A Lovers’ Guide to North Lake Tahoe: Date Ideas for Spending Valentine’s Day in the Sierra
One of the best things about winter is using the cold weather as an excuse to get nice and cozy with the one you love. With the snow-covered mountains as the perfect backdrop, North Lake Tahoe is a must for couples looking for a winter getaway.
With Valentine’s Day on a Thursday this year, you can make it a long weekend to get the most out of this romantic setting. Check out our guide to date ideas in North Lake Tahoe this Valentine’s Day to ensure that there is never a dull moment.
Lodging Specials, for the “Stay in and Snuggle up” Couple
Many North Lake Tahoe lodging properties offer cost-saving deals for 3+ nights (where the 4th night is free). Others feature couples’ romance packages to celebrate the holiday.
For example: Enjoy the Lake Tahoe Romantic Getaway package at The Resort at Squaw Creek. This special offer includes welcome champagne and chocolates in your room, access to all 8 of their outdoor hot tubs, and two 50-minute massages at Trilogy Spa.
For a full list of lodging properties and romance packages around the North Shore, check here.
Couples Massage, for the “Spa=Love” Couple
Beautiful spa experiences aren’t hard to find at North Lake Tahoe’s many fabulous resorts. The region in s home to a variety of spas to satisfy your need for a little self-care on this romantic holiday.
As a special way to unwind, you and your partner can treat yourselves with an all-inclusive spa day at the Stillwater Spa & Salon inside the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. Get a couple’s massage, unwind in the sauna, or replenish your complexions with a custom facial or wrap. The spa’s intimate setting and lakeside views set the mood for romance that the two of you can carry with you throughout your whole trip. Book directly by calling the spa at (775) 886-6745.
Elsewhere, you can treat your sweetheart (and yourself) to luxurious spa treatments at The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe. Indulge in a warming winter scrub, cinnamon maple body treatment, biodynamic facial, or a host of other specials to keep you and your honey looking and feeling your best.
Backcountry Access, for the Adventurous Couple
Ski and ride outside the designated boundaries of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, and get an introduction to the backcountry with Alpenglow Expeditions. A certified guide will lead groups of up to four (which means you can double date!) to see some of the most beautiful parts of North Lake Tahoe on an adventurous snowshoe tour.
Ice Skating, for the Winter Classic Couple
If a classic winter date is more appealing to you, rent some ice skates and enjoy the multiple rinks —from lakeside to mountain peak—that North Lake Tahoe offers.
The Ice Skating Rink is located in the heart of the Village at Northstar. This 9,000 square foot rink is the center of a hubbub of activity, day and night. Rentals and lessons are available. Skate on the Village at Squaw’s private rink with heated waterfalls, hot tubs, a pool and the peaks of Squaw Valley as a backdrop. Rentals are available, and the rink is open December to April.
The Tahoe City Winter Sports Park brings an ice rink to the metropolitan area of downtown. The rink is another desired amenity to the all-inclusive area with the Sports Park sled hill, cross-country area and nearby restaurants and lodging properties.
Make sure to take a selfie together while you’re out there practicing waltz jumps and share it with the #TahoeNorth tag!
Puppy Play Date, For the “Must Love Dogs” Couple
Want to get out for a sweet date but can’t bear to leave your canine companion behind? That’s alright. For those of you who date “dog lovers only”, there are plenty of dog-friendly activities and establishments to be found throughout the North Shore. Romantic trailblazing for two usually includes four legs, but not quite like this. A perfectly simple and unique dating experience awaits.
Après, for the Wine and Beer Connoisseur Couple
What could be more romantic than some alone time at the top of a mountain? Indulge in style at Northstar California Resort with Tōst, the resort’s exclusive mountaintop service. Complementary s’mores and champagne are served to all ski guests, but for a more private experience, guests can upgrade to Platinum Tōst, which includes an additional charcuterie board and fire pit in a VIP area. Al this comes with an incredible view of Lake Tahoe, one that can only be shared by the two of you. Bonus tip: upgrade to a bottle of Dom Perignon for an apres activity straight out of a romance novel!
Of course, nothing is quite as romantic as cuddling up together next to a warm fire, and there’s no better way to warm up after a day on the slopes! Check out our guide to getting cozy in North Lake Tahoe with the toastiest fireplaces and tastiest hot toddies to give you an excuse to cuddle up with your loved one.
Fine Dining, for the Couple that Loves to Indulge
With multiple restaurants spanning the North Shore and a wide variety of cuisine offerings, you can pretty much have it all –– and by all, we mean exquisite food, stunning views, and an unparalleled romantic ambiance.
Several North Lake Tahoe eateries are holding special Valentine’s Day events and specials just for those lovebirds that flock to the area. Celebrate at the snowy and scenic Granlibakken at the Cedar House Pub, featuring a full bar, live music, and even kid-friendly menus for little ones that want to tag along. Or, hop over to the Cedar House Sport Hotel for Valentine’s Day Dinner at Stella, an interactive and elegant affair that promises “dinner as it should be”.
Overlook the vast and beautiful views of Lake Tahoe in all its splendor as you enjoy fresh, modern American cuisine at Christy Hill Lakeside Bistro. With small plates, luxurious main courses and indulgent desserts, this adored local establishment is the perfect interlude for a date night to remember. Our advice: take advantage of Christy Hill’s vista-point location, situated just 100 feet away from Lake Tahoe’s shoreline, by visiting near sunset. The splendid alpenglow skies are absolutely breathtaking.
Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique combines fresh and local tastes with Asian and European inspiration, all in a historic building that was originally floated across Lake Tahoe from South Shore! Wolfdale’s will be setting the mood with a special menu, including premium cuts of meat, like Durham Ranch Wagyu.
Other favorites: Soule Domain, Lone Eagle Grille, Crystal Bay Casino Steakhouse
For more dining inspiration, check out our dining page here.
Snowshoeing, for the Nature-Loving Couple
View the stunning purples, pinks and blues of the Sierra sunset while snowshoeing. With so many options for guides and rentals across North Lake Tahoe, venturing into the snowy woods is as easy as go!
Tahoe Adventure Company offers daily sunset snowshoeing tours. Included in this adventure experience are permits, snacks, warm drinks and snowshoe rentals, giving you and your beloved all of the adventure with none of the hassle. Spend the day at Tahoe City Winter Sports Park and enjoy ice skating and sledding. After working up an appetite, head to Cafe Zenon for an artful variety of homemade goodness. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this new North Shore hotspot will please any palate. They even serve Pho!
The Gift of Tahoe, for the Couple Planning a Big Adventure
Just because you can’t make it up to North Lake Tahoe for Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean it can’t be included in your night of romantic gestures. Give your partner the gift of an exciting trip by booking a room at one of Tahoe’s many lodging properties.
WinterWonderGrass festival and Wanderlust Yoga Festival are right around the corner. Whether your partner is a music lover or yoga fanatic, the gift of festival tickets in North Lake Tahoe is sure to WOW your partner.
To say the least, there is no shortage of romantic activities to be had in the Sierra. Whether you’re looking for love to get you through the winter weeks, or keeping things warm and cozy with an old flame, there’s a good reason to choose North Lake Tahoe.