Lake Tahoe
Between mountain peaks and turquoise waters – our 3-day itinerary at Lake Tahoe!
First and foremost - should you really visit Lake Tahoe?
The answer is short - YES! Lake Tahoe truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re a family looking for fun by the water, a hiker chasing epic mountain views, or an adventurer seeking thrills in any season — this place delivers. In summer, you can swim in crystal-clear waters, relax on the beach, or explore charming lakeside towns. In winter, the mountains transform into a snowy paradise for skiing and cozy cabin vibes. And for the foodies? Tahoe’s mix of local cafés and lakeview restaurants will make every meal feel like part of the adventure. It’s a destination where nature, relaxation, and good taste come together — all year round.
What to expect on this blog?
On this blog, we share all the magical moments, breathtaking views, and beautiful encounters with nature that made this first part of our Honeymoon unforgettable. From endless pine forests and lakeside trails to a sunset that left us speechless — you’ll find all the highlights of our stay at Lake Tahoe right here.
And if you want to feel the atmosphere don’t miss our YouTube video linked below.
But make sure to check out both:
On the blog, you’ll find more details about the activities we had, the food we enjoyed, the trails we hiked, and the surprises we didn’t see coming.
In the video, you’ll get the real mood — the sights, sounds, and emotions that photos can’t quite capture.
Together, they give you the complete experience. We’d love to take you along on the adventure!
Our 3-day itinerary:
Day 1
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Coming from San Francisco, we arrived at Lake Tahoe around noon. After snapping the obligatory photo in front of the gorgeous Lake Tahoe sign, we checked into our hotel on the south side of the lake. Once settled, we grabbed lunch — an amazing sandwich spot just a short walk away.
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In the afternoon, we set out to stretch our legs on the Monkey Head Trail. The weather couldn’t have been better: sunny, warm, and perfect for a hike. The hike was rather moderate, but be prepared to bring water! You will absolutely love this hike!
There are two ways to climb to the top - one is rather steep but shorter. So look out for that!
We enjoyed our dinner at a beautiful restaurant near King’s beach.
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Driving along the scenic east shore was a highlight in itself, with endless lake views. We ended the day with picking up a few groceries for the next morning, and watched the sun set in a golden glow over the water.
Make sure to check out our YouTube video for more moments from this incredible first day!
Day 3
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In the morning, we rented bikes and explored the southern part of Lake Tahoe. The ride was nice, though the path didn’t run directly along the lake — it probably would have been even prettier up north. Still, it had such a lovely morning vibe, with quiet streets, fresh mountain air, and that relaxed Tahoe atmosphere that makes everything feel peaceful.
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After our morning stroll around the southeastern side of Lake Tahoe, where we explored a few charming little shops, we picked up some delicious breakfast bagels. Then we found a beautiful spot by the lake to sit down, enjoy our food, and take in the incredible view — the perfect, peaceful way to start the day.
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We’ve put together all the important information in our YouTube video — including where to find all the best photo spots, parking tips, and our favorite places around Lake Tahoe. If you’re planning your own trip or just want to see more of the beautiful scenery, make sure to check it out!
Day 2
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In the morning, we got up early to hike to Eagle Lake and continue on to Maggie’s Peak — a 14.16 km (about 8.8 miles) round trip. The trail was absolutely stunning, offering breathtaking views over Lake Tahoe. We were genuinely surprised by how beautiful and diverse the hike was. From the crystal-clear waters of Eagle Lake to the sweeping panorama from the top of Maggie’s Peak, every step felt rewarding.
This is definitely a trail you shouldn’t miss when visiting Lake Tahoe. It’s the perfect mix of challenge and scenery, and the views at the summit are some of the best around the lake. The only small downside is that, at the end, you’ll have to walk a short stretch along the road to get back to the parking area — but it’s a minor trade-off for such a memorable hike.
If you’d like to know more about parking, trail details, and our experience on the route, make sure to check out our YouTube video for all the insights and a closer look at the incredible views!
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Around midday, we headed back to the hotel for a refreshing shower and treated ourselves to a delicious coffee. For lunch, we put together a little snack box from the supermarket and enjoyed it right by the shores of Lake Tahoe — the perfect way to relax and take in the view.
In the afternoon, we drove to Emerald Bay to go kayaking, which turned out to be such a fun experience! Paddling across the clear, calm water with the mountains all around us felt amazing — and to our surprise, we managed to stay completely dry the entire time.
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After kayaking, we drove along the west side of Lake Tahoe toward Tahoe City. Unfortunately, we missed the opening hours of most of the shops — many close around 6 p.m. — but we did find a place with delicious açaí bowls, which totally made up for it. From there, we continued our drive along the north and east shores back to our hotel. The ride took about an hour and a half and was absolutely beautiful, with stunning views of the lake the entire way.
Thanks for Reading!
We hope this post has inspired you to explore the beauty of Lake Tahoe and given you some helpful insights for planning your own trip. Don’t forget to check out our YouTube video for more details, tips, and a closer look at all the places we visited — it’s the perfect companion to this blog.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you won’t miss any future travel stories and behind-the-scenes moments. And definitely stay tuned for the next part of our honeymoon adventure — Yosemite National Park!
