Beaches, River Rafting and Downtown Dining: The Perfect Weekend in Tahoe City

Day One: Afternoon Arrival, Downtown Dining, and Sunset at the Lake

Welcome to Tahoe City! It’s time to explore the small but vibrant downtown area, full of alpine energy and people wandering along the charming storefronts and exploring delicious dining options by the pristine lakeshore. 

After your hotel or vacation rental check-in, head straight to Downtown Tahoe City. If you are close by, I recommend going by foot or bike to really experience the area like a local. It also helps with parking and traffic congestion, which can be high in the summer season.

Downtown you can find a wide variety of dining options to suit every palate. If you would like to dine at a locally loved establishment with a laid-back attitude and stunning lakefront views, head to Za’s Lakefront. Here, you will find an extensive menu featuring with creative pastas, pizzas, entrees, and cocktails.

Tahoe Tap House features a beautiful outdoor patio to enjoy brews and creative pub fare. Photo Credit: Tahoe Tap Haus

For beer lovers, Tahoe Tap Haus is the place to be. Featuring 16 rotating taps, with around half of them locally brewed brands, Tahoe Tap Haus offers a variety of brews to sample and enjoy alongside their menu of unique California-inspired pub dishes. On a warm summer night, it's best enjoyed on their dog-friendly patio, where you can take in the Tahoe atmosphere and fresh alpine air. Tahoe Tap Haus is conveniently located next to their sister company, Tahoe Art Haus and Cinema, the region's only cinema drafthouse. This one-screen theater features popular motion pictures, independent films and local films to offer a wide variety of entertainment to the community.

If you're looking for an upscale dining experience, Christy Hill offers an exquisite blend of modern American cuisine with French, Italian and Mediterranean inspiration. Featuring an intimate setting set amongst the sparkling shoreline, Christy Hill offers stunning panoramic views of the lake, which adds to the atmosphere. With 45 years of experience and success, Christy Hill has refined its blend of fresh and sustainably sourced ingredients with a creative twist on California cuisine. Pair an entree or small plates with carefully curated wine options or a decadent dessert.

After you're finished satisfying your appetite, make your way to Commons Beach to watch the sunset over the stunning Sierras. Commons Beach is the main beach in Tahoe City, and it's always full of vibrant energy. It features a soft, sandy, shoreline, shallow waters safe for swimming and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. It's one of the go-to beaches for families in North Lake Tahoe, as it also features a playground and kayak rentals. This beach also hosts live music concerts, farmers markets, and athletic events throughout the year, especially in the summer. 

Make sure to bring layers, as the temperatures are beginning to cool down!

Nothing symbolizes a Tahoe City summer more than the Truckee River. Walk, bike or raft here! Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis

Day Two: Truckee River Adventures Await

No Tahoe summer is complete without spending time on the Truckee River. That place holds so much nostalgia and memories for me, including river rafting, biking and walking with my family from Tahoe City to The River Ranch, where we would relax and enjoy burgers, hot dogs and shakes right on the river.

The sounds of the rapids, smell of towering pines and energy of the community hasn't changed much, and it brings me back to a much simpler time when I go back. One where we could just put away our phones and problems and enjoy being present for a day surrounded by natural beauty and opportunities for adventure. 

The Truckee River is a great place for all ages and abilities. Here, you can explore it by rafting, kayaking, walking, running, rollerblading and cycling. The pedestrian path offers a protected walking and biking lane to peacefully enjoy the river without worrying about oncoming traffic. There are plenty of places to stop and enjoy sitting by the river or going for a dip in the water to cool down!

But first, let's get you started with a hearty breakfast.

FireSign has a wide variety of healthy and delicious homemade breakfast options. Photo Credit: FireSign Cafe

Tahoe City has a wide variety of options for morning dining and on-the-go options. One of my personal favorites for sit-down dining is FireSign Cafe, located just a few miles south of Tahoe City proper. Here, you can find an extensive menu featuring breakfast burritos, scrambles, benedicts, omelettes, pancakes and more. Their food is fresh and homemade, and they offer a variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

If you want to stay in town and have a quick grab-and-go option, Acai You is a delicious choice. Offering a variety of smoothies and bowls, with options to build your own, Acai You is a healthy and fun alternative to a heavier sit-down style breakfast. 

Now that we've fueled up, it's time to get to the river. I highly suggest that you start early, as it can get more crowded throughout the day. If you want to get the fundamental Tahoe rafting experience, head to Truckee River Rafting, conveniently located in Tahoe City. Truckee River Rafting is a passionate family-owned business that has been serving locals and visitors in the region since 1973. Here, you will be set up for your self-guided rafting tour through smooth rapids down the Truckee River, straight from their headquarters to The River Ranch. They offer free parking and shuttle services, ensuring that your experience goes smoothly.

Bring a cooler and snacks (you will want to make lots of scenic stops to relax and swim), SPF, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a waterproof camera and a waterproof dry bag for keeping your valuables or credit card in case you would like food at The River Ranch.

If you want to enjoy the Truckee River, but don't want to raft, there is a beautiful and protected paved walking and biking path that takes you along the river and straight to the River Ranch (and beyond if you choose).

