Monthly Archives: May 2021

Crystal-clear aquamarine water. Sandy beaches. Towering pine trees. Snow-capped mountains. Welcome to Lake Tahoe, California: the most stunning alpine lake in the country, all year round! Although many folks think of Lake Tahoe as a world-famous ski destination, summer at Lake Tahoe in the summer is completely different – and full of its own charm and outdoor beauty. And ghosts. Lots of ghosts.

Ringed by white-sand beaches and trails crisscrossing through sequoia and pine forests and along sheer granite cliffs, the best way to experience Lake Tahoe in the summer is outside: on a trail, on a boat, or on a beach. Our travel guide to summer in Lake Tahoe has everything you need to know to plan your trip, and all the best Lake Tahoe summer activities!

Psst: Planning a trip to the Sierra Nevadas? …. We have a bunch of posts on our favorite California mountain range!

We also have a Podcast episode all about Tahoe! Towering pine trees, ancient granite cliffs, crystal clear water, cannibalistic pioneers… wait, what? Strap on your snow goggles and come along as we cover the macabre past and enchanting present of this alpine paradise with more ghosts than you can shake a ski pole at.

Listen above or just click here to launch your Podcast app! Oh, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes.

Summer at Lake Tahoe: FAQ’s

Is Lake Tahoe cold or warm in summer?

Lake Tahoe is very much warm in the summer! Summer begins in June at Lake Tahoe, when the snow in the Sierra Nevada has melted. In June, July, and August, Lake Tahoe temperatures hover around the mid-70s. Perfect for a summer vacation!

Lake Tahoe is also known for its sunshine — 300 days’ worth each year! So even though you’re in the mountains, you can expect the warmth of sunshine most days – this might be why Lake Tahoe tends to feel fairly warm even in the dead of winter.

That said, you are still in the mountains and Lake Tahoe is still an alpine lake: lows during the night can dip into the 40s, so be sure to pack warm clothes, and warm sleeping bags if you plan to camp (we recommend down – more details in this post). 

Remember also that you may be higher in elevation than you’re used to — Lake Tahoe sits above 6,000 feet. In that thin mountain air, the sun’s rays are more direct, so sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential.

Is it true that Lake Tahoe is like … super haunted?

Let me start by saying: YES. Yes it is. Lake Tahoe is suuuper haunted. Which, personally, we love.

Our favorite ghosts in Lake Tahoe are the forlorn members of the Donner Party and the hilarious Captain “Them’s My Toes” Dick – both of whose gruesome stories are told in their respective sections below.

In North Lake Tahoe, there’s a hotel — the Tahoe Biltmore — that’s home to a ghost named Mary, who was an Aspen Cabaret showgirl at the hotel. The Biltmore describes her ghost as wearing a 60s style mini skirt and having no facial features, which is definitely skating the fine line of fabulous/terrifying.

You may have heard that there were bodies buried in the Lake Tahoe. Rumor had it that mobsters used to dispose of bodies in the lake, because it’s so deep and cold that the bodies remain in perfect condition, frozen at the bottom of the lake. Unfortunately, it’s not actually true. A team of divers thoroughly explored the lake and didn’t find actual bodies.

And unfortunately, neither did they find signs of Tahoe Tessie — Tahoe’s version of the Loch Ness Monster, which has been sighted many times since the 1970s. Witnesses say that Tessie slithers like a snake and is about twenty feet long, living far beneath the lake underneath Cave Rock. So be careful while you’re swimming…

Is it safe to swim in Lake Tahoe?

Yes, it’s totally safe to swim in Lake Tahoe – with one big caveat (and no, I don’t mean Tahoe Tessie, the lake monster who probably doesn’t exist): the water in Lake Tahoe is cold, particularly away from shore where the water is deep. I mean, see all those snowcapped mountains? Tahoe is a high-elevation alpine lake filled with snowmelt!

That said: close to shore, where the water is shallow and the sun is able to warm the water, you can swim comfortably! I mean, it’s not like … the Caribbean, or anything, but I’m a major cold-water weenie and even I can swim in Lake Tahoe. On a hot day. Around noon.

But if you’re planning to drive out on a boat and dive into that clear blue water, you might want to be cautious. It’s best to ease your body into the water slowly to avoid shocking it, and if you’re going into the water far from shore, consider wearing a wetsuit. And always wear a life jacket on any boat – even if you’re a strong swimmer.

I’d also advise only going into the water when the sun is high: if it’s early in the morning or after 7pm, don’t chance it – it will be too cold (unless polar bear plunges are your thing – I see you, people who go swimming in the San Francisco Bay every morning!). And of course, don’t mix swimming and alcohol – it’s not worth the risk!

North Lake Tahoe or South Lake Tahoe?

If you’ve never visited Lake Tahoe before, you may not realize that there are two different places to visit in Lake Tahoe on the California side: North & South Lake Tahoe. Then there’s also the West Shore, in between them, and the East Shore, on the Nevada side.

Lake Tahoe is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, y’all. It’s huge.

So it’s easiest to divide up Lake Tahoe summer activities and landmarks by quadrant, which we’ve done throughout this post. That’s also why this post is a massive 10k words long – PHEW. The last thing we want is for you to plug something into your GPS and realize it’s on the other side of the lake!

South Lake Tahoe and North Lake Tahoe are about an hour’s drive away from one another down the western side of the lake (y’all, the lake is … ABSOLUTELY enormous). In the summer, it’s an absolutely beautiful drive and the best camping and hiking can be found in between the two along the western shore, in D.L. Bliss State Park and Desolation Wilderness.

North Lake Tahoe

Stay in North Lake Tahoe if you want to be walking distance to shops and restaurants and close to excellent beaches! In North Lake Tahoe you’ll find the little towns of Kings Beach, Truckee and Tahoe City. They’re all adorable and walkable little towns, with plenty to see and do.

Tahoe City is located directly on the lake, with a beautiful walking path, some small docks and beaches, and several restaurants with sweeping lakeside views. But Truckee, while located 10 minutes away from the lake, is objectively cuter and more adorable to walk around in and explore.

But in the summer, the real star is sandy King’s Beach, with 1,700 feet of lakefront and warm, swimmable water! Set out a towel or snag a picnic bench and spend the whole. dayplaying in the water – this is an excellent

Truckee, King’s Beach, and Tahoe City are all cute, walkable towns. And since Tahoe City is right on the lake, there are some pretty incredible VRBOs with lake views to check out!

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe, as you might guess, is on the southern end of the lake. It sits right on the Nevada border, and kind of bleeds into the casinos and bars across the state line. Heavenly Mountain Resort (Tahoe’s biggest) is in South Lake Tahoe, so there are no shortage of places to stay. 

