Introducing The Lake Tahoe Road Trip That Will Make You Fall in Love With Nevada
This wonderful Lake Tahoe road trip through Nevada is the second in a series of three on ”Road Trips Done Right Through Unbelievably, Weird, Wild Nevada”. All three Nevada road trip ideas first appeared in issue 5 of Family Holiday Destinations’ digital magazine. However, you can also read them separately on the website here:
- Quirky Nevada Road Trip – The Weird and Wonderful From Bottom to Top
- Rockhounding in Nevada
Credit – Tahoe Rim Trail Association and Travel Nevada
The Lake Tahoe Road Trip Loop
Massive, crystal-clear and encircled by towering peaks, Lake Tahoe has deservedly earned its title as the ‘’Jewel of the Sierra Nevada’’. The Lake Tahoe road trip loop begins and ends in Reno, checking in around scenic spots on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley, Carson City and the wonderfully wild and western historic Virginia City.
Begin Your Lake Tahoe Road Trip Loop in Reno
Reno has come a long way from its casino town days and is now also known for its obsession with public art, bohemian shops and epic events.
Adventure … Adventurous families will love the world’s tallest artificial climbing wall and 7,000-square-foot indoor bouldering park at the Whitney Peak Hotel. However, you don’t need to stay at this smoke and gambling free hotel to make use of this fun attraction and the hotel is easily found right near the well known Reno Arch.
Art … Public art knows no end in Reno! A stroll along the Reno Riverwalk or the plaza outside of the Nevada Museum of Art will delight both young and old. Expect to find public art ranging from murals to retired Burning Man sculptures! The Museum of Art also offers kids, teens and families programs so make sure to check out their website.
Atmosphere … Located alongside the picturesque Truckee River, the Reno Riverwalk is enjoyable for all that take the time to stroll. Families will find shopping, restaurants, entertainment and even a whitewater park.
Credit Visit – Reno Tahoe and Trave Nevada
Drive from Reno to Lake Tahoe
37mi / 60km
Lake Tahoe straddles the Nevada-California borders and being the largest alpine lake in North America, is popular for SUP-boarding, kayaking, and beach-bumming.
Jump into the water in the middle of summer but only the brave take the plunge in winter! Head to Incline Village in the north as your introduction to the stunning Lake Tahoe.
A rustic hamlet with luxurious lodging and old Tahoe charm, this is where you will find the Tahoe Science centre. Find fun and learning here and dive into Lake Tahoe without getting wet! Learn about the lake’s ecosystem, why it’s changing and how you can keep Tahoe blue.
Credit – Sydney Martinez and Travel Nevada
Heading South 5mi/8km on Your Lake Tahoe Road Trip, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is the place to be and there is no better place to experience Tahoe’s range of stunning scenery. Sandy Harbour is popular
with families, sunbathers, SUP-boarders, boaters and even sleigh riders in the wintertime.
Shakespeare lovers won’t want to miss the annual summertime Shakespeare Fest held each July through August.
Off-grid bliss …
Off-grid bliss is found by hikers, mountain bikers, anglers and lovers of the outdoors at Spooner Lake and the Marlette-Hobart Backcountry. Home to the cliff-hugging Flume Trail, the track is carved into a steep granite spire overlooking Lake Tahoe with Instagram worthy views. Although popular
with mountain bike riders, the hiking trail is just as spectacular.
Along this Highway 28 Corridor of your Lake Tahoe road trip, families can find secluded beaches accessible only by foot. Secret Cove and Chimney Beach are picturesque favourites!
Credit – Borges Sleigh Rides and Travel Nevada
Cave Rock, only 14mi/22km south of Sandy Beach, is of spiritual significance to American Indian tribes in the region. It features three picnic areas with tables and BBQ pits and fishing, swimming and hiking is popular here.
Heading further south 5mi/8km to Zephyr Cove, don’t miss your chance to cruise Lake Tahoe on the M.S. Dixie II. Dixie is a 500-passenger paddle wheeler and a local favourite, running daytime cruises, dinner cruises and private charters.
The 2.5-hour daytime cruise is a great photo opportunity for treasured family memories in the sunshine. Learn of Emerald Bay’s history as you cruise its waters…beautiful scenery is guaranteed!
Credit – Sydney Martinez and Travel Nevada
Goodbye Lake Tahoe – Hello Carson Valley and City
33mi/53km (via Genoa)
Scenic ranchlands and charming small towns with old fashioned hospitality are a welcomed feature of Carson Valley. Make sure you visit Genoa Bar & Saloon in Genoa, only 20mi/32km from Zephyr Cove via Kingsbury Grade Rd and Foothill Rd.
Dating back to 1853, it’s the oldest one in Nevada! Quirky relics in this saloon include Willie Nelson’s hat and Raquel Welch’s bra. It’s not hard to find delicious cafes in Genoa either!
Credit – Sydney Martinez and Travel Nevada
If you have time to linger in Carson Valley, the town of Gardnerville was designed for strolling. Set against the backdrop of the Eastern Sierra in the heart of Carson Valley, Gardnerville is a wonderful place to amble among century-old buildings filled with local art, crafts and antiques.
When you arrive in Carson City, head to the Carson City Visitors Centre to pick up your Kit Carson Trail map. Families can follow along a 2.5mi/4km self-guided walking tour through the historical district.
Carson City is also a haven for museum lovers with the Nevada State Museum, the Nevada State Railroad Museum, the Virginia and Truckee Railroad and the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum.
Credit – Sydney Martinez and Travel Nevada
Head to Virginia and Back to Reno to Complete the Lake Tahoe Road Trip Loop
41mi/66km
The 1850’s-era mining town of Virginia City is just 15mi/24km along the Lincoln Highway from Carson City. Virginia was built above the Comstock Lode silver mines where one of the world’s largest silver booms occurred. In its heyday, it attracted 25,000 hopeful fortune-seekers!
Today, only around 1,000 residents call Virginia home and the entire town has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Expect to find beautifully preserved churches, homes, cemeteries and saloons.
Families will love visiting the Chollar Mine on a tour and some may even love touring the haunted buildings around town. Some experts claim they are the most paranormally active places in the USA!
Credit – Sydney Martinez and Travel Nevada
All ages will love visiting the Virginia & Truckee Railroad for the opportunity to ride 100-year-old steam engines and heritage diesel locomotives. Ride the lines through famous bonanza Comstock mines and you may even spot bands of wild horses, raptors and other native animals!
Reno is a further 26mi/42km to complete your epic Lake Tahoe road trip loop!
Looking for More Nevada Family Holiday Inspiration?
For more information on great places and awesome activities to do as a family in Nevada, head on back to our Nevada page. Head back to the home page for inspiration world-wide.
Got FOMO? Sign up to our monthly newsletter so you don’t miss out on anything, like competitions, great deals and our FREE quarterly digital magazine.
Credit – Sydney Martinez and Travel Nevada
Resources for Booking Your Getaway to Nevada Road Trip
Getting to Nevada
Search for a great deal on flights to Nevada across different airlines on Jetradar.
Getting Around Nevada on a Road Trip
Nevada is built for road-trippin’ but if you don’t have your own RV, try RVShare, a company that connects RV owners with renters.
Prefer to hire a car and stay in accommodation? Find a great deal on car hire with DiscoverCars .
Where to Stay in Nevada
If getting around in an RV, check out the Travel Nevada website for a great list of RVParks.
If you’re planning on staying at hotels, use the search widget below to get a great deal.
Booking.comCovid-19 and Nevada
Know before you go! Covid-19 information can be found on the Travel Nevada website.
