Diners, Drive-ins and Dives Visits Two Lake Tahoe Diners
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Incline Village is an iconic North Shore destination for locals and visitors. Known for its pristine sandy shores, crystal-clear waters that rival the Caribbean, towering peaks with world-class hiking and biking trails, country club amenities and laid-back attitude, Incline Village truly has it all.
Incline Village invites you to get away from it all. You won’t find anything to stress about here, as this is truly a place that calls for you to turn off your notifications and tune into the sounds of nature. Nestled in the pines, perched right at the foot of the mountains, is your ideal respite from the “real world.” Just minutes from private and public beaches, golf courses, a ski resort, trails, restaurants and spa services, you have everything you need within walking, biking and a short driving distance. Time seems to slow down here, with options for exploration, relaxation and everything in between.
Photo: Lake Tahoe as seen from above Incline Village. Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
People flock to Incline Village from all over the world to see some of Tahoe’s most beloved attractions, including Sand Harbor State Park and The Flume Trail. But there is much more here than you will find in a typical guidebook or blog. As a local who has spent a great deal of time in Incline Village, I’m here to share some of the spots you might otherwise miss out on. Below, I have created a 2.5-day summer weekend itinerary that harmoniously blends outdoor adventures and luxury services and amenities. I hope you enjoy your stay so much that you come back again!
Hidden Beach, accessible by the East Shore Trail, is a local favorite. Drone Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
Day One: Afternoon Arrival and Exploring Incline Village
Welcome to Incline Village! After checking in at your hotel or vacation rental, it’s time to explore Incline Village and everything this quaint and charming mountain town has to offer.
I am sure you will have quite an appetite after your travels, so I recommend heading to Christmas Tree Village to get an early dinner and check out some local shops. Crosby’s Kitchen and Cocktail is a local favorite and offers outside dining on their patio where you can take in the fresh alpine air and scents of the towering pines as you dine on delicious classic American-inspired entrees and sip on signature craft cocktails.
Relax and dine on the patio at Crosby's, a longtime favorite! Photo Credit: Crosby's Kitchen and Cocktail
On the other side of Christmas Tree Village, you can find a few other dining options to suit your palate. MoFo’s is a family-favorite and offers a variety of hearty pizzas, pastas and salads. Koi Sushi is one of my personal favorites and offers fresh sushi, unique rolls, entrees and bento box options. They even have an all-you-can-eat option if you’re really hungry!
After your meal, it’s time to watch the sunset! I think Incline Village is one of the best places in Tahoe to see the sunset, as you will see it directly across the lake to the northwest. Sand Harbor is a favorite spot, and you can typically get parking easily as the reservation system is not enforced at this time. Bring some layers, as evenings can get a bit chilly. Bonus points if you take a sunset swim!
Another highly sought-after sunset-viewing location is the East Shore Trail, an easily accessible lakeside trail for all ages and abilities to enjoy. Park at the lot near Tunnel Creek Cafe (you will have to pay a fee at the kiosk) and head to the walking and biking path. This will take you to Hidden Beach and various other points of interest beyond that all the way to Sand Harbor. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of hike, and all of the options are incredible!
Another option is to park at the Tunnel Creek Cafe and head to Monkey Rock. This hike is a bit steeper, but it’s quick and leads to a beautiful overlook where you can see the entirety of Crystal Bay, a stunning panoramic view of Lake Tahoe and the sunset over Palisades. Look for the rock that looks like a monkey! Hint: It will be to your right as you come up to the stunning viewpoint.
Sunset from the Monkey Rock viewpoint. Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
Day Two: A Blend of Adventure and Luxurious Relaxation
Start your day off right with an early wake-up call to experience the incredible local trails and landscape! In the high season, I always recommend starting the day early to ensure you get a parking spot and great conditions, as winds can pick up in the afternoon. Pack up your gear and get a quick coffee and bite to eat at Drink Coffee Do Stuff, a cozy cafe with high-quality service, food and vibes.
After you've fueled up, it's time to go on an adventure and explore the world-renowned terrain. There are so many options, so I am going to give you a few recommendations to choose from. An extremely popular trail with locals and visitors is the Flume Trail, which is shared by hikers and bikers. To get a great adrenaline rush and see stunning scenery, head to Flume Trail Bike Rentals to pick up your mountain bike and take the shuttle service to the top of the trailhead.
Flume Trail Bike Rentals is located right next to Tunnel Creek Cafe (also a great option for lunch), and you can use the public parking lot. Here, you will get fitted with a specialty bike and schedule shuttle services to the trail, where you will be rewarded with incredible terrain, tracks and panoramic lakeside views above Incline Village and Sand Harbor. Make sure to bring a camera and plenty of water! This trail is great for riders with a moderate amount of experience looking for a fun and challenging ride. You can also rent bikes there to ride along the East Shore Trail if you feel that might be too challenging but still want a scenic bike ride.
Set sail with Action Watersports Incline to get a unique chartered experience on the lake! Photo Credit: Action Watersports
If you'd like a truly unforgettable experience on the water, head to Action Watersports to set sail with a cruise or private charter. They offer a variety of cruises, including a daily catamaran cruise, morning mimosa cruise and sunset cruise with live music, appetizers and drinks. Each cruise will take you around the northeastern shores of Tahoe, famous for its sparkling clear turquoise waters.
