Look, I know there are a million Tahoe guides out there telling you to check out the same old spots. But between us? There’s SO much more to discover!.
This 3-day Lake Tahoe itinerary mixes secret spots, little towns, coffee shops, beaches, lakeside strolls, hikes and everything in between to give you the best 3 days in Lake Tahoe.. Join me as we explore South Lake Tahoe, the East and North shores, and finish in the historic Truckee area in West lake Tahoe.
Day 1: South Lake Tahoe
Sunrise Hike in Emerald Bay State Park
Your first day in Tahoe starts with catching the sunrise in Emerald Bay State Park. While this is admittedly one of Tahoe’s most famous spots, arriving at sunrise rewards you with magical light conditions and significantly fewer crowds.
I recommend to the do the Rubicon Trail (moderate, 4.5 miles roundtrip) that begins at D.L. Bliss State Park and follows the shoreline to Emerald Bay. After the hike, drive down to the Vikingsholm parking area and hike the one-mile trail down to Vikingsholm Castle, one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America.
Note: It costs $10 to park at Emerald Bay State Park. There is also a vehicle limit of 18 feet in the parking lot. Because of this, we parked across the street for free. Here are some other options for parking.
Hike Eagle Lake Trail
From Emerald Bay, it’s just a short drive to the Eagle Falls trailhead for one of Tahoe’s most rewarding short hikes
The Eagle Lake Trail is a moderate 2-mile round-trip trek that offers spectacular scenery for relatively minimal effort. The trail begins with a climb up stone steps alongside Eagle Falls, then continues through a pine forest before opening up to views of Eagle Lake. Pack a lunch to enjoy on the granite boulders surrounding the lake. The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming too
Pro -Tip : While most hikers stop at the main shoreline, continue clockwise around the lake for about a quarter-mile to find a secluded granite peninsula with unobstructed views and perfect swimming spots.
Picnic Lunch at Eagle Lake
After hiking eagle lake, make some time to enjoy the views, set up a hammock and enjoy your food.
Kayak to Fanette Island
You can also explore Emerald Bay by kayak. Rent kayaks from Kayak Tahoe at Baldwin Beach and paddle west toward Emerald Bay. This 4-6 mile round-trip paddle takes you into the heart of the bay, where you can circle Fannette Island and explore hidden coves inaccessible by land.
**Depending on the time that you go, I’d look at renting at Baldwin Beach (just south of Emerald Bay) and kayaking in. It’s about an 8 mile round trip paddle (sounds longer than it actually is) with a few places to get out along the way.
Pro tip: Go in the morning before the winds come up – it makes the trip a bit easier and more enjoyable!
Dinner in South Lake Tahoe
End your first day with dinner in South Lake Tahoe. Here are some of our recommendations
- Lucky Beaver– any burger
- Shangri La Himalayan Kitchen– their momo dumplings and lamb korma especially are solid
- Verde Mexican Rotisserie
Watch the sunset
For my sunset lovers, some great options to watch the sunset are Nevada Beach and Zephyr Cove which are both west-facing . Nevada Beach charges $10 for parking, though free roadside spots are available. Zephyr Cove’s parking varies wildly, from $12 by the resort to a shocking $20-$100 depending on the day and if it’s a holiday!
Day 2: East and North Shore
Sand Harbor
Pack some breakfast sandwiches and begin your day with a visit to Sand Harbor State Park on the East Shore. This is arguably the most beautiful beach in Tahoe. They’ve got crystal-clear waters and smooth granite boulders and incredible swimming coves.
While at Sand Harbor, you can pick a spot and just lay on the beach. When we went it was super crowded even though it was super early. Walk around, and soak up the views of the incredibly clear water and mountains! You can also rent kayaks at Sand Harbor to kayak to Bonsai Rock or go on a clear kayak tour.
Note: Reservations are required to enter the park. It costs $10 to enter for Nevada residents and $15 for out of state.