South Lake Tahoe doesn’t have the cute, walkable downtown vibe that Tahoe City and Truckee have, but staying in this area has its perks: proximity to some excellent beaches, wonderful hikes near Emerald Bay, or Fallen Leaf Lake, the curiosity that is Vikingsholm, and the East Shore.

Stay in South Lake Tahoe if you like a quieter, more outdoorsy stay, while still being close to shops and restaurants.

The West Shore & East Shore

It takes about an hour to drive between North & South Lake Tahoe in the summer, it’s an absolutely beautiful drive.

But a well-kept secret is that some of the best beaches, camping and hiking can actually be found in between the two along the West Shore, from the stunning beachside campgrounds at Meek’s Bay and D.L. Bliss State Park to the beautiful, rugged solitude of hiking in Desolation Wilderness.

You won’t find many places to shop or eat here, but you’ll be surrounded by beautiful granite cliffs, azure water, sandy beaches, and towering pine trees. What more could you need?

Stay in between North & South Lake Tahoe if you’re visiting Tahoe for its scenery and wilderness.

On the East Shore, across the Nevada border, you’ll find resorts and casinos interspersed with sandy beaches and granite-ringed coves. But to be totally honest, we don’t spend much time on the Nevada side! We’d love to hear your suggestions for the East Shore in the comments at the end of this post.

How to Get to Lake Tahoe 

Whether you live in San Francisco or Oakland like us, or you’re planning your trip to Lake Tahoe from afar, you have a bunch of options for getting into Lake Tahoe.

For either North or South Lake Tahoe, the best and easiest way to get around is by car.  

If you rent a car in the Bay Area, it’s a pleasant 3.5 hour drive to either North or South Lake Tahoe (shorter if you fly & drive from Sacramento, which is about halfway in between).

• The drive into South Lake Tahoe is scenic, climbing up through thick pine trees before peaking at a jaw-dropping view of the valley and the lake below as it climbs down into town.
• The drive from San Francisco to North Lake Tahoe passes by Donner Lake via Donner Pass which is gorgeous, but also exciting if you, like us, are weirdly obsessed with the Donner Party. Once you’re through the pass, the road to town follows along the scenic Truckee River.

Flying into Lake Tahoe

It is only possible to fly close to Lake Tahoe: the closest airport to Lake Tahoe is Reno-Tahoe. You can fly into Reno-Tahoe directly from a few cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.

Once you arrive, the easiest way to get to your final destination is to rent a car from the airport. North Lake Tahoe is about an hour away from the airport by car.

If you are flying in and don’t want to rent a car, you can take the North Tahoe Express shuttle from Reno-Tahoe to the town of Truckee, which is considered the “gateway” to the north side of the lake. From there, you can take transit to your final destination.

Although the Reno-Tahoe airport is much closer to North Lake Tahoe, it’s still doable to get to South Lake! You can fly into Reno and rent a car: it’s about an hour a half drive. Or, you can book a ride on the South Tahoe Airporter for $60 round trip.

Getting to Lake Tahoe by Transit

Public transit in the area is limited – here’s a complete rundown – and activities tend to be fairly far apart. But if you’re staying in a walkable area, or rent a bike to get around, it is doable!

• South Lake Tahoe: You can get to South Lake by taking a train from Sacramento and then a bus ride, which totals $59 and will take you about 5 hours.  
• North Lake Tahoe: There’s a lovely train from the Emeryville Amtrak Station to Truckee called the California Zephyr. The prices vary, but are usually between $40 and $50. It takes about 5.5 hours but it’s scenic and beautiful! This is by far the most enjoyable way to get to Lake Tahoe by transit. You’ll be winding through the scenic Sierra Nevada above Donner Lake – eerily, the same route that the doomed Donner Party took… *ahem* You can also take this 5-hour Greyhound Bus to Truckee for about $40. Once you arrive in Truckee, there is transit all over North Lake Tahoe to take you to your final destination.

Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe

The quintessential place to stay in Lake Tahoe is in a cabin, a rugged outdoorsy lodge, or sleeping underneath the stars at a campsite! You’ll find plenty of all three options in Lake Tahoe.

f you want a more relaxed experience and to be able to cook, renting a cabin is a good call. But it’s cheapest to split the cost with a group! Most cabin rentals in Tahoe are fully equipped for large groups.

We typically find cabins to rent a place on VRBO, but you should be aware that new laws have recently gone into effect regarding short-term cabin rentals, and many of them will be banned in the next few years as a result of large groups of millennials descending on Lake Tahoe every weekend and doing things like cooking large meals together and enjoying hot tubs after midnight (… seriously, those were some of the main complaints).

For now, you can still rent law-abiding rentals on VRBO, but you might find funky things like fees and minimum night requirements. For this reason, we recommend booking directly through VRBO or Turnkey, both of which have fewer fees and more flexible cancellation policies than Airbnb – also, we’re not fans of Airbnb’s unethical track record and lax security.

In any case, know that there is a little bit of tension between locals and visitors, and be mindful not to exacerbate the situation by being loud or rude.

Here are our top picks for lodges & cabins in Lake Tahoe:

• South Lake Tahoe: The Lake Tahoe Chalet in South Lake Tahoe is a perfect example of classic rust log cabin Tahoe style at budget-friendly pricing. Stuff made from wood and stone, leather couches, big windows, and sequoia trees are all part of the Tahoe charm. The only thing missing? A hot tub! Also, note that this cabin is about a 15-minute drive from town. But for that price, it’s still a fantastic option. This South Tahoe Lodge is spacious and bright, with a great outdoor space including a hot tub! Our pick for a lodge & resort is the Beach Retreat & Lodge, located beachfront with a huge heated pool and a pier/marina. Spend all day relaxing on the beach, enjoy a sunset dinner over the water (literally, you’ll be OVER the water) on the pier restaurant, and grab a drink at the Tiki Hut beachfront bar!
• North Lake Tahoe: This 4-bedroom cabin in Kings Beach has an open concept and is bright and beautiful, with a fabulous deck to spend time with friends. This peaceful cabin is cozy and surrounded by trees, and also has its own dry sauna! The Edgelake Beach Club is a beachfront hotel in King’s Beach with a pier, beach access and an outdoor pool. Our budget-friendly hotel pick is the Firelite Lodge, so named for its in-room fireplaces! There’s a heated pool and hot tub, and you’ll be literally across the street from the beach, where you can also rent kayaks and SUPs.

