A Week in Lake Tahoe: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Must-See Spots

Memorial Point, Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Spending a week in Lake Tahoe with the kids was an absolute dream—easily one of our favorite family trips so far. We stayed at The Ridge Resort in Stateline, Nevada, which was perfect for us. The resort had two pools, a putting green, mini golf, an on-site restaurant, and amazing sunset views. Staying for a full week gave us plenty of time to explore all around the lake, from the busy South Lake Tahoe spots to the quieter scenic areas on the California side.

From boating through Emerald Bay and relaxing at family-friendly beaches like Sugar Pine Point State Park, to exploring hidden gems like Secret Cove, every day was packed with incredible views. We also checked out some charming mountain towns and ate at great lakefront spots like Riva Grill, Gar Woods, and Sunnyside — it was a trip full of good food and even better memories.

Traveling with a busy 3-year-old and a crawling 9-month-old definitely had its moments, but this trip was so worth it. Lake Tahoe has been on my bucket list forever, and experiencing it with the family made it even better. If you’re thinking about heading to Tahoe with little ones, save this itinerary — we packed in a ton and found something for everyone.

The pool at The Ridge Resort in Stateline, NV

Where We Stayed:

The Ridge Resort in Stateline, Nevada

• Great location on the Nevada side, close to Heavenly Village

• Ideal for families with space to spread out

• Quick drive to South Lake Tahoe restaurants, shops & activities

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What We Did:

Views along the Virginia & Truckee Railroad

Virginia City

We stopped here on the drive from Reno to Tahoe and it felt like stepping back in time to the old Western days. We did the Virginia Truckee train ride and the kids loved it!

• Wooden sidewalks, saloons, and vintage storefronts

• Great for kids (train rides + photo ops!)

• Fun way to break up the drive

The Beach at Sugar Pine Point Park

Sugar Pine Point State Park

Sugar Pine Point State Park — Best for Nature Walks & Family Picnics

Absolutely loved this spot! Sugar Pine Point State Park is a peaceful gem on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. With lakefront views, shaded picnic areas, and plenty of space for kids to roam, it’s a perfect stop for families exploring Lake Tahoe.

• Located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe

• Historic Ehrman Mansion open for self-guided tours

• Dock access for lake views and swimming

• Flat trails ideal for strollers and kids

• Ample parking available

Chamber's Punch on the dock!

Chambers Landing — Iconic Lake Tahoe Bar with a View

Such a cute spot!!! Chambers Landing is a west shore favorite with a casual beach bar, sunny dock, and unbeatable mountain views. A great stop for lunch, drinks, and a relaxed lake day.

• Home of the famous "Chambers Punch" cocktail

• Accessible by boat or car (arrive early for parking)

• Beach area great for families

• Dock bar serves casual bites and cold drinks

  
  

Heavenly Village — Best Shopping & Dining in South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe is packed with boutiques, souvenir shops, and restaurants. It’s the perfect spot to spend an afternoon with kids or grab food before a boat tour.

• Walkable and stroller-friendly

• Souvenir shops, outdoor gear, and local stores

• Dining options for all tastes (we loved Azul Latin Kitchen)

  
  

View of Riva Grill from the Tahoe Spirit

Riva Grill on the Lake — Lakefront Dining with Tahoe Vibes

Riva Grill offers beautiful lake views and an upscale, family-friendly menu. We came here after a boat ride and it was one of our top meals of the trip. It’s located right on Ski Run Beach, so you can easily stroll the sand before or after your meal.

• Located on the waterfront near Heavenly Village at Ski Run Marina.

• Fresh seafood and delicious cocktails.

• Spacious patio perfect for sunset dining.

• Ski Run Beach is public — no reservation needed to enjoy the sand and water.

• Paid parking available at the marina; street parking nearby on Ski Run Blvd.

Vikingsholm Castle in Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay State Park — Must-See Lake Tahoe Scenic Spot

Emerald Bay is one of the most iconic sights in Lake Tahoe. We went out on the Tahoe Spirit for a 2 hour cruise around the bay and it was stunning! Between boat rides and scenic overlooks, this is a bucket list stop you won’t forget.

• View of Fannette Island from the water

• Popular scenic overlook great for photos

• Easy parking near roadside pull-offs

• Ideal for quick hikes or a peaceful break

Stunning views before the crowds!

Secret Cove before 8AM is the real secret

Secret Cove — Hidden Gem with Crystal Clear Water

If you're looking for one of the most Instagram-worthy beach in Lake Tahoe, Secret Cove is it. Remote, quiet, and stunning — this one is worth the early start! We got there before 8AM and it was so worth it. We were the first ones there and it was surreal. it was very shaded until the sun finally lit up the cove around 830-9AM.

• Get there early to secure a good spot

• Clothing optional, so I wouldn't bring kids.

• Can be cool early in the morning

• Crystal-clear turquoise water, super cold

• Small beach and coves for relaxing. Not much of a sandy beach.

