Take me to Tahoe: A four day guide
- Erin Goldsmith
- Jan 8, 2022
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 9, 2023
It’s easy to trust a body of water when you don’t have to wiggle your toes to see them, nestled 5ft below the virgin, white, sand. I had never seen a fresh water lake so transparently welcoming and the infamous hashtag, #keeptahoeblue, quickly made sense. How could boasting emerald views and towering, fairy land alpines disappoint the bougiest of them all? You’re right, it couldn’t. A silent cheers to mother nature for yet again, another masterpiece. I knew this was the perfect, pristine location to ring in another birthday with no regrets. My guide to Tahoe will navigate you through eats, treats, clear coves, vast lookout points, and picturesque trails that reward you with fresh squeezed lemonade.
We spent a total of four days in South Tahoe at the end of July 2021. We took a nonstop, JetBlue flight from New York’s JFK to Nevada’s Reno-Tahoe airport with a flight time of approx. six hours. The flight left JFK around 7:45pm and landed in Reno around 10:45pm, which accounts for the three-hour time difference. Although the drive from Reno to South Lake Tahoe was only an hour and ten minutes, we opted to stay one night in Reno because we knew the drive to Tahoe would offer great views that we did not want to miss in the night. Within the airport, we picked up the rental car and headed to the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino where we stayed for $91.00. Being that the hotel was a casino, self-parking was not only plentiful, but free. C
heck-in was easy and the rooms were clean. When I finally laid down, it was a battle between travel exhaustion and travel excitement, but after some tossing and turning, I allowed myself to finally pass out.
Reno, NV -> Grand Sierra Resort
Day One
We woke up early the next morning, repacked our suitcase, doubled down on some espresso, and hit the road. The itinerary had us traveling east of the lake, hitting up several spots along the way. It was wildfire season, so heading south towards Tahoe had its fair share of smoky views. Fortunately for us, the fires seemed to be contained and we did not experience any road closures.
First pull off was Lake Tahoe Scenic Overlook, off Mt. Rose Highway, in the vicinity of Incline Village, NV. The pull off offer a beautiful vista with elevated views, across the mountains and over the lake. After a few minutes and several photos later, we continued to make our way to towards the lake.
Traveling south along the Tahoe boulevard shore line, our second stop was Hidden Beach. Next followed by Memorial Point Scenic Overlook, and last Secret Cove, where we were lucky to get a parking spot to walk down to the water.
Through the land of alpines a straight 15 minute decline, landed us at a beach docked with families and a few boats, with comfortably warm water. We took off
our shoes and walked right in. One thing I quickly learned about Tahoe was no matter the daily summer destination, always pack a bathing suit.
This is one thing I wish I had in my small day pack when treading through the shallow, warm waters of Secret Cove. Secret Cove could be an hour or all day adventure, since aside from beach, there are also several hiking trails. Make sure to pack some food, water, bathing suit, towel and of course, your camera!
Next up, lunch! We agreed to tacos and tequila, so Azul Latin Kitchen it was! This restaurant, located in The Shops at Heavenly Village, was great for lunch, because of the fresh food, and because of the selection of TEQUILA. They had great patio seating, with live, lunchtime music, with ambiance and good service. If you like spicy, go with a spicy jalapeño margarita, with their house infused pineapple tequila. Also, the Azul Nacho Grande was DELICIOUS and great to share! Prices were reasonable and portions were larger then average.
Most places in Tahoe were a first come, first serve basis and there was a minimal wait. Nothing like nice drink at the bar to pass the time.
Next up, check in. Located south of the lake, we had a three night stay at Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa, a three star hotel with reasonable pricing and great, waterfront location. Price per night for a single queen lodge room is approximately $150 - $200 per night. All rooms had average but every room had a balconies facing the lake with expansive lake views. Nothing like coffee on the balcony while watching the sunrise. The hotel also had a pool as well as a hot tub. I would recommend this hotel strictly for the affordable pricing, beach front and views. The rooms could be updated.
After check-in, we change and headed about 20 minutes west towards Camp Richardson, CA. A local recommended Beacon Bar & Grill for dinner, for their rum runners and lake side dinner views. We were glad we listened because the location was absolutely perfect for sunset! Drinks were delish. Food was above average bar food, but after a long day of travel, got the job done.
After a few rounds, we headed back to the hotel and called it a night. Early bedtime rewards an early morning.
Day Two
The next morning we woke up and loaded up our back pack for a day of hiking, swimming, and exploring. We fueled up at Tahoe Bagel Company before continuing west towards Emerald Bay State Park. I would highly recommend the family owned bagel spot for a quick, fulfilling bite and strong coffee. If you're stopping here, take your bagel to go. There are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy your breakfast with impeccable views.