Camping in Lake Tahoe

There are several campgrounds in Lake Tahoe that are only open in the summer, and this is where we tend to gravitate! Lake Tahoe is such an incredible outdoor destination that it just makes sense to sleep underneath the stars. Here are our favorite places to camp in Lake Tahoe:

• D.L. Bliss State Park: Located on the West Shore, this gorgeous State Park has its own private beach, is a great place to begin one of our favorite hikes (the Rubicon Trail), and is totally isolated and gorgeous. Bring all the food you need for your trip, because you’ll be a ways away from either town! That said, it’s pretty tough to get a spot unless you book way in advance. We usually set up an alert on ReserveCalifornia for any canceled reservations on the weekends we want to go.
• Meeks Bay Campground: Located on the West Shore slightly north of D.L. Bliss, right on the western edge of the lake off the road connecting North & South Lake Tahoe. Meeks Bay also has a great beach and an adjacent resort, and is right across the street from a trailhead into Desolation Wilderness and one of our favorite hikes. The campground (and resort) is owned & maintained by the Washoe Tribe, who are the original inhabitants of Lake Tahoe – spending money here is an excellent way to support the tribe (for more about how Indigenous tourism can benefit Indigenous communities, head to our ethical tourism guide). Note that no dogs are allowed at this campground, beach, or resort!
• Lake Forest Campground: Located steps from Lake Forest Beach and just a mile from Tahoe City, this is the bst place to stay if you want a balance between quiet wilderness and the convenience of a nearby town. You can easily get to town on a 20-minute walk or short bike ride along a scenic lakeside trail, and you’ll be next to a boat ramp with easy water access!
• Nevada Beach Campground: Located across the Nevada border and adjacent to a beach, this large campground is covered in tall pine trees and is adjacent to the 2.6 mile Lam Wah Tah, a 2.6 mile trail that winds through the woods next to the lake. If you’re bringing a dog with you, this is a dog-friendly campground and the northern end of neighboring Nevada Beach is also an off-leash beach (follow the signs and trails to the boat-in picnic beach).

Camping Tip: Before you pack up your tent we do have a word of warning: Lake Tahoe gets COLD at night. You’ll want a down sleeping bag that’s rated down to 40F, and a warm sleeping mat between you and the ground (or a hammock with an underquilt). We’ve got all the details you need for gear in our guide to car camping essentials.

Things to do in Lake Tahoe: Summer Activities

Relax on the Beach

Relax on the beach…in the mountains?

That’s right — you don’t need to be on the coast to enjoy some of California’s most amazing beaches. In fact, we Northern California coast-dwellers who want to go swimming or enjoy a sunny beach without freezing come to Lake Tahoe. (Yes, really. Our beaches are foggy and cold, our water is freezing, and Lake Tahoe has truly wonderful beaches.)

Lake Tahoe has 72 miles of shoreline, meaning lots of opportunities for great beaches. And yes, they are wonderfully warm and sandy! Spending a day at the beach should top your Lake Tahoe summer activities checklist!

There are plenty of great beaches to choose from, located all over the lake in both California and Nevada – browse them all on this site! Many Lake Tahoe beaches are easy to access by car with a parking lot, but some of the most pristine beaches can only be accessed by hiking, like Secret Cove and Chimney Beach. Read on for some of our favorites:

North Lake Tahoe Beaches

• Kings Beach State Recreation Area: This is the largest and best beach in North Lake Tahoe. It’s huge and sandy, with ample space to set up and enjoy a day at the beach. This beach is right in the town of Kings Beach, close to restaurants and outfitters for water sports equipment. There is a fee to park at this beach: $10 per day, or $3 per hour. 

South Lake Tahoe Beaches

• Baldwin Beach: Baldwin Beach is located between Emerald Bay and South Lake Tahoe. This is a big, sandy beach with shallow (and therefore warmer) water. There’s great access from the parking lot – lug all the beach accessories you want. You can rent kayaks here, too! But note that you’ll have to pay $8 to park.
• Pope Beach: A wonderful sandy beach —  great for sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding. You’ll be able to rent kayaks or buy food on site. Note that no dogs are allowed on this beach, and you’ll have to pay $8 to park (or bike in via the Pope/Baldwin Bike Path, which is free).

Beaches on the West Shore

• Lester Beach: Located within D.L. Bliss State Park, this beach is gorgeous and not usually crowded – although the parking lot fills up early. You can launch paddleboards, kayaks, and small boats here, but there’s no designated swim area. Also, you’ll have to pay $10 for a day-use pass. But if you’re camping in the state park, this is YOUR beach. Bliss! Note that dogs are not allowed on this beach.
• Chamber’s Landing: This wide, sandy beach has grills galore, but you might not need them: adjacent to the beach sits the gorgeous Chamber’s Landing Bar & Grill, the oldest bar in Tahoe (dating back to 1875!). Spend a day at the beach before relaxing on the patio with a Chambers Punch and a plate of lobster ravioli or scallops and abolone while watching the sun set over the Sierra Nevadas.
• Meek’s Bay: Adjacent to the Meeks’ Bay campground and resort is this wide, sandy strip of beach directly off Highway 89 in scenic Meek’s Bay. Here you’ll find kayak rentals and food concessions along with bathroom facilities and picnic tables. The beach, along with the resort, is owned & maintained by the Washoe Tribe, who are the original inhabitants of Lake Tahoe and you can find Native American crafts and books for sale inside – spending money here is an excellent way to support the tribe (for more about how Indigenous tourism can benefit Indigenous communities, head to our ethical tourism guide).

Beaches on the East Shore

• Zephyr Cove: This beach has a reputation as the “party beach.” If that’s up your alley, you’ll also love the full-service resort here complete with a restaurant, beach bar and grill, store, and beach volleyball courts. The resort is also home to the M.S. Dixie ll paddlewheeler: hope aboard and take a stunning narrated cruises to Emerald Bay!
• Round Hill Pines Beach Resort: At this inclusive day-use beach resort, you’ll find everything you need here for a sunny beach day: you can rent everything from kayaks and SUPs to lounge chairs, there’s a restaurant and bar, and if you really want to ball, you can rent boats and jet-skis here, too – or take a cruise on a yacht. Note that you’ll need to pay a $12 parking fee and no pets are allowed.

Dog-Friendly Travel Tip: Most of the larger public beaches in Tahoe don’t allow dogs or have strict leash rules, but there are a few dog-friendly beaches in Lake Tahoe: the Bijou Dog Park (South Lake), Coon Street Beach (King’s Beach, in North Lake), Kiva Beach (South Lake, right off Highway 89), and Nevada Beach. Leash laws are strictly enforced, so always look for signage!

Hit the Trails

Hiking is one of the best ways to experience Lake Tahoe in the summer. Being situated in the middle of the Sierra Nevada mountains, you’ve got endless vistas of mountains, alpine lakes, towering pines, and other things that make you ooh and ahh. Don’t go to Tahoe in the summer without hitting a trail!

