West Shore Lake Tahoe Activities

There are many nuances that make the different shores of Lake Tahoe unique. The west shore of Lake Tahoe stands out because of its expansive and elegant upscale homes. The homes are nestled along a quiet shoreline of white sand and turquoise waters or surrounded by forests.

The feel of the surrounding mountains and trees provide a canopy of aspen and pine, with lush and forested neighborhoods not found in other lakefront neighborhoods. The west shore also boasts its very own ski hill, with majestic and breathtaking views of the lake.

Homeowners enjoy easy access to the area’s most popular restaurants. A few retain their old-world charm, while others offer lakefront dining that ranges from casual to a five-star dining experience.

The west shore also has beautiful white sand beaches set against the brilliant turquoise waters. Many homes come with amenities such as buoys, piers and picnic areas. Hiking access is virtually steps from your home and many people travel to the west shore just to access the expansive meadows and forested trails.

I specialize in representing homes on the west shore because of its enduring allure and charming quality of life. Below, I have listed information about restaurants, skiing, boating, and beaches on the west shore.

Beaches

The west shore has more homes on white sand beaches than any of the other shores of Lake Tahoe. Along with public beaches, many of the west shore neighborhoods come with access to private beach areas. The following are the public beaches located in or near to the west shore.

Kaspian Recreation Area

Located on Hwy 89, just south of Sunnyside, the Kaspian Recreation Area offers amenities that include picnic facilities with a BBQ, and rest rooms. Guests can also enjoy access with a day use pass to campsites just 10 miles down Hwy 89 and adjacent to Meeks Bay Campground. This area has a beautiful white sand beach, boat launch, picnic area and restrooms.

Lake Forest Beach (Bristlecone)

This beach is located just east of Tahoe City in Lake Forest. Called Bristlecone, it is popular for bird watchers, swimming, horseshoes and the abundant lupen that grows on a nearby island in early summer.

Skylandia Beach

This charming and hidden beach is accessed from Lake Forest in Tahoe City and is very popular as one of the only dog-friendly beaches. At the upper level, picnic areas offer views of the lake and restrooms. There are also a few picnic areas right on the beach.

Hurricane Bay

This is another dog friendly beach, located a few miles along the west shore from Tahoe City. The sandy beach covers a half-mile of shoreline and the white sand and beautiful lake clarity our outstanding.

William Kent Beach

Traveling further along the west shore approximately 2.5 miles south of Tahoe City, you will find William Kent Beach. This is a smaller beach, but does offer camping, fire pits and picnic tables.

Chambers Landing Beach

A very popular beach and adjacent restaurant, Chambers Landing is definitely your choice if you are looking for a social experience. This beach is located about nine miles south of Tahoe City on Hwy 89. Next door to the beach is Chambers Landing Restaurant and Dock Bar. During the summer, this is a very popular place to enjoy the beach, socialize and order drinks and food.

Meeks Bay Beach

Once you travel beyond Tahoma and about 10 miles south of Tahoe City on Hwy 89, Meeks Bay Campground features an amazing white sand beach, boat launch, picnic facilities and rest rooms for a day use fee.

Emerald Bay

For a postcard-perfect view of Lake Tahoe, enjoy a day relaxing at Emerald Bay Beach, about 22 miles south of Tahoe City. This is a National Landmark providing 360 degree views that encompass Emerald Bay, Fannette Island, Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm Castle. You will discover why it is called ‘one of the most photographed places on earth.’

Dining

Chambers Landing Bar & Grill

6400 West Lake Blvd, Homewood, CA 530-525-9190

Chambers Landing is the oldest bar on the water in Lake Tahoe, CA. Stop by for a drink on the lake, lunch at the grill, or fine dining at the restaurant for dinner ~ all with a fabulous view.

Swiss Lakewood

505 W. Lake Blvd. Homewood, CA 530-525-5211

One of the most charming dining experiences you will have at Lake Tahoe. This restaurant is nestled on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe in a historic Swiss Chalet. They offer upscale American cuisine with some influential Swiss flavors.

Spoon Takeout & Eat In

1785 West Lake Blvd, #5 Tahoe City, CA 530-581-5400

Whether you are a classic meat’n’taters type, a discerning foodie, a vegetarian, gluten-free eater, cheese lover, pescatarian or just looking for a fresh cup of organic coffee and an indulgent sweet treat…you are sure to find something on their menu to enjoy.

The Dam Cafe

55 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 530-412-2422

Near the 'Y' at Tahoe City, this tiny and quaint restaurant features espresso, smoothies and sandwiches, the Dam Café provides a selection of farm-fresh bites for breakfast and lunch. They offer organic, real-fruit smoothies, fresh baked goods, and ice cream and food can be ordered online and ready for pick up.

Fire Sign Cafe

1785 West Lake Blvd. Tahoe City, CA 530-583-0871

Definitely the locals favorite breakfast place, Fire Sign Cafe serves delicious, homemade, fresh food that is prepped daily. From handcrafted baked goods, to homemade pesto, you will truly feel the comfort of coming home with each bite.

