How To See Lake Tahoe: 2-Day Fall Itinerary You Need

Can you believe that the biggest alpine lake in the United States is in California? That would be the famous Lake Tahoe which has 72 miles of shoreline, and this itinerary will take you to some of these amazing spots.

Lake Tahoe is located within the states of California and Nevada, and is a popular destination for locals and tourists all year around.

We recently visited Lake Tahoe during one of the weekends in mid October and absolutely loved the picture-perfect scenery!

In this article, I will be sharing our 2-day Lake Tahoe Fall itinerary where you can enjoy hiking, camping, chilling at the beach, and sipping coffee at a cafe. You can also watch my YouTube video to follow along the journey.

How is Lake Tahoe in October?

If you’re planning a visit during fall in October, you’ll be happy to know that it’s much less crowded than the summer time. There are still many hiking trails to go on and you can also enjoy the beach while it’s still relatively warm.

You can also see fall colors in the form of golden yellow Aspen leaves around Lake Tahoe area, including Spooner Lake and Fallen Leaf Lake.

There weren’t many motorised boats out on the lake and the lake was fairly calm. The water is also supposedly clearer in fall because of the dip in nutrients and algae population at this time.

If you want to spend time in the lake, you can either bring your own inflatables or rent kayaks. I think the clear bottom kayaks would be cool to try during fall when the lake is clear and the weather is still warm.

You also get to catch the final days of camping season up till mid October, after which most of them will be closed for winter. There’s also the amazing opportunity to see spawning Kokanee salmon that have returned to the creeks.

If you’re visiting during snow season instead, here’s a complete guide to Lake Tahoe in winter, including where to stay and winter-friendly activities.

Overall, we were also thankful that we did not have issues with parking and traffic during the weekend we were in Lake Tahoe.

Which part of Lake Tahoe is best in October?

If you’re short on time, you’re probably hoping to allocate more time in your itinerary to the best part of Lake Tahoe. Aside from admiring the beautiful fall foliage in October, you can also still do water sports, hike and camp.

For water sports and quieter beaches, the best place to be in October is North Lake Tahoe where you have the stunning Sand Harbor beach.

Fall foliage is easily found in South Lake Tahoe near Fallen Leaf Lake, and you can even drive further to Hope Valley for more.

Hiking and camping options are plenty near Emerald Bay State Park. Hikes include the famous Rubicon Trail and the extensive trails in Desolation Wilderness.

Weighing all these reasons, if I had to pick which side of Lake Tahoe is better (North or South), I’d go with South Lake Tahoe. This is mainly because of how much you can do in one area. Aside from the diverse landscape in South Lake Tahoe, you also have a developed town within reach.

However, if you’re planning to come back to Lake Tahoe in winter the best place to stay would depend on your preferred activity and interests.

Suggested 2-day Lake Tahoe Fall Itinerary

This itinerary is perfect for the classic Lake Tahoe experience that doesn’t require a long trip. 2 days is plenty of time to visit a couple of beaches, viewpoints, and go for a short hike or two.

There’s also debate on which side of Lake Tahoe is prettier, though it really depends on your travel style. While you can drive the entire shoreline of Lake Tahoe in 3 hours without stopping, it’s much better to explore one side of the lake per day and take it slow.

During our recent trip, we went around the eastern shoreline from North to South Lake Tahoe. This route crosses the Stateline between California and Nevada. There are beaches and viewpoints all along this stretch of Lake Tahoe, so let’s get into the itinerary!

1. Getting to Lake Tahoe

If you’re going on a weekend trip for these 2 days, try to start the drive early. We left at around 5:30am but I think we could have started at 4am.

We will first visit the North shore of Lake Tahoe which is about 4 hours’ drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Passing through Sacramento (convenient rest stop for gas), we are going to take I-80 towards Truckee.

If you plan to rent a car for this trip, check out this post where I compare a few rental options, as well as some tips on how to have a smooth experience with car rental in California. Don’t forget to also bring these road trip essentials.

Donner Summit Overlook

Before getting to Truckee, make a small detour off the I-80 and drive onto the Donner Pass Road when you’re near Soda Springs. This road brings you to Donner Summit Overlook which gives you a spectacular view of Donner Lake.

