Fall for Lake Tahoe

Get Up, Stand-up! Rent a stand-up paddleboard at Kings Beach Recreational Area, a lively enclave surrounded by cool shops, restaurants, and plenty of places to rent kayaks and paddleboards. Even for beginners, stand-up paddleboarding is a fun way to explore Lake Tahoe. Stick close to shore to enjoy teal coves with giant boulders ideal for sunbathing.

Paddle from a State Park: Rent a kayak and explore Lake Tahoe from the east shore at Sand Harbor State Park. (Get an early start as the parking lot fills quickly.) This beach area has picnicking and day use facilities, along with kayak and paddleboard rental. Explore the clear waters accented by hulking boulders, with high-rising Mount Tallac across the way. Discover beach after beach and find tucked-away coves perfect for taking a quick dip.

Find Hidden Beach: It’s really called Hidden Beach! Located just south of Incline Village near Tunnel Creek Road, this secluded spot has limited parking, but early birds are treated to a sandy beach with rocky alcoves. Another picturesque beach you can hike to is Chimney Beach, named after a stone chimney that still stands on the lakeshore. This is a popular spot during summer, but late season and fall see fewer people. Bonus: Chimney Beach is dog-friendly!

Change Is Good: Change up your Lake Tahoe routine and make your weekend home base in Reno (aka the Biggest Little City in the World). It’s close to Tahoe’s shores and is quickly emerging as a hotspot for craft breweries, a lively river walk with restaurants, and Instagram-worthy Burning Man art installations.