This fantastic trail through the woods offers peekaboo views of the lake the whole way up, then rewards you with the big reveal — an unobstructed, panoramic view of the lake, ringed by mountains — at the top. Grab a seat on a giant boulder and just take it all in for a minute. Although not an overly challenging hike,...
Half the skiers in northern California learned to ski at Donner Ski Ranch. While this is not a big mountain and you’re not going to find challenging terrain here, with great tubing and sledding options plus $10 all-day passes for kids 6 and under it’s an excellent place for families with young learners.
After a few bleak, snow-less years, Homewood returned to its former glory in 2016. This small, family-friendly resort is a great spot to teach kids to ski, and also offers the best Lake Tahoe views of any Tahoe resort. You want find the verticals or variety here to compare with the larger resorts, but the trade-off is short lift lines,...
Kidzone crams hours of learning and entertainment into a small geodesic dome right next to the high school football field. Inside there’s a small bi-plane to climb around in, lots of opportunities for dress-up, an art room with plenty of supplies, an indoor slide, trains, blocks, and more. Outside in the garden there are shovels, trucks, wheelbarrows, a variety of...
Putting a round at Kings Beach Mini Golf feels a little like going back in time. The place has been open since the late 1950s and maintains that vintage ’50s look and feel today across two courses, plus a concession stand, which sells candy and ice cream, naturally. With a mix of super-challenging and pretty easy holes, your family will...
Ask most Tahoe locals (especially on the Nevada side) where they take their families to ski and most will say Mount Rose. In addition to very family-friendly lift ticket prices in the winter (kids 5 and under are $15, and those 6-15 can ski and ride for just $29 a day), it’s a fantastic place to hike in summer as...
As North America’s largest cross-country ski resort, Royal Gorge boasts 330 km and 90 groomed trails, which vary from scenic and meandering to mountainous and difficult. It has been the site of the U.S. National Championships for cross-country skiing and is a world-renowned resort for cross-country enthusiasts. But you needn’t be an expert to enjoy Royal Gorge. In addition to several...
With its large, smooth boulders and clear turquoise water, Sand Harbor is probably the most photographed of all of Tahoe’s beaches. Its amphitheater is also home to the annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, and its lakefront gazebos are popular wedding sites. Due to its popularity, Sand Harbor fills up quickly on sunny weekends and nice summer days. Get there either...
Nestled in the woods in South Lake Tahoe, this Olympic-size indoor ice arena is a great spot any time of year, whether you want some winter fun out on the rink or need to escape the summer heat. The snack bar serves up some pretty decent food, plus a couple of beers on tap. If you’re hoping to skate, just...
Take the tram up to High Camp for a swim in the pool, a soak in the hot tub, and a meal surrounded by breathtaking views of the Sierra. Set at 8200 feet, the High Camp pool is a great spot to splash away a summer day. There are also a few trails to explore near High Camp, and a...
The resort that introduced the world to Lake Tahoe, during the 1960 Olympics, Squaw is still one of — if not the — top resorts in the area thanks to its steep mountains, long runs and number of lifts. It also remains a local favorite, despite some recent complaints over its proposal to dramatically expand its village, adding many more...
After all that hiking, biking, swimming or skiing, you’re gonna need a little relaxation time and this is the best spot on the lake to get it. As a full-fledged spa snob, I’ve tried all of them multiple times and Stillwater Spa is the only spot where I’ve never been disappointed. Every single massage therapist there is one of the...
The best way to see Emerald Bay is by boat. And if you don’t have your own, the best alternative is Tahoe Bleu Wave’s 70-foot yacht. In pristine condition, it seats just under 50 passengers, so no cruise ever feels too crowded. The lunch and drinks are great, and the crew really knows their history plus seem genuinely thrilled to...
Super fun for the whole family (although kids need to be 5 or older to join in), this aerial treetop park links a series of tree platforms with suspension bridges and zip lines. Each session gets you a generous 2.5 hours to explore, zip, and squeal to your heart’s content. Although Treetop is open some scattered hours in April, it...
Who wants to learn how to do flips or conquer the half-pipe out on the snow and ice? Instead, start at Woodward and practice your tricks (or help your kids practice theirs) in total safety, surrounded by plenty of foam and padding. Expert staff are on hand to show you how it’s done and how it should feel if you’re...