There are parking lots here and you can also make this a rest stop for pictures. We happened to be here during the solar eclipse and joined the people who were watching it as well.

When you’re ready, continue the navigation to Truckee and get back onto I-80.

Truckee

When you get to Downtown Truckee you will notice that there’s an old west type of charm. You can find boutiques shops, restaurants and cafes here, so it could be fun to walk around and explore. We found that most parking options were not free so we moved on due to limited time.

If you want to get coffee here, you can check out Dark Horse Coffee Roasters Truckee which we heard is a popular spot.

2. North Shore

Once we got closer to Lake Tahoe, we started seeing more shops and businesses along the shores. Eventually, you’ll also cross the Stateline from California into Nevada and I thought it was funny that the first thing we saw were a ton of casinos.

Coffee at Incline Village

Next, we arrive in Incline Village which is the home to luxurious hotels and mountain resorts. If you need to buy any supplies, there’s a Raley’s in town as well. Overall, it seems like a posh neighbourhood with beautiful lakeside houses.

You can make a stop at Drink Coffee Do Stuff while you’re here. There was a line when we went there and the cafe staff often struck up conversations with the customers. I tried one of their specialty drinks – the Pines Latte. I must say it was very unique with its rosemary flavour and was just the right amount of sweetness!

Aside from coffee, they also have breakfast items and we got the Salmon Lox bagel. Maybe we were hungry after the drive, but the bagel tasted so good!

Hike to Monkey Rock

After you’ve recharged at the cafe, it’s time to go on our first hike.

Monkey Rock is a granite rock that is shaped like a monkey’s face, though I’m not sure if it’s 100% due to natural elements. It is a cool place to hike to nonetheless because of the fantastic viewpoint overlooking Lake Tahoe.

Parking – You can look for paid parking along the street, right outside Tunnel Creek Cafe. Parking rates vary by the hour, so you can check out the table here. This is a fairly popular parking lot because it is also used by people who are exploring the East Shore Trail nearby.

Hike details

Overall, this hike is moderate with the steepest part of the incline towards the end. The payoff is really worth it though, and you can rest against the huge boulders for a snack break and take many pictures from the top.

• Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 km) round trip
• Duration: 1.5 hours round trip

If you want some awesome photos, check out how you can take great photos of yourself while hiking.

3. East Shore

As you drive from the North shore down through the East shore of Lake Tahoe, you will have the opportunity to make stops at several beaches.

Each beach has its own appeal and you can even visit all of them if you want. However, I suggest picking one or two beaches for your 2-day Lake Tahoe itinerary because of the parking fees that add up quickly. Here are some great places to stop at in the order you will pass by them as you drive south:

• Hidden Beach
• Sand Harbor
• Bonsai Rock
• Chimney Beach
• Secret Cove (clothing optional)
• Creek Beach
• Whale Beach
• Zephyr Cove
• Nevada Beach

Sand Harbor

The unique thing about Sand Harbor is the round boulders lying around the shores. They are the result of years of erosion and are now a key feature of the Sand Harbor scenery. There is also a visitor center and a boardwalk with information boards where you can learn more about Lake Tahoe’s history, wildlife and geology.

You can also have a picnic at Sand Harbor beach – looking out at the opposite side of the huge lake that almost makes you think you’re at the sea. Simply bring a chair and your food (either pre-packed or a takeout). Please do not feed the geese, squirrel or any other wildlife!

If the weather is warm enough, you could even jump into the lake for a swim. Just take note that it is after all an alpine lake so it will be cold. On colder days I’d rather soak in a hot spring nearby.

Parking – You will have to pay a $15 parking fee when you enter the Sand Harbor area, and only cash is accepted. If the parking lot is full, they will close the beach and prevent more vehicles from entering. It sounds quite sad, but it was the reality during summer and they had to turn people away in the morning after it got full.

2025 update: You can make a reservation for parking between 8:30 to 10:30am from Apr 15 to Oct 15.

Thankfully, we did not have that problem when we visited in October, even when it was lunchtime. I doubt the parking lot was ever full during our time there as we saw many empty lots.

