Chic Nevada Town Offers Mountain Charm, Stunning Views, and Amenities on Lake Tahoe’s Scenic Shores

With serene beaches and crystal clear waters, Lake Tahoe is an enchanting destination for a nature-filled getaway. Straddling the California-Nevada border and covering 191 square miles, the pristine lake is encircled by a myriad of sparkling gems to discover — from the rustic, year-round resort at Camp Richardson with endless outdoor recreation to the special Kings Beach for swimming and sunbathing. If you want to explore it all, the 72-mile loop around the lake takes about three hours to drive, creating the perfect itinerary for a family-friendly road trip.

While a trip around the lake makes for an epic journey, sometimes choosing a single town to explore for the weekend is all the adventure you need. With country club-like amenities, sweeping scenic vistas, and resort town charm, Incline Village is the perfect place for a Lake Tahoe retreat. Offering an array of water sports and nature hikes in the summer and boasting a wonderland of snow-packed ski slopes in the winter, every season is good for playing outdoors. Meanwhile, an abundance of adorable shops, restaurants, and inns supply ample indoor delights. If you’re dreaming of a serene lakeside vacation with exhilarating adventures in your backyard, plan your escape to Incline Village.

Situated about 45 minutes from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, Incline Village is a short drive from Reno, the world’s “biggest little city” that is a hub of food, art, and outdoor fun, making for an easy day trip. However, with the boundless outdoor opportunities that await in Incline Village, you’ll need more than a day. Lake Tahoe is the town’s star attraction, and the best way to appreciate it is by hitting the beach. 

Head to Sand Harbor, a tree- and boulder-lined cove perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. If you’re not out on the water, stretch your legs on the shore with a 0.5-mile hike on the Memorial Point Trail, connecting Sand Harbor to Memorial Point and a network of secret beaches. You can also take the Tahoe East Shore Trail, a beautiful paved pedestrian and bike path that hugs the lake, granting awe-inspiring views. During the summer, you can wax poetic at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, which takes place at Sand Harbor from July through August against a breathtaking lakeside backdrop.

During the winter months, slide over to Diamond Peak Ski Resort. Looming high above Incline Village, the powdered sugar-white slopes are generally uncrowded, offering a diverse mix of terrain and unparalleled views of Lake Tahoe below. If you want to go walking in a winter wonderland — but you’d rather someone else do the walking — take a horse-drawn sleigh ride along the crystalline shores. Departing from Sand Harbor State Park, the rides run from November through March with prices starting at $20 for the journey. To warm up after your snowy adventures, unwind at the Stillwater Spa at the Hyatt Regency, featuring luxurious massages, a simmering sauna, a eucalyptus steam room, and plenty of cozy fireplaces.