South Lake Tahoe tip - if you’re planning to stay right in that area you don’t really need a car because so much is walkable (obviously YMMV based on littles), so fly into Reno and take the bus! The South Tahoe Airporter stops at the major resorts on the state line and is <$30pp each way so just pick the hotel closest to your lodging. Also make sure you check out Base Camp Pizza Co. right by the gondola in Heavenly Village - it’s amazing! But it gets very crowded for dinner and doesn’t take reservations so get your name in early.
My permanent address is Tahoe City (although I do spend a fair amount of time in Pasadena). My husband and I sold our forever home so that we could afford a house across the street from the lake. Tahoe has always been my happy place and now that I am retired, I LOVE living there. Tahoe City has a snow park in town for kiddos in the winter with an ice skating rink and sledding. Also, Cal Trans tries to keep the bike path clear at all time so you can go on a nice walk next to the Truckee River.
I lived in Truckee for 7 years and loved it so much. I am so glad you made time there, as I agree with you RE it being VERY different from South Lake. when I lived there I worked at the Northstar Village as a realtor and the ice rink was my fave lunch time activity, if time permitted, so again, I am glad you enjoyed it there. I will bookmark the two airbnbs you shared for my future visit planning. be sure to go back in summer when it is other worldly beautiful. being out on the water on the big lake, Donner or any of the area reservoirs is heaven on earth.
Another fun non-ski activity that you can do as your kids age is snowshoeing! Very similar to hiking with amazing views. I recommend a guide your first time or if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
We are skiers who stopped going to Tahoe in winter because it’s just too crowded. Don’t sleep on Tahoe in the fall! It’s way less crowded and the trees are changing. It’s such a lovely time to go.
I love Lake Tahoe, especially the North/West Shore! I adore the Fire Sign Cafe in Tahoe City (breakfast and lunch only), and the restaurant is very kid friendly. Sunnyside (Tahoe City) and Gar Woods (Carnelian Bay) have amazing decks with lake views. Gar Woods is my preference for food. If you go in the summer, I can't recommend rafting down the Truckee River enough -- and finishing off the day with a drink and french fries at the River Ranch.
South Lake Tahoe tip - if you’re planning to stay right in that area you don’t really need a car because so much is walkable (obviously YMMV based on littles), so fly into Reno and take the bus! The South Tahoe Airporter stops at the major resorts on the state line and is <$30pp each way so just pick the hotel closest to your lodging. Also make sure you check out Base Camp Pizza Co. right by the gondola in Heavenly Village - it’s amazing! But it gets very crowded for dinner and doesn’t take reservations so get your name in early.
My permanent address is Tahoe City (although I do spend a fair amount of time in Pasadena). My husband and I sold our forever home so that we could afford a house across the street from the lake. Tahoe has always been my happy place and now that I am retired, I LOVE living there. Tahoe City has a snow park in town for kiddos in the winter with an ice skating rink and sledding. Also, Cal Trans tries to keep the bike path clear at all time so you can go on a nice walk next to the Truckee River.
I lived in Truckee for 7 years and loved it so much. I am so glad you made time there, as I agree with you RE it being VERY different from South Lake. when I lived there I worked at the Northstar Village as a realtor and the ice rink was my fave lunch time activity, if time permitted, so again, I am glad you enjoyed it there. I will bookmark the two airbnbs you shared for my future visit planning. be sure to go back in summer when it is other worldly beautiful. being out on the water on the big lake, Donner or any of the area reservoirs is heaven on earth.
Another fun non-ski activity that you can do as your kids age is snowshoeing! Very similar to hiking with amazing views. I recommend a guide your first time or if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
We are skiers who stopped going to Tahoe in winter because it’s just too crowded. Don’t sleep on Tahoe in the fall! It’s way less crowded and the trees are changing. It’s such a lovely time to go.
I love Lake Tahoe, especially the North/West Shore! I adore the Fire Sign Cafe in Tahoe City (breakfast and lunch only), and the restaurant is very kid friendly. Sunnyside (Tahoe City) and Gar Woods (Carnelian Bay) have amazing decks with lake views. Gar Woods is my preference for food. If you go in the summer, I can't recommend rafting down the Truckee River enough -- and finishing off the day with a drink and french fries at the River Ranch.
What a fun’s trip! I love that your kids got to experience snow! Love the mix of paid and free activities too! Thanks for sharing!
Hi - since you mentioned it 😁 - how/why did you guys land in LA? Where were you before?
We moved from NYC to the Bay Area in 2017 for Matt’s job! We spent four years there before moving to LA in 2021.
A $4000 night rental?! I’m sorry but this is only family friendly if your family is loaded.
It’s obviously meant to be split by a few families, minimum. It says it sleeps 20.