floors and toilet seats (say no more, we’re sold). ‍

FOOD & DRINK‍

We’d love to keep these recommendations brief, but we’d be selling Lake Tahoe short if we didn’t give you at least a few incredible options in each neighborhood. ‍

South Lake Tahoe Eats:

  • If you visit Basecamp Tahoe to share a beer, you’ll be tempted to stay forever; with s’mores available daily and a beer garden complete with firepits, live music, and yard games, what’s not to love?
  • Edgewood Restaurant’s view alone makes this somewhat-pricey dining experience more than worth it
  • When caffeine is a must for you and/or your S.O., Black Cabin Coffee serves up what they claim to be the best coffee in Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe Eats: 

  • Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge has something for every budget and vibe
  • When you’re feeling comfort food or bust, Fire Sign Cafe is sure to satisfy; but this isn’t Lake Tahoe’s best-kept secret, prepare to wait in line
  • Serving up Hawaiian- and California-inspired dishes with a view, Jake’s on the Lake is a can’t miss

Incline Village Eats:

  • If you manage to catch a sunset at Lone Eagle Grille while enjoying a mouth-watering meal, you’ll wonder how this destination wasn’t on your bucket list sooner 
  • Mofo’s Pizza & Pasta offers just that, plus it’s tucked away in oh-so-charming Christmas Village, ‘nuff said

Carson Valley Eats: 

  • J.T. Basque is at the top of every list of Carson Valley favorites, serving grass-fed beef raised by the same family who owns the restaurant
  • If you’re looking to spice things up, JJ’s Mexican Food boasts some of the most impressive reviews we’ve seen in awhile

ENTERTAINMENT & ATTRACTIONS

During the winter months, many visit Lake Tahoe to take advantage of incredible snow conditions for skiing and snowboarding. There’s no shortage of mountains and every ski bum will tell you they’ve found “the best.” If you and your partner are looking for winter sport action, Ski Lake Tahoe hosts a collection of 6 impressive destinations located around the lake. 

For a less intense approach to winter sports, Lake Tahoe happens to be the home of Adventure Mountain, which offers incredible sledding and tubing at the top of Echo Summit. There’s also Heavenly Village if open-air ice skating is more your speed. Speaking of speed, if you and your S.O. are in search of a thrill, you can opt to rent snowmobiles or reserve a guided UTV tour through the untouched powder of Lake Tahoe.

When in doubt, there’s no shortage of relaxing firesides sprinkled across Lake Tahoe destinations, including The Brewery at Lake Tahoe and Revive Coffee & Wine, which serve as the perfect setting to spike the hot cocoa and snuggle up together. 

SAFETY & RESTRICTIONS

It’s no secret that destinations like Lake Tahoe are operating a bit differently under the current pandemic and related restrictions. It’s worth noting that South Lake Tahoe was among the first destinations in the country to be awarded the Safe Travels Stamp, “the world’s first-ever global safety and hygiene designation for travel and tourism, designed specifically to address COVID-19” (via Tahoe South). 

Many of our Lake Tahoe recommendations involve plenty of fresh air and ample distance to experience your trip without a crowd, but of course we hope you consider taking additional precautions like ordering from pick-up windows when possible, sanitizing frequently along the way, and being considerate of those around you!