Lake Tahoe Family Guide
Sand Harbor Beach, Northeast Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Lake Tahoe is right on the border of California + Nevada near Carson City, NV. It is a beautiful scenic lake with tourism year round. Known for its summer sporting on the water + its amazing skiing in the winter, there is always something fun to do here.
This was a great family friendly location for our young kids! We travelled in mid-May with our then 3 year old and almost 1 year old daughters, driving in from the Carson City side and stayed on the South California shoreline. It was around an 8 hour car trip from the Boise area to the hotel.
Where To Stay
Marriott Grand Residence Club
This was a great family-friendly location to stay. Rooms can be booked as a traditional hotel room or can be added onto for a suite with a full kitchen, dining, + living area. Our room had amazing bathtubs. We were a quick walk to a grocery store, multiple restaurants, shopping + entertainment, gondola access, kids center with activities onsite (some free, some extra cost), fitness classes + guided walks to the lake, and had concierge service. The outdoor pool and 2 hot tubs on the property were very kid friendly. The car park is valet only so plan on those additional costs and time to retrieve the car, as well as bringing everything into your hotel room you will need to walk around.
This location can be booked directly through Marriott or sometimes people put rooms up for booking on Airbnb. We were booked through a family member’s Marriott points.
Where To Eat
As always, we ensured we were near a grocery store for food purchasing to help save costs. We were able to spend a little more time out at restaurants during this time because our youngest would share food with me and we had a huge savings on our hotel, so we did splurge more than normal.
Groceries in Carson City, Nevada
If you are driving from the west side like we did, I would stop in the Costco, Walmart, or Trader Joe’s in Carson City, NV off Highway 395. Stock up on food for the family and be sure to fill up your gas tank, as prices for both are lower here than in Tahoe. This will make a huge difference in cost for the trip!
Groceries in Southern Lake Tahoe
Depending on your location along the lake will determine your best local grocer. We were on the southern end in California. The grocery store we used on our trip has now been turned into a Target. There is also a Whole Foods near South Tahoe, and the Ski Run Farmer’s Market (June-September).
Family Dining in Southern Lake Tahoe
Base Camp Pizza Co
This restaurant was very busy, and from several people we talked to it is a local favorite. Great atmosphere, indoor/outdoor seating options with heating, live music on certain nights, varied pie menu with fun desserts and drinks. We went early in the evening because our children are early risers, but reservations are recommended if you plan to eat during peak hours. They also now take online orders, which could be a great dinner solution after a long day at the lake!
Heaven’s Little Cafe
This is a great little all encompassing grill + coffee house, especially great for starting out in the morning. Inexpensive, family friendly options, and can be grab-and-go. There is not a lot of seating inside but there are tables outside and its located in a lovely little courtyard with water features. The chocolate chip pancakes, eggs, and hot cocoa (on repeat) were well loved.
Heidi’s Pancake House
This fun thematic family restaurant is kid friendly in service and menu. They are a local favorite and can get very busy at peak times for breakfast and lunch. They are closed at dinnertime. We considered them reasonably priced for the location. Excellent crepes + french toast, and the kids devoured their pancakes + fruit. They have kid sized hot cocoas available as well. They also do have a new take-out lunch option that can be viewed on their website.
Sprout’s Cafe
This was hands down my favorite restaurant we tried this trip. Their menu is quite varied, and is full of vegetarian + vegan options with some gluten free options available. I had their veggie crunch sandwich and both my kids were fighting to eat it with me. Jeremy went with their delicious house made bagels + their bee sting smoothie (this was a surprising choice for my meat + potatoes loving man) and they were excellent. For the kids we had them split a smoothie + a peanut butter honey sandwich. We all loved what we had, there was amazing indoor and outdoor seating available, staff were very accommodating and friendly, and the prices were quite reasonable for such fresh offerings.
Maya’s Mexican Grill
This restaurant was highly recommended to us by locals. They are counter-service and very laid back, with plenty on the menu, including make-your-own tacos. This is a great option for pickup but orders must be taken in person or over the phone, so plan accordingly.
Where To Play
Sand Harbor Beach
When we were choosing a location for swimming at the lake, Sand Harbor Beach came highly recommended. Located on the northeast Nevada shoreline, it is only a 20 minute drive or so from the south end of the lake. There are large, clean, family oriented restrooms on the property and plenty of parking. Bring some form of shade as there is no shade on the beach, and some great sand toys for a day of fun. This beach has incredible views of the lake! There is also a nearby Bar & Grill or bring your own lunch. During July and August they run a Shakespeare Festival in the nearby ampitheater. There is also an all-terrain wheelchair available in the Park office.
Heavenly Gondola & Hiking
For the adventurous family, a daytrip up to Heavenly Ski Resort is a great option. The summer activities include zip lining, a mountain coaster, gemstone panning, tubing, and hiking. In winter there are wonderful ski trails along the mountain. Review their hours and pricing for the seasonal activities and see if they are the right fit for your family.
Overall Reflections
All in all, this was a great family friendly vacation that even our tiny littles could enjoy thoroughly. Lake Tahoe is a beautiful place and makes for a laid back summer vacation. We would happily come here again!
