Plan Your Perfect Trip to Lake Tahoe: Summer Activities, Hiking & SUP
Lake Tahoe is one of those places that looks edited even when you are standing right in front of it. The water is so clear it feels unreal, the shoreline goes on forever, and every turn somehow gives you another view of pine trees, granite, and bright blue water. If you want a summer trip that feels part mountain escape and part beach weekend, Tahoe is hard to beat.
When to go
I love Tahoe in the summer even more than ski season. June through September is the sweet spot if you want trails to be mostly snow-free, warm swimming weather, and long days on the water. I visited around early July and it felt ideal: sunny, warm, and busy, but still worth it.
If you are booking for late summer, choose refundable lodging if possible because wildfire smoke can change conditions quickly. In general, expect daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s with cooler mornings and evenings, which makes it easy to pack for both hiking and lake time.
Where to Stay
If you are traveling solo or as a couple, I would stay in South Lake Tahoe for convenience. It is the easiest base for restaurants, quick beach access, and a good mix of activity without needing to drive all over the lake every day. If you are traveling with friends, renting a house usually makes more sense. We stayed with our two dogs at this beautiful A-frame for a girls trip, and it worked especially well for early mornings, slow coffee on the deck, and easy access to nearby trails.
If you want a quieter trip, look north. North Lake Tahoe has a more relaxed feel and is a great choice if your priority is slower mornings, scenic drives, and a less crowded basecamp. Camping is also an option, but reservations go quickly in summer, so it is worth planning ahead.
Swimming and Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is easily one of the best ways to experience Tahoe in the summer. The water is so clear that you can see straight through it, and getting out on a board lets you explore little coves and rock formations that feel much quieter than the main beaches. I use the Retrospec SUP, and it has been easy to bring on road trips because everything packs into one backpack.
If you can get parking at the trailhead, it is a great starting point for walking into Secret Cove or Chimney Beach with your board. Go early if you can. Parking fills up fast, especially on warm weekends.
For lake days, I like to keep it simple: a flattering one-piece, a big towel, and water shoes that can handle both rocky beaches and short trail walks. For the look above, I am wearing the Minimalist swimsuit from Londre, and I also highly recommend Teva water shoes if you plan to bounce between hiking, swimming, and paddleboarding.
Sand Harbor: One of the most iconic stops in Tahoe for a reason. The water is bright turquoise, the boulders are beautiful, and it is perfect if you want that classic Tahoe look. It gets crowded quickly, so arrive early and check current access rules before you go.
Secret Cove: This is a short walk down from the road and one of my favorite places for clear water and giant rocks. Despite the name, it is not much of a secret, but it does feel a little more adventurous than the bigger beaches. It is especially good for paddleboarding.
Chimney Beach: A good option if you want more room to spread out, hang by the water, and have a picnic. Dogs are allowed here, which makes it one of the better beach options if you are traveling with your pup and want an easy place to launch your board.
Hiking
One of the best things about Tahoe is that you do not have to choose between beach time and mountain views. You can spend the morning on the water and still fit in a beautiful hike later in the day. I did not do every big-name trail here, but these were two easy favorites from the trip.
Granite Lake and Maggie's Peak: If you only do one hike, I would make it this one. It is dog-friendly, feels like a solid workout without eating your whole day, and gives you those sweeping lake views that make Tahoe so special.
Cave Rock Trail: This one is short, easy, and very worth the stop. It is perfect if you want a quick viewpoint with minimal effort or need a scenic break on the way to somewhere else.
Take a boat ride
If you are going with friends, a boat day is one of the most fun splurges in Tahoe. You can book a private guided boat ride or keep it easy with a sailing tour. It is a great way to see more of the lake without a lot of effort, and it breaks up a trip nicely if you want one slower, scenic day.
I loved being able to jump in the water straight from the boat, but fair warning: even in summer, Tahoe water is cold. If you want to lean fully into the experience, there are also scenic wine-tasting boat tours.
Other Things to Do
- Gondola ride: Dogs are allowed on the Northstar gondola in summer for a fee, and it is an easy way to access part of the Tahoe Rim Trail without committing to a full-day effort.
- Biking: The Lake Tahoe East Shore Trail is short, scenic, and one of the best ways to spend an afternoon if you want a break from the beach.
- Golden hour at Truckee Marsh: This is such a good photo stop in South Lake Tahoe. The light gets soft, the mountains glow, and the meadow feels dreamy in a way that is completely different from the rocky shoreline.
- Baked Bear stop: If you want a casual treat after the beach, Baked Bear in South Lake Tahoe is dog-friendly and has pup cups.
Flying your Drone
Tahoe is especially beautiful from above, so it is a fun destination for drone photography too. Just make sure you check local rules, avoid crowded areas, and be respectful of other people on the trails and beaches. When conditions line up, the aerial views here are incredible.