Several of our favorite Northern California hikes are in Lake Tahoe. Here are some of our favorites:

• Emerald Point Trail | Miles: 5.5: This hike traces along the northern shore of stunning Emerald Bay, with jaw-dropping lake views the entire time. The trail is mostly flat, with just 500 feet of elevation gain, and you’ll have access to a beach, bathrooms and snacks near the beginning & end of your hike at Vikingsholm. But take note: you’ll need to do a teensy bit of off-trail adventuring to make it all the way to the point!
• Eagle Lake Trail | Miles: 1.9: This is the perfect short hike if you really want some bang for your buck. The out-and-back Eagle Lake Trail starts near the beautiful Emerald Bay and takes you past Eagle Falls before reaching Eagle Lake at the base of North Maggie’s Peak. Note: because this trail enters a wilderness area, you’ll need to pick up a permit at the trailhead.
• Fallen Leaf Lake | Miles: 8.1: This route circles a smaller lake near South Lake Tahoe which kind of looks like a miniature Lake Tahoe – except the mountains that surround it are MUCH closer. I haven’t completed the full loop version of this hike, but even a partial hike was enough to showcase how stunning this area is! We heard that much of this hike is on a paved road, so if that’s not your preference just turn around instead of completing the loop.
• Rubicon Trail | Miles: 9.2: This hike cemented my love for Lake Tahoe. The hike begins in D.L. Bliss State Park – camp there if you can – up in the granite, pine-topped cliffs. It gradually descends down to the lake, with sweeping Lake Tahoe views the entire time. Once you reach shore level, it passes multiple little private coves which would be the perfect place to enjoy the beach and take a dip. Then it goes straight through a boat-in campsite, passes through some flower-covered meadows, and ends at a beautiful Norwegian-style castle, called Vikingsholm, which has a beach and a little gift shop with ice cream: the best things to have mid-way through a long hike! Take a break and relax before climbing back up, or shuttle your cars to make the hike an easy 5-mile descent.
• Crag Lake Hike | Miles: 9.8: The name “Desolation Wilderness” isn’t exactly what I would call appealing.It conjures up images of being lost in a murky, haunted forest, possibly filled with rabid bears. Or maybe I’m just paranoid. But I can attest to the fact that it is, in fact, incredibly beautiful and not scary in the slightest. The trailhead is across from Meek’s Bay (camp here if you can!) and heads away from the lakeshore up into rocky granite cliffs with constant, sweeping vistas of lush pine forest and distant mountain tops. After about 5 miles you’ll reach a series. of stunning alpine lakes. The most picturesque lake – well worth continuing past the initial, inferior lakes – is Crag Lake. At the valley created by rocky mountain peaks, the lake is a mirror reflecting the beauty of its surroundings peacefully on its surface. It is an idyllic midway point for lunch before hiking back the way you came, with new views all the way down!

There are TONS more amazing hikes in Lake Tahoe – this is only a tiny selection. For more ideas, check out Tahoe Trails Guide, a local blog with a comprehensive list of Tahoe hiking guides!

Play in that Stunning Water

You can’t look at Lake Tahoe without the urge to head out on the water. The water is so blue, so inviting, and so refreshing on a hot summer day. Luckily, there are also a ton of boat outfitters all around the lake where you can rent something for a couple of hours or the whole day!

The quintessential Lake Tahoe experience is to rent a boat and spend the day zipping around the lake. Here are a few options:

• Go sailing: Hop on board a chartered sailboat and spend a wonderful two hours sailing across Lake Tahoe! This sailing cruise is capped at 18 people – and is a fraction of the cost of chartering your own boat.
• Private chartered boat: This is the perfect way to enjoy Lake Tahoe: just you and your loved ones (and a professional boat Captain) on a luxurious little boat, floating along on the bright green waters of Emerald Bay. The only catch is the price: you’ll want a group to make this budget-friendly, but the boat fits up to 6 people.
• Double-decker pontoon with a WATERSLIDE: I mean, come ON. It does not get cooler than this baller double-decker boat with a freakin’ waterslide. You’ll want to bring along 10 other people (and make them all chip in) to make this more budget-friendly, but this is hands down the best way to spend a day in Lake Tahoe with a group! Just make sure whoever drives the boat stays sober 😉

While powerboats are quite pricey to rent — unless you’re traveling with a group — you can rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards for a much more reasonable price. Besides, when you propel your own boat, you experience a little more of that mountain serenity!,

• Tahoe City Kayak: If you’re staying on the north end of Lake Tahoe, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards at Tahoe City Kayak at Commons Beach. This shop can also deliver your watercraft, so if you plan to set out from another beach, they can drop off your boat wherever you’re staying. You can rent their boats or boards by the hour, for a  ½ day, or for a full day.
• Wild Society: For something a little unique, rent a clear — as in, see-through! — kayak or stand up paddleboard from Wild Society in Kings Beach. If you really want to enjoy the turquoise water of Lake Tahoe, this rental is for you. Not only do you get to enjoy the scenery around you, but you can gaze straight down through your transparent boat and into that crystal clear water.
• SUP Tahoe: In South Lake Tahoe, you can rent paddleboards and kayaks at SUP Tahoe. Here, you can rent for 2 hours, the whole day, or just the evening — imagine paddling into a Tahoe sunset! They offer “extreme stability” boards for duos who want to share a board — or for singles who aren’t particularly well-balanced.
• Adrift: For kayaks, paddleboards, but also canoes, visit Adrift in Kings Beach. While canoes are a little different than kayaks, they’re great for couples or pairs and you can carry a lot more stuff with you. Ooh, and they sell shave ice at the shop. What a refreshing end to a day on the water!
• Take a kayaking or paddleboarding tour: Never SUP-ed or kayaked before, or just prefer a guide? There probably isn’t a more beautiful place to learn how to kayak or paddleboard than on the crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe. If you need a little practice or prefer a guide, this easy kayaking & paddleboarding tour is for you. Your guide will teach you the basics of paddling as you learn you a little about the natural history of the area.

Stuff your Face

I’m gonna just be super honest with you: nobody goes to Lake Tahoe for the food. It’s not known for food and there’s nothing particularly special about the food there. 

But if you want a break from camp food or just need a burger after a big hike (we’ve all been there), here’s what we can recommend:

South Lake Tahoe

• Himmel Haus is a cozy little spot in South Lake Tahoe located at the foot of a Heavenly ski run that serves delicious, authentic-enough German food. Plus, they’ve got a fantastic German and Belgian beer selection! This is our favorite post-hike spot to get an appropriately satisfying meal.
• For dessert, pick up some fresh cobbler a la mode at Aloha Ice Cream and Dessert Spa, and then head across the street for an incredible view of the lake at sunset in South Lake Tahoe.

