Craving crisp mountain air, scenic views, and delicious food? It sounds like you are in search of food activities to do in Lake Tahoe.
From farmers markets brimming with local produce to lakeside wine tastings and panoramic picnics, there are plenty of activities to do in Lake Tahoe for food lovers and outdoor adventurers alike.
The California Grown team has spent time exploring the local food scene on the California side of Lake Tahoe, including El Dorado and Placer Counties. The result is this local guide packed with on-the-ground insights.
From sipping local wine to meeting farmers at alpine markets, every stop has been personally vetted to help you experience Tahoe like a well-fed local.
Food-Focused Activities To Do In Lake Tahoe
One of the most unique things about Lake Tahoe is how the outdoors meets your plate. The hyper-local culinary scene is another way visitors can connect with California’s stunning natural surroundings.
Here are some of the top food and farm-related activities to do in Lake Tahoe, including scenic bites, sips, and strolls.
Explore Tahoe’s Local Farmers Markets
One of the best ways to experience local flavor is through the area’s vibrant farmers’ markets. These seasonal markets run through the summer months and feature produce from farms throughout the western Tahoe Basin watershed, including Butte, Yuba, Nevada, Sierra, Placer, El Dorado, and Sutter counties:
- Meyers Mountain Farmers Market (South Lake Tahoe): Held weekly in summer, this quaint market is in the under-the-radar South Lake Tahoe neighborhood of Meyers. Set adjacent to Lake Baron, the market offers local produce, flowers, artisan foods from nearby farms like RP Ranch, Patrick’s Gardens, Garden Valley Flower Farm, and Emerald Olive Oil Farm.
- Ski Run Farmers Market (South Lake Tahoe): Located just blocks from Lake Tahoe, this family-friendly market features local vendors, crafts, and snacks ideal for a sunset picnic.
- Tahoe City Farmers Market (Tahoe City): Set along the northern shoreline, this bustling market serves up lake views with your seasonal shopping. Think heirloom tomatoes, stone fruit, and hand-crafted goodies from producers like Little Roots Farm, Natural Trading Company, and Lue Xiong Flowers.
- Tahoe Food Hub (Truckee): Want to learn more about where your food comes from? Visit the Tahoe Food Hub, a nonprofit organization supporting sustainable agriculture by connecting small regional farms to the community. Their weekly Farm Shop is perfect for picnic supplies, farm boxes, and learning about the area’s food systems.
Dine At Locally Inspired Restaurants
Lake Tahoe’s food scene goes far beyond ski-town eats. Here are some can’t-miss stops that put the focus squarely on California-grown produce:
- Moody’s (Truckee): A cozy bistro inside the historic Truckee Hotel known for seasonal menus, live jazz, and an extensive wine list celebrating California producers.
- Stella Truckee (Truckee): This chic restaurant at the relatively hidden Gravity Haus hotel is beloved by Truckee residents. It uses hyper-local ingredients and wood-fired cooking. Make reservations early; it books up fast!
- Sylva (Tahoe City): This spot combines modern style with rustic charm. It’s perfect for a date night dinner made with ingredients from nearby farms.
- Sierra Surf Club (Tahoe City): Surf in the mountains? Sort of. This new-ish cafe at the evo Hotel serves fresh, local food and creative alcoholic and nonalcoholic cocktails.
- Sprouts Cafe (South Lake Tahoe) is a go-to for plant-based and veggie-forward meals and one of our top picks for local restaurants in South Lake Tahoe. Their hearty salads, burritos, and smoothies fuel many a local adventurer.
- Three Pines Coffee (South Lake Tahoe): Don’t skip this gem for your morning caffeine fix. They take their coffee seriously, and the pastries are equally worth the stop.
Sip Wine With A View
California wine country meets mountain vibes at these Tahoe tasting destinations:
- The Idle Hour (South Lake Tahoe): This spot is a wine bar, bistro, and boutique in one. It offers wine flights, charcuteries, and snacks with front-row lake views.
- The Cork & More Wine Shop (South Lake Tahoe): This local favorite is part gourmet grocery and part wine store. It stocks boutique California wines and cheeses, making it a perfect pre-picnic stop.
- Tahoe Wine Collective (South Lake Tahoe): A curated tasting room that highlights up-and-coming producers from around the state.
Plan A Picnic With Local Provisions
Pick up some goodies from New Moon Natural Foods or Tahoe Food Hub, then hike the Eagle Rock Trail, Donner Summit Canyon, or Martis Peak Fire Lookout for some of the best picnic views. These hikes provide panoramic views over Lake Tahoe, just be sure to pack out whatever you bring.
Day Trip To Meet Local Growers & Makers
To connect more deeply with Tahoe’s makers, do a day trip to nearby growing regions such as Apple Hill and Placerville, or Auburn and the greater Sacramento area.
Or, while in Truckee, check out the Slow Food Garden Truckee, a community project that hosts gardening workshops and grows produce for donation to local food banks.
Try Unique Outdoor Adventures
It wouldn’t be Lake Tahoe without some outdoor fun. Mix in these memorable activities to do in Lake Tahoe that go beyond skiing:
- Lake Tahoe Wine Tastings: For something truly special, hop aboard their vintage wooden boat for a wine tasting cruise on the lake.
- Hot Air Balloon Tahoe: Take off at sunrise and soar above the lake for a one-of-a-kind perspective. Pro tip: bring a warm layer and your camera.
- Camp Richardson Corral Horseback Riding: Saddle up for a peaceful ride through the pines and meadows of South Lake Tahoe.
Stroll Through Truckee and Tahoe City
No visit is complete without exploring these two charming towns:
- Truckee: Walk the historic downtown for boutique shopping, art galleries, and cozy cafés. It’s a hub for local events and an excellent base for exploring.
- Tahoe City: A laid-back lakeside village with scenic trails, bike paths, and beach access. Stop by the Commons Beach area for live music or the Tahoe City Marina for boat rentals.
Make Lake Tahoe Your Next Food-Focused Escape
Whether hiking to a scenic overlook with a backpack full of peaches, sipping wine on a boat, or chatting with farmers at a weekend market, Lake Tahoe offers many fresh, local California grown food-forward activities.
It’s a destination that delivers on natural beauty and delicious local flavor—a dream combo for any California traveler.
So next time you’re craving a mountain getaway, consider the California side of Lake Tahoe. Your next great meal might come with a lake view and a story worth sharing.
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