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On a longboard ride down the Truckee River Trail... Read Article
Are you planning a trip to Truckee this summer, but don’t know where to start?
I’m here to help! Whether you’re looking for high-altitude outdoor adventures, a relaxing mountain reset or a fun combination of the two, Truckee has everything you need for a memorable weekend getaway. Nestled in the sunny Sierras, Truckee is a unique blend of storied historic charm, modern mountain adventure and cozy seclusion.
From checking out the unique storefronts, restaurants, galleries and museums in historic Downtown Truckee, to hiking or biking the local mountain trails, to paddleboarding the sparkling waters of Donner Lake, to watching the sunset along the river, Truckee has something for everyone to enjoy. And the best part? You'll be leaving wanting to come back for more. Because let me tell you, a weekend is just not enough!
Below, I have curated a guide to help you create the most memorable Truckee weekend escape featuring locally loved points of interest, outdoor recreation, dining and places to unwind and reset after your busy day!
Day One: Afternoon Arrival and Exploring Downtown
Welcome! Today is a great day to explore historic Downtown Truckee, an eclectic collection of local storefronts, galleries, museums, cozy hotels and restaurants. With a hint of the old West aesthetic, Truckee is a vibrant combination of its storied past, modern mountain design and diverse community.
Surrounded by towering pines, a river and stunning panoramic Sierra Nevada views, Truckee is a booming destination for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, artists, foodies and history buffs from all over the world. Its small but mighty downtown area boasts a variety of shopping and dining options that offer a taste of the Tahoe-Truckee region.
Explore Downtown Truckee: After you check in to your hotel or vacation rental, I recommend beginning your afternoon with a self-guided walking tour in Downtown Truckee to get a taste of the vibrant local community. Start your walking journey on Commercial Row, Truckee’s main street for shopping, dining, events and attractions. Want to see some hidden gems and local hangouts? Wander through the side streets such as Jibboom and Bridge. Want to learn more about Truckee's history and local lore? Head to the Museum of Truckee History, Old Truckee Jail Museum or the Truckee Railroad Museum.
Dinner: I'm sure you will have quite an appetite! There are so many wonderful dining options to choose from in the immediate downtown area, so if you feel a bit indecisive or overwhelmed I’m going to share my personal favorites to help you out: Truckee Tavern and Grill, Pianeta, Como, Trokay, Cloud Sushi, Stella and Thai Delicacy are all places I frequent and love.
Click here for a complete list of Truckee dining options.
Click here for a complete list of Truckee stores.
Optional Evening Excursion: If you have time after your meal, I highly suggest taking a quick walk to the river, or a bridge to view the river. This is one of the ways I like to end my day in Truckee. It’s so peaceful, and the sounds of the river and birds really add to the natural ambience.
Make sure to get a good night of sleep, as this is going to be a jam-packed weekend!
Day Two: Local Coffee Shops and High-Altitude Outdoor Adventures
Breakfast: Start your day off right and fuel up for your adventures with a trip to Mountain Brew Coffee, a lovely coffee shop run by passionate and knowledgeable locals who are enthusiastic about sharing their love for coffee and serving Truckee and Donner communities. Whether you're looking to try a cup of roasted coffee, organic teas or small bites, there are delicious options for every taste. Plus, you can take items to go, which come in super handy for hitting the trails!
Fuel up at Mountain Brew Coffee for a delicious start to the day! Photo Credit: Mountain Brew Coffee
Morning Adventure: After you've satisfied your appetite, it's time to hit one of the locally loved trails. One of my personal favorites is the Glacier Way Trails, a stunning network of trails that offer access for hikers and single-track mountain bikers (on certain trails) to explore the Truckee and Donner wilderness. There are options for all ages and levels, and there are no wrong choices because you are surrounded by stunning alpine views the entire way.
If you'd like to see the iconic Donner Lake from above, I highly recommend taking the classic Glacier Way, Donner Lake Rim, and Far Side Trail Loop. This is a great option for those who want a bit of a quicker and easier hike but still get the chance to see some of the region's stunning natural landmarks in one trek. In early summer, you also have the chance to see colorful wildflowers along the trail! I always recommend starting these hikes early because the small parking lot fills up, and the soft sunlight glow is incredible here in the early morning hours (it is also a great spot for sunset if you decide to go then, but be mindful to bring headlamps for dusk).
If you would like a bit more of a moderately challenging hike, I recommend going to the Mount Judah Loop Trail, a 4.6-mile hike that offers stunning views of Donner Lake from a different point of view and the option to bag a summit. This is also another popular trail with locals, so it's important to leave early to get parking and leave time for afternoon adventures!
Lunch: If you didn't pack a lunch and wish to head back into town to explore a cute cafe, I have a few healthy spots that I love to check out when I am in town. Wild Cherries is a locally loved establishment that offers indoor and outdoor seating. They have delicious sandwiches made with their fresh, homemade bread, and salads. They also offer smoothies, coffee and homemade granola. I also love that they have kombucha and detox protein shakes.
Another option is to head to Mountain Lotus Cafe, a delicious dining establishment inside a yoga studio (which is also located inside a historic church). Mountain Lotus offers a mostly plant-based menu sourcing sustainable ingredients and mindful twists on California-inspired cuisine. Here, you will find fresh salads, sandwiches, bowls and elixirs. It's a unique experience and offers a calming and serene environment to enjoy your meal. I always feel so energized after eating here (bonus points if you choose to add on a yoga class too)!