Incline Village and Diamond Peak
After spending some time on the beach, drive to Incline Village for pizza at Whitecaps. Or alternatively pack a picnic to take on a hike.
Do the Diamond Peak Scenic Overlook Hike (moderate, 3 miles round trip) for spectacular views of the lake. Alternatively, drive up to the Mount Rose Highway Scenic Overlook for panoramic vistas without the hike.
Cycle or walk the East Shore Trail
If you’re not up for a hike, cycle or walk the 5.2-mile East Shore Trail between Incline Village and Sand Harbor! The cycle path is paved, and can be cycled or walked though and it’s the perfect way to explore East Shore Lake Tahoe. If I had more time when we were there, we would have definitely biked this trail to Sand Harbor! You can see some of the most beautiful shores in Tahoe.
You will definitely want to pack some snacks and sandwiches to enjoy along the way. There are many places to stop and gawk at the beauty.
For those needing bikes, Flume Trail Bikes is conveniently located right at the trail’s start, and Big Blue Bike Rentals is in nearby Incline Village. Access to the East Shore Trail is via a parking lot with hourly charges from 7 AM to 7 PM.
To access the East Shore Trail, you will want to park at this lot. Parking rates vary. Depending on holiday/ time/ season for hourly rate of parking. Price per hour ranges from none up to $7. Its free parking from 5:30 Am to 7 AM and free between 7 and 11 pm during spring and fall.
Some stops to make on East Shore Trail:
- Hidden Beach free public beach
- Sand Harbor State Park is at the end of the trail, sandy beach and coves
- Tunnel Creek Cafe is at the midpoint of the trail for those looking for somewhere to eat along the way.
- Monkey Rock Hike is also at the midway point of the trail for those who would like to get off and do a short and scenic hike (about 2 miles round trip)
Fyi: There are bike racks available throughout the trail!
Sunset and Dinner at Kings Beach
Continue along the North Shore to Kings Beach, where you can relax on the sandy shoreline or enjoy a sunset.
For dinner, you have a couple of options. For a delicious dinner spot Kings Beach, get tacos and burritos at La Mexicana Meat Market & Taqueria.
Day 3: Truckee and West Lake Tahoe
Breakfast and Coffee in Truckee
Start the day with coffee and breakfast at Coffee Bar in Truckee. While a bit pricey, this place was worth it. The coffee was smooth and the breakfast sandwiches even better. I got the chorizo breakfast burrito and avocado toast.
Drive Donner Pass
I find that not many people visit Truckee. But, it’s one of those small historic towns and once a former railroad town with lots of wild west charm. It’s worth exploring while visiting Tahoe.
While in Truckee, spend time driving Donner Pass, where you will drive 15 miles and see endless views of lakes, mountains and forests. There are multiple places to stop and look at the views.
Hike Donner Tunnels
After driving through Donner pass, hike Donner Tunnels (3.0 mile out and back). The tunnels are a really cool part of history about the transcontinental railroad. To access the trail, you will want to park in this lot, which is located just steps from the first tunnel.
Picnic Lunch at Donner Lake
Drive the Donner Pass to Donner Lake and have a lunch picnic. Donner Lake is much smaller than Lake Tahoe, but it is so beautiful surrounded by trees and mountains. Grab some snacks and picnic foods at Soda Springs General Store before you make your way over to the lake.
West End Beach is a good spot to hang out or get on the water. Kayaks and boats can be rented from nearby Donner Lake Marina.
Downtown Truckee
After relaxing on the beach, head into Downtown Truckee Commercial Row for dinner, window shopping and looking at historic buildings. Oh, they’ve also got a delicious ice cream spot that can’t be missed.
Downtown Truckee’s Commercial Row with its boutique shops, art galleries, and historic buildings.
For dinner, get diner food at Jax at the Tracks ,a classic diner in a renovated railroad dining car. It’s actually super cool and fun inside! Plus diner food for dinner is always a win.
