Last summer, my oldest son and I embarked on an experience that was new to us. He had been fishing with his dad in California lakes, and I grew up fishing in the Arkansas River with mine. Piggybacking on our fond memories, I sought a related – but new – adventure for us to share. I proposed we try fly fishing. Tag, Lake Tahoe was it! I also gave him a choice of locations within a few hours of Monterey County.
After a private lesson and two days out with a guide, we were hooked. We’re returning to do it again – and a lot more – this summer. I hope we’ll make it an annual trip, just the two of us.
A long weekend away offers a chance to unwind from the cares and busyness at home and focus on just being together. Planning such a trip gives your teen the message that you care and want to spend time with them. Despite appearances during adolescence, when peers are more important than parents and alone time is protected, this can mean the world to them.
Whether you’re looking for action and adventure or relaxing quiet time, there’s something for everyone. An informal survey on our Monterey Bay Parent Group Facebook page revealed that you have some favorites in the Tahoe area. Below, we share them, along with where to stay, what to do and see, and some details for your budget.
Where to Stay
On the advice of many friends, I booked our stay in South Lake Tahoe at the Camp Richardson Historic Resort & Marina. Affectionately called “Camp Rich,” it was named after its first postmaster, Alonzo L. Richardson. We loved the small-town feel and amenities of this community. Within walking distance among tall pines, you’ll find a general store and deli, coffee and confectionary shop with gluten-free bread, ice cream parlor, sports center for equipment rentals and accessories, lakeside bar and grill with a versatile menu and large portions, and the beach.
Accommodations are just as varied with a historic hotel built in 1926, beachside rustic cabins, with views from Mt. Tallac to Heavenly Mountain Resort, and tent camping beneath the stars. Summer rates at Camp Rich range from $150 plus tax per night for two double beds at the historic hotel to $180 plus tax for two beds at the Beachside Inn.
Campgrounds will open in June. The RV campground sits across the street from the historic hotel and runs $75 nightly with water and electric hookups. Single-tent sites begin at $50 per night and include a bear-proof box, picnic table, and grated fire pit for cooking. Cabins, which dot the ground between the hotel and the lake, require a 7-night minimum between Memorial and Labor Day. The least expensive option is a studio with one queen bed for $1,300/week. A cabin with two beds begins at $1,540/week.
We stayed at the historic hotel, where we could relax with a good book in the cozy great room after a long morning out. We also enjoyed sandwiches from the deli across the street outside the hotel’s quaint courtyard garden. “Granlibakken” is a Norwegian phrase that means “a hillside sheltered by fir trees.” Granlibakken Tahoe is another family favorite about 1.5 miles from the lake. This resort in North Lake Tahoe was opened in 1949 on the lake’s West shore. It offers private bedrooms and suites, townhomes and lodges, with all the comforts of home.
Each is unique, and private owners maintain all lodging at Granlibakken.
The Bed & Breakfast Package for two in a standard bedroom is $299.50 per night before tax and a service fee. Suites begin at $693.50 nightly, and townhouses start at $821.50 per night. Guests can access the outdoor heated pool, nearby hiking and biking trails, and tennis and pickleball courts for no extra charge. A full breakfast buffet is available daily, and the Cedar House Pub serves dinner seasonally.
Those who prefer to stay outdoors should check out Eagle Point Campground at Emerald Bay State Park, 12 miles north of South Lake Tahoe. Depending on the weather, this site will open in June and is typically open until mid-September. A unique option here is a “boat-in” campground. Camping itself is on land in lakefront campsites. Call 1-800-444-7275 for rates, availability, and important details about camping at Eagle Point.
No matter what lodging you choose in these areas, count on nature’s air-conditioning to keep cool—and take all precautions to keep bears at bay. Also, be sure to make a note of cancellation policies.
What to See & Do
Those who want to get out on the lake have plenty of choices. At Camp Rich, you can rent kayaks, standup paddle boards, and jet skis. Kayak and paddle board rentals begin at $35/hour, and pedal boats can be rented for $40/hour. One-hour jet ski rentals are $169.
If you like to be on the water but want less activity, consider the Rum Runner Cruise to Emerald Bay and back. This cruise takes you by Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe, where you’ll see an upthrust of granite that rises 150 feet out of the water and learn about the “Tea House” there. The cost is $35 for children 12 and under and $69 per adult.
That cruise gives you a glimpse of the historic Vikingsholm Castle, which has 38 rooms and is said to showcase “one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in America.” You can tour the castle with a guide by choosing the Vikingsholm Castle Boat Tour. The cost is $69 for children 12 and under and $99 for adults. This boat leaves from Camp Rich Marina.
If you’d like to get away for the day on land, the Mountain Sports Center in Camp Rich will outfit you with a hybrid bike, mountain bike, or tandem bike. Children’s bikes and trailers begin at $10 for the first hour, and adult hybrid bikes are $15 for the first hour. Biking along the tree-lined paths is relaxing and refreshing, but if you’re looking for a workout or spectacular views, hit the trails on foot. Grab a map at the sports center to locate hiking trails. Zip lining at Granlibakken’s Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park will give you a sight and a thrill without traveling far. Want more? Venture out to parasail or ride in a gondola lift at the nearby Heavenly Mountain Resort. You’ll also find ropes courses and bungy trampoline jumping in surrounding villages.
Promising Agreement
No matter where you go in Tahoe, I expect you’ll be glad you did. Before you and your teen hit the road, though, consider reviewing Tahoe’s Take-Care Travel Pledge together. Choosing its six commitments will help you and your teen stay safe and remain mindful during your stay. I can’t think of a better way to begin your trip.
your trip.