10 Fun Things To Do Near Incline Village, Nevada (Lake Tahoe’s Cozy Corner)
If you’re dreaming of clear blue water, pine-scented air, and mountain views that look like a postcard,
Incline Village, Nevada, in
Washoe County, should be on your radar. Tucked along the north shore of
Lake Tahoe, this small town packs a surprising amount of adventure, relaxation, and pure “wow” moments into one beautiful spot.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a couples’ trip, here are
10 things to do in and around Incline Village that will help you make the most of your time at Lake Tahoe.
1. Hit the Sand at Incline Beach & Burnt Cedar Beach
Incline Village has two of the nicest
Lake Tahoe beaches on the Nevada side:
Incline Beach and
Burnt Cedar Beach. Both are known for their soft sand, calm water, and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Incline Beach: Great for families, with a playground, grassy areas, and easy lake access.
- Burnt Cedar Beach: A bit quieter, with a rockier shoreline that’s perfect for photos and sunset watching.
One thing to know: many Incline Village beaches are
private and reserved for residents and guests with access cards. If you’re staying in a local vacation rental or hotel, ask if your stay includes beach access. If not, don’t worry—there are public beaches nearby (we’ll get to those).
Why go? The water near Incline Village is some of the clearest on Lake Tahoe. On a calm day, you can see straight down to the rocks and sand beneath your feet. It feels almost like the Caribbean… just colder.
2. Hike to Epic Views on the Tahoe East Shore Trail
The
Tahoe East Shore Trail is a paved path that runs along the lake between Incline Village and Sand Harbor. It’s about 3 miles long (one way) and is one of the most scenic walks in the area.
You can walk, bike, or push a stroller on this trail. Along the way, you’ll pass:
- Crystal-clear coves
- Granite boulders right in the water
- Photo spots with wide-open lake views
If you’ve ever seen a Lake Tahoe photo with huge rounded boulders sitting in turquoise water, there’s a good chance it was taken along this stretch.
Local tip: Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temps. Parking lots fill up fast on summer weekends.
3. Spend the Day at Sand Harbor State Park
Just a short drive (or bike ride) south of Incline Village,
Sand Harbor is one of the most popular spots on Lake Tahoe’s Nevada side—and for good reason.
Here you’ll find:
- Shallow, swimmable water
- Soft sand and smooth rocks for lounging
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals (in season)
- Picnic areas and shady trees
On a clear day, the water at Sand Harbor glows in shades of blue and green that feel almost unreal. If you like taking photos, you’ll want extra space on your phone.
Parking warning: Sand Harbor often fills up by mid-morning in summer. Once it’s full, they close the gate. Arrive early, or consider taking a shuttle or biking in from Incline Village via the East Shore Trail.
4. Paddleboard or Kayak the Clear Blue Water
If you’ve never paddled on Lake Tahoe, Incline Village is a perfect place to start. The water along the north and east shores is famously clear and calm on many mornings.
You can rent
stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) or
kayaks from shops in Incline Village or at Sand Harbor (seasonally). From the water, you get a totally different view of the shoreline—rock formations, hidden coves, and fish gliding under your board.
Best time to go: Early morning is usually the smoothest. Winds tend to pick up in the afternoon, which can make paddling tougher, especially for beginners.
If you’re nervous, think of it like standing on a big, wide surfboard. Start on your knees, get your balance, and then stand up when you feel ready. And yes, falling in is part of the fun.
5. Ski or Ride at Diamond Peak in Winter
Visiting Incline Village in winter? Head to
Diamond Peak Ski Resort, located right above town. It’s smaller and more laid-back than some of the big-name Tahoe resorts, but that’s part of its charm.
What makes Diamond Peak special?
- Unreal lake views from the runs—you can literally ski while staring at Lake Tahoe.
- A compact layout that’s great for families and beginners.
- Shorter lift lines compared to larger resorts.
If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, Diamond Peak’s ski school is a friendly place to learn without feeling overwhelmed.
Bonus: Even if you don’t ski, riding the chairlift up on a clear day just for the view is worth it.
6. Explore Flume Trail & Local Mountain Biking Routes
For outdoor lovers, the Incline Village area is a gateway to some of the best
mountain biking in Nevada. The most famous trail nearby is the
Flume Trail, known for its sweeping lake views high above the shoreline.
Flume Trail isn’t super technical, but it does sit at higher elevations and has some steep drop-offs along the side, so it’s better for riders with some experience.
