North Shore Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe consists mostly of small lakeside commercial districts servicing a few thousand locals who live in the area, and thousands more that flock to the area for summer fun. Although there are lots of outdoor activities available, the area is best characterized as sleepy towns and summer cottages.

In the northwest corner of Lake Tahoe are the communities of Tahoe City, Carnelian Bay, Tahoe Vista and Kings Beach. They all have lovely views of the lake and a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. Kings Beach is the last stop before heading of the state line into Nevada. It is more a bustling little town full of basic motels and rental condos, shops and restaurants.

Check North Shore lodging reviews & availability

Kings Beach sports the 28-acre Kings Beach State Recreation Area. It is open year round and offers a 700-foot-long sandy beach, picnic tables and playground. In the summer it can get very crowded with people swimming, sunbathing, riding paddleboats, tossing Frisbees and jet skiing. Come early for a good spot.

You don’t need a sign to tell you when you enter Nevada. The flashing lights and garish marquees of the casinos start right at the border in the town of Crystal Bay. The casinos look much alike and have a used-car feeling to them. Look for lodgings elsewhere as everything here is petty tacky.

Farther to the East you come to Incline Village, a privately own, planned community form the 1960s. The town lacks a central commercial district as part of the plan, but sports some of the most expensive real estate on the lake. Find Lakeshore Drive starting at the Hyatt Hotel and drive westward to see some very expensive homes.

The Thunderbird Lodge was built in 1936 and today you can tour the mansion and grounds for a glimpse back to when only the most wealthy had homes at Lake Tahoe. You have three choices for touring: A bus from the Incline Village Visitors Bureau, a catamaran from the Hyatt in Incline Village, or a 1950 wooden cruiser from Tahoe Keys Marina in South Lake Tahoe which includes lunch.

Check Incline Village lodging reviews & availability

Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park protects much of the East shore of Lake Tahoe from development. It gets less snow in the winter and more sun to melt the snow so this area is a good choice for hanging out early or late in the summer season. Beaches and trails let you enjoy the area and get a feel for a more primitive time for the lake. Sand Harbor Beach is particularly nice but fills to capacity by 11am on summer weekends.

North Shore activities include:

• Year around swimming, boating and other water sports as well as hiking and mountain biking.
• July through August features the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival at Sand Harbor.

Places to stay in North Lake Tahoe include (see all North Shore lodging reviews):

• Shore House, expensive, rustic and right on the lake. Worth it if you can afford it. 7170 Tahoe Vista. 800 207-5160.
• Ferrari's Crown Resort is one of the last family-owned, 1950s vintage motels. Clean and not fancy but right on the lake. 8200 N. Lake Blvd., Kings Beach. 800 645-2260.
• Rustic Cottages are charming cottage across the road from the lake. Inexpensive with friendly service. 7449 N. Lake Blvd. Tahoe Vista. 888 778-7842.
• The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is probably overpriced but quite magnificent after a recent renovation. Lakeshore Drive, Incline Village. 888 899-5019.

Eating choices include:

• Wild Goose offers elegant dining, stunning vistas of the lake, and prices to match. 7320 N. Lake Blvd, Tahoe Vista. 530 546-3640.
• Far Woods Grill and Pier is an old favorite with moderate prices for boaters and anyone else. 5000 N. Lake Blvd., Carnelian Bay 530 546-3366.
• Log Cabin Caffe is always jumping with hearty breakfasts and lunches and low prices. Get here early on weekends for the popular brunch. 8692 N. Lake Blvd., Kings Beach 530 546-7109.
• Soule Domain offers rough-hewn charm in this cozy 1927 pine-log cabin. Romantic, interesting food, pricy. Cove St. near Stateline Rd. from Hwy. 28. 530 546-7529.
• Le Bistro is a gem serving French-country cuisine at moderate prices. 120 Country Club Dr. #29, Incline Village. 775 831-0800.