Incline Village

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Incline Village's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival and Orientation
morning
:

You’ll arrive at Reno–Tahoe International Airport and pick up your rental car. As you drive along the shores of Lake Tahoe, you’ll take in sweeping alpine vistas that set the tone for your stay. After checking into your Incline Village lodging, you’ll unpack and stroll the property grounds.

afternoon
:

Head to Sand Harbor for a lakeside picnic and a gentle swim in the crystal-clear water. Explore the granite boulders and hidden coves at your own pace while snapping photos of the sunlit shoreline. Pause to relax on the beach and sample local snacks from a nearby café.

evening
:

Return to town for a casual dinner at a lakeside bistro, enjoying fresh trout and mountain views. Watch the sun dip below the Sierra peaks as you toast with a cold craft beer. Top off the night by walking along the shoreline under a sky pricked with stars.

day 2
Lake Tahoe Shoreline Exploration
morning
:

Kick off the day with breakfast at a cozy café in the Village Tram Plaza. Then rent stand-up paddleboards and glide across the calm, turquoise waters. Pause near shallow bays to observe schools of trout beneath the surface.

afternoon
:

Set out to hike part of the Tahoe East Shore Trail for panoramic lake vistas. Along the way, stop for photos at Secret Cove and balance atop weathered granite boulders. Enjoy a lakeside picnic lunch beneath towering pines.

evening
:

Head back to Incline Village for an early evening spa treatment or lakeside yoga session. Dine at a local farm-to-table restaurant featuring seasonal produce. Finish with a lakeside bonfire and marshmallow roast to toast the perfect day.

day 3
Mount Rose Summit Adventure
morning
:

Rise early for a hearty breakfast and grab your hiking gear. Drive up to the Mount Rose trailhead, where you’ll begin the ascent to nearly 10,000 feet. Along the switchbacks, admire wildflowers and panoramic Tahoe Basin views.

afternoon
:

Reach the summit by midday and enjoy a well-deserved lunch with 360-degree vistas of Lake Tahoe, Reno, and the Carson Range. Descend slowly, stopping at overlooks to savor the quiet alpine environment. Return to town for a short rest and cool beverage.

evening
:

Visit a rustic mountain pub in town for hearty chili or bison burgers. Share stories of the summit with fellow hikers around a glowing fireplace. Cap off the night with a stroll on the Village Green under moonlight.

day 4
Diamond Peak Ski or Summer Fun
morning
:

Head to Diamond Peak Ski Resort to catch the first chairlift up the mountain. In winter, carve fresh powder on groomed runs; in summer, pedal or hike the alpine trails. Pause at the summit observation deck to see Tahoe spread below.

afternoon
:

Take a break at the mountaintop lodge for hot soup or refreshing lemonade. Try the Alpine Coaster or zip line if visiting in summer. Spend the afternoon discovering hidden forest trails or challenging ski runs.

evening
:

Return to your accommodation for a quick shower. Venture out to a sushi bar or wood-fired pizza spot in Incline Village for dinner. Finish the evening with board games by the fire pit at your lodge.

day 5
Tahoe Rim Trail Discovery
morning
:

Fuel up with pastries and coffee at a local bakery. Drive to a trailhead on the Tahoe Rim Trail and set off for a half-day hike. Marvel at sweeping vistas of the lake and surrounding wilderness.

afternoon
:

Pause mid-hike for a backpacking lunch by a mountain creek. Keep an eye out for mule deer grazing in the meadow. Head back in the late afternoon and make a brief stop at a local gallery showcasing regional art.

evening
:

Indulge in a multi-course dinner at one of Incline Village’s upscale eateries. Sample local wines while enjoying a view of the lake. End the day with a lakeside nightcap on a private deck.

day 6
Reservoir Paddle and Picnic
morning
:

After breakfast, drive to Spooner Lake or Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. Rent a canoe or kayak and push off into the serene waters. Glide through quiet coves surrounded by fragrant pine forests.

afternoon
:

Pull ashore for a gourmet picnic under towering pines. Hike a short loop around the reservoir to discover hidden viewpoints and wildlife. Return your gear and stop at Sand Harbor’s Visitor Center for interpretive exhibits.

evening
:

Head back to Incline Village for a sunset dinner cruise aboard a chartered boat. Enjoy small-plate appetizers and live acoustic music as the sky turns pink. Disembark with memories of shimmering reflections dancing on the water.

day 7
Mountain Biking and Scenic Viewpoints
morning
:

Gear up with a hearty breakfast sandwich and coffee. Rent a mountain bike and tackle the Tahoe East Shore or Flume Trail. Navigate pine-strewn singletrack and enjoy heart-pumping descents.

afternoon
:

Pause at scenic overlooks for snack breaks and panoramic selfies. Continue your ride through shaded groves and across granite slabs. Return your bike and refuel with tacos or a burrito from a local food truck.

evening
:

Relax at a lakeside bar with craft cocktails and live music. Share highlights from the day with fellow adventurers. If you’re up for it, take a moonlit stroll along Regan Beach before turning in.

day 8
Golf and Nature Walks at Crystal Bay
morning
:

Begin with breakfast at a café overlooking the golf course. Tee off at Incline Village Mountain Golf Course, enjoying well-manicured fairways and lake views. Stop for mid-round coffee on the veranda.

afternoon
:

Complete the back nine, then switch to a guided nature walk through nearby wetlands. Learn about local flora and fauna from a park naturalist. End the walk with a lakeside bench rest and light snack.

evening
:

Dine at a contemporary bistro in Incline Village, savoring regional ingredients. Enjoy a glass of Merlot or Chardonnay from local vineyards. Wrap up the evening with stargazing at a designated dark-sky spot.

day 9
Farmers Market and Local Cuisine Tour
morning
:

Stroll the Incline Village Farmers Market, sampling artisan cheeses, fresh berries, and baked goods. Chat with farmers and food producers about their crafts. Assemble ingredients for a lakeside picnic snack.

afternoon
:

Embark on a self-guided food tour, stopping at a deli for gourmet sandwiches, a brewery for a tasting flight, and a creperie for sweet treats. Eat while admiring lake views at a public pier. Break up the day with a short walk through the Village Green.

evening
:

Book a chef’s table or cooking class at a local culinary school. Learn to prepare Tahoe-inspired dishes like wild mushroom risotto or grilled trout. Share the meal you helped create and toast with handcrafted cocktails.

day 10
Farewell Breakfast and Departure
morning
:

Enjoy a lakeside breakfast picnic at sunrise, complete with fresh pastries and local coffee. Reflect on your favorite moments as the morning light dances on the water. Pack up and check out of your lakeside lodging.

afternoon
:

Take a final scenic drive around the lake, stopping at overlooks for farewell photos. Browse local shops for Tahoe-themed souvenirs to remember your trip. Head to Reno–Tahoe International Airport with ample time for drop-off.

evening
:

Settle into your departure terminal with a snack and a cup of tea. Flip through your photos and relive the immersive experiences of the past ten days. Depart feeling refreshed, inspired, and eager to return to Lake Tahoe’s pristine shores.

Discover Incline Village

Read more in our Incline Village 2025 Travel Guide.

Incline Village Travel Guide