- Travel
5 Days in Lake Tahoe –
The Ultimate Itinerary
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. It has 72 miles of shoreline and hundreds of miles of hiking trails radiating from it in all directions. The Sierra Nevada peaks surrounding Lake Tahoe are home to 23 ski areas encompassing a total of 700 downhill ski runs, including at famous winter sports hotspots such as the Heavenly Ski Resort and Squaw Valley.
Offering an abundance of activities from skiing and snowboarding to hiking, golfing, and water sports, Lake Tahoe is a wonderful place to spend five days in. Here is a Lake Tahoe itinerary for those who are set to visit Lake Tahoe — whether it’s winter or summer, North Lake Tahoe or South Lake Tahoe, there’s always something fantastic to do here.
Here is our guide for what to do for five days in Lake Tahoe:
Day 1
Morning:
Start your five days in Lake Tahoe smoothly by letting the travel experts at KEY.co arrange a private airport transfer for you. Just share your flight details and a private driver will be ready and waiting on your arrival at Reno Tahoe International Airport to ensure a seamless onward journey to your Lake Tahoe home.
Afternoon:
If your Lake Tahoe trip is a wintertime visit to enjoy snow sports, you’re sure to be heading to the ski resorts. But before you do, KEY.co can help ensure you’re fully prepared — with ski or snowboard fitting and delivery. Once you’ve got your boots, goggles, and skis or snowboard equipment, hit the slopes. And if you want to brush up on your skiing skills, KEY.co can help with that too, by arranging a private ski and snowboard lesson at the Northstar California Resort.
Evening:
In the evening, hit the town. And by that, we mean Tahoe City, to take advantage of the vibrant Lake Tahoe dining scene. Get around for the evening with a private driver to pick you up, take you wherever you want, and then drop you back home again later. Try Christy Hill for French-influenced Californian cuisine in a lakefront setting, Jake’s on the Lake for New American dishes at a patio table, or Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique for seasonal fine dining in sophisticated surroundings.
Day 2
Morning:
Start your day with some calming sun salutations. KEY.co can arrange for a qualified instructor to come to your South Lake Tahoe home to lead a personalized in-home yoga session. The one-hour session can be just for yourself or for a group.
Afternoon:
Revitalized after your morning yoga session, spend the afternoon on a guided hike to fully experience the area’s natural beauty. Trek into backcountry forests, past waterfalls, and wild streams as you breathe the fresh mountain air, take in stunning alpine views, and learn about the geology and history of Lake Tahoe from your expert local trail guide.
Evening:
For unparalleled views of the setting sun as it dips below the horizon, the local experts at KEY.co can arrange a sunset helicopter ride for you. During the one-hour flight, you’ll see a wonderful panorama of ever-changing colors in the sky high above the waters of Lake Tahoe.
Day 3
Morning:
If you’re traveling with a large group of family and friends, take it easy this morning and let KEY.co organize the first meal of the day for all of you. Delicious catered and delivered breakfasts will be delivered right to the dining table of your Lake Tahoe home: scrambled eggs, bagels and cream cheese, fresh fruit, coffee, and orange juice — guaranteed to set everyone up for the day.
Afternoon:
Ready to enjoy a round of golf on your Lake Tahoe trip? KEY.co can book your tee time at one of the premium golf courses in the area. All you have to do is hit the course and get ready to swing.
Evening:
For a memorable trip to savor Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty, climb aboard a comfortable 50-foot charter boat for a two-hour sip and sail cruise. The captain will sail gently along the scenic west shore of the lake as you enjoy a glass of chilled wine and take in the mountain views, before watching the sunset over the pure cobalt waters of Lake Tahoe.
Day 4
Morning:
You won’t regret waking up early for what’s in store today: a dawn hot air balloon experience. As you rise slowly up after launching at sunrise, sip mimosa cocktails and eat tasty breakfast snacks while marveling at shimmering blue Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada mountain peaks, Emerald Bay State Park, and the South Shore, all from high above the lake’s waters.
Afternoon:
If you’re visiting Lake Tahoe in the ski season and want to take a fun afternoon trip through the snow, let the travel experts at KEY organize a snowcat adventure for you and up to a dozen friends and family members. In a luxe custom snow tractor that mows through snowy mountain trails and pristine pine forests, you can take in sweeping views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada peaks.
Evening:
Experience Lake Tahoe’s sparkling pure waters on a guided sunset North Shore paddleboard tour. As the sun sinks towards the horizon, up to four people can choose between a paddleboard or kayak, to paddle around the placid waters at Carnelian Bay.
Day 5
Morning:
Spend the final morning of your Lake Tahoe trip at the beach with your nearest and dearest. KEY.co can help by organizing the delivery (and pick-up) of a bundle of beach necessities to your Lake Tahoe home. From beach chairs and umbrellas to cooler boxes, towels, and beach games, we have everything you need to fully enjoy the crystal clear waters and alpine views at Sand Harbor or the North Shore.
Afternoon:
After a wonderful morning at the lakeside beach, head back to your Lake Tahoe home to enjoy a catered lunch delivered in by KEY. The whole family can graze on a variety of deli sandwiches, salads, coleslaw, and fruits, not to mention tempting brownies and cookies.
Evening:
End your trip on a high by marveling at the heavens during a four-mile guided nighttime hike in South Lake Tahoe. KEY.co can arrange an unforgettable stargazing hiking experience on which an expert local guide will lead you through dense forest while pointing out constellations in the night sky. At the summit of the trek, enjoy warm beverages and snacks as you gaze up at celestial bodies from high above Lake Tahoe — a perfect way to round out your trip.
