8 Things To Do in North Lake Tahoe Before Summer Ends
Even though summer is winding down, we are still holding to its long days, warm nights, and beach-filled magic for as long as possible. Before the flannels and puffies come out from hibernation, soak up the last few weeks of Lake Tahoe’s most iconic season. We’ve rounded up the best activities and events to keep you busy every night of the week through Labor Day.
While you’re out working on the last of your sandals and bike shorts tans, follow @TahoeNorth on Instagram and tag #TahoeNorth for a chance to be featured among like minded adventurers.
Tackle The North Lake Tahoe Ale Trail
Photo: Ryan Salm Photography
Photo: Ryan Salm Photography
Grab a seasonal brew and plot out a North Tahoe adventure that takes you from Homewood to Chimney Beach, and everywhere in-between. The North Lake Tahoe Ale Trail provides the perfect pairing of hiking, biking, and paddling trails with local breweries and alehouses at every town sprinkled around the northern shore. Discover what trail and brew combos are available with an interactive map and video series that points out all the hot spots at North Lake Tahoe Ale Trail.
Discover Tahoe’s Secret Beaches
Photo: Steven Smith
Hiking into a pristine beachfront with few other beachgoers is a dream for many in search of the perfect shoreline for relaxation. There are several such “hidden” beaches around North Lake Tahoe, including Secret Cove, Skunk Harbor, and Chimney Beach. While they may require a bit of a hike to get to, the secluded beaches offer a slice of paradise with white sand beaches, granite boulders and a reprieve from the hustle and bustle.
Dance to Free Music at Sunset
Photo: Ryan Salm Photography
As a full summer lineup of music winds down, take advantage of the final North Lake Tahoe High Notes shows at various stunning venues in the area paper writer. Guaranteed to be an amazing time for the whole family. From the sandy shores of Lake Tahoe to the resort villages tucked away in the mountains, check out the following lineup that’s guaranteed to entertain.
Bluesdays | Tuesdays at Squaw Valley
August 29 – Dennis Jones Band
September 5 – Lone Star Revue with Mark Hummel and Anson Funderberg
Music On The Beach | Fridays in Kings Beach
August 25 – Yolo Mambo Band
September 1 – The Wrinkle
Concerts at Commons Beach | Sundays in Tahoe City
August 27 – The Brother’s Comatose
September 3 – Trey Stone | Joy & Madness
Live Music | Weekends at Northstar California
August 26 – Milton Merlos
August 27 – Jason King
See the full line-up and videos from each venue at High Notes.
Take Advantage of Big Summer Savings
Photo: Tahoe Adventure Company
As you explore all the region has to offer, do it with fuller pockets and bigger smiles. For a limited amount of time, exclusive coupons are available at participating businesses in the mountain resorts and surrounding communities. Take a break from the lake and Peak Your Adventure with summer savings.
Bubbles Tahoe | The Village at Northstar California
50% off storewide. Eco-friendly, small batch beauty and wellness items
Trilogy Spa | The Village at Northstar California
20% off an 80-minute massage
Fireside Pizza Company | The Village at Squaw Valley
Free garlic bread with the order of an entree
PlumpJack Sport | The Village at Squaw Valley
25% off one item, including athletic gear, apparel and more
Sips & Salutations | The Village at Northstar California
Save 50% off an outdoor yoga class with Tahoe Yoga and enjoy a complimentary glass of premium wine afterward at Petra Wine, only available on Fridays until September 1
Coffeebar | The Village at Squaw Valley
$1 off all drinks, including coffee beverages and alcoholic delights
Tahoe Adventure Company | Tahoe City
Two-for-One mountain bike rentals with instant access to Tahoe XC trails
Big Blue Adventure | Various Locations
15% off event registration of Big Blue Adventure mountain races. Qualifying events include: Lake Tahoe Triathlon, Emerald Bay Trail Run and Great Trail Race.
Learn how to download and redeem these coupons at Peak Your Adventure.
Unwind and Let Loose During Labor Day Weekend
Photo: Matt Palmer & Squaw Valley
Labor Day Weekend is a time to do anything but labor, but we think you might have to work just a little bit to keep your feet grooving and your hands filled with topped off glasses. Don’t worry, you don’t need to clock in. Go ahead and let time slip away from you at these anticipated holiday weekend events.
