Weekend Getaways for Couples: Lake Tahoe Edition

Romance hits differently here. Epic views. Activities that excite and relax. Plus, plenty of dreamy moments you’ll replay forever. It’s all right here.

Top-Rated Couples Activities

These experiences are our top picks for couples looking for a getaway destination that cranks up the chemistry and helps them unwind with a beautiful backdrop.

• Get a couple’s massage at any of the luxurious spas in Lake Tahoe. Locals love Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort Spa & Casino and Lighthouse Spa at Granlibakken Tahoe Resort.
• Ride off into the sunset for real. Book a sunset dinner cruise to savor fresh bites while marveling at the sky’s reflections on Lake Tahoe’s waters.
• Test your balance and give your core a workout as you set out on a stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) excursion to take in lake and mountain views.
• Take a 50-minute drive from Reno to Genoa for David Walley’s Resort, where you can soak up good times and relax in the hot springs.
• Glasses Wine Bar offers wine flights, so you and your love can sip and swirl to your heart’s content in a cozy setting.

One-of-a-Kind Lake Tahoe Experiences

Maybe this is your go-to destination for alone time with your partner. Maybe you’ve never been here before. Either way, we’ve got a few romantic activities that are sure to take this Lake Tahoe couple’s getaway to the next level:

• This one is for the champs connoisseurs — admire Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay as you enjoy Tahoe Cruise’s Sunset Champagne Cruise! See their site for availability.
• Soar above the blue waters of Lake Tahoe in a hot air balloon! Talk about getting a view from the top. Check out packages on their website.
• Connect with your boo and the cosmos! Book a Tahoe Star Tour and enjoy a night of learning and wonder.
• Clear kayaking with Clearly Tahoe
• Catch a play or musical performance set against a gorgeous, lakefront backdrop. See events through Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and Classical Tahoe.

Locals’ Seasonal Favorites

No matter the season, romantic adventures and seasonal events are around every corner in Lake Tahoe.

Spring

Catch the last few runs at one of the amazing Lake Tahoe ski resorts, take your mountain bikes out on the trails or gear up for a midday kayak outing. Whatever you do, the views and time spent together will be one for the books.

Summer

Of course, Lake Tahoe beaches — lookin’ at you, Sand Harbor, Secret Cove Beach, Incline Beach and Chimney Beach — are the main attractions during this season. Don’t forget about the picturesque hiking trails! Here are a few you can enjoy on your couples getaway:

• Shirley Canyon Trail (3.6 miles)
• Stateline Fire Lookout (1.5 miles)
• Cave Rock (0.8 miles)
• Eagle Rock (0.7 miles)

Fall

With all the leaves changing colors, a photo sesh with your partner is a must. Check out this article for the best leaf-peeping spots in Reno Tahoe, and snap a few pictures! (Local pro tip: Stop by the elusive swing right off Donner Pass Road for a jaw-dropping view of Lake Tahoe!)

Winter

If you’re a power couple who loves playing in the snow, add these romantic activities to your itinerary:

• Try an experience straight out of a movie — horse-drawn sleigh rides with lakefront views at Sand Harbor State Park! Only available during winter.
• Skate under the stars and city lights at Grand Sierra Resort’s Ice Rink. After a few laps, warm up by their fire pits.
• Trade in your skis or snowboard for snowshoes and trek along various trails, like Chickadee Ridge and Spooner Lake.
• Explore the Northstar Village, from shops and s’mores by the fire pits to its iconic ice skating rink.
• Ride the gondola at Heavenly Lake Tahoe. Purchase tickets here.

Ready to plan the most romantic weekend in Lake Tahoe with your S.O.? We’ve gathered all the details you’ll want to consider to make your couple’s getaway smooth and unforgettable.

When to Visit

If you’re wondering when the best time to visit Lake Tahoe is, we’d say any time of year. Sure, we absolutely love it here — but that doesn’t make our recommendation any less true. Lake Tahoe goes through all four seasons, so we’ll break down what you can expect when visiting in each:

• Spring (March - May): As the snow melts, Tahoe’s lush landscape comes out to play. The crisp mountain air and longer days invite you to explore. With temps climbing from 30°F to 60°F, it’s the season of contrast — snow-capped peaks and blooming wildflowers in one frame.
• Summer (June - August): Want to see postcard-worthy Tahoe? This is the time. Crystal-clear waters glisten under blue skies. With temperatures ranging from 50°F to 85°F, any time of day is perfect for adventuring.
• Fall (September - November): Golds, oranges and reds blaze against the area’s blues and greens. Temperatures settle between 30°F and 65°F, perfect for cozy layers and quiet hikes. Early snow can fall near the end of the season — but for now, it’s all about the glow.
• Winter (December - February): Heavy snowfall blankets the area, creating a winter wonderland that welcomes skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. It’s chillier, with temperatures between 20°F to 40°F, brisk winds and frequent snowstorms.

Snuggle Up in Style

There’s no shortage of romantic settings in Lake Tahoe, and that includes places to stay. From private, cozy vacation rentals to luxurious hotels, we’ve got the perfect spot for you and your partner to kick back and snuggle up together.

• Looking for sleek rooms, an easy-to-access spa and lakeside views? Choose Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort Spa and Casino.
• With its modern mountain-chic vibes and an indoor pool, The Incline Lodge offers comfort and class.
• Settle into a cozy vacation rental at Incline Village Getaway. Complete with a hot tub and woodland views for days.
• McCloud Condo is a vacation rental that combines homey charm with the convenience of a prime Tahoe location.
• Check out Tahoe Luxury Properties for high-end, romantic vacation rentals.

To Make a Reservation Or To Not

Lake Tahoe is an incredibly popular destination, especially during summer and winter months. If you’re planning to escape here with your boo, we’d recommend making lodging reservations as soon as possible. Hotels aren’t the only spots to get booked up!

If you’re planning to enjoy a romantic meal together at one of these restaurants, give ‘em a call ahead of time:

• Fumo
• Gar Woods Grill & Pier
• Lone Eagle Grille
• Maggie’s
• Soule Domain
• Wolf by Vanderpump at Harveys Lake Tahoe

Transportation Recommendations

Skip the long drives and fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport—just 45 minutes from the North Shore. From there, you can rent a car for the ultimate flexibility during your couples getaway. Pro tip: A rugged SUV or all-wheel drive is your best bet for snowy conditions on mountain roads.

If you’re making a visit to South Lake Tahoe, you can hitch a ride on a water taxi! This is one of the most scenic and romantic ways to explore the shoreline. Make your dreams of visiting Venice, Italy (kinda) come true right here in Reno Tahoe.

Parking can be tricky near popular spots, like Sand Harbor and Zephyr Cove, especially in summer. There are quite a few shuttle services to get you where you want to be. Or be sure to look up parking options ahead of time and arrive early for an easy-in-easy-out spot. Trust us: It’ll be worth it when you have to lug beach chairs and coolers back after a day of lounging in the sun.

Whether you and your partner are chasing adventure, soaking in the serenity or finding the perfect mix of both, Lake Tahoe should be your #1 pick for a romantic weekend. Love stories basically write themselves. Stop dreaming and start planning your next trip together.