North Lake Tahoe

• Old Town Tap: This taphouse in Truckee has a dog-friendly outdoor patio and fare that’s somehow upscale and down-to-earth at the same time. Try a local beer with the bone marrow with chutney and arugula, the sausage and kale mac n’ cheese with chèvre, chili oil, and lemon zest, or a pizza with pork belly, bacon, guanciale, pickled pepper, chili flake, mozz, parm, and honey.
• Fat Cat: Head to this Tahoe City local favorite for incredibly fresh seafood. Yes, really! I mean, you are only a few hours inland, after all. We recommend the ahi tower (it’s delicious and generous) or the lobster claw grilled cheese. Or just order the feel-good burger of the month – 15% of the proceeds benefit a local non-profit.

West Shore 

• Chamber’s Landing Bar & Grill: Said to be the oldest bar and boathouse in Tahoe, Chamber’s Landing dates back to 1975. Today, you can spend a day at the Chamber’s Landing beach before relaxing on the patio with a Chambers Punch and a plate of lobster ravioli or scallops and abalone while watching the sun set over the Sierra Nevadas.

Drink a Post-Adventure Beer

Big mountain hikes aren’t really complete until the post-adventure beer. Luckily, Tahoe has plenty of both.

Whether you’re in North or South Lake Tahoe, there are plenty of places to grab an after-hike beer. Most have great beer gardens to enjoy a little more of that Sierra sun. Whether you’re looking for a fruity sour or bitter IPA, there’s no shortage of pints at these Lake Tahoe breweries:

North Lake Tahoe

• FiftyFifty Brewing is a pub in Truckee with beers like the Donner Party Porter and  Tahoe Pilz. But they’re also known for their vintage Eclipse collection — whiskey barrel-aged versions of their award-winning Imperial Stout. They’ve also got a menu with some fine-looking burgers (one of which is obviously named “Donner Party”). Beer and burgers — what more could you possibly want?
• Alibi Ale Works brews its beer with Lake Tahoe water – can you get more local than that? This brewery has a few different locations: first, the Brewery and Barrel House in Incline Village serves beer, wine, cider, and kombucha. They don’t serve food, but recommend a few local spots for you to order in takeout. The second location is in Truckee — the Truckee Public House. They serve much of the same great beer, along with seasonal and creative food. Incline Public House is the third and newest location, with more great food and beer. Both pubs also host live music.
• The Good Wolf Brewing is all things woodsy, whimsical, and welcoming. With its “forest-inspired” beers, The Good Wolf is serving brews like Dirty Candy – a foraged mushroom ale, Little Feather – a blueberry sour, and Range of Light – an evergreen IPA. If you’re looking for unique beer to match the scenery — or you just need to know what the heck a mushroom ale tastes like — don’t miss this place!

South Lake Tahoe

• South of North Brewing Company is a great spot for both beer and entertainment. They’ve got a spacious outdoor patio with firepits and games, and they often host live music. In the summer they serve a nice selection of fruity beers, like the refreshing Blueberry Ale.
• South Lake Brewing Co. has both a front patio and a spacious beer garden, perfect for enjoying some afternoon sun and some excellent beer. Try their Marlette Sunrise Blood Orange Blonde with honey malt and flaked wheat for a hint of sweet malt complexity, with a hint of blood orange purée!
• Sidellis features experimental beers and some tasty food to match. It’s got both outdoor seating and an indoor, log cabin-y vibe. Try the seasonal Mangonero White — a sweet and spicy brew of mango and habanero. 
• While they don’t brew their own beer at The Hangar, it’s definitely worth a visit. In the summer, you can enjoy the sprawling beer garden and choose from the 30 or so beers they have on tap. You can find delicious craft brews from all over California, as well as Wyoming, Oregon, and as far away as Michigan. The Hangar doesn’t serve food, but you’re encouraged to bring your own.

For even more details on breweries in South Lake Tahoe, check out this post by our friend Kara from Whimsy Soul that thoroughly ranks Tahoe breweries based on beer and ~vibes.

Visit a Norwegian Castle & a Haunted Island

In the 1860s, along the shores of Emerald Bay, a stagecoach magnate and early-day transportation king named Ben Holiday built the first resort in Lake Tahoe (in hindsight, his name may have sealed the fate of Lake Tahoe).

Over 60 years later in 1928, a fabulously wealthy woman named Mrs. Josephine Knight purchased the land in order to build the vacation home of her dreams: Vikingsholm – a spectacular Norwegian-esque “castle” that looks like something directly out of a fairytale. I, too, was inspired to become a fabulously wealthy woman living in a Norwegian castle after watching Frozen.

The landscape of Tahoe reminded her of the fjords of Scandinavia, where she’d traveled many times before. So she built a Norwegian castle to match! Because if you can’t build miniature versions of the fabulous castles you saw on your European travels, what’s the point of being ridiculously rich in California in the 1920s? Am I right, William Randolph Hearst?

Mrs. Knight didn’t stop there, though: she also built a tea house on Fannette Island, located in Emerald Bay. Her guests had to travel to her private island by rowboat to attend her fabulous tea parties, top which I say, this woman is a vibe and I want to be her when I grow up. Unfortunately, the tea house has since been vandalized, and it’s not much to see anymore.

But wait: there’s more. Before Mrs. Knight built her fancy tea house on Fannette Island, it was home to Captain Dick “Them’s My Toes” Barter, who looked after Ben Holiday’s fabulous resort while it sat empty during the freezing cold Tahoe winters. Captain Dick lived on the island alone, but would row the 16 miles up to Tahoe City to drink whiskey in the saloon with other hardy locals. One night, while rowing home from the bar, a storm hit and capsized his boat, throwing him into the freezing cold waters. It is said that he lashed himself to the side of the boat and kept rowing, shouting “Richard Barter never surrenders!”. 

He survived, but two of his toes became frostbitten. So, like a true rugged outdoorsman, he amputated them himself and saved them in a box. For the rest of his life, he took every opportunity to shock guests at the resort by taking them out during dinner parties with relish, announcing “them’s my toes!” and passing them around to horrified guests. To which I say, ALSO VERY MUCH A VIBE/GOALS.

Sadly, he died mysteriously in a storm (also, probably, while rowing home drunk from the bar). His toes (and body) are still unaccounted for, and it’s said that he still haunts the island, floating around with a small box and crying THEM’S MY TOES to anyone in earshot.

To soak up all the weirdness of this spot, you’ll have a bit of a schlep. Vikingsholm is tucked onto the shore of Emerald Bay, on the southwest side of the lake. You can only reach it via a 1-mile trail from the parking lot on Highway 89 (or as the halfway point of the 9-mile Rubicon Trail) or by boat, Captain Dick style. (You can only access Fanette Island, and its mysterious and haunted ruins, by boat).

