Our Favorite Things to Do in Lake Tahoe — Rachel and Connor's Wedding

We’re so excited for everyone to experience Lake Tahoe. As you prepare to join us for our wedding celebration, we want to ensure you can make the most of your time in this beautiful area. Here’s a comprehensive list of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe in October, including dining options, hikes, beaches, coffee spots, and more.

Lunch, Dinner, Drinks

1. Koi Sushi For sushi lovers, Koi Sushi in Incline Village offers fresh sushi, sashimi, and a variety of Japanese dishes. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot for a relaxed meal.

2. Alibi Ale Works A local brewery in Incline Village with a great selection of craft beers and pub food. Alibi Ale Works is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts.

3. Lupita’s Mexican Restaurant Lupita’s offers authentic Mexican cuisine in Incline Village. Enjoy classic dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and their delicious margaritas in a vibrant setting.

4. Austin's Restaurant In Incline Village, Austin’s is known for its comfort food and friendly atmosphere. Try their famous chicken fried steak or delicious burgers, and don’t miss the homemade desserts.

5. T’s Mesquite Rotisserie Perfect for a quick and tasty meal, T’s Mesquite Rotisserie in Incline Village offers delicious rotisserie chicken, tri-tip, and pork. Their tacos and burritos are a must-try.

6. Cutthroat's Saloon Located at the Hyatt Regency, Cutthroat’s Saloon offers a laid-back atmosphere with pub-style food and drinks. It’s a great place to unwind after a day of exploring.

7. Lone Eagle Grille Also at the Hyatt Regency, right next to our reception location, Lone Eagle Grille offers an upscale dining experience with stunning lake views. Enjoy their seasonal menu featuring fresh, local ingredients and an extensive wine list.

8. Caliente Rachel’s old stomping grounds! Rachel worked as a server at Caliente from 2017 - 2018. Located in Kings Beach, Caliente offers a vibrant atmosphere with a menu that blends Southwestern and Latin American cuisines. Enjoy their famous margaritas on the outdoor patio with lake views.

9. Gar Woods Grill & Pier For a quintessential Tahoe experience, head to Gar Woods in Carnelian Bay. Known for their famous "Wet Woody" cocktails and a menu featuring fresh seafood and steaks, this spot is perfect for a lakeside meal.

Coffee Spots

1. Drink Coffee Do Stuff A favorite among locals, and located in Incline Village, Drink Coffee Do Stuff focuses on high-altitude roasted coffee. Their cozy atmosphere makes it a great place to relax and enjoy a cup.

2. Tunnel Creek Café Tunnel Creek Café in Incline Village is a great spot for a morning coffee or a light lunch. Try their breakfast burrito or a refreshing smoothie. The cafe is located near the Monkey Rock trailhead, and East Short Trail, making it a great spot to fuel up before or after your excursion.

3. Tahoe Provisions Situated within the Hyatt Regency, Tahoe Provisions offers excellent coffee, pastries, and light snacks. It’s convenient for a quick pick-me-up before heading out for the day.

4. Coffeebar With locations in both Truckee and Squaw Valley, Coffeebar offers a European café vibe with excellent espresso drinks and freshly baked pastries. It’s worth the short drive for a delightful coffee experience.

Beaches

Known for its crystal clear blue waters, there are beaches all around the lake. Below are a few of the closest and most convenient ones to get to.

1. Hyatt Beach Just steps from the Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Beach offers a convenient and beautiful spot to relax by the lake. Enjoy the private beach area with lounge chairs and cabanas available for hotel guests.

2. Ski Beach Located in Incline Village, right next to the Hyatt, Ski Beach offers a beautiful lakeside setting with picnic areas and a playground. It’s perfect for families looking to enjoy a day by the water. We’ll be organizing a volleyball game at Ski Beach on the Saturday after the wedding.

3. Incline Beach Another great spot in Incline Village, and located next to Ski Beach, Incline Beach provides a serene environment with clear waters and sandy shores. It’s ideal for swimming, picnicking, and relaxing.

4. Hidden Beach A more secluded spot, Hidden Beach offers stunning views and a tranquil experience. It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but the peaceful setting is worth it.

5. Kings Beach This large, sandy beach is great for families. Enjoy a picnic, rent paddleboards, or just relax by the water. Kings Beach also has a playground and plenty of nearby dining options.

6. Sand Harbor Just a short drive from Incline Village, Sand Harbor is one of Tahoe’s most beautiful beaches. With its clear turquoise waters and granite boulders, it’s perfect for swimming, kayaking, or just soaking up the sun.