On our way to the Bay, we stopped off Inspiration Point. The lookout overlooked Emerald Bay as well as the Scandinavian from 1920. Although the views were smoky, they were still beautiful. A few photos later, we continued our way to Emerald Bay.
We arrived at Emerald Bay around 9:00am and the parking lot was almost full. There were bathrooms in the parking lot and I'd suggest to use them. The attendants seemed to clean them more frequently than the ones located at the end of the trail head on the Bay.
Emerald Bay Parking Lot Location - 01805102, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Pro-tip - In peak season, get there early. For most Lake Tahoe points of interest; early as in before 9:00am, sometimes 8:00am depending on popularity of the specific location.
From the top of the trail, the views were eerie. The fog from the wild fire smoke cradled the bay and the apocalyptic skies limited the potential the lookout typically offered. Nonetheless, we unwrapped our fresh bagels and still enjoyed everything that was offered.
Pro-tip - Wildfire season in northern California peaks in the Summer so I'd recommend heading to Tahoe sometime late June as apposed to late July.
The trailhead down to the water and Vikingsholm castle could definitely be considered an easy trail, with a consist decline on a mostly paved path, taking approx. 30 mins from parking lot to the base of the bay. Totally worth it. We were again welcomed with some smoky views but beautiful, crystal clear waters. There were more bathrooms, picnic tables, boats and a dock to jump off of. You could easily spend an afternoon either swimming, exploring the trails surrounding the area, or even renting a kayak or paddle board.
Post mid morning exploring and underwater swimming, we dried off, packed our things and headed back to the car. Next stop, Angora Lake!
Angora Lake Trail Parking - Angora Ridge Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, parking is at the end of the road
We got to the parking lot at roughly 1:00pm. It wasn't overly crowded and we were able to find a spot with a few open spots to spare. Angora lakes is a 1.2 mile out and back, heavily trafficked, dog friendly trail (must be on a leash). Because it is a shorter hike, the parking lot has quick turn around in the event it is filled up when you arrive. This hike is also easy, but can be steep at times.
The sandy trail is lined with beautiful tall trees and towering alpines. Nearing the top, you'll pass Lower Angora lake, and then finally Upper Angora lake.
The rustic, Lake Resort cabins line the upper, along with kayaks rentals and a mini general store that serves fresh lemonade and snacks for the guests and hikers. With Emerald bay occupying our morning, Upper Angora was beyond perfect for the afternoon.
The lake wasn't too crowded and the water was pleasantly comfortable. Across the lake, cliff jumpers swam out past the bordering rocks and thuds from their sneakers slamming the water could be heard throughout northern Cali. I waded in the water while sipping on some lemonade. The simplest treat!
Pro-tip: Pack a lunch for this hike. Had we brought food, we would have easily stayed a few hours.
After a fulfilling afternoon swim, we changed and agreed we had worked up an intense appetite. A .6 mile hike back to the car and then another 20 mins drive back to our hotel was just enough time to kick in next level hangry. Dinner called for a wood-fired pizza joint, a self-service beer wall, and of course, live music!
Back in July 2020, Aleworx was not taking reservations and was only on a first come, first serve basis. Aleworx has two locations, one near the Calif/Nevada border known as the Aleworx Stateline and the other known as Aleworx "At the Y." We went to the "Y" location simply because it was on our way back to our hotel coming west from Angora Lake. We arrived around 4:00 pm and there was already a line out of the door.
Pro-tip: Preview the menu before hand. The line does move fast and once you reach the front, you can quickly order your food AND beer. You would have to get back in line to reorder anything. They do not have table service other than delivering your food based on the number displayed.
Once ordered, the host will provide a number and you can take that to your table. They offer inside and outside seating and the tables outside are conveniently located in their section called Backyard Bar & Grill. This area is also the audience section for the live music. Honestly, what is better than pizza, drinks and a live show.
To the right of Aleworx was a cocktail bar called, The Cocktail Corner where you could purchase craft cocktails and bring them back to your audience seating. If your a big fan of espresso martini's, get one here because it was
hands down one of the best I've ever had. Similar to Aleworx, the cocktail bar also had a self serve wall, just time with wine. Being that it was the eve of my birthday, I was eager to start the celebration in style.
Both Aleworx and the cocktail corner share the same POS system so you will be able to have one single tab open between the two restaurants.
After we finished up our drinks and pizza, we headed back to our hotel to watch the sunset from the porch at our hotel.
Day Three
Birthday boat day!
Drinks
Sushi Place
Revive Coffee and Wine
Edgewood Tahoe
Bus back from Tahoe to Reno
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