Logan Shoals Vista Point

As you make your way further along the East shore, one of the easy stops you can make is at the Logan Shoals Vista.

Parking – There is no parking fee required as it is just a turn out area by the road. It is a convenient place for some quick photos of the view from the East shore, and you could even come back here for sunset.

Cave Rock

Alternatively, if time allows you can hike up to Cave Rock for a 180 degree panoramic view of Lake Tahoe. You can easily identify Cave Rock as you approach a short tunnel that runs through a massive rock – which is Cave Rock itself.

Although it is not a long hike (30 minute round trip), the last bit of the Cave Rock trail is said to be tricky if you’re not comfortable with scrambling over the rocks. In that case, it’s best to admire the view wherever you feel comfortable instead of going all the way up. This spot is also really popular at sunset.

Parking – However, parking is very limited here with about 4 spots at Cave Rock Drive. You could park further up the street, though the streets are quite narrow because it’s just a residential area. The good news is that parking is free.

4. South Lake Tahoe

As you drive towards South Lake Tahoe, you will realise that it gets busier and more commercial. There are more lodges, restaurants, and other amenities like convenient stores. It helped us to plan our Lake Tahoe itinerary more easily knowing that we can always head into town to get anything we forgot to bring.

Camping in South Lake Tahoe

You are also more likely to find campsites in South Lake Tahoe compared to the East or North shores. Fall season is usually the last chance to camp in Lake Tahoe, and since it is the shoulder season it may be easier to snag a campsite. Generally, these campsites are open from mid May to mid October and closed in winter.

If you’re planning to camp in the off-peak periods, make sure to prepare gear that’s suitable for cold-weather camping.

• Fallen Leaf Campground
• Camp Richardson Campground
• Camp Shelly (June to September)
• Eagle Point campground

This time, we booked a campsite at Fallen Leaf Campground which is north of Fallen Leaf Lake. It was far away enough from the busy area of South Lake Tahoe that it felt serene and quiet. We bought firewood from the nearby 7-Eleven near Camp Richardson, but you can also get it from the General Store if it’s open.

If you’re nervous about hiking, here are some tips on how to get started tent camping as a beginner. You can also refer to our camping starter kit and tips for planning a camping trip.

Bear encounter – We heard repetitive clanging and knocking sounds on someone’s food locker at 2am in the morning. I started imagining a bear outside and all the ways it could play out. Thankfully nothing happened, as we had kept all scented items in our food locker. Here’s a reminder to also follow all the bear safe guidelines so that the bears can stay wild.

Get Your FREE Camping Packing Checklist!

Grab your free guide by entering your name and email address ->

Yes, I want it!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Not camping? Where to stay in Lake Tahoe in fall

To be close to where all the action is, I recommend staying in South Lake Tahoe. You’ll also be close to the downtown area where you’ll find dining and entertainment options easily. It also fits in very conveniently with this itinerary.

This article uses affiliate links where I make a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sunrise at Emerald Bay

Here’s where you can find the best sunrise view in Lake Tahoe – Emerald Bay State Park. I highly recommend waking up early to watch the sunrise and it is very close to Fallen Leaf campground (5 miles).

Although Google Maps has an official location for the Emerald Bay State Park Lookout, a better spot would be at one of the turnouts just before Eagle Falls parking lot. You can put in the coordinates into your Google Maps and check out the street view too.

However, parking spots at this turnout are limited and can only fit about 4 cars. Thankfully it’s not as busy in fall so you may have a better chance with parking in this off-peak season.

If you can, try to be there 30-45 minutes before sunrise as the vibrant pink colours start appearing way before the actual sunrise. It also gives you time to set up your time lapse, bring out coffee, and make yourself comfortable for the sunrise.

I was in awe of the stunning sunrise view at Emerald Bay. The water was so calm and the sky changed colors so quickly. It was also delightful seeing the golden rays of sun gradually shining on the rock cliffs behind us.

If you’re up for a little bit of activity after sunrise, consider hiking to Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake from the nearby trailhead. Another attraction you can add to your Lake Tahoe itinerary is Vikingsholm, with the trailhead starting near Emerald Bay State Park Lookout.

