Find the Best Things to Do in Tahoe City
By Christina Nellemann
Reno and Tahoe Local Expert
About Tahoe City
Photo courtesy of Rojer/Flickr
Tahoe City, on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe, is probably the most charming and beautiful town at Lake Tahoe. Many visitors come here for the great views of the lake, the fine restaurants and funky bars, the walking and biking paths and the access to the Truckee River as it flows out of the big, blue lake.
See & Do
Tahoe City is home to a lot of Lake Tahoe history as well as home to some of the best swimming, hiking, biking and parks on the lake. One of the central areas for locals and visitors is Commons Beach. This park, right on the water is home to the summer Farmer's Market and is a great place for children. The Truckee River and the Lake Tahoe Dam is another great place to see some nature and maybe even some black bears. Fanny Bridge, near the dam gets its name from the numbers of visitors who like to lean over the edge of the bridge to watch the spawning salmon below.
Eat
Tahoe City is known for having some of the best waterside dining options on the lake. If you want to live it up, head to Christy Hill for their wonderful view of the lake and the mountains off their deck or in front of their full windows, or head to the bar at the Bridgetender for burgers, fries and a cold microbrew. For lighter fare, head to the Fat Cat Café for some great sandwiches, soups and some local art on the walls or to Gear and Grinds for their great coffee and ice cream.
Party
Nightlife in Tahoe City is usually a bar-centric experience. Dive bars like Pete n' Peter's get their fair share of skiers and boarders during the winter and hikers during the summer. For something more sophisticated, the wine bar Uncorked Tahoe City has regular wine tastings in a cozy setting.
Stay
Any place that you stay in Tahoe City will be close to downtown, the lake and the river. And none of these places are very far away from the local ski resorts or hiking trails. The Sunnyside Lodge is a classic Tahoe and a great mountain getaway, The Cottage Inn Bed and Breakfast, is nestled among the pines, just steps from Lake Tahoe and the River Ranch Lodge is close to the Truckee River and just down the hill from the Squaw Valley USA and Alpine Meadows ski areas.
Shop
There are several small shopping centers in Tahoe City including the Cobblestone Center with its clock tower and the Boatworks Mall which is right on the lake with a view of the Tahoe City Marina. If you are on the lookout for some local art, head to the North Tahoe Arts Center where you can score some photography or handmade jewelry from local artists.