Most vacations are followed by a few days of jokingly saying “take me back,” as you settle back in to the comfortable routine at home. But when you visit these five locations around the Lake, you’ll be thinking less “take me back,” and more, “no, seriously, how can I get back there as soon as possible.”
This post is actually inspired by a message someone sent me on Instagram asking for travel advice, so thank you for the idea! These are a mix of well known and a little less known places for tourists in the summer- very little athletic ability is involved here, so they’re all good for young kids and older parents.
1. Eagle Falls Swimming Hole at Emerald Bay
From Wiki, cause my pics sucked.
This one is actually a two-for: at the Southwest corner of Lake Tahoe lies Emerald Bay, containing Fannette Island, which the the Lake’s only island. The island contains the remains of an old tea house, and its rocky shores are the perfect board from which to jump into Tahoe’s blue waters! There’s a gradual one-mile walk down to the beach from the parking lot, and once you’re there you can lounge on the beach, rent kayaks, or just spend the day floating in the water.
Bonus: Across the street from the Emerald Bay parking lot is another one, just slightly further down on the right. It’s Eagle Falls campground, and it’s just minutes from a fantastic swimming hole. Walk into the park, and start to follow the very gentle path upwards. About 1/4 of a mile in, you’ll come to a sign pointing you left, over a bridge. Cross the bridge, and voila, you’re there: a natural swimming hole for kids of all ages!
Get there: Driving south on 89 from Tahoe City, the parking lot will be about 12 miles down on your left, and the campground/swimming hole on your right. This gets crowded in the summer so plan to either come early, or get creative with your parking.
2. Thunderbird Lodge
Thunderbird Lodge from the Water
I’ve mentioned before how much I love this place, but I don’t mind saying it again. Love. It. This is an amazing home built in the 1920s now available for tours. It covers multiple acres on the eastern shore and was designed to mirror the beauty of the lake. It also features secret tunnels, an opium den, trapdoors and hidden rooms, as well as the Thunderbird Yacht and Thunderbird Yacht boathouse, both of which are huge pieces of Tahoe history. Tours are available during the summer months by foot or by kayak.
Book tickets in advance at ThunderbirdTahoe.org.
Get there: Head South on 50 from Incline Village or north on 50 from South Lake Tahoe. If you’re coming from the North, the driveway (which can be easy to miss; look for a small gatehouse) is about four miles down on the right.
3. The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
The festival stage
Happening all July and August every summer, the Shakespeare fest usually offers two shows: a Shakespeare play, and something more modern and family-friendly. The festival is held at Sand Harbor State Park, which you could argue is potentially the prettiest spot on the lake. An outdoor amphitheater with food and beverage options, VIP seating, and more casual lawn seating is the venue, and the backdrop is Lake Tahoe and a beautiful sunset. After the play, I recommend walking around the park and very well maintained paths to see some shooting stars, smell the pines, and just enjoy a summer evening in one of the prettiest places on the planet. Buy tickets in advance at LakeTahoeShakespeare.com.
4. Virginia City
Okay, full disclosure: this one isn’t on the lake, but it’s not too far either. Virginia City is the most perfect example of a gold rush town I’ve ever seen, and it’s incredibly unique and fun. The downtown area has been continuously used since gold was discovered in the 1800’s, and the shops, stores, architecture and vibe of the town all reflect that. There are saloons with secret doors to old gold and silver mines (which you can tour,) haunted hotels, old-timey museums, 1950’s-style candy shops and restaurants, and ghost tours aplenty for folks who want to learn about Virginia City’s not-so-family friendly history. This place is a real step back in time, about 45 minutes east of Lake Tahoe.
Get there: Virginia City is out in them thar hills, so go when there’s no chance of snow. Take 80 west from Tahoe to 395 South, then follow signs for the Virginia City exit. Then, it’s about 20 minutes of driving through desert hills, so make sure to have enough gas and water.
5. Sierra Hot Springs
No phones allowed inside, but the outside is lovely
The Sierra Hot Springs are a unique experience that’s decidedly Northern California. Think of this as a hippie commune you only have to commit to for a few hours. Set in a beautiful valley, the compound has a variety of covered and non-covered natural and built up hot springs. Some are in the woods bubbling into natural pools, and some, like the one above, are built with coverings and sandy-bottom pools. Plus, the main building has an awesome vegetarian restaurant and some really cool local arts and crafts for sale.
Keep in mind that the hot springs are clothing optional, and many guests take advantage of that. Logically, then, cell phones aren’t allowed near the springs. This place is open late into the night, so consider a sunset soak if you think it may be your thing. You also camp here, but it’s an alcohol-free environment, so please keep that in mind.
Get there: Take 89 north from Truckee into Sierraville, and make a right on Hot Springs road. Watch for deer! 
