Lake Tahoe

In May 2025, we embarked on a refreshing spring getaway to the crystal-clear waters and majestic peaks of Lake Tahoe. Staying in Tahoe City, we found the perfect balance of lakeside relaxation and mountain adventure.

Arrival in Tahoe City

Our journey began with a flight into Sacramento airport, followed by a scenic drive up to Tahoe City. We stayed in a beautiful Airbnb tucked away at the edge of town, which served as our peaceful base for the week.

On our first day, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast in town before taking a leisurely walk along the lake coast by the marina. The area is filled with charming parks and galleries that showcase the local artistic spirit. We topped off the afternoon with a visit to Tahoe National Brewing Company, located right next to the marina, where we sampled some excellent local brews with a view of the docks.

Circling the Lake

The following day, we set out on a grand tour, driving all the way around the lake through both California and Nevada. It was a spectacular way to see the changing landscape and the varying shades of blue in the water.

We stopped in South Lake Tahoe for lunch and ice cream, which was a highlight, though we highly recommend starting early. Traffic in the south part of the lake gets heavy quickly, often due to people parking along the curves to access popular hiking trails.

Daily Rituals and Hidden Trails

In between our larger excursions, we established a wonderful daily ritual: hiking the trails right behind our Airbnb in the outskirts of Tahoe City. These paths lead around the Dollar Creek Reservoir, offering a peaceful and beautiful escape into the pines. It was so quiet and serene, a perfect way to start or end each day.

Crystal Clear Waters

One of our most memorable stops was at Sand Harbor State Park. After noticing they had kayak rentals on our drive around the lake, we knew we had to return.

On our last full day, we spent hours kayaking in Sand Harbor on a perfectly sunny day. Even though it was May, the water was a bracing 45°F, but the clarity was absolutely breathtaking. We could see nearly 100 feet deep into the turquoise depths as if there was no water at all.

A Farewell Feast

To celebrate the end of a fantastic trip, we headed to FUMO restaurant in North Lake Tahoe for our final dinner. The meal was delicious, providing a perfect culinary conclusion to our Tahoe adventure.

Lake Tahoe in the spring is truly special—the combination of snow-capped peaks and the beginning of summer energy creates an atmosphere that’s both invigorating and deeply peaceful.