7. Zephyr Cove Located on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, Zephyr Cove offers a wide sandy beach, beach volleyball courts, and watercraft rentals. It’s a lively spot with plenty of activities.

Hikes & Walks

1. Tahoe East Shore Trail Starting from Incline Village, this scenic paved trail offers breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and access to several beaches, including Hidden Beach. It’s a relatively easy hike, perfect for all skill levels.

2. Lakeshore Drive If you want to marvel and dream about some amazing real estate, take a stroll down Lakeshore Drive, located right next to the Hyatt. Pro Tip, if if take a left on Lakeshore drive from the Hyatt, the last house on the right before you hit Tahoe Blvd is rumored to belong to Zuckerberg.

3. Monkey Rock A short but rewarding hike from Incline Village, Monkey Rock offers panoramic views of the lake and a unique rock formation that resembles a monkey’s face. It’s about 2.5 miles long and features 500 ft of elevation gain.

4. Stateline Fire Lookout This hike near Crystal Bay provides stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. The trail is paved, short, and easy. It’s a great spot for sunrise or sunset.

5. Rifle Peak For a more challenging hike, Rifle Peak offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The trail is steep and rugged, but the vistas from the top are well worth the effort. It’s 3.7 miles rounnd-trip and features about 1800 ft of elevation gain.

6. Diamond Peak Located less than 5 minutes from the Hyatt, Diamond Peak is actually a ski resort, but it offers great hiking trails in the summer and fall. Enjoy beautiful views and the vibrant fall foliage.

7. Mt. Rose Summit A popular hike in the Tahoe area, Mt. Rose offers panoramic views from its summit. The trail is about 10 miles round trip, and features 2300 ft of elevation. It’s moderately challenging, but the breathtaking views at the top are worth it.

8. Mt. Tallac For experienced hikers, Mt. Tallac offers a challenging trek with breathtaking vistas. The hike is about 10 miles round trip with 3200 ft of elevation gain, but the views from the summit are unparalleled.

* If you have any questions about any of these walks / hikes or any others, let us know!!

Sight-Seeing

1. Drive Around the Lake If you’re renting a car and you’ve never been to Tahoe, we highly recommend taking a scenic drive around the lake. The drive offers numerous spots to stop and enjoy the view, including picturesque towns and stunning overlooks, including Emerlad Bay State Park, as mentioned on the point below.

2. Emerald Bay State Park One of the most photographed spots in Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay offers stunning views, hiking trails, and the historic Vikingsholm mansion. It’s a must-see for any visitor. If you don’t drive all the way around the lake, you should still make a point to see Emerald Bay.

3. Donner Lake Located in Truckee, Donner Lake offers beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities. Visit the Donner Memorial State Park to learn about the history of the Donner Party and enjoy the serene lake.

Other Honorable Mentions

1. See Our School! Sierra Nevada College Take a tour of our alma mater, Sierra Nevada College (now a part of the University of Nevada Reno). Our old college is located right up the street from the Hyatt. While on campus, check out the TCES building (Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences) to learn more about Lake Tahoe’s ecosystem.

2. Golf Incline Village has excellent golf courses, including the Incline Village Championship Golf Course and Mountain Golf Course. Enjoy a round of golf surrounded by stunning mountain and lake views.

3. Disc Golf For a fun and casual outdoor activity, try the disc golf course at North Tahoe Disc Golf Park in Incline Village. Need some discs? Let Connor know :)

4. Rent Bikes Explore the Tahoe area on two wheels by renting bikes. Many rental shops in Incline Village offer road bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes for all ages and skill levels. You can cruise on the East Shore Trail on a bike, rented from Vista Trail Bikes, or Mountain Bike on The Tahoe Rim Trail or Flume Trail with bikes rented from the Village Ski Loft.

5. Shopping Check out Tahoe City on the west shore for a ton of cute, local shops, or head over to Truckee for their historic downtown shopping strip.

6. Ski Resorts While there won’t be much skiing in October, Tahoe is surrounded by ski resorts. You could check out NorthStar, where Rachel worked all through college, or head over to the world-famous Palisades, or take the Gondola up at Heavenly for an amazing lake view.

We hope you enjoy your stay in North Lake Tahoe and find time to experience all the wonderful activities and sights this area has to offer. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

If you have any questions about things to do, want more information, other suggestions, etc, just let us know! Text us, or email thecaitlinsgetmarried@gmail.com