This summer it’s time to prioritize you, because as America Ferrera’s Barbie monologue reminded us “it is literally impossible to be a woman,” at times. Pack your best gossip, hiking boots, swimsuit, cocktail dress and leave all the outrageous expectations behind — it’s time to embrace your best life with a Lake Tahoe girls’ trip. Summer is going to be hot in this cool mountain locale.
Clear Your Mind
Clearly Tahoe is one of the best ways to take in Lake Tahoe’s crystal clear goodness. With four locations around the lake, the company’s clear kayak tours are unique and easily accessible. Try the Clearly Explorer Charter with clear kayaks which includes a scenic cruise aboard the 46 foot tri-toon Clearly Explorer and then a guided clear kayak tour that launches directly from the vessel. Or breathe in Tahoe’s infinite night skies during the LED Stargazing Tour and paddle in LED clear kayaks.
Chase the Sun
Sunrise over Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay is worth the “zero dark thirty” hike to secure the view — headlamps are required. Park in the Eagle Falls parking area and either hike up or cross Highway 89 to the area just above where the falls crash down below. Never underestimate waterfalls, don’t try to cross Eagle Creek and stay well away from all the edges. You can also avoid the hike and park in the Vikingsholm Parking Area. Then pick your spot, sit back and watch one of California’s best sunrise views. With the sun up and your parking space secured it’s time to explore some of Tahoe’s best trails. Hike into Desolation Wilderness to the top of Eagle Falls and beyond to Eagle Lake or head down to Tahoe’s Hidden Castle, Vikingsholm, considered the finest representative of Scandinavian architecture in the U.S. Bring a swimsuit for dip in Emerald Bay. Packing essentials include sunscreen, water, snacks and some bug spray if heading into Desolation Wilderness.
Beach Off
Round Hill Pines Beach Resort is the perfect spot to get your beach on. Located in a protected cove, it’s a favorite with locals for its all-day staying power. There are toy rentals at the marina, a restaurant, and a tiki bar serving the beach’s signature cocktail, The Pain Killer, a pineapple, coconut, frozen concoction with a variety of rums, a few secret ingredients and a topping of fresh nutmeg. Come midday, rent a SUP for some lake cruising, and stay for sunset. Situated on the lake’s southeast shore, Round Hill Pines offers a pink and red tinged display as the suns slips behind the Sierra Nevada.
Hit the Club
From spin to Pilates reformer classes, Truckee girls tighten, tone and get their sweat on at Liv Studio. Started by Kelley McKenzie, a Pilates trainer with over two decades of experience, Liv was voted as the best Pilates studio — its instructors were recognized as well — in 2023 by the Sierra Sun. As an added plus, they also sell cute hoodies and tanks.
Bike the Truckee
Following the original Tahoe-Truckee Toll Road built in 1860, the Truckee River Bike Path is a paved path that runs along the river giving riders a chance to see the many rafters enjoying the spring and summer flows. There is a parking area near the Transit Center in Tahoe City. Cross the bike/pedestrian bridge to connect to the bike path and turn left. Before you bike back stop at the River Ranch Lodge and have drink at the bar which is cantilevered over the rushing river.
Indulge, refresh, and bath in the forest
Edgewood Tahoe, located in Stateline, Nevada, garnered a Forbes 4-star rating for the lodge and its boutique spa. Signature rituals like the “Journey to Wellness,” an immersive CBD experience, massage therapies and body treatments are all on the menu with 4-star prices for those girls wanting to indulge. You can also get ready for your night out at the Rah Beauty Bar for hair, makeup, and nails.
Entry intoThe Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe spa includes access to a hot tub, steam room, sauna, cold rain shower plunge and an outdoor heated lap pool exclusively for spa guests. Try the “Journey Through the Forest” treatment with a full body exfoliation, private soaking tub and full body massage infused with a dose of forest air with a blend of native essential oils to help release stress and tension while stimulating your immune system.
The newest on the Lake Tahoe spa scene is Tahoe Forest Baths, offering authentic Japanese cedar enzyme detox baths. Soft, fermented cedar, rice bran and an enzyme solution sourced from more than 50 fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, seaweeds and grasses generate the heat up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit via fermenting microorganisms. Immersing in the mixture promises to heal stress, anxiety and allow you to enter a deep state of relaxation.
To recover from outdoor Tahoe adventures Mountain Soulscape, voted Best of Tahoe since 2017, offers custom massages with affordable pricing based on time, in a relaxing boutique spa located in South Lake Tahoe, near the “Y,” off U.S. Highway 50. From deep tissue, sports, therapeutic, to Swedish or reflexology, you’re in good hands with the knowledgeable and qualified practitioners.
Hang out with the Celebs in South Shore
The American Century Championship held annually at Edgewood Tahoe’s golf course in July brings out some of the biggest stars in sports and entertainment. With participants like Justin Timberlake, Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and Steph Curry, it’s an all-day party. The best time to get autographs, photos and some personal interaction with the stars is before the start of the tournament during the practice rounds. Or rent a boat and come early to anchor off hole 17 and be a front row spectator to the hottest party in golf. This short par 3 hole is right on the lake, and the music is pumping as celebs often join in with impromptu dance parties, football throws to the crowd and more.
Wolf by Vanderpump opened in Harveys Lake Tahoe in April, next door to Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen. It’s the newest restaurant by the Vanderpump Rules boss and her partner Ken Todd. A feast for the eyes and the palette with detailed decor and creations like the restaurant’s ganache pine cone dessert that looks like a real pine cone, but with brownie petals and chocolate mousse it a must try.
The extraordinary outdoor amphitheater at Sand Harbor is a summer activity that is a made for Tahoe event. The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival summer performances are perfectly timed with the Tahoe sunsets. It’s best to arrive early so you can enjoy some wine and drink in the views before the performance starts. You can bring your own drinks and charcuterie or partake from the alfresco restaurant on site, Shakespeare’s Kitchen.
With beaches, mountains, nightlife and pampering, Tahoe might just be the place to relax and give zero f—s, about anything except what you want to do. Ready to pack?
