Many of you followed along on Instagram our recent four day getaway to Lake Tahoe, and liked the photos, so I thought I’d post about our first real family getaway in the time of COVID. It was wonderful to finally leave the house for a few days after months of staying put. We squeezed it in just before the youngest son left to began his freshman year at University of Utah.
We are living in such unprecedented times, who knows what is safe and what is risky right now? Each family needs to decide for themselves. A road trip to Tahoe and staying in a rental seemed fairly safe to us. The challenge was avoiding the summer crowds of Tahoe, so we did takeout, cooked in our rental and ate at outdoor restaurants with good safety protocols. We wore our masks all the times we were out among others, did an extra cleaning of the rental upon arrival and left the windows wide open for a full day after we arrived.
As a girl, my family took us to Lake Tahoe for vacations and I have the best memories of those simple summers. My parents would rent little cabins or A- frames often at a beach area called Chamber’s Landing. I have a special affinity for the West Shore of Lake Tahoe thanks to those times. It has a lot of history, many charming old cabins and homes and the most beautiful beaches. I love the gorgeous trees and pine smell that hits you as soon as you arrive and the incomparably blue lake never fails to stun me with it’s beauty.
On this trip we started our days with a morning activity and then hung out afternoons at the lake, swimming, reading, paddle boarding and some sunbathing. We cooked some dinners in and also went out two nights. The highlight of this trip was renting a speed boat the last day and letting the guys try waterskiing. It was a slow and relaxing vacation with a lot of downtime, beautiful sunsets and just what we needed before taking the youngest off to college. I even brought my watercolors to work on. I’m just a beginner still, and I need a lot of help, but it was fun to try painting in the open air.
A few snaps of the trip…
Our rental was in a group of houses with a private beach and shared pier.
Our lawn and beach area. I love the Adirondack chairs that everyone has in Tahoe!
Our coffee spot in the morning. The rental was pretty worn, but it did have a great location.
I loved walking down this beach to see all the lovely lakefront homes. The rocks on this side of the lake beautiful, but very deep and hard to walk in!
We enjoyed a few happy hours on the end of our dock and watching the pretty boats go by..
Some of my favorite musts when on Tahoe’s West Shore..
Tahoe House– a combo of a Swiss Bakery, Deli and gourmet food shop, this treasure has been a mandatory stop on a Tahoe trip for years. I always buy a souvenir for the kitchen or one of their wonderful jams or sauces to bring home as gifts for house or pet sitters. Their lattes I dream about!! We were fortunate to get coffee there a few morning on this trip.
Fire Sign Cafe has outstanding breakfast and also lunch on an expansive lawn that has distancing while you eat under the pines. You can get food to go at their window here too.
Chamber’s Landing is an iconic Tahoe institution. Situated on a beautiful beach, the bar here was the first boat house built on Tahoe in 1865. The beach is used by the many who have vacation homes in the adjoining development. There is now a grill to have the most delicious (best of our trip) outside dinner- socially distanced, with a fantastic lake view. Many people like to come before dinner and take photos with boat house and sunset in the background. Save this for your last night and you won’t regret it!
Next to our rental was the SWA Watersports which rents speedboats, jet skis, paddle boards, private charters, fishing boats and lessons. They have a great protocols during cover- everyone wearing masks, sanitizing and keeping groups separate. We felt good about renting there and recommend doing this or chartering a boat if you don’t want to drive one yourself while you stay in Tahoe! There is no better way to see or experience the lake!
My Apolis market bag was perfect for this car trip and boating!
West Shore Sports Carries bikes and SUP or stand up paddle boards to rent right in Homewood, also with locations in Sunnyside and Sugar Pine Point. They are open every day weather permitting.
West Shore Cafe & Hotel is located right next to the SWA Watersports and has a great deck to grab dinner or a cocktail over the water, located right across from Homewood Ski Resort. The cute red umbrellas are busy all day with boaters coming in, but they are very good with masks and well spaced tables.
For a hike with a view, Ellis Peak is easily reached from the West Shore and is of moderate difficulty, but has panoramic views. Griffin and Max did this hike and took a few beautiful photos. More on the hike details on the All Trails link.