Fallen Leaf Lake

After breakfast and packing up camp, let’s check out Fallen Leaf Lake and enjoy the fall colors. It is a pretty big lake so you get different views from each side of the lake.

To get to the north shore of Fallen Leaf Lake, you can either walk there from your campsite, or park outside along Fallen Leaf Road and walking in the forest.

Alternatively, drive down Fallen Leaf Road all the way to the south shore of the lake, with your destination set to the Fallen Leaf Lake Store.

This road is pretty narrow and not really well maintained so you will need to drive a bit slower here. It takes you through a residential street of lakefront houses which made me wish I could live here.

Eventually it becomes almost a single lane and when it started getting busy with two-way traffic you will need to take turns pulling over to let the opposite side pass.

Despite the tricky drive, the scenery here is lovely and you can dine at the cafe in the Fallen Leaf Lake Store while it’s open. There’s also outdoor seating where you get to enjoy a view of the lake.

Do note that the store is only open from late May and closes at the end of September. When we visited in mid October it was already closed even though Google Maps did not indicate that.

Taylor Creek’s Kokanee Salmon

One of the unique fall activities in Lake Tahoe is to see spawning Kokanee salmon as they return to Taylor Creek each year. You may even see some bears in this area as they are active in fall.

The Rainbow Trail is a 0.5 mile boardwalk loop through the marsh where you can admire the beautiful foliage in early to mid-October. There are information boards that teach you about the marshland, the salmon, and the Aspen trees in Lake Tahoe.

We learnt that Kokanee Salmon turn red when they are spawning, and male Kokanee develop hooked jaws. After the females build nests and lay eggs, the males will fertilise these eggs. Eventually both male and female die after spawning. You can see these bright red fish from the bridges along this trail with signs explaining the Kokanee’s life cycle.

In fact, there’s also a stream profile chamber where you can get an underwater cross section view of the creek. However, it was under repair in 2023.

Do also look out for the Fall Fish Fest that is held at Taylor Creek every October. It was closed in 2023 as there were incidents of people getting too close to bears for selfies. Hopefully they can continue holding this event in future.

Parking – There is free parking at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center. Since it’s a popular location during fall we had to wait around for a few minutes for parking. Nevertheless it seemed like the turnover was quite fast since the Rainbow Trail loop is pretty short. If you’re visiting during the Fall Fish Fest, just know that it might get a little more crowded.

Lunch and Coffee

Finally, to round up the amazing 2 days in Lake Tahoe, grab lunch at downtown South Lake Tahoe where you have multiple food options.

2025 update: Unfortunately, Izzy’s Burger Spa is no longer open. Check out Base Camp Pizza in Heavenly Village instead – you won’t regret it!

We enjoyed the burgers at Izzy’s Burger Spa which are also affordably priced. They had won multiple awards and it was obvious they have been around in Lake Tahoe for a long time.

There is outdoor seating which perfect for the warm days. We tried the Mushroom Swiss Burger and the Onion Burger, but I hope to also try to Bonsai Burger next time.

After that, you can visit Cuppa Tahoe for its charming book cafe personality. There are a few cosy seating areas for customers to read or people watch.

They also sell unique crafts, souvenirs and books, which makes it almost like a gift shop, book store and cafe were mashed together.

5. Leaving Lake Tahoe

Why don’t we squeeze in another fall activity while we’re at it? If you’re heading back towards Sacramento, you might like this pit stop.

Rainbow Orchards

This place in Apple Hill is famous for their hot apple cider donuts and have been family owned since 1977. Rainbow Orchards is open from September till early December (9am to 4 or 5pm). It is just 55 miles (around 1 hour’s drive) away from South Lake Tahoe along highway 50, making it a convenient place to drop by.

We bought some hot apple cider donuts and I love that they are made to order. That means they are fresh and hot when it you get them. You can also buy pies, caramel apples, pumpkins, ciders and more.

It was nice sitting outside on the picnic benches in front of the apple orchard. There are also bales of hay and a few old tractors for you to take pictures with. Overall, it’s a fun place for a chill afternoon before heading home, which rounds up our 2-day Lake Tahoe itinerary.

Things to bring

I also have an article about the best road trip gifts for couples to enjoy more adventures.

---