On this post, tips on what to pack and what people are wearing in Lake Tahoe at the summertime!
In my mind there is no more magical spot than Lake Tahoe in the summertime. I spent my summers on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe as a girl. My parents would save their money and rent a cabin or A-frame in Chamber’s Landing, which had a terrific beach. I still think the best summer day is one spent biking in swimsuit to the beach and ending with an ice cream cone from the corner grocer..You can still do that on the West Shore and the pine scent of the air and the cold lake on a hot day just brings back those memories of carefree kid days. The West Shore still feels very much old school in that way to me..
I am so fortunate to now own a small vintage kit cabin not far from that same area on the West Shore.. I count down the days until I can be there. Now that I have spent more seasons recently here, I feel like I can give tips about what you need for a getaway here.. The fact is, I always overpack and wear the same things on repeat as it is VERY casual everywhere.
Tahoe is not a swanky place. In winter you sometimes see people with expensive ski jackets and such, but the truth is, at its heart Tahoe is mostly log cabins and people doing things outside!
Things to leave home– your heels and designer bags and makeup..
Things to bring- hats and sunscreen and – anything you might wear for a campfire or hike- and a few others..
Tahoe looks I wear…
A puffer with shorts and flip flops
A sundress with Tevas
Shorts over swimsuit
Cord shorts with a white blouse
Chunky sweaters with shorts
Fleece with jeans and sandals at night ( I call it the out to dinner look!)
Fleece jackets over skirts
I like to throw white jeans into the mix, a few cute pieces like a coverup and easy sundresses..The chicest people here have air dried hair and no makeup or the natural look. The biggest thing you really need is a hat and sunscreen- and good sunglasses. The higher altitudes makes it an easy place to get super burned even on a cloudy day..
A few looks from the past year or so..
What to Pack for Tahoe May – October
As in most of California, nights and mornings are cool, especially in the Sierras. Make sure you bring lots of layers and warm jackets as well as swim gear and shorts.
- Light jacket – ideal would be a light puffer, or windbreaker
- Fleece or sweatshirt for cooler days and nights
- Several t-shirts long sleeve and short
- Leggings or athletic sporty pants- or beach pants like these.
- Jeans – and I’ll bring a white pair too
- Windbreaker or light jacket- this by Vuori is nice.
- Shorts
- Swimsuits and rash guard
- Coverup- or one that can double as a dress- This is almost just like mine on bike and this is similar .
- Casual sundress or two.
- Button up blouse to pair with shorts or pants for going out.
- Tevas or some kind of sporty sandal.
- Flip flops I love these by Olukai.
- Hats-one with a cord for biking or boating and beach or a baseball cap.
- Sneakers or hiking shoes.
- Sunscreen.. I love this one.
- A mini backpack or sling bag you can take on hikes and walks.
- Sunglasses- I love Ray-Bans. This is a new style thats cool and the classic ones are my everyday pair.
Great pieces to consider:
Love this Uniqlo ultralight puffer and this windbreaker is also a great one.
I wear shorts most of the time in summer in Tahoe and these J. Crew Chinos and these Carve cord shorts are my go-tos.
I always have hats and I love ones with cords so I can wear them riding my bike or on a kayak or raft. This is a crushable option from Carve and this is another option – both with cords.
I love this rash guard/sun dress by Carve. Very flattering and with UPF 50 coverage, which you need up here in the mountains and on the water.
I always have a felt hat I bought in Switzerland at the hardware store! I wear mine in the fall and spring a lot in Tahoe. This one is very similar.
You have to have sandals for the beach in Tahoe. It’s super rocky.. I have these thin strapped Tevas – my favorite shoe to wear up there.
You need casual pair of jeans or sport pants. I love these Carson relaxed jeans and these Vuori Ripstop pants and these joggers for comfy cabin time.
These new Ray-Bans are pretty and come in a deep blue and this gray.
Photos are linked…
If you are visiting Tahoe and need ideas for the West Shore this post has some of my favorite spots…and if you are going in winter you may like this post with a Tahoe Winter Ski look.
Now please stop by my friends who are sharing their tips for packing and holidays in their special parts of the country..
Thanks for stopping by! I’d love to hear what you bring to Tahoe or favorite spots there..
Pleases leave a note in comments. Hoping you all get a little lake time soon!
Kim
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I absolutely loved Lake Tahoe and dream of returning one day!
You look fabulous in every picture and I’d happily copy every outfit for summer here in Europe. The ‘Weekend’ sweater is particularly lovely, is it current please? Would I be able to hunt it down?!
Off to rethink my holiday wardrobe 😂😘
Hi Sally, It’s a magical place isn’t it? Oh thank you so much. I wish I could find the sweater. It was from a few years back. I’ll see if I see a similar one here to link to! xo
What a magical place! I haven’t been there much in the Summer…more for skiing but this post makes me want to plan a trip. You look awesome in your casual Tahoe attire!
