Travel Guide: North Lake Tahoe in the Summer

Lake Tahoe is one of the most stunning vacation spots in Northern California. While frequently visited in the winter for it’s world-class ski resorts, summer in Tahoe has it’s own unique serenity and beauty. This is your guide to visiting Lake Tahoe in the Summer, specifically focused on North Lake.

South Lake vs. North Lake

Tahoe is split up into two regions, locally referred to as “South Lake” and “North Lake.” When driving into Tahoe, you’ll even take different highways depending on which side of the lake you are planning to visit. North Lake is Tahoe’s more polished side – where you’ll see multimillion dollar lakefront houses and higher-end mountain shops, restaurants, and activities. South Lake is more of a bustling scene where you’ll find way more bars, casinos, and a more laid-back weekend buzz.

North Lake
  • Incline Village: The most upscale area — think private beaches, lakefront mansions, and a country-club feel.
  • Tahoe City: A charming lakeside hub with boutiques, brunch spots, and direct lake access — perfect for strolling and paddleboarding.
  • Kings Beach: More low-key and artsy, with a retro Tahoe feel and fun public beach scene.
  • Truckee: a historic Old West–style downtown with great restaurants and cozy mountain lodges.
  • Carnelian Bay: Smaller and quieter, known for wooden piers, lakefront cabins, and Gar Woods Grill & Pier.
South Lake
  • Stateline: Right on the California–Nevada border — packed with casinos, hotels, and bars.
  • South Lake Tahoe: The main city hub — busy and energetic, full of restaurants, live music, and ski-town bustle.
  • Meyers: A chill, outdoorsy suburb just outside town with hiking trails and a quieter, locals-only feel.
  • Zephyr Cove: Known for its beach parties, boat rentals, and iconic lake cruises.

When planning your trip, I highly recommend deciding which side of the lake you want to be on when booking accommodations and staying on that side to focus on the activities, restaurants, bars, and lake in that location to prevent driving around all day.

Where to Stay in North Lake

  • Luxury: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe (Incline Village), The Ritz-Carlton (Truckee)
  • Chic Boutique: Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort (Tahoe Vista), Gravity Haus (Truckee)
  • Cozy Cabin Vibes: Airbnb lake houses in Carnelian Bay or Kings Beach

The Key Activities to Do in North Lake

1. Water Activities

Getting out on the lake is an absolute must while in Tahoe. You can easily rent kayaks, paddle boards, or rent a boat across many lodges and shops lining North Lake. The calm lake here makes this one of the best activities to do while here.

We specifically rented from Sunnyside which was ~$35/hour for the rental give or take which specific equipment you are taking out on the water. They also have a lakeside restaurant here, making for a perfect post-lake lunch.

2. Hiking

Tahoe has some of the best hikes in California, which have stunning views of both the lush mountains and lake. One thing to keep in mind is that if you are hiking in the first day or two of arriving, the elevation may make you more short of breath so go at your own pace and bring water. These are some of the best hikes in North Lake:

  • Monkey Rock (Incline Village)
    • Distance: 2.6 miles round trip
    • Type: Out & Back
    • Short, scenic, and iconic — this quick climb rewards you with sweeping lake views and the famous monkey-shaped boulder at the summit. Great for sunrise or sunset.
  • Eagle Rock Trail (West Shore)
    • Distance: 0.8 miles round trip
    • Type: Out & Back
    • A quick and easy trail that packs a major payoff — panoramic lake views from a volcanic rock perch just minutes from Tahoe City.
  • Five Lakes Trail (Alpine Meadows)
    • Distance: 5 miles round trip
    • Type: Out & Back
    • A moderately steep climb through forest and wildflowers that opens up to five serene alpine lakes — one of North Lake’s most rewarding half-day hikes.
3. Truckee lazy River Float

The Truckee River Float is one of the most fun summer activities in Tahoe – you’ll float between Tahoe City and River Ranch in a 5 mile lazy river (about 2-3 hours of a float). You can either bring your own tubes and drinks/foods or easily rent tubes from local shops like Truckee River Raft Co. or Truckee River Rafting. The scenic views of the mountain on the river are stunning. It typically closes right after Labor Day weekend so if you are going towards the end of Summer be sure to check the water levels.

4. Bike Along the East Shore Path

This 3-mile paved path connects Incline Village to Sand Harbor, and is often known as “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway.” Stunning would be an understatement here, it is such a beautiful path along the water that takes you right into town and alongside part of the Truckee lazy river.

5. Get a Wet Willy Lakeside at Garwood’s

Garwood’s is one of the most fun restaurant / bars in Tahoe year-round. They are famous for their Wet Willy’s which are versions of slushee Mai Tai’s. Be warned – they are strong cocktails!! The restaurant is right on the water which makes for great views and a beautiful sunset if here during the evening.

6. Spend a Day at the Secret Cove

The Secret Cove is one of the most beautiful beach spots in Tahoe which has some of the clearest waters I’ve seen on the west coast. It is a nude beach but you’ll see a lot of people with swimsuits as well. Wear good shoes because you will need to walk down

7. Window Shop Around Incline Village, King’s Beach, and Tahoe City

The small town’s in North Tahoe are all along the main road, drivable within 10 minutes of each other. You’ll find cute boutiques, local shops, some souvenir stores, etc. lining the streets mixed between different rental shops.

8. Watch the Sunset from Commons Beach

The sunset in Tahoe is one of the best ways to close out a great day. You can see the sunset from all around the lake, but a common viewpoint is Commons Beach.

Insider Tips

  • Parking fills up early at Sand Harbor – go before 9 a.m.
  • The Truckee River float opens seasonally (late June – August depending on snowmelt).
  • Bring water shoes for rocky beaches.
  • North Lake is quieter at night – plan dinners and sunsets over nightlife.

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