Bring your swimsuit and a towel and make a day of it: there’s a charming, tucked-away little beach here! You can buy tickets for tours of Vikingsholm, plus some snacks and other sundries, at the adjacent visitor center.

To hear our retelling of the amazing stories of Vikingsholm, Fannette Island, toes, and Lake Tahoe’s other weird, quirky history, listen to our Lake Tahoe podcast episode!

• Head’s Up: Don’t confuse Vikingsholm with Valhalla, which is located at another historic site that once housed a fancy resort for wealthy travelers: the Tallac Historic Site. They’ve also got a museum, but as far as we can tell, no ghosts.

Rolling vineyards. Misty mountains. Opulent castles. Welcome to Napa Valley, California’s most iconic wine country – and for good reason! California makes the some of the best wine in the world (we’re biased, but it’s also true) and Napa wineries are the glittering heart of California’s globally-celebrated wine industry.

Napa Valley is one of the world’s most iconic wine destinations, but it isn’t just the Cabernet that brings in nearly 4 million tourists every year. Ideally situated about an hour north of San Francisco, Napa Valley sets the standard for wine tourism and hospitality. Its classic wine country views, Michelin-starred chefs, and imaginative wine tasting experiences attract wine lovers and inspire connoisseurs. Napa Valley is a must-visit destination if you’re planning a trip to Northern California!

We are lucky to have Aubrey Terrazasto, who is an Advanced Sommelier and wine buyer for the San Francisco-based digital tasting app Palate Club, guide us through the best wineries in Napa. Aubrey has frequented Napa Valley for the better part of a decade, and has discovered unique tasting experiences while acting as a tour guide to visiting friends and family (um, can we. come too?). Take it away, Aubrey!

Psst: Looking for more California getaways? We have a bunch! Browse them all or take a look at these posts:

Things to Know about Napa

Let’s start with why Napa Valley is famous: really, really good wines. Napa Valley is ideally situated to make some of the world’s best wines. The grapes get long hours of California sunshine to ripen, but the area quickly drops around 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night due to the cool Pacific Ocean’s influence. The reliably cool, foggy mornings and evenings allow the grapes to retain acidity, which leads to more balance to the wines. 

Mountains surround the valley on both sides: the Vaca Range to the East and the Mayacamas to the West. Within less than an hour’s drive, soil types and microclimates vary widely, and between these two mountain ranges, wineries and vineyards are sprinkled throughout!

It takes less than an hour to get from one end of Napa Valley to the other, but the wineries’ density could quickly fill up a week of wine tasting.

Most Napa tourists stick to Highway 29, which is lined by dozens of wineries (many of which you don’t need typically a reservation to visit). Traffic can lurch on the weekends, but driving Highway 29 and stopping wherever tickles your fancy is the easiest way to visit Napa without much planning. Just be prepared for crowded tasting rooms and potentially slower service!

Napa vs. Napa Valley

Napa Valley is a 30-mile long stretch of valley, ringed by mountains, running from Carneros to Calistoga. The Napa Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) includes 16 distinct sub-regions and includes the towns of Carneros, Napa, St. Helena, Yountville, and Calistoga.

Napa Valley takes its name from the biggest city in the area, Napa, and the town of Napa was named after the Napa River which runs through it.

So, when most people say “Napa,” they’re typically referring to ALL of those regions and towns throughout the Napa Valley – not just Napa, the city!

What should I wear to Napa?

You don’t need to dress to the nines on a visit to Napa, but you don’t want to look like a schlub, either. Aim for “wine country casual” – kind of a cuter, frillier version of business casual. You’ll fit right in wearing a sun hat (this is my favorite), cute sandals, and a dress.

Napa Valley is about 40 minutes east of Sonoma and the Pacific Ocean, and its daytime temperatures climb much higher than foggy Coastal California. Daytime – especially in the summer – can get to over 100 degrees, so wear something breathable and comfortable!

But if you’ll be staying overnight or past sunset, bring warm layers. It’s much colder during the night than it is during the day – temperatures can plummet 20 degrees within hours.

I’m from Chicago, so I thought I had thick blood for cold weather, but the Pacific breeze is natural and guaranteed after sundown! You’ll be shivering in your sundress, so pack a change of clothes and a warm sweater for the evening.

What is the cost of tastings in Napa?

Wine tastings normally cost between $15-50. $30 is about an average price for a tasting, and yes, that’s per person. Napa is pricey!

That said, you can usually get this fee waived by buying a bottle or two of wine. You can also sometimes find two-for-one tasting deal coupons by stopping by the Visitor’s Center.

What is “Palate Fatigue” and how can I avoid it?

Palate Fatigue is what happens when you’re tasting the same thing over and over again until you become unable to taste its nuances anymore – or lose all appetite for the thing you’re tasting. It’s like the wine tasting equivalent of when you repeat or stare at a word until it loses all meaning. And when you’re paying as much as you are for tastings in Napa, it also means you’re probably not getting your money’s worth.

A rule of thumb: Two tastings in a day is relaxed. Three is efficient. Four or more tastings is work.

You might be excited to visit all of your favorite wineries, but if you’re doing more than four, be sure to plan a nap before dinner.  When I’m looking for new wine for Palate Club, I taste at four or five wineries a day. I’m a wine professional with a decade of experience, and I still find that I have significant “palate fatigue” after three wineries.

What’s that bucket for?

Most Napa tasting rooms will have buckets out on every counter (and if you’re lucky, crackers or other neutral-tasting nibbles). These are called Spit Buckets or Dump Buckets (yes, even in the fanciest wineries, this is what it’s called), and they’re there for you to toss out the rest of your glass – or even your mouthful of wine. And don’t worry, it’s not considered rude!

It may seem counterintuitive to pay for a taste of wine that you just dump out, but if you’re a serious wine connoisseur, you’ll find learn that there are some wines you just don’t really like – and you don’t need another sip of. Spitting is also a great way to taste wine without going way over your limits, and it reduces palate fatigue, too.

Here’s a sommelier secret to having your best day of wine tasting: you have to spit. When I visit wine country to find wines for Palate Club, I sometimes spend four hours on the road and taste 100s of wines in a day. If there is not a spit bucket, I ask for one to make sure that I get back to my hotel safely. It’s not rude, and it’s not wasting wine. Most winemakers appreciate it when you pace yourself to stay sober enough to enjoy the wines.

That said, if you have different plans for your weekend in Napa, no judgment! 

What should I eat in Napa?

I typically practice intermittent fasting, but I always eat breakfast before wine tasting. Even if you’re spitting, you’ll get worn down quickly without food. Plan time for lunch and bring snacks in the car.

