This helpful guide will share with you what to do in the fall in Lake Tahoe with your family.
As someone who was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, South Lake Tahoe will always be a home away from home for me. Just a 3.5 hour drive from our house, we are able to visit the beautiful Lake Tahoe all year long.
Lake Tahoe is most known for it’s wonderful winter skiing and the fabulous lake days during the summertime, but one of my favorite times to visit is in the fall. The crowds tend to disappear after Labor Day, and the snow doesn’t arrive until late November, making late September through early November a wonderful time to escape to the Sierra Nevadas.
If you love being outdoors, the crisp, cool air and the colors of fall then you will enjoy this list of what to do in the fall in Lake Tahoe.
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CHIMNEY BEACH HIKE AT SUNSET IN FALL IN LAKE TAHOE
The Chimney Beach hike is a family friendly hike welcoming year in all seasons. However, I really enjoy doing this hike in the shoulder season of fall because the crowds are low. As a matter of fact, besides our family, there were only 3 other people on this trail and all of them were leaving the beach when we were just heading down.
Looking for more information on Chimney Beach Hike?
Plan ahead and make sure to schedule your hike around sunset. Make sure to layer the kids up with mittens, scarves and hats because even on a beautiful, crisp fall day the temperatures drop drastically as the sunsets. Once you arrive in the Chimney Beach parking lot (no charge), follow the trail markers TO THE BEACH.
Keep in mind that the majority of this trail is downhill which is great for the trip down, but your little ones will need extra motivation to make their way back up the hill. The incline is not too extreme, the path is clear and easily accessible and my four year old was able to successfully complete this hike without being carried once.
The trail itself will take less than an hour down and an hour up. We like to stay on the beach to enjoy the sunset and then use flashlights to make our way back up towards the parking lot.
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FALL BIKE RIDES AROUND CAMP RICHARDSON
Our family has been biking the trails around Camp Richardson since I was a young girl (over 30 years now) and one thing remains true. These trails are family friendly and designed with families in mind. Depending on how many stops you plan on taking, and how long you plan on staying at each, you could make this a whole day adventure.
Now with four kids we tend to bring our own bikes, but occasionally we will rent our bikes and/or the bike trailer from Anderson’s Bicycle Rental. It’s a family owned and operated business and we have been renting bikes here since I was a child. They are the only bike rental shop that is located at the beginning of the National Forest Bike Trail, which is paved, safe and away from traffic.
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POPE BEACH
This is a cute beach located off of the bike path on highway 89. It is a popular beach for families, and it is a great spot to stop for photos and a family picnic. The picnic tables are nestled amongst the pine trees. If you drive to the beach (instead of riding your bikes in, you will have to pay $8 for parking).
BEACON BAR & GRILL IN FALL
Is it even a visit to Lake Tahoe if you don’t stop in at the Beacon? Famous for their rum runner drinks at the bar, this place is a popular restaurant all summer long. Lucky for you, you are visiting in the fall when it’s quiet and the perfect place to enjoy an Irish coffee or hot chocolate on the deck over looking the Lake.
They also have a full menu if you want to enjoy lunch or dinner on the lake. We have eaten here many times and have never left disappointed. Expect longer wait times during weekends and holidays.
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TALLAC HISTORIC SITE
Along your bike route you will come across the Tallac Historic Site and yes! it is worth the stop. If nothing more than a chance for your kids to rest a bit from the pedaling, there is plenty of open spaces for them to run around. Although the estates are open everyday during the summer months, the hours change during the fall with limited openings. However, you need not go into any of the buildings to walk around the site. There are placards explaining much of the buildings and history along the walking paths.
Looking for more information on the Tallac Historic Site?
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KIVA BEACH
Another beach located off the bike path and highway 89 is Baldwin Beach. This beach is popular with families as well. Baldwin Beach is a dog friendly beach. My kids love coming to this beach because it is where Taylor Creek ends. Your kids will want to hang around the creek more so then the Lake. Depending on your timing you will see tons of fish, tadpoles, animals living in the creek. Your kids will be amused for hours. I like to bring small buckets and nets for them to explore the creek. $8 for parking if you drive to this beach. Free if you bike here.
TAYLOR CREEK VISITOR CENTER DURING THE FALL IN LAKE TAHOE
There is so much for families to do once you arrive at the Taylor Creek Visitor center. The visitor center itself is only open til late October, so make sure to check the site for hours of operation.
From the center you can explore and take 4 different family friendly and mostly BOB stroller friendly trails (trust me I am always wanting to know if I can take my double BOB with me). If you decide to take your bikes here there are plenty of racks to lock up your bikes and/or trailer. If you drive, the parking lot at Taylor Creek Visitor Center can accommodate approximately 100 vehicles and includes pull-through bus and RV parking.
One of the highlights of visiting during the fall in Lake Tahoe is the spawning run of the Kokanee Salmon in Taylor Creek. There is an entire underground fish tank area for the kids to see what’s going on underneath the creek waters.
Learn more about the Fall Fish Festival that happens the first weekend of October annually
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FALLEN LEAF LAKE
A new bike trail to Fallen Leaf Lake was established in the summer of 2019 and I am so excited to check it out this upcoming Fall. Although we have visited Fallen Leaf Lake we have only visited during the summer months by car. This serene lake is only a stones throw away from West Lake Tahoe, but it feels like you are in a whole new world. It is peaceful and beyond breathtaking. I will update this post after I have experienced Fallen Leaf Lake via the bike trail.
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FALL CRUISES ON LAKE TAHOE
Although the water is too chilly to swim in during the fall months in Lake Tahoe, it is the perfect time to go on a cruise. Dinner cruises are only offered on the M.S. Dixie II through mid-September, but you can jump on a midday sight seeing cruise year round.
EDGEWOOD
If you are looking for the five star experience without having to pay to stay on the property, make your way for breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Edgewood Bistro. Pull up and relax on an Adirondack chair while watching the sunset on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Prices are steep, but so worth it. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
OKTOBERFEST
Looking for a fun, FREE event? Check out the first weekend of October for Camp Richardson’s Oktoberfest. Plenty of food, dancing, entertainment, and games for the entire family. The event and parking are both FREE!
Click here for more specific information about Camp Richardson’s Oktoberfest
FALL ALE FEST AT HEAVENLY
Come hang out at the Heavenly Village for food, drink sampling from the surrounding area and music. $25 donation.
Click here for more information about the Fall Ale Fest at Heavenly
Let’s be honest Lake Tahoe is the fall is amazing, but Lake Tahoe is AMAZING year round! If you are looking for more tips, tricks, and travel inspiration for your family you can follow us on Instagram, or send me an email to sign up for my blog. We would love to have you be part of our travel community.
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