If that sounds a little intense, there are easier trails in the area too, including forest roads and beginner-friendly paths closer to town.
Don’t bike? Parts of the Flume area and nearby paths are also great for hiking and trail running. Just check local maps and conditions before you go.
7. Take a Scenic Drive Around the North Shore of Lake Tahoe
Sometimes the best thing to do is just hop in the car and go for a drive. From Incline Village, you can easily explore the
north shore of Lake Tahoe in both Nevada and California.
Consider stopping at:
- Crystal Bay (just west of Incline) for lakefront photo ops and small casinos.
- King’s Beach, CA, for public beaches, casual dining, and a classic laid-back Tahoe vibe.
- Viewpoints along Highway 28 and Highway 89 with pullouts overlooking the lake.
If you keep going, you can even make a full loop around Lake Tahoe in a day. The whole drive is roughly 72 miles. With stops, photos, and a meal, it makes a great laid-back day trip.
Tip: In winter, always check road conditions and chain requirements. Storms can move in quickly around the lake.
8. Visit Tahoe Meadows for Easy Alpine Hiking
About 20 minutes up the mountain from Incline Village on the Mount Rose Highway, you’ll find
Tahoe Meadows. It feels like a different world—wide-open meadows, boardwalks, and gentle trails surrounded by high peaks.
This is a great spot if you:
- Want a mellow hike at higher elevation.
- Are traveling with kids or older family members.
- Like wildflowers (in late spring and summer).
In winter, Tahoe Meadows turns into a popular spot for
snowshoeing and
cross-country skiing. You can park along the road (where allowed) and head out into the snowy fields for a peaceful, quiet adventure.
9. Relax, Dine, and Shop Around Incline Village
Not every day has to be packed with adrenaline. Incline Village has a relaxed, upscale yet down-to-earth feel, with enough restaurants and shops to keep you busy when you’re off the trail or off the slopes.
Around town you’ll find:
- Cafés and coffee shops perfect for a slow morning.
- Local restaurants ranging from casual burgers and pizza to nice dinner spots.
- Boutiques and outdoor gear stores where you can pick up souvenirs or last-minute supplies.
After a long day outside, there’s something pretty perfect about grabbing a warm meal, a local beer or cocktail, and just watching the sky change colors over the mountains.
10. Try a Sunset Cruise or Scenic Boat Tour
To fully appreciate Lake Tahoe, it’s worth getting out on the water at least once on a boat. From Incline Village and nearby marinas, you can find:
- Sunset cruises with drinks and light snacks.
- Private charters for small groups or special occasions.
- Scenic daytime tours that circle parts of the lake and share local history.
Watching the sun drop behind the Sierra Nevada while you’re out on the lake feels almost unreal. The light hits the water, the mountains turn pink and gold, and the air cools off in the best possible way.
If you’re celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or just want a memorable evening, this is a fantastic way to end your day in Incline Village.
Planning Your Trip to Incline Village: Quick Tips
- Best time to visit:
- Summer (June–September) for beaches, hiking, and water sports.
- Winter (December–March) for skiing and snow activities.
- Spring and fall are quieter and often cheaper, with cooler temps.
- Altitude: Incline Village sits over 6,000 feet above sea level. Drink plenty of water, take it easy your first day, and don’t be surprised if you feel a bit winded on hills.
- Getting there: It’s about a 45-minute drive from Reno, Nevada, depending on traffic and weather.
- What to pack: Layers. Even in summer, evenings can get chilly near the lake.
Why Incline Village Belongs on Your Lake Tahoe Bucket List
Incline Village offers a mix of
outdoor adventure,
relaxed lake life, and
small-town charm that’s hard to beat. You can hike in the morning, paddleboard in crystal-clear water at noon, and watch the sun set over the mountains in the evening—without ever straying too far from town.
If you’re looking for things to do near Lake Tahoe’s north shore, Incline Village is a perfect base for exploring both Nevada and California sides of the lake.
Share Your Incline Village Experience
Have you been to
Incline Village or the
north shore of Lake Tahoe?
- What was your favorite beach or hiking trail?
- Did you discover any hidden spots or great local restaurants?
Drop your tips, stories, and questions in the comments below—they might help someone else plan their perfect Lake Tahoe getaway.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s thinking about a trip to Nevada or Lake Tahoe. Your share might be the push they need to finally book that escape to the clear blue waters of Incline Village.
Comments
Post a Comment