Sunnyside is another don’t miss Tahoe stop with an enormous deck to have one of their famous drinks or Hula Pie! During winter months there are cozy spots to have a hot drink by the fire inside. Reservations are helpful as it is one of the most popular places.
Rafting down the Truckee River is a tradition that families have done forever. It’s an easy five mile float down the river where at the end you can have a lunch at River Ranch Lodge on a patio over the river. We chose not to do this as the river was choked with people when we drove in and we thought it wasn’t smart during COVID. Hopefully when the summer crowds thin or this pandemic is over, you can do this more safely. (photo via Truckee River Rafting.)
There is much more to see on the West Shore by driving south on highway 89. There are parks like The Hellman Ehrman Mansion at Sugar Pine Point State Park, (also a fun place to kayak and picnic) and historic Camp Richardson. Vikingsholm is a particular favorite of mine, a Scandinavian style home built in the 1920’s with materials from Tahoe using old world craftsmanship.
Vikingsholm is built in a medieval style home and if you take the tour you learn more about the style, furnishings and its owner Mrs Knight. It’s set at the bottom of a steep one mile hike on beautiful Emerald Bay. Mrs Knight, built another small house on an island in the middle of Emerald Bay to take her friends for tea. The home fronts a public beach that has a view of this island and is a nice place for a picnic before you do the hike back up to the parking lot. This is something to do very early in the day on warm parts of the year as the hike back up can be strenuous. Tours may be closed during the pandemic, so check the website for Vikingsholm.
One day we went into Tahoe City to shop for souvenirs and get lunch. The Granlibakken Taco Truck has awesome street tacos and authentic Mexican and we took our lunch across the street to Commons Beach. This beach is great for families as it is very shallow for a very long way out. It also has a playground (closed during COVID) but can be crowded. There is a great little local artist co-op fronting the beach there called ARTIsan Shop. It’s a non-profit for local artists and a great place to pick up art, photography, glass woven things, ceramics and so much more – many Tahoe themed.
Also in Tahoe City the Pineapple shop is a go-to for cute Tahoe tote bags, jewelry and home decor things in the Cobblestone Center. I also LOVE Kalifornia Jean Bar which has locations in Truckee, (a charming nearby village if you have time), and in Squaw Valley Village. They sell this sweatshirt with the cool Tahoe spots and many adorable Tahoe shirts.
Where to Stay on Tahoe’s West Shore..
Airbnb in Tahoma/Homewood and the West Shore.
These VRBO rentals are the ten closest to Chamber’s Landing of their listings.
Granlibakken Resort is another place that I hold dear in my heart. I learned to ski on their crazy steep Olympic training hill back in late 70’s and my kids spent many winters sledding here and having hot chocolate at the hut at their sled hill. All the condos here are independently owned and nestled in the prettiest forest locations. There is also a lodge, restaurant and bar as well as a conference center. It has a super location just off 89 in Tahoe City. When renting here ask for an updated condominium. The breakfast buffet cannot be beat before a day of boating or skiing.
West Shore Cafe & Hotel, as mentioned above also has a great lakefront suites and rooms and a hopping restaurant and bar, located just across from Homewood ski resort.
The Cottage Inn is on a fantastic stretch of beach and looks funky and charming. I’ve never been, but their video makes me want to go for a weekend!
Sunnyside is also great lodge with a restaurant right on the lakefront.
On the way into Tahoe you will pass the Olympic Village from the 1960 games. There is a lovely resort- Squaw Creek near the entrance which has all the resort amenities and a huge pool, shops and places to eat and a lot of beautiful hiking as well as proximity to Squaw Valley Village. Plump Jack Inn is also near the village here and is a luxury boutique hotel. (Note: It is currently closed until winter due to the pandemic.)
Please leave any Tahoe favorites of your own in the comments! I’d love to hear what memories you might have of this magical spot.
Thanks for coming along. More on Tahoe in winter on my older posts about Squaw Valley and Plump Jack Inn and also – My Winter Lake Tahoe favorites.
