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May in the mountains is a special time, and you can just feel the revitalizing energy in the air. Tahoe-Truckee becomes a sensory delight as colorful flowers begin blooming in the meadows and along trails, the birds are singing, the lake is bluer and brighter than ever, and the warm rays from the sun brighten your mood from the early morning until sunset.
There is a vibrant, healthy and positive energy in the community as people are inspired to get outside more and enjoy the longer days with their loved ones. It’s no surprise that Mother’s Day is celebrated during this month of rebirth, revival and connection. And I think there’s no better way to celebrate than by spending time in the mountains or by the lake!
While brunch is the go-to option for Mother’s Day festivities, there are many other options in the region, ranging from luxurious self-care spa packages to laid-back lakeshore picnics with the whole family.
In this blog, I have curated a guide of locally loved brunch spots and activities to celebrate and honor your mom this Mother’s Day weekend.
Brunch
Nothing says “Mother’s Day” more than a beautiful bouquet of flowers and delicious brunch to get the celebrations started. Here are a few of some of the most popular brunch spots in the region. To see more options, see our Restaurants listings. Make sure to get a reservation in advance to ensure your mom gets to eat her favorite meal at her favorite restaurant!
Treat your mom to delicious local favorites at Fire Sign Cafe in Tahoe City. Photo Credit: Fire Sign Cafe.
Fire Sign Cafe: Fire Sign is an award-winning Tahoe City staple serving up delicious, healthy and creative comfort meals. After you satisfy your appetite, check out the galleries and shops in Tahoe City, walk or bike at the riverside path, or take in the lakeshore views at spots like Commons Beach. 1785 W Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City More Information
Rosie's Cafe: Rosie's is a Tahoe City staple for comfort food and eclectic, welcoming atmosphere. In fact, Rosie's is a living historical building, showcasing a vast collection of memorabilia throughout the venue. Treat your mom to a local tradition, and try the omelettes, scrambles, waffles, and hearty house specials. 571 N Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City More Information
River Ranch Lodge: Nestled on the peaceful and sunny banks of the Truckee River, The River Ranch is a local favorite for delicious comfort food. The restaurant is located on the sunny patio and terrace, offering idyllic views of the river and surrounding forest. As this spot can get extremely busy, it’s highly recommended to make a reservation and arrive early. The River Ranch is conveniently located right on the walking and bike path, which can make for an adventurous and scenic add-on to your day! 2285 River Road, Tahoe City More Information
Mother's Day Brunch Buffet and Live Music at Granlibakken: Celebrate your mom by taking her to the annual brunch and live music event at Granlibakken Tahoe. She will be delighted by all the delicious menu options "Mom-Mosas." 725 Granlibakken Road, Tahoe City More Information
Garwoods: As one of North Lake Tahoe’s lakeside dining venues, Garwoods always exceeds expectations when it comes to celebrations, and Mother’s Day is no exception. Reservations are highly recommended, as this event is extremely popular with locals and visitors. Afterwards, head to nearby dog-friendly Patton Beach for a swim, paddleboard or kayak session to add some adventure and sunshine to your day! 5000 North Lake Boulevard, Carnelian Bay More Information
The Getaway Cafe: Voted on Yelp as one of the Top 100 Spots to Celebrate Mother's Day, South Lake Tahoe's Getaway Cafe knows how to do brunch right. Treat your mother to a nationally ranked and sustainably sourced brunch menu, including the comfort favorites coconut French toast, banana nut pancakes, Getaway omelettes, chilaquiles, and quesadillas. 3140 US-50, South Lake Tahoe More Information
Come Monday Cafe at Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe: Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and tropical-inspired buffet at Margaritaville’s Come Monday Cafe. Afterwards, head to the nearby Heavenly Village to check out the shops or to one of the area’s popular beaches such as Zephyr Cove, Baldwin Beach, Cave Rock Beach or Lakeview Commons. 4130 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe More Information
Treat your mom to a delicious brunch with lakeside views at the Grove. Photo Credit: Camp Richardson Resort
The Grove at Camp Richardson: Spoil your mom with a leisurely lakeside dining experience, complete with an indulgent family-friendly menu and cocktails. Reservations are highly encouraged, as weekends can book up quickly! Afterwards, enjoy exploring the grounds of South Lake's treasured historic Camp Richardson, swimming or sunbathing at the lake, or dancing to the live music entertainment provided every weekend. 1900 Jameson Beach Road, South Lake Tahoe More Information
Toulouse: Station House Inn’s signature restaurant Toulouse offers eclectic cuisine inspired by the flavors and energy of New Orleans. Enjoy your flavorful dishes and signature cocktails in the cozy restaurant, on the sundeck or at the poolside cabanas. 901 Park Avenue, South Lake Tahoe More Information
Riva Grill: Treat your mother to a Mother’s Day brunch tradition at Riva Grill. Your mom will be delighted to try these chef-curated options while taking in the stunning views of the lake. It is recommended to make reservations in advance. 900 Ski Run Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe More Information
Bubbly Brunch at the Cocktail Corner: Take your mom to a fun and laid-back brunch featuring a bottle of bubbly and two delicious entrees from Chef Sean. For just $40, she will get to enjoy a fun atmosphere, delicious drinks and her choice of creative meals. 2042 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe More Information
Treat your mom to exceptional elegance at Edgewood Bistro. Photo Credit: Edgewood Resort.
