Our Favorites
There is a lot to love on the West Shore! We love the tranquility and slower pace that Rubicon Bay offers. We always make sure to visit our favorite places and of course, we always get in a few hikes!
Hangouts
Where Do We Start?
HOA Beach of course! Less than a 1/2 mile walk from the cabin lies the pristine shores of Lake Tahoe. Our HOA beach and pier welcomes anyone with a pass to take a walk on the pier, play (or lay) on the beach, swim to the raft, or just stare at the lake.
Meeks Bay Resort. If you are looking for even more people watching, a big sandy beach, and french fries, this is your place! While relaxing, imagine when this was an isolated resort in the 1930s with cottages, a dance hall, a market and more!
Chambers Landing. A short drive to Chambers and you will be greeted with the oldest boat house on Lake Tahoe. There is a public beach - but the real attraction is sitting at the boat house with your Chambers Crush and watching the summer scene - people, boats, drinks. It is worth the short trip!
Historic Camp Richardson. Drive a bit south - past beautiful Emerald Bay - and you will find yourself in a small contained resort area - with the best Ice Cream Shop, a small lodge, a paved trail to explore and the Grove - a beach side restuarant with live music, and the famous Rum Runner drink.
Local Eats
Lets Stick with the West Shore
Dog & Bear Tavern - a few miles north is our local Tavern - with amazing pizza, wine & beer, great salads and homemade specialties. It gets crowded so go early!
Cult Burger - next to Dog & Bear is a walk up fresh burger stand. With an award winning chef, Cult Burger delivers juicy burgers, homecut fries and to die for milkshakes!
Chambers Landing - about 5 miles northi is Chambers Landing. Known for it's boat house, it also has a beautiful outdoor restaurant serving California fare and of course the famous Chambers Crush.
Swiss Lakewood, offers a more traditional sit down restaurant in an old Swiss Chalet. Continental cuisine in a cozy atmosphere with a wonderful selection of great food and wine. In the summer, check out the Vodka Garden.
Fire Sign Cafe - closer to Tahoe City is a classic breakfast / lunch spot. Worth the wait (gets crowded on weekends) to dive into a large menu of breakfast staples and lunch goodies. Try their omelettes and potatoes!
Shadyside Lounge - the newest spot on the West Shore is Shadyside - a small mexican cantina style restaurant with an amazing retro vibe, beautiful repurposed wood bar and in the summer, a great spot outside to enjoy the afternoon and evening. Look for their canned cocktails.
If you are looking for a quick sandwich - we recommend Tahoma Market sandwiches (fresh bread made daily), Tahoe Haus - also a bakery with wonderful baked goods and sandwiches, and Dockside Trading Company at Obexers Marina for a quick grab and go!
For more upscale, try Christy Hill or Wolfdale's in Tahoe City.
And of course there are many more places to visit in Tahoe City and North Tahoe AND South Lake Tahoe. But let's stop reading and start eating!!
Trails
Our Top 5
Rubicon Trail - The famous Rubicon Hiking Trail coves over 8 miles of scenic Lake Tahoe shore. For a moderate trek, try starting from DL Bliss State Park, wind along the water to Emerald Bay and continue if you like around the bay to Eagle Point Campground. Best to park a car at each end - or do an out and back.
Cascade Falls or Maggie's Peak. Starting at Inspiration Point you can take a moderate 1 mile hike to Cascade Falls, crossing over large granite rocks you will end on top of the falls with a great view of Cascade Lake. For a tougher climb (1800 feet of elevation gain in 2 miles out - or more if you continue into Desolation Wilderness) head to Maggie's Peak. Once you reach the top you are rewarded with an icnredible view across Lake Tahoe.
Rubicon Peak. Just a quick drive to the trailhead is the climb to Rubicon Peak. A beautiful but steep hike up 2152 vertical feet (in less than 2 miles) to the most famous peak on the West Shore. Gorgeous!
Meek's Meadow, offers a 4 mile flat loop around the meadow, across from the resort. About 2 miles in you can decide to continue the loop (see if you can find the old Girl Scout Camp) or if you want to be more adventurous, hike up into Desolation Wilderness and catch a variety of other trails.
The Gnome Walk. A family friendly relatively flat walk at the end of Grand Avenue is a beautiful, through the woods loop. If you veer to the left you will welcome a wonderful surprise of a gnome forest! Count how many if you can!!
More Fun
So. Much. To. Do.
Must see sites:
Emerald Bay - one of the most photographed places in the world, and only a few miles away.
Sugar Pine Point - visit the Hellman-Ehrman mansion. Rent kayaks. Have a picnic. Walk the trails.
Sand Harbor - all the way to the North/East of Tahoe is a magical place, where the blue blue water of Tahoe cascades over granite rocks - a must see, but a bit of a drive. Reservations needed in the summer. Walk the East shore trail and take it all in.
Going to town:
South Lake Tahoe - The biggest town on the lake - lots of restaurants, casinos, beaches & activities.
Tahoe City - A smaller village of restaurants, shops, the marina and Commons Beach.
Truckee - Historic town built around the trainstation. Walk the old town shops and restaurants. A must!
Kings Beach - More of a small beach town, with old school lodges, ice cream shops and great beaches.
Seasonal Specialties:
Snow sports - Skiing, Snow Boarding, Snow Shoeing, Sledding - it is ALL here! Pick your place!
Truckee River Rafting - Want a lazy summer day? Head to TC, jump on a raft and float with the fish!
Boating - Everyone needs to get on the water! Try renting a kayak, SUP or boat. Pack a lunch & sunscreen.
Tahoe Gal or MS Dixie - Another way to see the water is on one of Tahoe's famous ferries. Various routes will let you see Tahoe from another view!