Tahoe City Day Trip Day Things To See & Do

Less than two hours north of Sacramento, at an elevation of 6,250 feet, Tahoe City rests on the edge of beautiful Lake Tahoe. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the city offers breathtaking sights, great restaurants, and fun activities.

Tahoe City is a perfect getaway during any season. With summer temperatures of up to 75 degrees, visitors can enjoy the lake’s clear blue waters and numerous hiking trails. For those seeking a winter wonderland adventure, Tahoe City is the gateway to some of the world’s best ski resorts.

The snow-covered pines surrounding this small mountain town make this trip particularly impressive when temperatures drop.

Tahoe Gal Lake Cruise

For a scenic tour of Lake Tahoe, hop aboard the low-emission, fuel-efficient Tahoe Gal. This Mississippi riverboat replica provides a fun expedition for families and couples. Choose from various day cruises, a romantic sunset cruise, or the live magician evening cruise, which is an excellent choice for kids. 952 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, California. Visit Website.

North Tahoe Adventures

Travelers who aren’t afraid of a bird’ s-eye view will want to visit the Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park off Granlibakken Road. This aerial adventure has 70 tree platforms, 50 bridges, and 15 zip lines to entertain tiny Tarzans for hours. In early spring, Visit the Website.

North Tahoe Arts Center

The North Tahoe Arts Center is a great place to view and purchase works of art from talented local artists. Located in a historical building on the shore of Lake Tahoe, North Tahoe Arts Center contains two galleries with exhibits that change each month.

Several themed exhibits are held throughout the year, and the Artisan Shop is filled with original pieces from nationally-recognized and emerging artists. Choose from various mediums, including pottery, paintings, jewelry, and more. 380 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145. Visit Website.

Gatekeepers Museum

Visitors interested in a more historical look at art will enjoy the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society and Gatekeepers Museum. This small museum houses an extensive collection of baskets, pottery, clothing, dolls, and artifacts from over 85 Native American tribes. Historical photographs, maps, newspapers, and other objects are also available.

The Gatekeeper’s Museum is a reconstruction of the original Gatekeeper’s Cabin, the former home of the Watermaster, who controlled the flow of water out of Lake Tahoe. Museum hours vary with the seasons. It is located at 130 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, California. Visit Website.

Hellman-Ehrman Mansion

The historic Hellman-Ehrman Mansion is worth the 30-minute drive south to Sugar Pine Point State Park. This exquisite estate, built in 1903, offers guided tours and introduces guests to the life and times of its builder, Isaias Hellman. Explore the nature trail, visit the butler’s cabin, or relax on the sandy beach—more Information.

Tahoe City Dining

North Lake Boulevard offers a variety of shops and eateries. For house-roasted coffee and fresh pastries, jumpstart your day at the Coffee Connexion. Enjoy pub fare at Tahoe Mountain Brewing Company and live music at The Fat Cat. For an upscale dining experience with views of Lake Tahoe, visit Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique or Dockside 700, both located on North Lake Boulevard.

Tahoe City Winter Activities

During the winter months, visitors choose several world-class ski resorts. Alpine Meadows Ski Resort is well known for its long ski season, diverse terrain, fantastic snow quality, and back-country access for advanced skiers.

Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows

Squaw Valley merged with Alpine Meadows in 2012 and offered guests over 6,000 skiable acres and a wide variety of lessons and tours for all levels of experience. A ride on the Aerial Tram to High Camp is a must-do for summer and winter visitors.

Homewood Mountain Resort

Just steps from the Lake Tahoe shore, Homewood Mountain Resort is a smaller resort and an excellent choice for visitors who want to avoid the crowds. A best-kept secret for many locals, this resort offers unobstructed views of the lake from the slopes and their outdoor watering hole, Big Blue View Bar.

Whether visiting at the height of ski season or on the warmest day of the year, Tahoe City has something for everyone who ventures into this woodsy paradise.

Activities and establishment hours are subject to seasonal changes and fluctuating weather conditions. Travelers are encouraged to call ahead and prepare for possible road closures in the winter.

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