Bistro at Edgewood: South Lake Tahoe's Edgewood Resort is famous for exceptional and luxurious amenities, dining and atmosphere. This Mother's Day, treat your mother and the entire family to an exceptional brunch, featuring weekly menu favorites and new specialty items. Reservations are highly recommended, as this event fills up very quickly! 180 Lake Parkway, Stateline More Information
Spas & Self-Care
Escape and indulge in a natural, living cedar enzyme bath. Photo Credit: Tahoe Forest Baths
Tahoe Forest Baths: As the only Japanese cedar enzyme bath spa in the Tahoe region, Tahoe Forest Baths offers a unique experience to detoxify and destress. These time-tested treatments have many benefits to put you at ease, relieve tension, and help with circulation, lymphatic drainage, recovery, and improved sleep. After your natural cedar enzyme bath, enjoy a hot shower and luxurious exfoliation scrub and then time in a cool-down room where you can truly unwind and be present. Options for an additional Oxygen Bar are available. Reservations are required and can be made online. 209 NV-207, Suite 3E, Stateline More Information
Spa at Edgewood Tahoe Resort: Give your mom the much-needed gift of luxury "me time" at the Spa at Edgewood Tahoe Resort, a Forbes Travel Guide 4 Star Spa and highly ranked South Lake Tahoe wellness staple. Known for their unique, holistic stone massages and rituals, Spa at Edgewood also offers specialty facials, body treatments, energy healing treatments and compression therapy. Their extensive wellness ritual and treatment menu has something every mother can appreciate and benefit from. After her treatment, she can enjoy the amenities of the resort, including live music, lakeshore views and delicious dining options. 80 Lake Parkway, Stateline More Information
Spa at The Landing Resort: Treat your mom to the ultimate self-care experience with spa treatments and a day pass to South Lake’s luxurious The Landing Resort. Here, she can unwind and enjoy a list of restorative treatments catered to her needs, from deep tissue and hot stone massages, to revitalizing facials, to reinvigorating body wraps and exfoliations. The Landing also offers a special curated “Super Mom Facial” to nourish and hydrate her skin and make her feel at ease in the tranquil environment. The day pass also includes access to locker rooms, steam showers, pool, hot tub and fitness facilities. 4104 Lakeshore Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe More Information
BioSpirit Day Spa: Treat your mom to the self-care, serenity and luxurious wellness experience she craves at South Lake’s beloved BioSpirit Day Spa, renowned for their anti-stress massages, customized facials and rejuvenating body treatments. She will feel restored, relaxed and rejuvenated, just what she deserves for all the hard work and dedication she puts in day after day! 1116 Ski Run Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe More Information
Experience unparalleled luxury at the Hyatt's Stillwater Spa. Photo Credit: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
Stillwater Spa: Experience the ultimate state-of-the-art self-care experience at the Hyatt's Stillwater Spa, where helping you find well-being is their top priority. Each luxurious item in their spa menu is carefully crafted and curated to help you find relaxation, renewal and restoration through the healing powers of nature, high-quality products and unparalleled services and amenities. Choose from a variety of treatments catered to your needs, from rejuvenating facials to signature body massages to touchless treatments and experiences like the float tank, cryotherapy and sauna. 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village More Information
Outdoor Adventures
Do you have an adventurous and outdoorsy mom who prefers sunshine and movement on the trails? This upcoming weekend promises to be a sunny one, and it's the perfect time to grab your picnic baskets, hiking boots, bike or kayaks and head out and make memories in the great outdoors with the whole family. Below, I have listed a variety of family-friendly spots. My advice is to arrive early, as weekend and holiday traffic is expected to be busy.
Lakeside Picnics: Picnics are a great option for bonding and eating delicious meals everyone can enjoy at the lake. Enjoy the experience in its entirety, and bring Frisbees, kayaks, paddleboards and your favorite snacks. There are many beaches in Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake to enjoy, some of my recommended sites being Sand Harbor (make a reservation in advance), Kings Beach, Commons Beach and Patton Beach in North Lake. In South Lake, enjoy Zephyr Cove, Baldwin Beach, Pope Beach, Nevada Beach and Cave Rock Beach. For a more laid-back and tranquil escape, head to the West Shore and experience William Kent Beach or Meeks Bay. If you're based in Truckee, head to Donner Lake and head to West End Beach, China Cove Beach or find a dock. Make sure to pack out what you packed in and leave no trace!
Head to the East Shore Trail for a hike the whole family can enjoy. Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis.
Family-Friendly Trails: There are a variety of accessible trails in the region for all ages, abilities and adventure styles. One of the most famous and beloved ones in the region, The East Shore Trail takes you on a picturesque lakeside journey from Incline Village to Sand Harbor with an endless supply of stops along the way, including Hidden Beach. Make sure to arrive early, as this trail is popular with hikers and bikers.
If you are in North Lake or Truckee, head to the Truckee River Trail, which goes from Tahoe City to the River Ranch and beyond. Here, you get the chance to walk or bike along the river and stop at multiple places to take in the views. Another option is Truckee's locally loved Glacier Way Trails, a stunning and relatively easy hike offering views of Northstar and surrounding peaks and an overlook above Donner Lake.
In South Lake, head to Camp Richardson, Van Sickle Bi-State Park or Vikingsholm at Emerald Bay for some family-friendly hikes with amazing views.
I hope you and your family enjoy this beautiful Mother's Day weekend!
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. 