• Only vault toilets near parking lot and top of the tail, no running water.

Tahoe Bagel picnic at Sigar Pine Park

Tahoe Bagel Co. — Best Breakfast in South Lake Tahoe

A local favorite, Tahoe Bagel Co. is a must-try for breakfast sandwiches before a beach day. My mouth still waters when I think about it.

• Quick, casual counter service

• Delicious breakfast bagels with fresh ingredients

• Located in Stateline and also near South Lake Tahoe.

Rented this Free People dress from Nuuly!

Golden Hour at Zephyr Cove, Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Zephyr Cove: Easy Dinner & Sunset Spot (But Bar Closes Early)

Zephyr Cove was close to where we stayed, so we went for dinner at the Lodge Restaurant. I had the risotto and it was so good. The beach is a perfect sunset spot, but heads up—the “Sunset Bar” closes at 6 PM, way before sunset (weird, I know).

• Lodge Restaurant has casual food; the risotto was my favorite.

• Free parking is limited; paid parking is right by the beach.

• Sunset Bar closes at 6 PM — bring your own drinks.

• Soft sand, calm water, and easy beach access.

• Restrooms and outdoor showers available.

Tables on the beach at Gar Woods

Prickly Pear Wet Woody, Beer & The Lobster Deviled Eggs at Gar Woods

Gar Woods Grill & Pier — Iconic Tahoe Restaurant with a Famous Drink

Gar Woods in Carnelian Bay is a Lake Tahoe classic. It offers lakefront dining, beautiful views, and their signature frozen drink — the Wet Woody.

• Stunning lake views from the deck

• Great for lunch, brunch, or dinner

• Casual but upscale Tahoe vibe

• Make a reservation

High Camp Home in Truckee

Craft & Logic Tap Room

Downtown Truckee — Quaint Mountain Town Day Trip

Truckee is a charming historic town just outside Lake Tahoe. A great side trip for shopping, walking, and soaking in mountain town charm. I loved the shops High Camp Home and Jack + Emmy! After shopping and we all grabbed drinks at Craft & Logic Tap Room and sat outside- It was so nice!

• Walkable main street with local shops

• Coffee spots, breweries, and restaurants

• Family-friendly with a relaxed pace

Views from Sunnyside Resaurant

Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge — Best for Sunset Cocktails

Located on the California side, Sunnyside offers lakefront dining with live music and a laid-back Tahoe vibe.

• Great for golden hour drinks!

• Outdoor seating with lake views

• Live music on weekends

• Fresh seafood, great cocktails

Shadyside Lounge — Popular Spot We Wish We Visited

We heard great things about Shadyside Lounge—a laid-back lakeside spot known for its cocktails and sunset views. It’s walking distance from Sunnyside Lodge, but after a long day, we skipped it. Definitely saving it for next time.

• Chill lakeside vibe with cocktails.

• Perfect after a beach or boat day.

• Popular spot for sunset views.

• Easy walk from Sunnyside Restaurant.

Fresh Juices + Espresso Martinis in South Lake Tahoe

 Elements Eatery & Bar — Family-Friendly Brunch Spot

This South Lake Tahoe restaurant was a great find for a casual brunch with kids. Scenic, spacious, and easygoing.

• Breakfast favorites and espresso drinks

• Indoor and patio seating

• Relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere

Spritzing at Bruschetta

Bruschetta in Stateline — Cozy Italian Restaurant

Tucked away in Stateline, this Italian restaurant was one of our favorite date-night spots. Delicious food and a romantic vibe.

• Fresh pasta and bold flavors

• Quiet, cozy atmosphere

• Great wine list

Sand Harbor: Reservation Tips You Need to Know

We missed out on Sand Harbor because we didn’t have a reservation. Later, I found out they open remaining spots to first-come, first-served after 10:30 AM.

• Reservations required from 8:00–10:30 AM (April 15–Oct 15).

• After 10:30 AM, unclaimed spots open for first-come, first-served.

• Book at ReserveNevada.com — spots go fast.

• No walk-ins or drop-offs — must enter through the main gate.

• If the lot fills, the park closes until late afternoon.

I’m so grateful to have finally checked Lake Tahoe off my bucket list, and even more grateful we got to experience It as a family! Tahoe completely lived up to the hype I had built up in my head—the water, the trees, the giant boulders… I still can’t get over how beautiful it all was. The views truly steal the show. While Tahoe isn’t typically known as a major food destination (my Gar Woods TikTok went viral, and a lot of people in the comments mentioned that), we genuinely enjoyed every restaurant we tried. Each spot had such a great vibe, and the food hit the spot after full days of exploring. This was my kind of trip—mixing mountains with crystal blue water. Usually, it’s the ocean that gives me that perfect contrast, but Tahoe made me fall in love with lake life, and I fully embraced it.

Steps into the lake at Sugar Pine Point State Park