Location: Tahoe City
Top Things to do in Tahoe City
What to do and see in Tahoe City, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Tahoe City (formerly, Tahoe) is an unincorporated community in Placer County, California. Tahoe City is located on Lake Tahoe, 14 miles (22.5 km) southeast of Donner Pass. It lies at an elevation of 6250 feet (1905 m).
Restaurants in Tahoe City
1. Inspiration Point Vista
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
Look out over Emerald Bay.
Reviewed By zimmys57 - Delavan, Wisconsin
The views you will have from this spot are simply fabulous so find a way to stop and see first hand.. As other reviews indicate you have to be patient and search out a place to park as it is a very popular stop. Be sure to bring your camera or phone as it is a great place to bring home a memory of your visit. Enjoy.
2. Emerald Bay State Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 691 reviews
This spectacular bay in Lake Tahoe is best approached by hiking trails.
Reviewed By Andy L - Allen, Texas
Great stop to view Emerald Bay and a short downhill hike, but not when there is a lot of snow. Great photo opportunity. Fees are apparently charged for the summer time but not in the winter time.
3. Matt Heron Fly Fishing
Overall Ratings
5 based on 67 reviews
Matt Heron Fly Fishing is an all inclusive fly fishing school and outfitter in North Lake Tahoe, CA. Our school is widely regarded as one of the best in the country, offering daily classes on our private stocked ponds, spring through fall. Our year round outfitter is based out of Truckee CA, and provides trips on the Truckee River, Little Truckee River and Sawmill Lake. We also have access to many other creeks and lakes, as well as private water options. During the winter, we host trips to some of the worlds finest saltwater destinations and lodges. Next time you're in Tahoe, let our talented team of experienced guides and instructors show you an amazing experience on the water!
Reviewed By wolfturbo - Laguna Niguel, California
Wow - I just got back from 3 days on the Truckee and Little Truckee with Matt and I couldn't be happier. I have fly fished extensively throughout the Western United States and two things about this trip stuck out with me: I can't believe how fabulous these wild trout are and Matt Heron is in the top 1% of all the guides I have ever used!
He knows these rivers like the back of his hand and he is tenacious in making sure his clients have the best experience possible. He has a positive attitude, he is fun and he knows just the right balance between instructing versus letting you do you own thing. Your worst case scenario with Matt is you'll have a great day on the river. But if you want to learn, we will gladly make you a better angler.
I also like to fish with my teenage daughter, so I greatly appreciate the fact that Matt is polite, doesn't use profanity and isn't sneaking a smoke whenever I'm not looking. Sadly, I've had more than a few guides who don't fit this description.
I've already scheduled my next trip so I can settle a score with a few fish that broke my heart on this trip. I give Matt my highest recommendation without reservation!
4. Eagle Falls Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
A beautiful and well-marked trail.
Reviewed By bverbos - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The hike to Eagle Falls is an easy 1/2 mile, with a clearly marked trail, some elevation gain, and some rocky steps. The falls are visible at a bit of distance on the trail and from above at the falls themselves. If you continue to Eagle Lake it is about one more mile uphill with many rock steps. This part of the trail is rather strenuous and not recommended for children (despite what some tourbooks might say). The lake is quite scenic and you may need to relax on the rocks there for a rest. Returning on the rocky trail requires much care and I would strongly recommend against this trail in or close after rain.
5. Alpine Meadows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Intermediate and advanced skiers and riders will most enjoy this resort, known for its especially long season.
Reviewed By GottaRun - The Woodlands, Texas
Great uncrowded hike away from Lake Tahoe. This trail is moderate, steep in some areas. The lakes are clear and picturous, very inviting for swimming (if you don't mind cold water!). The fresh mountain air and views are amazing. Views include granitic bedrock to volcanic rocks and ski resorts to pristine wilderness. Bring plenty of water.
6. Hellman-Ehrman Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By HelenaRose - Napa Valley
A tour of this beautiful Tahoe mansion is a must for anyone visiting Sugar Pine State Park. After paying entrance fee, go to the visitor center to get a house tour ticket. Bring your picnic and beach chair to sit at the lake side.
7. Commons Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By GottaRun - The Woodlands, Texas
Perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming and picnicking. Clean and beautiful setting. We found a great shady spot to hang hammock and felt very safe napping. Kayak and paddle board rental was very convenient. Picnic sites and children's playgrounds are located within a large lakefront grass and sand area.
8. Ski Homewood
Overall Ratings
4 based on 68 reviews
A small ski resort located in the Sierras.
Reviewed By zckzack - SAN JOSE
Personal experience has proved this place to be consistent for the past 40 years, even preceding the augmentation of adjacent Tahoe Ski Bowl. Super expert skiers can patronize Squaw or Alpine and pay premium prices. Terrain and lift ticket prices perfectly target the rest of us. December's fire wiped out one of the lodges, thereby limiting creature comforts. Hands down this is the best and closest view of the lake, and is available to beginners that can board a lift. IMO it offers them to of the lift to mid lift boarding. Riding the lift to the bottom is allowed.
9. North Lake Tahoe Historical Society and Gatekeepers Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
This small museum documents the history of Nevada's native peoples and its settlement in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Reviewed By funhogs2 - Sun Lakes, Arizona
We have bicycle toured from the northwest and have visited many of these small local museums along the way. Generally, the smaller the museum, the more local the artifacts and the more interesting the museum. This was not the case here. We really love small, local museums because they usually have local artifacts that explain the history of the area. I hate to discourage people from visiting any museum but unless you really want to examine a hundred hand woven Indian baskets, there isn't much here for you. This museum could have been done more economically by displaying the baskets in the rear of the nearby visitor's center and freeing up this building for some other more worthwhile use. The $5 entrance fee would be better spent on an ice cream cone:).
10. Granlibakken Ski and Sled Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
The area's oldest ski resort is a perfect choice for families with children and beginners looking to learn in a low-pressure, intimate setting. With 1/2 off rates for people lodging at Granlibakken Tahoe and on-site rentals, the Granlibakken Ski and Sled Area is an affordable and convenient option for families and beginners. Our sled hill is also fun for all ages! With a complimentary saucer rental included in each day pass, and a warming hut serving authentic Mexican food at the base, the sled hill is the perfect place to spend a day!
Reviewed By klbears - Pleasanton, California
Granlibakken is a great place and very reasonable to learn to ski or snowboard. They really only have one hill and a sled hill but when you are learning that is enough. There is not a lot of people on the slopes even on a perfect sunny day on the weekdays.
There is a small rental/refreshment hut but not much else. If you want to take lessons, you need to schedule days in advance because it fills up.
The cost for lessons, private lesson, rentals and lift tickets are about 1/3 of bigger resorts but for just learning to ski or snowboard why pay for a bigger resort or hill?
We are coming back with our boys until they move from beginner to intermediate.
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