When the mountains call, it’s hard to ignore. A day trip to Lake Tahoe means feeling your toes in the sand, a cold plunge and views that you’ll feel compelled to take pictures of. This article has everything you need to plan the perfect visit: parking and travel tips, the top Lake Tahoe activities and suggestions on where to eat.
Getting to Lake Tahoe from Reno
Lake Tahoe makes a solid day trip from many destinations, but starting in Reno makes everything easier. You’ll enjoy plenty of space for stretching out and getting a good night’s sleep. Plus, you’ll have a lot of activities to choose from before and after hanging at the lake.
Most routes from Reno take just over an hour, depending on what part of the lake you’re headed. That means you can soak up the lake life all day — swimming, hiking, volleyballing, kayaking, sunbathing — and be back just in time for dinner.
Parking & Travel Time Pro Tips
Since Lake Tahoe is a world-renowned spot for a West Coast vacation, its beaches can get busy, especially during the summer. In general, parking largely depends on which beach and day of the week you plan to make a day trip to Lake Tahoe.
Most parking lots charge an entry fee, ranging from $10 to $40. Some of these lots only accept cash, so remember to have some on hand!
If you’re going to Lake Tahoe during the summer — especially Sand Harbor or Zephyr Cove — plan to arrive early, usually before 8 a.m. Once the parking lots are full, they will close. Luckily, Sand Harbor has an online reservation system; plan your beach day in advance and snag a guaranteed parking spot!
Things to Do on a Day Trip to Lake Tahoe
You’ve got one day and so many choices. Luckily, it’s easy to mix and match all of the Lake Tahoe activities, depending on your mood and who you’re with.
Get in the Water
- Swimming: In the summer, the ice-cold water is the perfect break from the desert heat. So go on, take a dip!
- Kayaking & stand-up paddleboarding (SUP): Time to work your core! Rent gear at a nearby shop and set out on the crystal-clear water. Make sure you bring a waterproof case for your phone, so you can get shots of the iconic shoreline and clear water.
Take a Hike or Ride a Bike
- Lake Tahoe East Shore Trail: This paved, scenic path runs from Incline Village to Sand Harbor — great for those who want a chill walk with plenty of beach access points.
- Flume Trail: If you're up for a little thrill and a lot of scenery on your Lake Tahoe day trip, the Flume Trail from Tahoe Meadows is a must. This route is approachable for most, with a mellow start and nonstop lake views. Plus, bike rentals and shuttle services with Flume Trail Mountain Bikes make it easy to get started.
- Monkey Rock Trail: This short, uphill trail starts near Incline Village and takes you up into the mountains for a wicked photo op by a monkey-shaped boulder and wide open views of Lake Tahoe.
- Stateline Fire Lookout Trail: Looking for a short, paved hike? Here’s an easy, family-friendly trail for ya. At the summit, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains. The trail is accessible via Lakeview Road, with limited parking near the trailhead.
Check out even more hiking routes and mountain biking trails in Reno Tahoe.
Cruise Around on a Boat
- Boat tours: Boating is a beloved pastime for locals and visitors alike! If you’re cool riding with a larger crowd, try M.S. Dixie II paddlewheeler for a scenic cruise around Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm Castle. Prefer something a bit more intimate? Tahoe Cruises has daily boat tours, including one that features sunset views and champagne.
- Rent a boat: If you and your crew want to feel the wind in your hair, this is the perfect Lake Tahoe activity for you. Tahoe Blue Boat Rentals and AWS Incline are a couple of the businesses that offer boat rentals.
Learn more about boating at Lake Tahoe.
Make Some Family Memories
- Bowl Incline: Escape the summer heat by heading indoors. Play together on retro-cool bowling lanes, earn tickets at their full arcade and challenge each other with indoor axe throwing. Top it off with something tasty from the menu at Ohana Diner, featuring creations by award-winning chef Sam Choy.
- Kings Beach Mini Golf: Locals have been putting their way through this outdoor mini golf course since 1957. They have two 19-hole courses with unique features.
- Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival: Held at Sand Harbor, this seasonal festival brings legendary plays to the stage in full-blown productions that have the lake as a backdrop.
- Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park: Make the most of your chance to climb, zip and balance your way through the forest canopy! Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park in Tahoe City has a ropes course that’s as fun for kids as it is for grown-ups.
Explore more things to do on a family getaway, no matter what season it is.
Explore the Area’s History
- Tallac Historic Site: Stroll through a collection of restored estates from Lake Tahoe’s opulent resort era. Wander the gardens, peek inside vintage cabins and imagine what lake life looked like in the early 1900s. It’s a low-key stop with high charm.
- Vikingsholm Castle: Located in Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm is a Scandinavian-style stone mansion. You’ll need to hike down a steep, mile-long trail to get there, but the architecture, beach access and storybook setting make it totally worth it. Be sure to book a tour.
Places to Eat & Drink
No epic day trip to Lake Tahoe is complete without good food and a strong cup of joe. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before hitting the trail, settling in for a lakeside lunch, or treating yourself to a well-earned dinner, there are plenty of dining spots to satisfy your cravings.
Breakfast Bites & Coffee Shops
Lunch Spots
- Sand Harbor Bar & Grill
- Sunshine Deli & Catering
- T’s Mesquite Rotisserie
- Artemis Lakefront Cafe
- Inclined Burgers & Brews
Dinnertime Options
Return to Homebase: Reno
Summer days are all about embracing adventure, soaking up the sun and creating moments that last a lifetime. After a jam-packed day trip to Lake Tahoe, why not keep that vibe alive? Head back to Reno, where the fun carries on well into the night.
Savor a delicious meal at one of the city’s top spots, try your luck at the casinos or catch a show. Choose a place to stay in Reno, where you’ll be close to the action and ready for whatever tomorrow’s adventure brings.