A Week in Lake Tahoe: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Must-See Spots
- Lindsay Castner
- Aug 4
- 7 min read
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.
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:
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
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
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)
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.
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
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 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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
I recently took my family to Lake Tahoe, and it was an unforgettable experience filled with breathtaking scenery and fun activities for all ages. Between boating on Emerald Bay, exploring quiet beaches, and enjoying local dining spots, every day was full of adventure. To unwind after our busy days, I treated myself to a Non-surgical facelift facial, which was deeply refreshing. Just like our Tahoe trip rejuvenated my spirit, this facial revitalized my skin, leaving me feeling completely renewed and relaxed.
Visiting Lake Tahoe was truly a dream come true, with its stunning views of crystal-clear water, towering trees, and breathtaking boulders. The combination of mountains and lake life made it one of the most memorable family trips. Even though Tahoe isn’t a major food hub, every restaurant we tried had great vibes and delicious meals. The balance of nature and relaxation made the experience unforgettable. Just like planning a perfect trip, students can achieve balance in their studies with reliable Assignment Help London to make learning stress-free.