The River Ranch takes you to a nostalgic place full of riverfront serenity and people living in the moment. Photo Credit: The River Ranch Lodge and Restaurant

Once you get to The River Ranch Lodge and Restaurant, it's time to secure a table by the river and order delicious food and drinks. Here, you are fully present and feel like you have stepped back in time to where we weren't attached to our phones or lived on-demand. Nestled in the forest, right by the riverbank, you are surrounded with a beautiful blend of scents from the pines, sounds from the rapids and cheers of rafters (and onlookers) and the feeling of slowing down.

Their menu is simple, but it packs a punch and refuels you after your adventure. Featuring family-favorite summer staples such as hot dogs, chicken tenders, turkey sandwiches, burgers, nachos, salads and even poke bowls, there is something for all ages to enjoy. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Wander the grounds and exhibits at the Gatekeeper's Museum to learn about Tahoe's rich history. Photo Credit: Gatekeeper's Museum.

After you get back via shuttle (if you opted for the rafting excursion) or by foot or bike, if you have some time before dinner, head over to the Gatekeeper's Museum to learn about Tahoe's rich history, with exhibits such as Tahoe's Gilded Age of Fashion, Revolving Basket Displays, Tahoe Dogs, Remembering the Tahoe Tavern and Under Lake Tahoe: Discover the History of What Lies Beneath. You also have a chance to visit the storied Watson Cabin. The Gatekeeper's Museum is also located in a serene forested area, right near the shoreline and Fanny Bridge. Here, you can wander under the towering pines or sit at a picnic bench and take in the scenery. 

For dinner, there are plenty of options. Pete 'n Peter's Sports and Spirits, known as "Tahoe City's original sports bar," features a game room with pool tables, shuffleboard, darts and daily drink specials. Next door, you can take a break from the games and satisfy your appetite at Pepper's Taqueria. Pepper's offers flavorful favorites including burritos, tacos and quesadillas.

Rosie's Cafe is a timeless Tahoe tradition, and somewhere my family used to gather back in the day. Here, you almost have too many options, but that's never a bad thing! This charming cafe holds a lot of Tahoe history and almost resembles a museum more than a restaurant! Rosie's offers a bit of everything to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters (trust me, I'm one of them). From fresh salads, to comfort American fare including burgers, sandwiches and pizzas, to classic hearty entrees such as steaks, turkey, salmon and fish n chips, you're guaranteed to find something good here. They also have extensive drink and dessert menus.

After dinner, head to Commons Beach to watch an incredible sunset. If you would like to check out another beach, I highly recommend Patton Beach in Carnelian Bay, an approximately 10-minute drive northeast. This dog-friendly beach offers a stunning panoramic view of the lake and surrounding peaks, plus it makes for a great place to swim or launch a paddleboard or kayak.

Fun Event: If you are in town on September 20, you will have the option to check out the Tahoe City Oktoberfest and see the charming little town come to life with Bavarian-themed food, drink and games. Grab your lederhosen or dirndl and enjoy the festivities!

Enjoy time on the lake with a rental from Tahoe City Kayak and Paddleboard. Photo Credit: Tahoe City Kayak and Paddleboard

Day Three: Morning Adventures and Departure

It's your last day, so let's make the best of it! Start your morning with an early grab-and-go breakfast, and hike at Eagle Rock, a short hike offering some of the best views on the northwest region. Once you get to the top, you will have a chance to see stunning 360-degree views above the lake. It's a great way to start the day and get energized!

Would you rather spend your morning on the water? I have you covered! You can rent paddleboards, go parasailing or rent a boat, kayak or jet ski. See a list of Tahoe City watersports outfitters here.

After some outdoor fun, treat yourself to a delicious sandwich or smoothie at The Dam Cafe, a locally loved establishment offering healthy, organic options and an outdoor seating area. 

If you opt to leave later in the day, stay for a fun and free live music event, Concerts at Commons Beach, held every Sunday in the summer until September 7.

Hope you had the best time, and come back soon!

Tips from a Tahoe Local:

- As it is still high season for tourism, make sure to plan accordingly and try to arrive at your destination early. This will help you avoid heavy traffic and get a parking spot, as they can fill up fast. If a place requires a reservation, book those as early as you can (most of these can be done online).

- Stay hydrated and wear SPF. High altitude can affect everyone differently, and it's important to stay hydrated throughout the day. I always bring water with electrolyte salts or tablets with me, as well as ensuring I eat nutrient-dense meals. Wearing (and reapplying) SPF will help you avoid getting a sunburn, as the sun is very strong up here. 

- Bring layers. The mountain weather can be unpredictable and change without warning. Make sure to look at the forecast, but be prepared for winds, rain and a drop in the temperature. Bring adequate layers for all seasons! As well, if you are planning to be on the water, be very mindful of the shifts in winds and incoming cloud coverage. Have life jackets and a backup plan should the conditions get rough. It is better to wait it out on shore (worst case) than be a part of a tragedy.

- Leave no trace, and have fun!

For more information about Tahoe City, including restaurants, shops, things do, accommodations and events, click here.