Afternoon Adventure: Now that you have seen Donner Lake from above, it's time to experience the lake itself! There are many ways to enjoy your time at the lake, from relaxing on a public dock or beach to swimming to boating to getting a great workout in on a paddleboard or kayak. Donner is mostly residential, so parking can be limited to specific lots or on the side of the road near docks. Avoid parking on the bike paths!
If you choose to experience Donner by paddleboard or kayak, which can be a lot of fun because you can visit multiple docks and beaches, I recommend reserving your rental ahead of time. You can do this directly at the Donner Lake Marina or in Truckee at Tahoe Sports Hub.
Make sure to bring lots of sunscreen and water! The sun is stronger at high altitude, especially on the water due to reflections. If you are prone to sunburns, an SPF shirt or wide-brimmed hat can make a huge difference!
The Glacier Way Trails are a network of locally loved trails for all ages. Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
Evening: Refuel at one of the many restaurant options in Downtown Truckee! You may have loved your meal from the first evening in town, and you might even want to go back for seconds! But, I implore you to try out the other wonderful establishments in town to get a better taste of the menus and local community businesses. After your meal, wander along the storefronts and maybe attend an event. During the summer, there are many exciting events on the weekend right in the heart of downtown, such as live music, art vendors or food trucks.
Here is the list of Truckee dining options again.
Optional Sunset Excursion: I will also give the option here to go back and watch the sunset from Donner Lake. If you wish to do this, I suggest planning for an early dinner or to bring sandwiches from a local deli (I always love the deli and healthy selections at New Moon Natural Foods) and heading to find a public dock or spot on the beach. For a more adventurous take, rent a kayak or paddleboard and watch the sunset on the lake. The colorful reflections on a calm night are magical. This is one of my favorite ways to end the day when I am in Truckee!
Day Three: Choose Your Own Adventure
It's your last day! Hopefully you had the best time and are inspired to come back to experience more of the region. Before you depart, I am going to give you a list of some activities to make your morning memorable and a few ideas for lunch or dinner if you stay even later into the afternoon or evening.
Morning Breakfast: Enjoy coffee and breakfast at one of the various cafes in town. Many places offer options for sit-down dining or and quick bite menus if you want to bring your meal on the go. Some of my personal favorites include Zuri Coffee Co, Coffeebar and Drink Coffee Do Stuff. But don't just take my word for it! There are a variety of options for your personal taste and preference. Wherever you decide to go, you can't go wrong!
Afternoon Adventure Options: It's your last day, and there are so many adventures to choose from! Here, I will give you a list of some of the most popular outdoor recreation options. This might be a difficult decision, so you will have to come back again to try them all out!
River rafting is an extremely exciting and popular activity in the summer, and it's fun for all ages and abilities! Truckee River Rafting, a legendary family-owned business that has been in operations since 1973, will take you from Tahoe City to the River Ranch, a fun spot on the river to eat, soak in the sun and unwind after an exciting day. I used to do this activity with my family in the summers as a child, and it made so many wonderful core memories! I highly recommend you make a reservation for this, as it is extremely popular and books up quickly.
If you want to experience being near the river, but don't wish to be on the water, you can also bike or hike the trail that follows the rafting path.
Golf is also legendary in the Truckee region, and there are a few incredible courses to choose from. Tahoe Donner is a great option, and one where you will find many dedicated local and out-of-town golf enthusiasts. Voted "Best Golf Course in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee," this semi-private course is immaculately maintained and located in the picturesque forest with stunning panoramic mountain views. Make sure to book your tee time in advance!
Test your golf game at the legendary Tahoe Donner golf course. Photo Credit: Tahoe Donner
Want a bit of rest and relaxation? Treat yourself to a spa day at one of the numerous salons in town or head to the Ritz Carlton at Northstar for an elevated and luxurious experience. After, explore the shops and dining options at the nearby Northstar Village.
Optional Late Lunch or Dinner: If you are staying in town a bit later after check-out and your excursions, it's always fun to head back downtown to try another local establishment. If you're feeling a bit pressed for time and want to bring food on the go, I will suggest New Moon Natural Foods again for a smoothie or sandwich, or Z Deli Market.
Have a safe drive back and come back to make more exciting memories! Truckee is a great year-round destination, with stunning fall foliage hikes, exciting winter outdoor recreation options and fun local springtime events.
Truckee Trip Tips:
- If there are any restaurants that you wish to go to in advance, I highly suggest making reservations if the establishment takes them. Summer is a very busy time in the Tahoe-Truckee region, and it helps to secure your spot.
- Bring layers. Even if the forecast calls for clear, calm and sunny skies, weather in the mountains can change in an instant. I always recommend having more than you need just in case. Watch the weather when you are out on the trails or the water and have all of the safety gear necessary for each excursion.
- Get to know the community. The locals in Truckee are super friendly, and everyone has an interesting story or travel tip to share. I always recommend spending extra time in the shops, dining establishments, galleries and gear rental stores for conversations. I have met friends that way and also learned of local gems to frequent that can be missed on social media or travel guides.
- Bring SPF. The sun is strong here, and a nasty sunburn can ruin plans!
- Drink lots of water. I also suggest using electrolytes in your water to help with hydration.
- Bring a camera. There are so many stunning places in the region, whether it's in the great outdoors or architectural landmarks in the downtown area.
- Leave no trace. Always pack out what you pack in!
- 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. 
