10 Things to do in North Lake Tahoe: The Ultimate Outdoor Guide!
- Gabriella Viola
- Sep 12, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 22, 2025
Here are some of the best things to do in North Lake Tahoe.
After putting together a list of the best things to do in South Lake Tahoe, I figured it was time to create an outdoor guide for the north side of Lake Tahoe. Here are 10 Things to do in North Lake Tahoe: The Ultimate Outdoor Guide!
*Help keep Lake Tahoe Beautiful. Always practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace.
1. Meeks Bay
Located on the northwest shore of Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay features soft sand and pristine water, making it one of the best beaches for swimming and paddleboarding in North Lake Tahoe. Just a short walk from Highway 89, Meeks Bay is easily accessible and offers an on-site food stand, public restrooms, a picnic area, and a campground adjacent to the beach area.
2. Sugar Pine State Park
Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park in North Lake Tahoe is less crowded than other state parks around Lake Tahoe, like Sand Harbor and Emerald Bay State Park. It features a long stretch of rocky shoreline, a public pier, and historical landmarks such as the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion and old boat houses from the turn of the century.
3. Eagle Rock
At under 1 mile out and back, Eagle Rock is a nice short hike with fantastic panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. The trailhead to Eagle Rock is right off Highway 89 in Homewood, California.
4. Tahoe City
Downtown Tahoe City in North Lake Tahoe is a small but charming strip of local shops, bars, and restaurants. It's right on the water, so when you are done strolling the strip, you can walk across the street and down the steps to Commons Beach, the Tahoe Marina, and the Lakefront bike path.
5. Donner Summit in Truckee
The town of Truckee is about a 20-minute drive from north Lake Tahoe. One of the best things to do while visiting Truckee is to drive up Donner Pass and check out the spectacular views from Donner Summit and Rainbow Bridge.
6. Stateline Fire Lookout
Historic Stateline Fire Lookout in Kings Beach is a 1.8-mile loop hike that offers fantastic views of Crystal Bay and the north shore. The hike gets its name from an old fire lookout tower built in the 1930s. Along the trail are several interpretive plaques with information about Lake Tahoe and its logging history.
7. Chickadee Ridge
Located off Mt Rose Highway, Chickadee Ridge is a popular spot for snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe during the winter and early spring. It's also known for the friendly chickadee birds that will often fly right into the palm of your hand.
8. Monkey Rock
Located in Incline Village, the hike to Monkey Rock is a 2.6-mile out-and-back trail that offers 180-degree views of Incline Village and the east shore. The monkey-carved rock is fun to snap a picture with, especially if it's your first time on the trail. This hike is a must-do if you are on the northeast side of Lake Tahoe. The trailhead to Monkey Rock starts behind the Tunnel Creek Cafe in Incline Village.
9. Hidden Beach
Hidden Beach is about 1 mile south of Incline Village and is accessible via the East Shore Bike Trail. This spectacular stretch of rugged shoreline features crystal-clear turquoise water and large boulders that are perfect for lounging on. You can also hike down to Hidden Beach after hiking to Monkey Rock. It's along the same trail but in the opposite direction.
10. Sand Harbor State Park
Just south of Hidden Beach is Sand Harbor State Park. Sand Harbor is one of the most popular beaches in Lake Tahoe. But if you visit during the off-season, you'll get to enjoy all of the beauty without the crazy crowds. Because of its prime location on the northeast shore, Sand Harbor is one of the best places to rent a paddleboard or kayak and paddle down the shoreline towards Bonsai Rock.
I hope you enjoyed my North Lake Tahoe Outdoor Guide!
Let me know some of your favorite things to do in North Lake Tahoe in the comments. Also, make sure to subscribe to the blog so that you don’t miss the latest blog posts, videos, and announcements! And of course, you can check out more adventures on Instagram and YouTube!
