Ideal Itinerary

Question

Staying in South Lake for 1 week in August. One day we’d like to do a full driving lap around the lake. I haven’t seen a recent forum on this, though it’s my first day researching (I have 2 small kids and limited time to do so) what would be a good way to capture the following:

A couple of favorite scenic outlooks

A stop for lunch and/or dinner

Check out 1 or 2 local breweries (I found several around the lake , which are the best and would help space out the stops ).

Is it better to drive clockwise or counter ?

Kids not coming on this trip !

Thank you.

Answer

For a full-day drive around Lake Tahoe, you can have a very scenic and enjoyable experience while spacing out stops for meals and breweries. Since the kids aren’t coming on this trip, you can focus entirely on scenic spots, food, and local brews.

Driving Direction:

Both clockwise and counterclockwise loops are doable, but many recommend driving clockwise starting from South Lake Tahoe. This allows you to hit popular viewpoints in the morning with softer light for photography and gradually make your way around the lake without backtracking.

Suggested Scenic Stops:

Eagle Point / Emerald Bay: Iconic viewpoint with panoramic lake views and the small Fannette Island visible in the bay.
Sand Harbor (Nevada side): Stunning sandy beaches, clear waters, and large boulders ideal for a short walk and photos.
Inspiration Point: Overlooks the lake and offers a quieter viewpoint than some of the more popular stops.

Lunch / Dinner Options:

South Lake Tahoe: Try local favorites like Base Camp Pizza for a casual lunch, or Riva Grill on the lake for a scenic waterfront meal.
Incline Village: Tahoe Mountain Brewing Company has food options alongside craft beers, or Lone Eagle Grille for a more upscale lakeside lunch/dinner.
Other casual stop: Look for picnic spots near the scenic outlooks, particularly Emerald Bay or Sand Harbor, if you prefer packing something simple to enjoy with the view.

Breweries to Consider:

Tahoe Mountain Brewing Co (Incline Village) – Great for local craft beers and light bites.
South Lake Brewing Co (South Lake Tahoe) – Convenient starting or ending point in South Lake Tahoe with a cozy tasting room.
Truckee Brewing Company (Truckee, optional detour) – If you’re willing to drive slightly north on the lake’s east shore, this brewery is highly rated and offers classic pub fare.

Itinerary Example:

Start morning in South Lake Tahoe and drive north along the east shore, stopping at small viewpoints.
Reach Sand Harbor mid-morning for a short walk and photos.
Continue north to Incline Village for lunch and brewery stop.
Drive along the northern and western shore, stopping at scenic spots like Emerald Bay or Inspiration Point.
Optional brief brewery stop in Truckee if desired.
Return to South Lake Tahoe in the evening for dinner or cocktails by the lake.

This loop covers the highlights without overpacking the day and allows for flexibility depending on how long you want to linger at each stop. Starting clockwise makes it easier to hit scenic views early, enjoy breweries around lunchtime, and finish with Emerald Bay in late afternoon if you prefer the softer evening light for photos.

Ideal Itinerary

More South Lake Tahoe Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions