A Weekend Getaway in North Lake Tahoe

Sometimes there’s nothing better than a weekend away to recharge. When I had the opportunity  to stay at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, I brought along Rodrigo and my boys so that I could also experience the weekend getaway in North Lake Tahoe from a family’s point of view. This article focuses on what to do at Tahoe in the summer or early fall. If you’re looking for ideas of what to do in winter at Tahoe, try my Tahoe Travel Tips page.

Lake Tahoe is always a good idea (I think so anyway!), but this was my first time visiting in September. It may be the ideal time because summer weather still reigns, but the crowds have thinned.

The Hyatt offers everything we needed for a relaxing weekend getaway: several restaurants, a full-service spa, pools for kids and adults, and a private beach. Our balcony room was comfortable, clean and quiet, but really, we came here to be outdoors. 

One of the most popular things to do in Lake Tahoe in the warmer months is kayaking. We took a three-hour kayaking tour from the Hyatt beach to Secret Cove, a small secluded beach on the east shore.

The lake is ridiculously beautiful when you’re on the water. The color of the lake changes depending on the depth of the water and the position of the sun, so we were treated to deep blues and turquoise greens throughout our tour. In some parts, the water is unbelievably clear (I read the clarity is up to 70 feet!).

While out on our kayaks, we learned a few fun facts about Lake Tahoe. It’s an Alpine lake that was formed two to three million years ago thanks to a fracture in the Earth’s crust. The lake sits at 6,225 feet elevation but is surrounded by mountains, the tallest of which reach more than 10,000 feet tall. The lake is up to 12 miles across, and its deepest point is a whopping 1,645 feet, making it the second deepest lake in the U.S.

We were fortunate enough to have a guide take us on the kayaking tour. Charlie from the organization Move Mountains does all kinds of guided treks in the nature around Lake Tahoe. His expertise and especially his kind demeanor had us all relaxed and in touch with the beauty of the nature around us. (I highly recommend contacting Charlie to find out how he can help you get to know the area!)

Besides kayaking and all the other water sports available at the Hyatt through Action Water Sports, there’s another way to get out on the water, and it’s pretty special: sailing on the Sierra Cloud, a 55-foot Catamaran. We grabbed spots on the netting and watched the water go by below and next to us while enjoying mimosas and pastries.

Perhaps my favorite activity in the Tahoe area is hiking, and there are Lake Tahoe hiking trails all around the Hyatt. We opted for the Flume Trail, a short drive from the hotel, but there are trails within walking distance from the Hyatt.

The Flume Trail is popular among mountain bikers but also with locals and is much less crowded than some of the other trails at Lake Tahoe. We barely saw other people during our trek. This trail is named for the wooden flume that was used to transport lumber here in the late 19th century. If you look carefully, you’ll find old nails from those days.

That night, we enjoyed a slow dinner at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, the Lone Eagle Grille (although I also liked the food at the smaller Sierra Cafe). My travel style tends to favor getting out and about, finding the best little places and trying local specialties, but I will admit that having so many food options right there at a resort is very convenient, especially because when you’re traveling as a family or just want to relax completely during the getaway.

Back at the hotel, the kids made s’mores at the hotel firepits, explored the hotel grounds, and tried out a three-person kayak (with mixed results!), the kids’ pool and hot tub, and the hotel arcade. I ended my stay with a massage at the Stillwater Spa and Salon on the bottom floor of the hotel before heading home refreshed. What a lovely weekend getaway in North Lake Tahoe: nice accommodations, beautiful weather, time in nature, conversation with new friends, and quality time with family.

Have you been to North Lake Tahoe? What’s your favorite way to experience Lake Tahoe? 

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Disclosure: I was a guest of the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, but as always, all opinions are my own.