If you would like to see more iconic spots throughout the Lake Tahoe region, Around Tahoe Tours, a locally owned and operated small group and custom private tour company, offers an assortment half-day and full-day excursions. These tours, guided exclusively by local experts and brothers Chris and Darin Talbot, aim to not only show you the picturesque attractions, but also share the history of the region and importance of preserving the land for generations to enjoy. They also offer self-guided tours, so you can enjoy them at your own pace.
Chris Talbot is also a Lake Tahoe legend and award-winning photographer. You have most likely seen his photos on websites, in galleries and on hotel walls postcards and memorabilia throughout Tahoe. His gallery, Talbot Fine Art Gallery, is located in Incline near Around Tahoe Tours, and I highly recommend you stop in and check out his photography, not only to add new spots to your Tahoe to-do list, but as inspiration for your own photography and creative endeavors!
Get some much-needed rest and relaxation at the luxurious Stillwater Spa at the Hyatt Regency. Photo Credit: Stillwater Spa at the Hyatt Regency
After your exciting daytime excursions, it's time to unwind and dine in lakeside luxury. The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Hotel offers everything you need to end the day in a relaxing, rejuvenating and indulgent experience. Offering world-class amenities such as an immersive wellness-focused spa, culinary delights and fine dining and a serene atmosphere, The Hyatt is the place to treat yourself.
Begin your experience at the Stillwater Spa, an exceptional wellness center. Featuring a deluxe spa menu with services that utilize natural elements to promote well-being, healing, rejuvenation and renewal, Stillwater Spa aims to provide you with an experience that goes beyond facial and body treatments. There are 16 private treatment rooms, including two specifically curated for couples. After your treatments, you can utilize the showers and fitness area and sit at the relaxation areas by the fireplace.
After your spa treatments, you don't need to look any further for a delectable meal. Osteria Sierra is located in The Hyatt and offers an unforgettable culinary experience. Fusing an authentic osteria atmosphere with modern Tahoe vibes, Osteria Sierra offers a creative menu with their spin on Northern Italian cuisine. Included in the menu are handmade pasta dishes, steak and seafood entrees, delightful desserts and an extensive wine and cocktail list
Head to Sand Harbor for a morning of beautiful views and recreation. Remember to get your reservation! Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
Day Three: Brunch, Beaches and Outdoor Recreation
Spend your last day with a hearty brunch and time at the lake. Sage Leaf Cafe and Tunnel Creek Cafe are extremely popular spots with locals and visitors and offer a variety of healthy and delicious options. Make sure to get there early, as weekends can get busy!
Incline Village has a plethora of stunning beaches, but a lot of them are for resident access only. But don't get discouraged! There are many public beaches to explore that offer stunning views, sandy shores and amenities. Sand Harbor is the most popular one in the region and for good reason. Seen on postcards, social media posts and travel shows on an international scale, it's no surprise these turquoise waters top every visitor's bucket list. To keep the park from getting too crowded and alleviate traffic congestion and trash, a reservation system was implemented. I highly recommend you get a reservation in advance, as this will ensure you can get a parking spot early in the morning and enjoy your day stress-free. Otherwise, you will have to try your luck after 10:30 a.m.
Once at Sand Harbor, you have a variety of options to choose from. You can launch your paddleboard or kayak, take a swim or walk around the nearby lakefront trails. If you need a paddleboard of kayak rental, head to All Around Tahoe for a rental.
Another option is to take the East Shore Trail to Hidden Beach, with an option to continue walking or biking to Sand Harbor. This is a great option and also a fun way to see a variety of beaches and rock formations. And it's a great workout!
Incline Village is also well-known for its golf scene and provides two courses to enjoy: Championship Course and Mountain Course. This is a way to see how the locals like to spend their weekends and enjoy a great game of golf with views of the lake, forest and stunning Sierras. Whichever option you choose, you can't go wrong!
I hope you have the best time in Incline Village and that these 2.5 days inspire you to come back and experience more of this gem. Incline is incredible year-round for outdoor recreation, events, sightseeing, fine dining, self-care spa services and shopping. See you on the trails, at the lake or on the slopes!
Tips from a Local
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Always aim to arrive at your desired destination early to avoid issues with traffic and parking. The summer months see a huge increase in tourism, and this can affect parking greatly as there are limited spots.
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Do your research on weather and road conditions. Weather can unexpectedly change, especially in the afternoon and without warning, but it is best to be prepared. As well, in the summer months there is often road work and construction that can impact your drive. Knowing these ahead of time will make a huge difference and help you plan your day.
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Check and see if your destination needs a reservation. Many places require advance reservations in the summer months, such as Sand Harbor. Plan and make reservations accordingly.
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Stay hydrated! The high altitude and intense sunshine can cause dehydration at a more rapid pace, so it’s crucial to try to avoid it as much as you can. This means bringing an adequate supply of water and electrolytes. I always bring more than I think I need just in case I stay out longer or get symptoms of dehydration or heat exhaustion.
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Bring appropriate layers. Weather here can change suddenly and unexpectedly. It’s important to be prepared, especially when out recreating in nature.
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Wear SPF and re-apply often. The sun out here is strong! A bad sunburn can negatively impact your trip and cause you to feel sick. I also advise wearing proper clothing for being out in the sun for a lengthy period of time, such as a large hat and SPF shirts.
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Leave no trace! Remember to always pack in what you pack out.
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And, most importantly, have fun!
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
