Located on the northwest shore of Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City is full of outdoor character and local charm. It has a quieter, more low-key vibe in comparison to the more touristy South Lake Tahoe. In this post, I'm sharing the best things to do when visiting Tahoe City, California. I've also included my recommendation on where to stay at the end of the post!
*Help keep Lake Tahoe Beautiful. Always practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace.
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Commons Beach
Commons Beach is a 4-acre beach and park. It's a popular spot in Tahoe City for swimming, kayaking, and all-around hanging out. In the summer, Commons Beach hosts various events such as free concerts and a weekly "Movie Night on the Beach."
Lake Forest Beach
Lake Forest Beach in Tahoe City is one of the best places to photograph wildflowers in Lake Tahoe. The beach is known for the fields of bright purple lupines that bloom around June and July during drought seasons.
Tahoe City Downtown
Downtown Tahoe City is a small but charming strip of local shops, bars, and restaurants. It's right on the water, so when you are done strolling the strip, you can walk across the street and down the steps to Commons Beach, the Tahoe Marina, and the bike path.
Eagle Rock Hike
If your looking for a hike near Tahoe City, Eagle Rock is a great one. The trail to the Eagle Rock hike is only a 10-minute drive from Tahoe City. At under 1 mile out and back, it's a super short hike, but with gorgeous panoramic views of Lake Tahoe.
Tahoe City Boardwalk + Bike Path
Tahoe City is home to a boardwalk/bike path that runs alongside the water. Along the path are several piers including an old wooden one that is open to the public (featured in the above image). In addition to the piers, along the boardwalk are the Tahoe City Marina, several restaurants, and Commons Beach.
Sugar Pine State Park
Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State is about a 15-minute drive from Tahoe City. Sugar Pine is less crowded compared to other state parks around Lake Tahoe like Sand Harbor and Emerald Bay State Park. It features a long stretch of rocky shoreline, a public pier, and historical landmarks such as the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion and old boat houses from the turn of the century. Sugar Pine is also where you can photograph the old boat tracks that disappear into the lake (see the first image).
Meeks Bay
If you're looking for a beach near Tahoe City, Meeks Bay is a fantastic one. Unlike Sugar Pine State Park, which is beautiful but very rocky, Meeks Bay features soft sand and pristine water, so it's a perfect spot for swimming and paddle boarding.
Where to Stay
One recommended hotel option is Basecamp Tahoe City. The rustic and outdoorsy-themed hotel is located right in the heart of Tahoe City, so you can walk to bars, restaurants, and shops. The hotel offers cozy amenities like firepits and smores kits, and there's also a small bar on site that serves a selection of beers and wine. As far as price, I would consider it mid-range.
I hope you enjoyed my Tahoe City, California Guide! Let me know some of your favorite things to do in North Lake Tahoe in the comments. Also, make sure to subscribe to the blog so that you don’t miss the latest blog posts, videos, and announcements!
