Tahoe and Yosemite Region
Lake Tahoe and Yosemite: Possibly the two most beautiful spots anywhere in the United States!
Okay, full disclosure, we haven’t been to Yosemite in quite some time. We have never stayed overnight in Yosemite. Typically, on this website, we only chronicle places that we have actually been to and can report on. That is not the case for Yosemite. It’s always been, “well, we live close, so we can go anytime.”
Naturally, we had made tentative plans to visit in 2020, and, well yeah, that happened. Since 2020, reservations were needed to visit this landmark National Park, and being that we are mostly spontaneous in our trips, making reservations was not going to happen. Now, in 2023, reservations are no longer needed for a day trip. So, BELOW ⬇️ we won’t have any recommendations for Yosemite, but will try and get some information for you.
So, lets move on to Lake Tahoe, a region we have visited many times. There is so much to see and do and if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, it’s heaven.
We do prefer the more laid back atmosphere of the North Shore. That, and it’s an easier drive for us as it only takes an hour and a half to get there, and we don’t take that for granted. We are fortunate.
The South shore is more “active.” Certainly, there are casino’s on the South shore on the Nevada side, but that is not our “thing.” There is more nightlife, if that is your flavor.
No matter where you go, you are going have incredible beauty everywhere. It all depends on how much time you have to visit. I would say one thing to do is to take a trip around the entirety of the lake, and this can really only be done in the late Spring to early Fall when there is no snow, and roads are open.
We prefer to visit Lake Tahoe in the Fall, anytime after Labor Day Weekend. This is when kids are back in school and the crowds have subsided. The weather is simply gorgeous and still warm from September through mid-October. You can actually get in the water!
So what are our recommendations?
These are places that we have actually visited, stayed at, or ate at.
-
![Old Range Steakhouse in Tahoe Vista]()
Old Range Steakhouse in Tahoe Vista
Get the Ribeye! When staying on the North Shore, we always make it a point to dine at the Old Range Steakhouse Also, be sure to get the side of sautéed button mushrooms! Reservations are suggested on busy weekends, but if there are just two of you, you may find a seat at the bar. Highly recommend this place!
-
![Gar Woods Grill and Pier]()
Gar Woods Grill and Pier in Carnelian Bay
Gar Woods Grill and Pier on the North shore provides a comfortable dining experience that captures the nostalgic wooden boat era, where the name came from. There is some history here about the classic, wooden boats that you will have to seek when you visit.
-
![Heidi's Pancake House]()
Heidi's Pancake House in South Lake Tahoe
The distinctive yellow Swiss chalet building in South Lake Tahoe, Heidi’s Pancake House, has been serving up breakfast since 1964. When we stay on the South shore, it’s one of our go-to breakfast destinations. A nice, hearty breakfast!
-
![Franciscan Lakeside Lodge]()
Franciscan Lakeside Lodge in Tahoe Vista
The Franciscan Lakeside Lodge has been a favorite stay for us. Any all-inclusive lodging is a plus when staying in Tahoe, because you have your own beach! No need to drive around and fight for parking. There are some lakeside view cottages that are very nice, as well as a main lodge. When reserving, CALL them. Often these units may not show as available online because some of these units are individually owned.
Please watch our YouTube video HERE
And we also did this helpful video
-
![The Rustic Cottages]()
The Rustic Cottages in Tahoe Vista
A tremendous stay! Wow. The one time we stayed at the Rustic Cottages, I think we just scratched the surface, really. Along with the cottages, there is also a lodge and cabins one mile west of the cottages that the property owns. At the cottages, you have use of Moon Dunes Beach at your disposal, which is just across the street.
See our YouTube video HERE
-
![Tahoe Lakeside Lodge & Spa]()
Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa
The Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa is a great place to stay on the South Shore of Tahoe. As previously mentioned, it’s always nice to stay at an all-inclusive place where you have your own beach, or a beach reserved for guests only. There are many amenities here and they have live music on the beach during the Summer time.
-
![Sand Harbor Beach]()
Sand Harbor
The preeminent destination in ALL of Lake Tahoe! Sand Harbor is possibly the most scenic spot in all of the United States. It’s not in Northern California, as Sand Harbor is in Nevada, but for our purposes, we will lay claim! Sand Harbor gets very crowded during busy Summer months. Please watch our video below, as we do a pretty good job in helping navigate you to this serene destination.
Watch our YouTube video HERE