You’ll want carbs, healthy fats, nutrients, and lots of water. I like to pack nuts, fruit, baguette, and plenty of water in a reusable water bottle. You can grab a sandwich off Highway-29 at Oakville Grocery, just north of the Opus One winery, and bring it along with you.

I also included my favorite restaurants in Napa at the end of this post because if there’s one thing Napa does amazingly well other than wine, it’s food!

History of Napa

Napa Valley started its viticultural journey with Spanish missionaries in the 1770s. At the time, Palomino Negro was the dominant grape, nicknamed “Mission” due to its cultivators. Commercial planting wasn’t a thing until the early 1880s when the Mexican government released control of viticulture from the church (remember when California belonged to Mexico?). 

European influence rushed in after 1849 when settlers flooded the area searching for gold, bringing their preferred grapes and viticulture methods with them. In 1861, Charles Krug founded what is now Napa’s oldest commercial winery. Beringer, Schramsberg, and Inglenook followed suit until the area faced devastating decline due to phylloxera, an insect pest of grapevines, and Prohibition.

It was decades before Napa Valley could recover from Prohibition, as only “sacrament wineries,” or wineries that made wine for church, were permitted to operate during that time.

It wouldn’t be until the 1960s when trailblazer Robert Mondavi galvanized winemakers and wine lovers around the world to discover Napa’s underutilized potential. Arguably, it was Mondavi that built Napa’s reputation for fine wine.

But it was the dramatic Judgment of Paris in 1976, when Stag’s Leap and Chateau Montelena shockingly defeated first-growth Bordeaux and Burgundy in a blind-tasting competition, that positioned Napa as the New World’s most famous fine wine region. At the time, even wine professionals outside of France weren’t taken seriously, so when California stole the show, it was a huge upset.

The movie Bottle Shock dives into the dramatic story, and the day that put Napa officially on the map forever!

What to Know Before You Visit Napa

How to get to Napa

The easiest way to get to Napa is to fly into either San Francisco, Oakland or Sacramento and rent a car. Napa Valley is about an hour north of San Francisco and Oakland, and an hour west of Sacramento. 

You can rent a vehicle from the airport you fly into, or directly in Napa. Note that California roads are often windy, so if you get car sick, opt for a comfy SUV rather than a sports car!

• From Downtown San Francisco: If you are staying downtown but HAVE to see the Golden Gate Bridge, take Highway 101 on the way North to Napa but I-80 on the way back. This route will save you from the $8.35 southbound Golden Gate bridge toll. Be sure to plan your route from your hotel, as going downtown to the Golden Gate Bridge adds about 30 minutes to your course. If you’re not interested in driving over the Golden Gate bridge, you can take the Bay Bridge from downtown to get to I-80.
• From Oakland: If you plan to go directly to Napa, you can save 20-30 minutes by flying into Oakland and bypassing the jam-packed Bay Bridge and San Francisco traffic. 
• From Sacramento: If you fly into Sacramento, your route will likely be I-80 W. The path between Sacramento and Napa is efficient, but you’ll miss the coastal views of the Bay. 

Travel Tip: Keep in mind that the Bay Area is rated one of the worst areas for traffic in the country, so give yourself plenty of cushion time, especially during rush hour (7-10 am or 4-7 pm). Be prepared to get stuck behind a tractor or bus without a passing lane, which can significantly pressure test your schedule. 

Getting to Napa without a Car

If you want to skip driving, there are options to get from San Francisco to Napa Valley.

Extranomical Tours and Gray Line San Francisco both have reputable wine country tours that include San Francisco pickup. Uber and Lyft will also get you there for around $120 one way. 

You can also take a bus and train combination through Amtrak to get from San Francisco to Napa Valley in 3-4 hours for around $40 round trip – this is definitely the cheapest option!

How to Get Around Napa

It’s definitely easiest to get around Napa with a car – but if you won’t have one, or you just want to focus on enjoying the wine, you do have a few options.

• Rent a Car: You can rent a vehicle from the airport you fly into, or directly in Napa once you arrive. It’s challenging to get around Napa without a car, so draw straws and pick a Designated Driver (another pro tip: be sure that everyone pitches in to get the DD a nice dinner at the end of the day).
• Ride Sharing Apps: Lyft is available in Napa Valley and start around $15 for a 15-minute drive. Wineries could be 45 minutes away from one another, or just up the street, so I suggest planning ahead. In my experience, it takes around 10 minutes for a Lyft to show up, but expect longer for more remote locations. If you have appointments, plan with extra time, as you may need to wait for your ride to show up in more isolated locations.
• Rent a Limo: If you’re balling out or looking to party, limo or party bus rentals are the best way to get around Napa Valley. Napa Shuttle Limousine provides custom packages depending on your itinerary. Limos start at $99, depending on the company.
• Hire a Driver: Companies such as Designated Drivers Napa Sonoma offer local drivers. Because they drive your car, the cost tends to be lower than private shuttles or tours. Make sure your driver is licensed and insured by referencing the California PUC’s Transportation Carrier Lookup. Their name should be listed there if they are licensed. 

Travel Tip: most of these options require you to pre-plan your itinerary. Many wineries require reservations, and they can fill up quickly during the busy season. In general, I suggest making reservations, as you can plan your route and you won’t waste time getting turned away if the tasting room is full. 

But If you’re not particular about where you go and want more guidance from a local (and transportation as well), consider one of Napa’s many wine tours!

Napa Wine Tours

Napa wine tours are a safe, relaxed way to visit Napa Valley and the easiest way to visit Napa wineries without worrying about transportation. If you have a few days in wine country,  I suggest starting with a tour to learn more about Napa, then venturing out on your own to hit up your top-choice wineries!

A few things to note: Unless you hire a private driver, you won’t have much input on which wineries you visit. And gratuity is not included, but most guides typically expect it if you enjoyed the experience – so bring some cash to tip them!  

Tours from within Napa Valley

• Napa Valley’s Historic Wine Train will bring you from Napa to St. Helena and back on a relaxing, scenic 3-hour train ride. While you enjoy a multi-course meal (with wine, of course) you’ll watch vineyards and mountains roll by out the windows. Note that this is not a party bus – the operators of the Wine Train will kick off rambunctious groups, leaving them stranded in Napa!

• This small Napa vineyards tour run by Platypus Wine Tours visits lesser-known Napa vineyards and includes a picnic lunch at a winery! The tour guides are knowledgeable, fun, and known to introduce their guests to wineries that they wouldn’t have found independently.

• Take a Napa Bike Tour: Yes: this is a thing in Napa! There’s a 47-mile Napa Vine Trail bike path currently in the works, but until it’s finished, cyclists can enjoy the scenery on their own or with a guided bike tour. You’ll cycle through beautiful scenery and stop at two wineries for tastings.

