LAKE TAHOE SUMMER WEEKEND: A COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE

Planning a Lake Tahoe summer weekend? You’re in the right place. Living in California, I’ve visited Tahoe many times and can’t wait to share all the best beaches, restaurants and things to do with you!

If you’re craving crystal-clear water, mountain hikes with views for miles, beach days while staring at snow capped mountains, and golden sunsets over the mountains or lake (literally best of both worlds!) — a Lake Tahoe summer weekend is the reset you didn’t know you needed.

In this travel guide, I’m sharing exactly how to spend the perfect Lake Tahoe summer weekend — including the best hikes, beaches, boat days, where to stay, and insider tips to help you avoid crowds and soak up every second.

Whether you’re planning a girls’ getaway, a romantic escape, or a solo adventure, this guide will help you design a weekend that feels adventurous, restorative, and unforgettable.

Let’s plan your Tahoe summer trip!!

How to get to Lake Tahoe

When you fly to Lake Tahoe, you’ll be flying into Reno airport which will likely be about 45 minutes or an hour drive from where you will be staying. You can choose to rent a car or uber depending on your plans once you’re there. If you’re staying close (like walking distance) to all the places you’ll go, Ubering would be fine. But if you have to drive to a lot of places, probably just rent a car to save on expenses.I would DEFINITELY recommend planning your Uber rides around when the other girls get in because they can be pricey depending on how far you are going.

Where to Stay

So I’m going to focus on where to stay in South Lake Tahoe because my girls trip to south Lake Tahoe was so insanely memorable that I would recommend it to anyone! I literally still talk about that trip to this day.

Hotels

1. Edgewood Tahoe Resort – with lake views!
One of the most prestigious resorts on the South Shore, Edgewood offers private beach access, a world-class spa, an award-winning golf course, and stunning sunset views right on Lake Tahoe’s edge — ideal for honeymoons, anniversary trips, or special occasions.

2. The Landing Tahoe Resort & Spa – with lake views! 
A highly-rated boutique resort with chic rooms, a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere, and direct lake access, perfect for couples or travelers wanting style + serenity.

3. Desolation Hotel – Modern luxury in the heart of town
A top pick for design-minded travelers, this refined hotel blends contemporary style with uptown comfort — great for summer city walks, dining, and exploring local shops just steps from the doorstep.

Air Bnb’s/ VRBO

If you’re going with a large group, or just like 4+ people- I’m usually a fan of Air BNB/VRBO just so we can have quality time together.

There are so many air bnbs and VRBO’s you can vet through on the apps so be sure to check these out. I don’t think I can properly list all of the amazing options.

Things to Do in South Lake Tahoe in the Summer

Beaches

• Pope Beach – Long sandy shoreline, picnic tables, rentals like paddleboards & kayaks. Great for families and classic Tahoe beach days.

• Baldwin Beach – Half-mile sandy stretch with beautiful views, picnic spots, and lake access.

• El Dorado Beach – Wide beach with calm water, BBQ grills, and easy parking — ideal for a full sun & swim day.

• Zephyr Cove Beach – Iconic Tahoe beach with soft sand, clear water, boat and paddle rentals, and lots of space.

• Nevada Beach – Quieter, long sandy shoreline great for beach walking or settling in for the day.

Restaurants

• The Beacon – this is a restaurant/ beach club and beach all in one! So this is actually the beach bar we spent our afternoon at

• Elements Eatery & Bar – Highly rated, versatile menu ranging from breakfast to dinner.

• Riva Grill On the Lake – Classic lakefront restaurant with great views of Lake Tahoe (perfect for sunset).

• Jimmy’s at The Landing Resort & Spa – Lakeshore dining with a relaxed vibe and lake views.

• The Idle Hour – Wine bar with a beautiful lakefront deck — great for drinks and grazing.

• Cold Water Brewery and Grill – Casual brewery with house beers and comfort food.

Hikes

• Eagle Falls trailhead (I would recommend this one!) We did Eagle Falls to Eagle Lake Trailhead which brought us to a BEAUTIFUL lake and honestly, I could have spent hours there. If you go in the summer, be sure to wear a bathing suit under your clothes in case you’re tempted to jump in the crystal clear alpine lake.

• Pope Baldwin Bike Path – Flat, paved path along the shore linking Pope and Baldwin Beaches; great for biking, walking, or easy scenic strolls.

• Heavenly Mountain Trails – Numerous hiking routes and lookout points accessible from the Heavenly gondola during the summer months!

There truly is so much to do all around Lake Tahoe and I will work on a north side blog post! But for now, I hope this helped you plan a trip to South Lake Tahoe which truly is so stunning and the dreamiest trip (especially if you love the outdoors!).

If you enjoyed this blog post, please tag me on Instagram @christybarreblog so we can share!!