An Ultimate Weekend Escape to Lake Tahoe

A Complete Lake Tahoe Itinerary

Tahoe is calling – even if you only have a weekend for the trip, it’s well worth the effort!

Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend with your partner, a fun family getaway or a girl’s trip, you will find something unique to do. For this Lake Tahoe itinerary, we included every Lake Tahoe must-see that is universal to any group visiting. With outdoor activities, great food, and chances to relax, you can have a well-rounded experience exploring our stunning lake paths and mountain trails.

So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and answer Lake Tahoe’s call with a perfectly-planned weekend along the shoreline.

Here is the perfect Lake Tahoe itinerary for your next weekend getaway!

Lake Tahoe Itinerary for a Long Weekend Getaway

Arrive in Tahoe Thursday Afternoon

It’s the start of your adventure! Whether you’re finishing up a drive or flying into Reno, your trip will be awarded picturesque lake views the moment you reach the shore. 

We recommend staying at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe because of its convenient location to the shore, a popular beach, restaurants, and everything you’ll need while you enjoy your weekend. 

Once you’ve checked in and dropped off your bag, head straight to the beach to catch some sun, feel the sand in your toes and see the lake up close! Incline Beach is a short stroll away and is a popular spot for a walk, lounge, or appetizer picnic. Take in the late afternoon sun and enjoy your first look at the water!

Once you work up an appetite, take the 20-minute scenic drive along the coast to Gar Woods Grill & Pier. This upscale seafood spot will get you a front-row seat to some stunning lake and sunset views and some fresh seafood. Make your reservations early, especially if you want a table closest to the view. You won’t regret it!

Rest up after a great meal to make the most of your first full day in Lake Tahoe.

Friday: See The Sights Around Tahoe By Bike

Kick off your first full day with breakfast to fuel the day’s adventures! Fumo is a short walk from the Hyatt and offers an eye-catching Lake Tahoe experience that is not to be missed. This restaurant is full of great food all day and has a ton to look at as you wait for your meal. Super colorful wall art and decor will only come second to the great food! If you don’t make it for breakfast, it can be a fantastic cocktail spot to visit during an afternoon happy hour. 

Now that you’re full, work off the calories with a gorgeous bike tour along the shore of the lake. Big Blue Bike Rentals is conveniently located on the grounds of the Hyatt Resort, just minutes from some of the best bike paths on the lake. We highly recommend starting with a section of the East Shore Trail. This well-maintained and easy-to-bike path gets you close to the lake with picturesque bridges and more. It’s the perfect way to orient yourself and see as many lake, forest and mountain views as possible. And if you want an even smoother experience, we rent premier e-bikes so you can pedal for miles without breaking a sweat.

After the bike excursion, toast to a great workout with lunch at Austin’s. This restaurant, just a few minutes from the Hyatt in Incline Village, is a perfect compromise, as it has healthy salads and juicy burgers. No matter what, we highly recommend at least one side of their most popular item – pickle fries. 

There’s no better way to enjoy a relaxing Lake Tahoe afternoon than strolling through quaint and creative shops. Spend your afternoon exploring the Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe. As you shop for souvenirs and trinkets, you will most likely find some live music to groove to or take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Heavenly Mountain for breathtaking views.

While in South Lake Tahoe, stick around for dinner in this scenic lake section. You can take it in a few directions – splurge on a fancy dinner at Boathouse on the Pier or enjoy a laid-back meal of burgers and steak at Rojo’s Tavern. You may even be able to sing a karaoke song or two! If you’re looking for a kid-friendly option, try Big Daddy’s Burgers.

Saturday: Enjoy a Trip around Lake Tahoe 

Grab your hiking shoes – it’s time to head out into nature! 

Spend the morning hiking in Emerald Bay State Park. This stunning park with expansive views of the water park has several beautiful trails to explore. We highly recommend setting out on the Eagle Falls Trail for an easy and kid-friendly hike or Rubicon Trail for a moderately challenging but still approachable hike. Both hikes offer unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains and water. 

For lunch, visit Jason’s Beachside Grill near Kings Beach Lake Tahoe. It’s the perfect place to lounge in the sun while waiting for some stick-to-your-ribs lunch. 

In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat tour on Lake Tahoe to get familiar with the coves and shoreline of the lake. With minimal waves and easy weather, it can be an incredibly relaxing and fun way to see the lake. 

Once you’re done with your tour, stretch your body and test your balance with an early evening SUP on the lake! Try SUP yoga, explore the shore, look for interesting rocks in the water, and soak up the sun with one more activity on the water. 

Enjoy dinner at The Soule Domain in Crystal Bay. This charming log cabin restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine focusing on locally sourced ingredients.

Sunday: Relaxing Sunday funday to Round Out The Trip

Get in all the lake views and activities you can before heading out and returning to real life! After a quick but delicious breakfast at the Sierra Cafe right on the Hyatt grounds, it’s time to beach hop along the east leg of Lake Tahoe. We highly recommend visiting the iconic Sand Harbor State Park as you make your way down the shoreline. If you have more time, this is a great place to rent kayaks or SUPs to get further into the water. 

Relax and take in your fabulous long weekend as long as possible before heading out!

It may only be a few days, but a weekend getaway in Lake Tahoe will feel like a full-blown vacation if you plan right! Looking for the best way to get around and take in the views? Big Blue Bike Rentals will get you on the seat of a bike and cruising through lake views in no time. Reach out to our team to reserve your bike for your Lake Tahoe weekend getaway!