Lake Tahoe is one of those places that seems too good to be true. Nestled within the Sierra Nevada Mountains, on the border of California and Nevada, it’s a place known for its stunning natural beauty, sophisticated laid-back vibe, world-class resorts, and charming small towns, all set around the largest alpine lake in the U.S.
Nicknamed “The Big Blue,” because of its crystal-clear cobalt water, the lake itself features over 70 miles of pristine coastline and dozens of lovely beaches. And with the surrounding mountains reflected in the water, blue sky above, and pines and aspens dotting the landscape, it’s easy to see why Travel + Leisure named it one of the Most Beautiful Lakes in America.
Best of all, Tahoe is an amazing year-round vacation destination. With over 300 days of sunshine throughout the year and ample snowfall in the winter months, it’s a dream for outdoor enthusiasts in any season. In winter, there’s skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and more. In the warmer months, swimming, kayaking, hiking, golf, and windsurfing are the big draws. And if indoor activities are more your thing, Tahoe has that covered as well, with great boutiques to explore, incredible dining, and entertainment options along the north shore and 24-hour casinos and a thriving nightlife scene along the south.
We recently interviewed Danielle, our Destination Manager for Lake Tahoe, to create the perfect three-day itinerary for a getaway to this idyllic vacation spot.
Day One: Outdoor Adventure
Kick-off day one with coffee and breakfast at the house, enjoying the views from the home’s main floor deck before heading out for adventure in the great outdoors. The residence is a true ski-in/ski-out mountain home, just minutes from Northstar Village, making for quick and easy access to the lifts and trails.
In the winter, grab your skis or snowboard and hit the slopes. With 3,100 skiable acres, award-winning terrain parks, and 100 trails to choose from, there are runs for every experience level. There’s also an excellent Ski & Ride School with lessons available for both kids and adults, whether you’re new to winter sports or just want to brush up on your skills.
If you prefer to explore at a slower pace, the sweet mid-mountain trails, designed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, are the perfect place to hang out. But don’t forget to bring your camera because the views are amazing.
In summer, the mountain trails are perfect for a morning of hiking or mountain biking and can be as leisurely or as challenging as you like. But, if you prefer to spend the day on the water instead, head over to the lovely Sand Harbor Beach on the Nevada side for a morning of swimming, kayaking, and fishing in the clear blue water, or stroll the paved trails along the coastline.
Whichever adventure you choose, just be sure to let your personal concierge make any necessary reservations for you in advance.
“Planning ahead is always best with Lake Tahoe!.” says Danielle. “In the winter, ski lessons fill up fast, especially for younger children, so we’ll be sure to get those booked for you ahead of time. Then in the summer, people visit for the lake, and we’ll give you tips to avoid the crowds.”
After an adventurous morning, refuel with a delicious lunch at the lakeside Lone Eagle Grille – their sandwiches and burgers are excellent and the views are unbeatable. Or head back to the house for a simple meal followed by a relaxing soak in the hot tub. Your local host will have the kitchen fully stocked for you upon arrival, so all of your favorite food and drinks will be on hand.
After a little R&R in the quiet comfort of your vacation home, take an afternoon lake cruise on the Wild Goose II, an elegant, hand-built wooden boat inspired by the original Wild Goose from the gilded age of Lake Tahoe. It’s a wonderful way to see the lake year-round.
Wrap up an amazing first day with dinner at Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats for craft cocktails, great local cuisine, and live music in an elegantly cozy space. Enjoy truffled deviled eggs, a seared ahi niçoise salad, or their house-smoked pastrami sandwich.
Day Two: Explore and Enjoy
On day two, get out and explore Northstar Village and the nearby town of Truckee, and enjoy some of the non-mountain activities Tahoe offers.
Start with breakfast at Squeeze In, a colorful spot known for signature omelets and friendly service, located in Truckee’s historic downtown area, then pay a visit to the scenic Donner Memorial State Park. Here you can stroll or snowshoe the China Cove Trail along Donner Lake and Donner Creek, view the Pioneer Monument and learn more about the history of the area.
During the summer and fall, enjoy an afternoon round of golf at the picturesque, 18-hole Northstar Golf Course or wander through Northstar the Village. In the winter, spend the afternoon checking out the shops, burning off energy at the popular outdoor ice skating rink, and enjoying food and drinks at Rubicon Pizza Company or Frites. Then kick back at the Tree House, Mountainside’s contemporary clubhouse, and take advantage of the heated pool, bar area, and fireside game room — all perfect for a little late afternoon relaxation.
For dinner, take Northstar’s highlands gondola up to the Ritz Carlton, where your personal concierge will have reservations for you at Manzanita, one of Tahoe’s best — and most romantic — restaurants. With artfully crafted local cuisine, an extensive wine list, and a stunning open-kitchen layout, it’s a must-do dining experience.
Day Three: Make Memories
For your final day in Tahoe, pick up a healthy to-go lunch from EuroSnack in Northstar Village and take a short drive to Emerald Bay State Park on the southwestern edge of the lake. This national landmark is a great place to picnic and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. It’s also home to the historic Vikingsholm mansion, one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere. Guests can hike the one-mile trail down to the home and check out the Visitor Center at the bottom of the trail to learn more about the park and we’ll arrange for a guided tour of the inside of the mansion.
In the afternoon, visit the renowned Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort (formerly Squaw Mountain) for year-round recreation options such as skiing, hiking, tubing, and snowboarding. While there, be sure to take the unforgettable 10-minute ride up the mountain on the scenic Aerial Tram, which takes you 2,000 feet up to Palisades Tahoe’s High Camp, overlooking the lake and iconic Tram Face below.
From April through September, for an afternoon of adventure on the water instead of on the mountain, consider a Tahoe White Water Tour. This 2.5-hour rafting trip down the Truckee River’s Class II and III rapids is an adventure the whole family can enjoy and will be an experience you won’t forget.
To cap off an exciting day, plan on dinner at The Soule Domain. This charming log cabin restaurant is just a short drive from your Tahoe home and serves fresh, French-inspired cuisine in an unbelievably cozy dining room.
Or better yet, let us arrange a private chef from Forklore Foods to prepare dinner for you while you relax with a cocktail on the patio or by the fire.
At Home in Lake Tahoe with Equity Estates
Our Lake Tahoe home is the perfect blend of rustic and elegant. Conveniently located between the lake and one of Tahoe’s coolest mountain towns, the prestigious Northstar resort community, this ski-in/ski-out residence features four bedrooms, an open living room/kitchen floorplan with amazing views, a great grilling deck and outdoor living space, hot tub, and the high-end finishes and furnishings you expect from an Equity Estates property. Cozy, but with room to spread out, it’s the perfect place to call home for your next family getaway.
Your visit to Lake Tahoe with Equity Estates can be the vacation you’re dreaming of. Whether you’re traveling with friends and family or prefer a quiet, couple’s getaway, we can help you make it happen. If you are already an investor and want to learn more about your Lake Tahoe vacation options, your Personal Travel Concierge is ready to assist you.
If you’d like more information about investing with Equity Estates, please reach out to our Investor Relations team at 404.445.8501 or tap this link to schedule a call.
