Lake Tahoe receives more than half of its tourism business for the entire year between the months of June and August. If you were not able to take a break from your hectic summer schedule to visit – no worries! In the height of the summer season, restaurants are crowded, days are hot and reservations for lake activities are hard to come by. Come up for a fall weekend instead.
The fall season boasts a local feel, half price happy hours and the same lake activities and shopping opportunities as the summer, but at a much more relaxed pace.
Sleep Well
You can call for reservations at a lakeside bed-and-breakfast before you arrive. Cottage Inn in Sunnyside is a good choice. Each of the fifteen rooms boasts a fireplace, a whirlpool bath and a unique, secluded vibe. The staff offers a free full breakfast each morning, and there is beach access right outside your door. The helpful concierge will book the lake activities and restaurant reservations for the duration of your stay.
If you want to be right in Tahoe City try the Mayfield House.
Shop Well
Once you have thrown down your bags treat yourself to walk around Boatworks Mall in Tahoe City Friday evening, where stores stay open until 7 pm. Make sure to stop by Snooks, the local confectionary, for a quick sugar fix. After the stores close wonder into Sol Y Lago, on the top level of the mall, for a million-dollar-view cocktail or a glass of sangria. Enjoy the sunset from the lakeview deck over some Latina-inspired tapas. Provoleta a la Plancha (pan-fried provolone cheese), Quinoa Gratin and Lomo Saltado (sizzling tenderloin with spices) are some of the local favorites. Stay for the nightlife scene at this funky spot, owned by a former Bay Area restaurateur. You will get an earful of house music played by deejays from all over California. The music on Fridays starts at about 9.30 pm, call ahead to confirm. Have fun at this easygoing dance spot but don’t stay out too late because the warm Tahoe sunshine will be beckoning you out of bed bright and early Saturday morning.
Play/Eat Well
Do what you came to Tahoe to do and spend the day on the water! Start off with a dip in the lake, towel off and head to the Tahoe City Marina. If you have some cash to drop your best option is a daylong boat rental. Easy trips include motoring over to Sand Harbor or down to Emerald Bay. Ask at the marina for their suggestions, locations will vary depending on the weather conditions and time of year. Pack a picnic lunch or stop at Gar Woods or Chambers Landing for a quick bite on the pier. But be forewarned, renting your own boat will cost no less than $120/hour and there is a four hour minimum on most rentals. If you are looking for something a bit less expensive, ask them how to find the Tahoe Gal office, set up behind Safeway supermarket. They offer two to four cruises a day, ranging from a brunch option to a dinner dancing sunset sail. If you go for this option and find you have a bit of time to kill in town, you can check out the breakfast options at Rosie’s and go for a stroll around Main Street, which boasts unique Tahoe stores.
After a long day of shopping and playing on the lake, opt for a casual dinner by the river at the Bridgetender, where bar food options include a great chicken teriyaki burger and waffle garlic fries. For a slightly more fancy option go across Fanny Bridge to the River Grill where they offer a great wine selection and good fish, steak and pasta options.
Spend the evening cozying up in the B&B with a puzzle, or continue exploring the local nightlife scene up in Squaw Valley at Zenbu or the Auld Dubliner. Between these two spots you will most probably find one that will be hosting live music and you can dance and bar hop until the wee hours. But come Sunday morning, get ready to take advantage of the great local hiking options before you head out of town.
Stop at the Dam Cafe for a breakfast burrito, then drive down Hwy 89 South for a day of hiking in one of the state parks: Emerald Point in the Desolation Wilderness, D.L Bliss State Park, or Sugar Pine State Park. On your way back up the road stop for a quick scramble up Eagle Rock (ask in town how to get there, the turn-out isn’t marked at all) for a truly breath-taking view of Lake Tahoe. After that, drive home safe. We’ll see you when the snow starts falling!