Mary Ann you have to go back in summertime some day! xo
Tahoe sounds wonderful! I love the idea of a casual, relaxed vibe where a fleece with jeans and sandals is an out-to-dinner look. I was just in Denver, and everyone wore Tevas! Very outdoorsy!
Love your ideas….and observations on what to wear, like shorts and a puffer jacket and cord shorts with a white blouse. That “weekend” sweat is adorable!
Thanks for putting this together, Kim, and including me!
xo
Annie
Tevas are the thing…I know they are having a resurgence just like Birkenstocks did! Some of them are cute and to be honest they just are so good for hikes and the beach.
SO glad to see your NYC looks and the charming spots Annie! xo
All American Girl !
Great photos of You and the Beautiful Lake Tahoe!
Xoxo
You are sweet. xo
Kim,
You always look beautiful, your classic, casual, California look is comfortable and stylish. I love each look! And more than that seeing you living your best life and time with your family!
Thank you for including me in this round-up! Have a wonderful day!
Elizabeth, I’m so glad we all did this. Fun to see your part of North Carolina! xo
Tell me the difference in the West Shore and the East Shore or other areas?
Gray, Most people visit the west and north shore for outdoor activities. There are casinos in the South shore and a big ski resort Heavenly. There is less on the east side and that side also is part of Nevada, not California. The west shore is older cabins and sort of old school, but close to skiing and a lot of boating and the Truckee River. Hard to explain, but you have to visit sometime. I personally like the west shore, but I am a little biased. There is a lot of nature and trails over on this side too.
You’re making me crave a weekend in Tahoe soon! I usually like to go in the snow, but a summer trip sounds just lovely! Thanks for the great packing tips!
OXOX
Dawn
Yes Dawn you guys have to go in Summer..
Kim, I always love your pictures and suggestions from Tahoe. It’s such a magical place. Do you know I haven’t been since 2016-ish. Oh my gosh, that’s too long. And you’ve inspired me to look into renting a house this summer … hopefully it’s not too late. Love all your packing ideas … you always have the cutest Tahoe outfits. Keep the Tahoe + tiny cabin posts coming. And thanks for coordinating this collaboration. So fun! xo
Juliet you need to get back! I hope you go., It’s such a relaxing place! So glad to do this with you all .. xx
Spending the Summer months at Lake Tahoe sounds magical … I’d love to visit one day. ( I loved it there on a January trip a few years ago)
As always, a truly wonderful post Kim and so useful. I always look forward to reading about your Tahoe trips … in the Summer or Winter.
Your packing suggestions will work well for many other areas in the US I think, as well as Cornwall in the Uk and Summer days in the Swiss mountains or by the lakes!
Rosemary xx
Hi Rosemary you have to get there in summer one day! Yes could be used for other casual beach spot.. I want to get to Cornwall.. xo
Hi Kim,
How wonderful the time you spent in Lake Tahoe with your family. You never forget those special times. They are etched into your brain forever.
Lake Tahoe is so gorgeous. Wherever you look beauty surrounds you. I believe the last time I was in Lake Tahoe was for work back in maybe 1974? I was on a mountain road at night and it was snowing. I got a little spooked I recall that, it was hard to see.
Your different styles of clothing you wear in Lake Tahoe are perfect. It must be so refreshing not to wear any makeup and have not to even step-up very casual.
Looking at the rocks and you standing bare feet made me say ouch. You always look so cute in everything you wear.
Hi Katherine! I know those summertime days as a kid were the best. Tahoe is just so gorgeous. Wow i have had one of those drives on a snowy road at night and won’t do it anymore…too scary.
Yes I love being natural up there! Yes the rocks on the beach hurt!
Aw thanks Katherine..
xo
I love Lake Tahoe. We camped at Meek’s Bay Resort for a week every summer when I was growing up. Aunts, uncles, and cousins (and of course, my Nana!). A few times, my parents splurged on one of the lakeside cabins at the resort. Morning to evening, my cousin and I would swim, rent paddleboats, play in the sand, and climb on the huge boulders. A midday ice cream at the onsite snack shack was a must. Nowadays, we take day trips up there to the same beach, always starting with breakfast at Firesign Cafe and ending with dinner at Sunnyside Resort before heading back to the Bay Area. I always said when I grew up, I was going to buy the Ehrman Mansion and live up there all the time!
Hi Janet, I love that. Meek’s Bay is also so lovely and has that old school charm. What great memories! I love Firesign Cafe and Sunnyside too. I love Ehrman Mansion..Can you imagine living on that property? Must have been so cool.. I have to get back down that way this summer. Thank you for sharing! xo
Love this relaxed vibe! Maine is super casual too. Sometimes, though, casual here segues into sloppy… You make casual look chic!
Aw thank you Molly.. It’s a fine line here too.. I try to be comfortable and still stylish! Not always easy right? xo
Loved these “what to wear” posts!! Thank you for all the great ideas and inspiration!