Cheers to Foam
The 28th Annual Foam Fest kicks off at KT Base Bar at The Village at Squaw Valley on September 2, from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. An afternoon of beer tasting from over 40 craft breweries and world-class live music by Ozomatli benefits local non-profit, Achieve Tahoe. Raffle prizes with items–including a California Gold Pass, offering unlimited skiing or snowboarding during the 2017-18 winter season at all ski resorts in California. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door for unlimited beer tasting and live music. Non-samplers: $20 donation for the concert. Kids under 12 are free. Tickets are available online at www.AchieveTahoe.org.
High Altitude Wine Tasting
The 29th Annual Alpen Wine Fest takes place in The Village at Squaw Valley on September 3, from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. A sunny afternoon spent wine tasting and dancing to the sounds of various music acts are the perfect pairing to a huge silent auction and raffle. Entry into the event includes a donation to Can Do MS and an includes a crystal souvenir wine glass and tastings from over 40 vineyards. Tickets are available online at www.squawalpine.com.
Get Your Glow On
Glow Golf Extravaganza at the Incline Village Championship Course features glow putt-putt, a glow-in-the-dark chipping contest, shootout on the driving range, live music and more. Fun for the whole family, activities are available from 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. on September 3 to give putters the full glowing experience. More information at www.golfincline.com.
Give Your Senses A Taste For Fall
Photo Credit: Northstar California
The official start of fall isn’t until September 22, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start savoring fall-inspired meals and drink pairings now.
The 32nd Lake Tahoe Autumn Food and Wine Festival, September 8 – 10, is a can’t-miss event that combines premier local cuisine, renowned chefs and live cooking demonstrations in a full-sensory dining experience.
More than twenty culinary events showcase immersive ways to experience fine food, wine, art and the natural landscape of North Lake Tahoe. Festival highlights include a vertical mountainside wine tasting at 7,870 feet; a progressive picnic through the Lake Tahoe National Forest; a workshop in mixology; and the Grand Tasting & Culinary Competition where top chefs battle for best marriage of food and beverage.
Tickets are available for the three-day event and also for individual seminars. Hurry, though, because many seminars will sell out in advance!
Explore During The Full Harvest Moon
Photo: Ryan Salm Photography
We only get the Full Harvest Moon once in a blue moon. So take advantage of its illumination with an outdoor adventure on September 6.
Full Harvest Moon Kayak Tour | Tahoe Vista Recreation Area
Float in a kayak on the clear blue water while the sun sets the sky on fire, the full moon rises, and the stars twinkle with Tahoe Adventure Company. This moonlit paddle includes a kayak, paddle, PFD, knowledgeable guides, historical stories, hot drinks and snacks. Trip takes place on September 6 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., is 1-3 miles long and is easy to moderate. Learn more at www.tahoeadventurecompany.com
Full Moon Kayak Tour | Sugar Pine State Park
The Sierra State Parks Foundation and West Shore Sports are collaborating on a full harvest moon kayak tour along the shore of Sugar Pine State Park from 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. State Park staff will provide insight about the region’s cultural and natural history. $40 includes parking and equipment. No experience necessary. 12+. Learn more at sierrastateparks.org.
Get On The Water In Style
Photo: Wild Society
From paddle boards and kayaks to jet skis and parasails, thrill-seekers and Tahoe mermaids are still creating a wake this time of year. Before the docks close down and the water temp becomes Polar Plunge – worthy, hop on the watercraft of your choice and explore the shoreline of America’s largest high alpine lake. Need a vessel? Check out the brand new crystal kayaks by Wild Society that give you a fully transparent view of turquoise water and the glaciated boulders beneath the surface. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a fish or the legendary Tahoe Tessie.
If you’re feeling a bit more competitive, try your hand at the longest inland paddleboard race in the world, the Tahoe Vista Paddlefest at Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort. On the sandy shoreline of Lake Tahoe, paddlers can enjoy clinics, yoga, paddleboard events, SUP yoga, a luau and more on Friday and Saturday, September 8 and 9. Then, The Fall Classic race will commence on Sunday, September 10 with 22 miles across Lake Tahoe and a festive finish line beach party.
Feeling inspired? Share this list with your friends so together you can check off your North Lake Tahoe summer bucket list while tagging #tahoenorth!