It doesn’t take much convincing for us to go to South Lake Tahoe. Just a photo or two of that bright blue lake and we’re already loading up the car. Sure we love a good pool session or a trip to the beach, but there’s something really special about Lake Tahoe. Maybe it’s the crisp mountain air, or the towering pine trees, or the vast, clear water… or maybe it’s the fact that we feel one with nature when we’re there. Whatever it is, South Lake Tahoe is a dream and if you haven’t been, you NEED to go.
Here’s where we stayed, what we did, and where we ate (and drank) - feel free to copy everything about this trip and we promise you you’ll have the time of your life.
PINKY PROMISE!
STAY :: ZEPHYR COVE RESORT
This was our first time staying at the Zephyr Cove Resort, and it definitely won’t be our last. Their cozy lake-side cabins are spacious and quaint, and are situated just steps away from their own private beach! (Pets are allowed in the cabins for an additional $20/night, making it a perfect spot for us to stay with Sally!) While we didn’t end up having time to cook while we were there, we definitely will next time - as every cabin has a fully equipped kitchen!
DO :: BEACH, HIKE, BOAT, REPEAT
Beach: As we mentioned, Zephyr Cove Resort has their own private beach - and it was as idyllic as it was convenient. We spent hours there everyday, playing in the water, laying out, reading books… and the best part? They have a section that’s dog friendly! Sally loved splashing around in the lake, finding sticks and making friends.. And we loved that she could be with us!
Hike: There’s no shortage of pretty hikes around South Lake Tahoe, so don’t forget your hiking shoes! Our first night we walked the Rabe Meadows Trail to Nevada Beach to catch the sunset, and we absolutely loved it. It’s an easy (and beautiful) 1.5 mile paved trail that was as enjoyable for us as it was for Sally! Other South Lake Tahoe hikes that we love are the Skyline Trail, the Rubicon Trail, and the Cascade Falls Trail.
Boat: You can’t visit South Lake Tahoe without adventuring onto the lake. It’s a must! If you’re traveling with a big family, or want a leisurely way to see the lake, Zephyr Cove Resort has daily scenic (and sunset) cruises on their paddle wheeler the M.S. Dixie! If you’re looking for something active (and dog friendly), we highly recommend renting a Tandem Island Trimaran from Day Go Adventures. It’s easy to operate, pedal-powered, and SO MUCH FUN. Sally’s tail was wagging the entire trip!
DINE :: PIZZA, NACHOS & SANDWICHES… OH MY!
BASECAMP PIZZA: Our tummies are rumbling just thinking about this pizza! It’s fresh and hearty, perfectly crispy, and full of flavor. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but our favorites is their signature Base Camp pizza and the Thai Chicken Curry pizza (they’ll do half and half if you order a large)! Ask for a table outside, it’s dog friendly and there’s live music every day!
AZUL LATIN KITCHEN: We knew we wanted to try this place after we saw photos of the food on Yelp… and it did not disappoint. We tried it all - from the tacos, to the nachos, to the margaritas, everything is fresh and full of flavor! We suggest going at happy hour (daily 2-6pm) when the house margaritas are only $7!
SPROUTS NATURAL FOODS CAFE: If we had this fresh, healthy, and organic cafe near our home in Orange County, we’d go every day. It’s SO GOOD. They have everything from hearty turkey sandwiches to delicious baked tofu bowls (sounds random, but trust us), and their juices and smoothies are amazing too!
DRINK :: COFFEE + COCKTAILS = YES PLEASE
CLYDE’S COFFEE ROASTING CO: This quaint, family-run coffee shop is as instagrammable as it is delicious. Their pastries are made in-house (the croissants are to die for) and the coffee is smooth and strong. Bring your book, order a cappuccino, and grab a seat by their cozy fireplace, and you’ll thank us later!
REVIVE COFFEE & WINE: Of course we HAD to include this place - it has two of our favorite things! Located just a few doors down from Sprouts Natural Foods Cafe, Revive Coffee & Wine is definitely a spot where the locals go, and we love that about it, It’s charming and unpretentious, and has plenty of seating both inside and out. Plus, they have an extensive coffee and wine menu - and you better believe we order both!
EDGEWOOD LAKE TAHOE: One of our favorite South Lake Tahoe traditions is having a cocktail and watching the sunset at the luxurious Edgewood Lake Tahoe. We’ll order our cocktails at the bar, then take them to their picturesque adirondack chairs and watch the sun set over the mountains… it’s heavenly!
So all that to say… is it too soon to go back? Asking for a friend...