A Day Trip to Lake Tahoe from Reno

If you happen to be in the Reno Nevada area, then a day trip to Lake Tahoe is a must. Within a short drive you will find some amazing scenic routes, views over Lake Tahoe, and some great places to stop for lunch.

While staying a little longer in Lake Tahoe or the Carson Valley area is a great idea, here is my guide on how to visit Lake Tahoe from Reno for the day.

Getting to Lake Tahoe from Reno

The drive to Lake Tahoe from Reno is only 38miles, which takes about 45-50 minutes along the 550 and 431 highways. The easiest way to reach Lake Tahoe is by car, as you can then also drive some of the scenic byways around the lake.

However, there are a number of shuttles to the area, including the year-round North Lake Tahoe Express. You could then combine the shuttle with a guided tour of Lake Tahoe to see a lot in a short time.

Things to do in north Lake Tahoe on a day trip

Driving the 75 mile loop around Lake Tahoe takes a little over 2 hours if you drive it straight. But there is so much to discover, we suggest you add in some hiking, scenic look-outs and eating along the way…

Hiking

There are lots of hikes around Lake Tahoe, for all levels of fitness. For day-trippers, I would recommend the sub-30-minute hike to some beautiful spots; perfect for short trips, and maximum impact for minimal effort. Here are some of our favorite spots:

• Historic Stateline Fire Lookout – This is a steep but relatively easy paved hike up to the State Line lookout. It’s about 20-30 minutes to reach the top, depending on your fitness level.

• Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park –

Scenic Overlooks

Here are some of the best scenic overlooks in Lake Tahoe.

• The Lake Tahoe Scenic Overlook, Mt Rose Hwy, Incline Village, NV – THE best view over the whole of Lake Tahoe. On a clear day you can see all the way over to the Sierra Nevada mountains in the south of Lake Tahoe.
  
• Emerald Bay State Park Lookout, 1805102, South Lake Tahoe, CA – With a spectacular view out over Fannette Island, the Emerald Bay lookout showcases the bays and coves of southern Lake Tahoe.
  
• Cave Rock, 1430 US-50, Glenbrook, NV – Cave Rock is on the east side of Lake Tahoe, above Zephyr Cove on the Nevada side. It’s a great spot from which to watch the sunset.

Boating and Water Sports

If you’re visiting in the warmer months and fancy a day of adventure, you could try some of the boating and water sports on offer during your day in Lake Tahoe.

There are parasailing adventures, kayaking tours, kayak rentals, jet ski rentals, and public and private boat tours to explore the lake.

Lake Tahoe Beaches

If action and adventure isn’t your thing, why not relax at one of the many beaches.

North – Kings Beach State Recreation Area is a great all-round beach. There’s is kayak and stand-up paddle board hire nearby, picnic tables and a pier.

South – Pope Beach is one of the best in the southern area of Lake Tahoe.

East – Sand Harbor Beach on the Nevada side is a family favorite. While the sand is still pebbly, the clear waters and conveniences nearby make it a popular lake beach option.

West – Sugar Pine Point Beach is a haven on the west coast. A rocky beach with a pier, it’s great for exploration rather than sunbathing.

Best places to eat in Lake Tahoe

There are many wonderful places to dine at Lake Tahoe. From casual diners, to food trucks with picnic spots, and fine dining with amazing views. Here are some of the places we have visited and loved:

• Gar Woods Grill & Pier, 5000 N Lake Blvd, Carnelian Bay – with panoramic windows overlooking the lake, and a lovely pier, Gar Woods Grill serves delicious Californian fare in a stunning setting.
• Edgewood Restaurant, 180 Lake Pkwy, Stateline, NV – if you’re looking for refined fare in a beautiful upscale setting, Edgewood is a great option.
• Char Pit OR Yard Hen, Kings Beach – If you’re looking for a relaxed picnic style meal, try Char Pit for an excellent burger and fries; or Yard Hen for fab breakfast burritos and vegan tacos from this cool food truck.

Love road trips? Check out my bumper post on East Coast itinerary ideas!

A day trip to Lake Tahoe from Reno

If you manage even half the ideas in this blog; you’ll already be having a hugely packed day of fun at the lake. A day trip to Lake Tahoe from Reno will wow you with amazing landscapes; and will clear your mind with the peace and tranquility.

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