We’re kicking off our summer road trip series — Hit the Road — with an outdoor adventure-themed trip to Lake Tahoe. With crystal blue water and alpine trails, this area is a great destination for experienced adventurers + novice nature seekers alike.
Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.
Drive time: ~4.5 hours
Est. population: 65,000
Avg. high in June: 90°
Soak up the sun at one of Lake Tahoe’s many beaches. | Photo via @gunvodga
🥾Things to do
Hit the water with rental stand-up paddles, kayaks, and canoes from Tahoe’s “Original Surf Shop.”
Action Water Sports of Incline Village
Take your lake time to the next level with boat rentals + charters for parasailing, wakesurfing, and more.
Not scared of heights? Get your adrenaline pumping at this rope course park with zip lines, bridges, tightropes, swinging logs, climbing walls — and more. Courses run for at least two hours.
This one-stop shop offers mountain bike rentals and daily shuttle service to the popular Flume Trail + Tahoe Rim Trail.
This resort offers gondola rides, gemstone panning, climbing walls, ziplines, and a mountain coaster.
Known for their aerial tram, this historic resort’s summer season activities include roller skating + disc golf.
Looking for something more low-key? Check out these guides for hiking trails, golf courses + beaches in North Tahoe and South Tahoe — and don’t miss your chance to jam out at local concert series and other special summer events .
Rustic decor, local ingredients, casual + fine dining — Tahoe has it all. | Photo via @padillalinda
🍽️ Fuel up
This top-ranked fine dining spot serves free range and organic meats, plus seasonal produce in its rustic + romantic dining room.
This waterfront bar and grill is the oldest in Tahoe — but keeps its menu contemporary with seafood-forward dishes + its famous Chambers Punches.
Start your day with a unique outdoor activity + reward yourself with one of these hand-picked brewery or restaurant selections in this award-winning guide.
This newly renovated mountain cabin offers plenty of space + amenities for a vacationing family. | Photo via Vrbo
🏕️ Cozy campsites + cabins
Luxury Cabin | 📍 Pioneer Trail, CA
Traveling with kids or friends? This 2,500-sqft, 4 BD/2.5 BA cabin is the perfect home-away-from-home with its chef kitchen, hot tub, arcade set-up, and pool table. Nightly rates start at $620 — prices vary by date.
Wylder Hope Valley | 📍 Hope Valley, CA
Whether you’re looking for a glamping experience or a cute bungalow this resort offers a comprehensive range of accommodations — including luxury yurts, RV + tent campsites, and a vintage Spartan trailer.
Tahoe State Recreation Area | 📍 Sites vary
Going more traditional? State park campsites are still an option — and they’re great for the budget-conscious.
Want more travel guides? Stay tuned for the July installment of our Hit the Road series
. We’ll be highlighting an under-100-mile road trip.