Kim
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Photos property of NorthernCalStyle unless noted.
Love this Kim! Thank you for sharing. We’ve been wanting to go to Tahoe this summer and didn’t have a chance. Would love to go this Fall. I’d like to get info about your rental. The location seemed ideal!
Hi Shelley! Thank you so much. I will send you the info. I hope you get to go soon! xo
Thank you Kim for such a detailed and inviting post. I’ve been to Tahoe many times, but your post makes me want to go back and visit the places you shared. You really have a way with presenting things. Definitely on my to-do list when this virus calms down. Stay safe. Best wishes to you and your family.
Pamela thank you so much for that kind note! You made my day! I hope you get to go when things get back to normal. Take care!
Lake Tahoe is definitely a wonderful place to visit and it looks like you all had a great time. Maybe one day we’ll make it to this beautiful spot.
I hope you get to Lorna! It’s one of the most beautiful spots in the world. It is the biggest lake in North America after the Great Lakes and is the largest Alpine Lake in North America and I think is 1,600 feet deep or thereabouts! It’s gorgeous in winter too. The blue color is what is amazing and the mountains that surround it! xo
Kim, this is amazing! We are in Tahoe right now and will do a day trip or two to the West Shore to check out a few of your recommendations. We like the North Shore a lot and always stay at the Hyatt High Sierra Lodge at Incline Village (summers only). We love it because they have 2BR/2BA condos (I find good deals for renting them on RedWeek) and they have restaurants, a beach and a few pools. There are grocery stores nearby and grills on the property so between cooking, grilling, and getting restaurant meals, we don’t often feel the need to leave the property. This time we’re here for two weeks so I know we’ll explore. Up here, Sand Harbor (the crystal clear waters you see in many Tahoe pictures) is nearby and there’s a newer bike path that has stunning views between Incline and Sand Harbor. I’ll update you with any new finds! Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
Hello Lisa and I am hoping Incline is great. Thank you for the great tip here I think a lot of people will appreciate that! I had no idea Incline had to much there at the Hyatt. We may need to try it. I love Sand Harbor too. I actually went snorkeling there once. I personally don’t think snorkeling is worth it in Tahoe- it’s pretty bland down there. LOL. Once we ran into a nude beach by Sand Harbor. Does that sound familiar? Was before I had kids. It was weird… Yes please comment back! I would love to hear how the trip went. I hope you are getting to chill and relax!!
THIS WAS CHOCK FULL OF GOOD ADVISE AND PLACES TO GO!
MY GRANDFATHER was an architect for a house in TAHOE and I am wondering how I could find out which one if it still exists!That would have been in the 1920’s or 30’s………….
MY time there as a child was very minimal and NOT A GREAT EXPERIENCES!I do not do well on ROCK BEACHES!I experienced my first car accident in TAHOE where a young kid lost control and slid into our car.I was sitting in the back seat I would imagine NO SEAT BELT I was about 7 years old.IT was terrifying………
Another trip with a school chum they had one of those houses you spoke of on the WEST SHORE OLD AND GORGEOUS………….will NOT go into detail about THAT!
Plus, I was not a skier ………….but both my sons lived there and LOVED IT!MY oldest taught little kids to ski at HOMEWOOD one winter!
Sounds like a lovely get away………….XOXO
Oh my gosh that sounds like you have had some bad experiences in Tahoe Elizabeth. Maybe you need a reset there! I think you should find out where your grandfather built it- the address and we could do some research that way?? Let’s see if we can find it? We will have to talk more of Tahoe on the phone. xo
What a lovely getaway … the beauty of Lake Tahoe never fails to take my breath away. When I was in my 20’s we had a cabin in South Shore and did a lot fo skiing. But, my favorite time of year in Tahoe has always been summer. We hoped to get away for a week this summer but it looks like it won’t happen. I’m filing your post away for next year’s planning. Our recent trips to Tahoe have been to the Hyatt near Incline (they’re dog friendly) … and we’ve been combing VRBO and Airbnb for lakeside, dog friendly homes. I’m going to explore your suggestions. Thanks for this blissful daydream getaway. Just fabulous. xo
Hi Juliet, You must have had some fun with a cabin in South Shore back then. My dear friend also has a place in Tahoe Keys and it’s gorgeous there also! This summer has been a bit crazy..I know so many who just did not get away. I don’t blame them either..There are a lot of rentals that are dog friendly now I think! Hope you get a chance to go soon. xx
What a great getaway. Certainly will save all the places you describe. Thanks for the detailed information.We usually have stayed at North Shore Carnelian Bay. Tahoe is the best and hope to visit next summer again.
