5 Must-do Summer Activities in North Lake Tahoe

Well-known as a world-class ski destination, Lake Tahoe also boasts some of the most beautiful summers imaginable. Palisades Tahoe is the perfect gateway for the best that summer in Lake Tahoe has to offer, from pristine beaches to lively events to charming historic towns. Below is our list of 5 Must-do Summer Activities in North Lake Tahoe:​

1. HIKING – Discover some of Lake Tahoe’s best summer hikes right here at Palisades Tahoe. The wildflowers are about to bloom at High Camp, and the waterfalls are roaring over the granite rocks of Shirley Canyon. Explore our hiking map for a self-guided adventure, or join us for The North Face® Free Daily Naturalist Walks departing from High Camp.

2. BIKE TO LAKE TAHOE – Start your journey by renting a bike from The Village Activity Center and head out onto the Olympic Valley Bike Path. Connecting to the 2-mile long Olympic Valley Bike Path, the Truckee River Bike Path travels another 5 miles into Tahoe City, paralleling Highway 89 along the shores of the Truckee River. It’s a scenic and relatively flat pedal, perfect for kids, bike trailers, or cruiser bikes. Bring your bathing suit and a towel – there are lots of great places to take a dip in the river along the way or go for a swim in Lake Tahoe once you arrive in Tahoe City.

3. FLOAT THE TRUCKEE RIVER – On your bike ride along the Truckee River, you’ll likely spot savvy outdoor leisure enthusiasts partaking in our next must-do activity; floating the Truckee River. You can choose to rent a raft from one of two outfitters in Tahoe City or bring your own. Remember, you’ll need to get back upstream after your float, so if you don’t have multiple vehicles for shuttling, going with one of these outfitters may be the best option for you since shuttle rides are included. Either way, we recommend putting it in at the Tahoe City Transit Center and taking it out at River Ranch. This 2-3 hour float is along one of the smoothest sections of the Truckee River, making for a leisurely cruise with only a few small rapids (up to class II). The Truckee River provides important habitat for many species of native wildlife, and drinking water for our local communities – as with any of these activities, please practice ‘Leave no trace’ principles while enjoying the river.

4. FREE MUSIC All summer long, you can enjoy live music at several fantastic nearby venues! Popular weekly events featuring free live music include Bluesdays, Truckee Thursdays, and Concerts at Commons Beach. Starting June 18th, Palisades Tahoe will be hosting Bluesdays Free Concert Series every Tuesday through August 27th. Bring your dancing shoes and a low back chair, and enjoy food and drinks from our amazing vendors in the Village. Check out our great lodging deals so that you can stay and enjoy all the action. On Thursdays starting June 20th and continuing through August 15th (except 7/4), take the 15-minute drive from The Village at Palisades Tahoe to Truckee for Truckee Thursdays, where you’ll find a street festival packed with local artisans, music, and food. Concerts at Commons Beach happen every Sunday from June 16th – September 8th this summer. Bring a beach blanket or low back chairs to enjoy a perfect lakeside evening with live music and local vendors.

5. AERIAL TRAM RIDES – Your Lake Tahoe vacation is not complete without a scenic Aerial Tram ride to High Camp. Take in the expansive views of Palisades Tahoe ski resort, Lake Tahoe, and the high Sierra on the ride up to High Camp at 8,200′. Once you arrive at High Camp, take a hike through fields of wildflowers to get a unique summertime view of some of our most legendary terrain. Looking for something different to do? High Camp also offers free roller skating (with an incredible view), geocaching, and disc golf.

With great deals on stays in The Village at Palisades Tahoe, summer activities for everyone, and beautiful weather, summer is without a doubt the time you want to visit Lake Tahoe. What are you waiting for?