Washoe tribesmen named their campsite in the corner of Lake Tahoe “Daubey Odu”—roughly translated as “running over,” referring not to the Lake but to the riches of the area’s fish and game. However, Tahoe’s true wealth was not discovered until 1864 when local prospectors laid out a small town at the intersection of the Truckee River, Lake Tahoe’s only outlet, and the Lake, and named the town Tahoe City.

Located just 15 miles from the I-80 corridor, Tahoe City’s miles of shoreline rest both north and west along Lake Tahoe. An array of year-round activities—including snow sports in winter, and hiking, camping, fishing and water sports in summer—make our small town a wonderful place to spend time with the family, enjoy world-class recreation or just relax and enjoy the view.

Time has chiseled away some of the edges of its history, but Tahoe City continues to be a town with unstoppable charm. It is one of Tahoe’s most popular destinations because of its quaint downtown shopping and dining district with some of North Lake Tahoe’s most authentic local dining establishments. There’s Rosie’s for a fireside breakfast, as well as the Bridgetender, with its summertime riverside lodgepole tables, a local’s favorite burger stop. Fine dining options abound at restaurants like Jake’s on the Lake, Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique, Christy Hill and River Grill.

In summer, Commons Beach, the heart of downtown, comes alive with kayakers, swimmers, sunbathers, evening movies and free concerts on the beach. The weekly farmers’ market is just the ticket for stocking up for a week of picnics and beach barbecues. Just a stone’s throw away is the historic “Fanny Bridge,” named after what you see of the tourists who often line the sidewalk on the Lake side to ogle the monster rainbow trout awaiting handouts. Under “Fanny Bridge”, where the Lake flows into the Truckee River, you can learn about Lake Tahoe history at the Gatekeeper’s Museum. The museum was once the cabin home of the first Watermaster charged with controlling water flow out of the Lake. Another historical building on the site is the original Watson Cabin, Tahoe City’s oldest building and a testament to simple pioneer living.

In the winter, Tahoe City is a popular destination due to its proximity to the mountains. Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are just a 10-minute drive away. For that matter, any ski resort in North Lake Tahoe is a short and scenic drive away. Just a few steps from any of its fine lodging options, winter vacationers will find easy access to backcountry and Nordic trails. Cross-country and snowshoe aficionados will revel in the lake vistas at Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area, and enjoy a steaming hot cocoa at one of the area’s well-stocked huts.
 

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