Hi Sheila! Carnelian Bay is so beautiful! I hope you get there next summer too. xo
Thank you so much for posting this Kim. Your photos are so beautiful !! I have a dear friend who lives in Squaw Valley part time…I am going to email him now and see if I can come along and stay. He is a quasi Uncle for my kids and once I went to see him just by myself for “a mom trip away from her brood” and we spent all day hiking and gathering giant pinecones and mossy bark pieces that I use every Fall to decorate my mantle piece with in a rustic “ode to nature” display. Such a gorgeous part of the state.
All the best,
Francesca, Thank you for your nite! Wow how wonderful to have a little place to get away to. Squaw Valley is really a gorgeous part of Tahoe too. I love the idea os going and collecting natural things for the mantle..especially great idea for fall! It night even be the prettiest time there! Hope you get to do it.
I am not sure which post to respond to, your Lake Tahoe holiday looks fantastic! Here in Italy, we are all staying at home. I also want to go to the seaside, or to our native Austria, but we are unwilling to take the risk, or expose others.
I love your blog!! Please ask your son how he washes your windows. I would love to hire someone to wash my windows, but since I live remote in the hills of Umbria, I could never get someone to come. Maybe you could send your son to us!! I am a boy Mom {2} and would make sure he has a good time.
Thanks, Robin
HI Robin!
Thank you for your sweet note. I know how you feel about going out and exposing others. This was nerve wracking and that is why we tried to stay where there were not other people! Not easy. How are things in Umbria? My hear broke for Italy. I also adore Austria. I hope to get to travel again someday when we are all over this. My son would be thrilled to go to Umbria!! He washed the windows with good old fashioned Windex cleaner and a squeegee. Sadly now because of our fires they are pretty bad again. He is away at college now in Utah and I miss him. Maybe you can train your boys? We started young and I pay him a small amount! Having two boys is the best. I have always loved it. Thank you again for you note from Europe. You are all in my heart all the time there and wish our country had more rules in place like you all to do the right thing.
Hi Kim …. I can’t believe how late I am commenting here, especially considering how much I loved this post. I feel transported to Tahoe, enjoying all the many wonderful things it has to offer! 😃
We visited once, a while ago in the Winter for a few days as part of a road trip. I really loved it then, but now, thanks to you, I know there’s so much more to Tahoe than the mountains, snow, skiing etc. I’d love to visit sometime in the Summer and experience all the lovely places you’ve mentioned here and on IG. I know that if you love them, I will too!
Take care ..: hope you had a wonderful time in Carmel.
Rosemary xxxx
Rosemary, I am late replying! So nice you have seen Tahoe in the Winter. It’s so gorgeous. Yes summertime there is something special. Hope you will get there one day and see. I have to doubt you loved the snowy Tahoe. It is a little like Switzerland! Thank you so much for the note!! Glad you like the photos. xoxo
Thank you for the great photos Kim! I haven’t been to Tahoe in forever but just rented a house in the Chambers subdivision on the West Shore with access to the Chambers pool, pier, etc. for a week next July. A friend’s son is getting married at Sugar Pine Point and we decided to make a vacation of it. Your photos make me glad we’re going to the west shore and excited for our getaway, even almost a year away!
Mary wow I am excited for you too. What a great time you’ll have being at Chambers and on the West Shore! I didn’t know Sugar Pine Point had a spot for weddings. It is a gorgeous area. You were smart to book ahead. Thank you for the comment and I am glad the blog was helpful. Lots to look forward to!!