2 day stay itinerary help

Question

Hello we drive up from Yosemite on the evening of 30th June for our two night stay at the Desolation Hotel. We are two adults, who don't mind early starts. We would have spent time hiking in Yosemite, so would like to focus on seeing what the lake offers.

We would like to hire a Kayak out to Farette Island. Where is best to park and walk down? Where is best to hire a kayak /paddle board from? (we have seen one that doesn't have parking and suggest parking on the scenic overlook of H89? They also don't open until 10am so would prefer to go to scenic places when the crowds are lowest.).

We are also open to food suggestions (budget but not ultra unhealthy)

Is there anywhere close to our hotel that we can view good sunsets /rises from please?

We have use of the hotels bikes so any bike rides close to hotel is an option.

We have seen extortionate boat tours and gondola prices.

Thanks in advance

Is there a

Answer

Lake Tahoe is beautiful in late June, and with only two days you’ll want to focus on maximizing lake experiences while keeping travel between sites efficient. Since you’re staying at the Desolation Hotel in South Lake Tahoe, you are well-placed to access both the lake and nearby scenic spots without long drives.

For kayaking to Farette Island, one of the most convenient access points is Pope Beach or Emerald Bay State Park, depending on which side of the lake you prefer. In South Lake Tahoe, you could consider renting from Kayak Tahoe or Tahoe Adventure Company. Both provide kayak and paddleboard rentals. If your priority is avoiding crowds and getting an early start, Pope Beach tends to be quieter in the morning compared to the busy Emerald Bay access points.

Parking can be tricky, especially near popular kayak launch points. Some visitors park at the scenic overlooks along Highway 89, but this is often not ideal for longer stays or loading gear. Pope Beach has a public parking lot, and arriving early (before 9:30–10am) usually ensures a spot. Be prepared to carry kayaks a short distance from the lot to the water.

For early morning or sunset views close to your hotel:

Ski Run Marina: Great for sunrise reflections over the lake, just a short bike or drive from your hotel.
El Dorado Beach: A quieter spot near South Lake Tahoe with west-facing views for sunsets.
Heavenly Village overlook: Easy short bike ride for panoramic lake views.

Bike rides near your hotel are a great way to see the lake without the hassle of traffic. The bike path along Lake Tahoe Boulevard connects to several scenic spots. A loop from the hotel to Pope Beach or Zephyr Cove is manageable in a half-day ride.

For food options that are budget-friendly but decent quality, consider these spots in South Lake Tahoe:

Base Camp Pizza Co. – hearty pizza and salads, very casual.
The Getaway Cafe – breakfast and brunch, reasonably priced.
Freshies Restaurant & Bar – sandwiches, salads, and light meals.
Blue Angel Cafe – good breakfast and lunch with lake views.

Given that boat tours and gondola rides can be expensive, focusing on kayaking, paddleboarding, and biking provides a more immersive experience of the lake without the high costs. Try to schedule lake activities early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially around popular spots like Emerald Bay.

Sample 2-day itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive evening, settle in at Desolation Hotel, short walk or sunset view at El Dorado Beach or Ski Run Marina.
Day 2: Early morning kayak to Farette Island (Pope Beach launch), lunch at Base Camp Pizza or Getaway Cafe, afternoon bike ride along Lake Tahoe Boulevard, sunset at Heavenly Village overlook or El Dorado Beach.
Day 3: Optional morning paddleboard or short hike before checking out and heading to your next destination.

With this plan, you’ll experience the lake, get scenic views, and avoid the heavier crowds that build later in the day, while keeping activities flexible around your interests.

2 day stay itinerary help

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