West Shore Cafe and Inn

5160 W Lake Blvd, Homewood, CA 530-525-5200

The West Shore Café offers a waterfront and elegant dining experience. They also offer lodging. Their 5 star menu offers a diversity of meats, fishes and specialties. The bar is a popular social stop and the restaurant even prepares ‘to-go’ s’more and apres ski packages during winter and picnic’s to go in the summer.

Bridgetender Tavern & Grill

65 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 530-583-3342

Relaxed, rustic tavern featuring ‘American grub’ the Bridgetender offers both indoor and outdoor dining. Definitely the best burgers and waffles fries in Lake Tahoe and probably anywhere in the world.

Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge

1850 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 530-583-7200

Probably the west shore’s best place for a sunset happy hour. Sunnyside offers elegant indoor and outdoor dining and casual bar dining. Their menu is very diverse and they have bars inside and in the deck area. You can arrive by boat too!

Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet

625 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145 530-583-1377

Definitely locally famous for having the most delicious pastries, Tahoe House also offers fresh made granola, pies, comfy food and all sorts of Swiss inspired dishes. This is a casual restaurant with a fireplace in the middle. They open bright and early but also close after lunch.

The River Grill

55 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 530-581-2644

With indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the Truckee River, the River Grill is a favorite for their elegant and delicious happy hour specials. Fine dining is adjacent to a bar that offers a great place to socialize.

Boating

Obexer's Water Sports and Marina

5300 B West Lake Blvd
PO Box 186
Homewood, CA 96141
530-525-7962
www.obexersboat.com

Sunnyside Marina

1835 W. Lake Blvd.
Tahoe City, CA 96145
530.583.7201
www.marinasunnyside.com

Homewood Marina

5190 West Lake Blvd
P.O. Box 165
Homewood, CA 96141
530-525-5966
www.HomewoodMarina.net

Tahoe Sailing Charters

700 North Lake Tahoe Blvd.
Tahoe City, CA 96145
(530) 583-6200
www.tahoesail.com

Parks

Sugar Pine Point State Park

Sugar Pine Point State Park offers almost two miles of beaches and lakefront access. Its dense forests include fir, pine, aspen and cedar. There is a museum on the property, the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion or Pine Lodge. It was built in 1903 and sits among the beautiful trees. During winter, this is a great place for cross-country skiing.

D.L. Bliss State Park

Visitors can camp or enjoy day passes to swim, picnic or enjoy Calawee Cove and Lester Beach. It also offers easy access to hike the Rubicon Trail, Balancing Rock Trail and Lighthouse Trail. A launch area allows for kayaks, canoes and paddleboards, but boat trailers are not permitted to park in the lot. D.L. Bliss was a railroad owner and banker who donated the 744 acre park to the State Park system in 1929.

Emerald Bay State Park

Next to the D.L. Bliss State Park, Emerald Bay State Park offers the most colorful blue-green lake views that you often see in photographs of the Lake Tahoe. Vikingsholm was built as a replica of a Scandinavian castle, and celebrated as an excellent example of Scandinavian architecture in the Western Hemisphere. Enjoy panoramic views of the lake from Eagle Falls or trek into Desolation Wilderness.

Kaspian Campground

Kaspian Campground is located across the street from the lake, but nestled within a pine forest and steps from the shores of Lake Tahoe. A few of the campsites provide views of the lake through the ponderosa pine and fir trees. This is an excellent starting point to camp and ride the bike trails to other parts of Lake Tahoe.

William Kent Campground

William Kent Campground is close to Tahoe City on the west shore and provides camping and day use to enjoy the many trails and views of the lake. Offering 80 campsites, many are secluded and its close proximity to restaurants and Tahoe City make this a popular choice.

Meeks Bay Campground

Meeks Bay Campground is located at 6,225 foot elevation adjacent to Lake Tahoe. Boasting 22 miles of lake access, this is a perfect area for boating, swimming and fishing. A few of the sites offer incredible lake views and smaller sites are perfect for tents. RV camping is also available.

Skiing

Alpine Meadows Ski Resort

2600 Alpine Meadows Rd
Tahoe City, CA 96145
530.583.4232

Alpine Meadows Ski Resort allows access to Squaw Valley on the same ticket or pass. Shuttles go back and forth throughout the day. Alpine is the more charming sister of the world-class Squaw Valley Ski Resort. The hills extend from one side of the mountain to the other offering long downhill runs for every level. A quaint Chalet is located in the middle for refreshments and food.

Granlibakken Tahoe

725 Granlibakken Rd.
Tahoe City, CA 96145
530.583.4242

Granlibakken is another charming resort with its own ski area. This is an excellent choice for family since the runs are not challenging. Granlibakken is adjacent to the Tahoe Rim trail, which is great for hiking.

Homewood Mountain Resort

5145 West Lake Blvd
Homewood, CA 96141
530-525-2992

This family-friendly resort boasts the best views of Lake Tahoe to be found anywhere. This is another family friendly ski aera, offering runs for different levels of skiing or boarding.

Whether you are thinking of buying or selling your home at Lake Tahoe, I would love to introduce you to the communities of the west shore. Contact me today for a free property analysis or for information on available homes for sale.