Napa Tours from San Francisco

Staying in San Francisco? There are a few great options for day trips to Napa Valley that include pickup and drop off in San Francisco:

• Wine & Redwoods Tour: If you’re staying in San Francisco, this Muir Woods Redwoods and Wine Country Tour is a full-day excursion that includes Muir Woods, the Golden Gate bridge, and winery visits in Sonoma and Napa.  If you have a short trip to San Francisco with only one day to visit wine country, this option because allows you to see the beautiful redwoods in addition to wine country! The tour includes a stop for a picnic lunch in Sonoma but does not provide meals. It’s fairly easy to grab a sandwich in Sonoma (Sweet Pea Bake Shop is super cute), or you can find something in San Francisco ahead of time.

The Best Wineries in Napa

There are fantastic wineries spread throughout the entire Napa Valley region! Whether you are taking the classic route on Highway 29 or heading up to hillside destination wineries along the Silverado Trail, you can find great wineries in Napa sprinkled throughout the densely planted valley; good wine is ubiquitous in the region!

The best wineries combine delicious, balanced wine with spectacular views. Each individual producer will have their own spin, but as a rule, valley fruit tends to be richer, broader, and juicier; and mountain fruit tends to be more savory and elegant.

As far as what to try, Cabernet Sauvignon is the best-known grape from Napa, but you can also find killer examples of Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot. 

Below, I’ve organized the best wineries in Napa by their best or most interesting qualities!

*Note: At the time of writing, all Napa wineries require reservation due to COVID-19 health & safety measures.

Scenic Napa Wineries

When I’m looking for hidden gems for Palate Club or scenic views, I make a point to venture up into the mountains, or at least to the Silverado Trail. 

You’ll need time, patience, and a designated driver to safely zig-zag up the narrow mountain roads, but the most peaceful and rewarding views are away from congested Highway 29. You also get more diversity of soil and exposure when you’re higher, leading to finer Cabernets. 

Here are the best Napa wineries with scenic views:

Stony Hill Vineyard

Stony Hill Vineyard is among the most respected white wine producers in Napa Valley and the first post-Prohibition estate. The 168-acre vineyard on Spring Mountain is dedicated to French-inspired Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Riesling with an “ethereal” winemaking style: textural, elegant, and with a long, mineral finish.

The winery, which is also certified organic, feels hidden within the Eastern Mayacamas Mountains. Sprawling vineyards shoot out from the tasting room in all directions, with a clear view of the sunny and forested Vaca Mountains. The magic of the setting and the refreshing wines may cause you to lose track of time, so give yourself plenty of space to savor the moment.

Far Niente

“Napa Valley’s Finest Winery” has a storybook-style Chateau at the end of a long, acacia-tree-lined drive. Forty-niner John Benson built the property in 1885, but it was later renovated to its current glory. Complete with a vintage car collection, a reflection pond, and lush trees that turn golden in the fall, Far Niente’s estate is the making of Napa daydreams.

The winery focuses on two varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. They’re known to save back vintages, so this is also a great place to taste older Napa – but be ready to shell out some cash for it!

• Far Niente | Address: 1350 Acacia Drive, Oakville, CA 94562

Sterling Vineyards

“Napa Valley, Elevated.” Situated high on the Mayacamas near Calistoga, Sterling is a high-elevation winery best known for its vantage point.

Take the Aerial Tram at Sterling Vineyards for a 360 view of rolling Napa vineyards, the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains, and the sun-drenched valley. Napa is rather dry, so the view has a desert-meets-the-ocean view, with oak and pine trees studded along the golden, low-range Vacas. You can see birds of prey circling high above the wildlife in the forested Mayacamas below.

They produce Cabernet, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay, but I’m a fan of their Sauvignon Blanc for its bright fruits and refreshing acidity.. Their flagship is Sterling Vineyards Iridium. 

*2021: Sterling Vineyards is currently undergoing renovations after the 2020 Glass fire and is not open for tastings.

Somerston Estate

This 1,682-acre estate pushes for a top-class Cabernet in Napa’s Eastern Vaca Mountains. They produce single-block wines from organic fruit, using the best sites from each vintage to release. Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc play supporting roles as mono-varietal offerings.

The founders emphasize excellence in every way, down to pH-balanced water and carbon-neutral practices at the winery. They offer tours and food pairings at their hidden Napa estate about 10 miles off the Silverado Trail. 

Give yourself time for the winding roads (it’ll be worth the views). For a premium, you can book a private dinner with the winemaker Craig Becker.

Budget-Friendly Wineries in Napa

Napa Valley is synonymous with a lux lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean you can’t glam out on a budget (well, “budget” by Napa standards, anyway). In fact, many of the more commercial brands you can find at most grocery stores are big businesses, meaning they have the cash to build stunning properties with consistent quality wines.

Beringer Estate

Beringer is one of the oldest wineries in Napa, and the historic Rhine-style chateau is worth a visit in and of itself. The founder moved to California from Germany in the 1870s, and the German influence on the property gives the estate a storybook feel.

The ornate chateau could be straight out of Beauty and the Beast, except that it’s landscaped by California succulents and hydrangea. Stroll the cobblestone path around the manicured gardens or explore history in the wine caves. 

Designated a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, their wines are both commercially and historically. The range reaches from straight-up Beringer White ZInfandel to top-class Cabernet. There is a wide range of tasting options available: the cheapest option is just a class of wine and a stroll around the estate for $20, and the next option up is an outdoor seated tasting of 4 wines for $35 per person.

Sutter Home

There’s a very good chance that you’ll recognize Sutter Home’s labels from your local grocery store aisle: this is a big, popular brand! And that’s also what makes it a budget-friendly Napa winery.

Sutter Home’s yellow Victorian Mansion is packed with country-club style charm. After tasting, you can stroll through their rose garden. It feels a bit like visiting your rich grandmother in Georgia, rather than a wine tasting in California: perfectly organized garden paths, a wrap-around porch on a yellow American-style mansion, and smiling service staff ready to quench your parched palate.

Their wines range includes fruit infusions, traditional dry reds and whites, sweet wines, and rosés. The wines themselves are usually under $10/bottle.

• Sutter Home | Address: 277 St. Helena Hwy (Hwy. 29) South St. Helena, CA 94574

William Hill Estate

William Hill’s stunning Atlas Peak estate rests peacefully on the Eastern side of the valley, well hidden from busy Highway 29. It’s one of the few wineries on the Eastern side is one of the best-situated spots for watching the sunset, especially during the winter months. Their outdoor deck is well situated to catch sunlight and views of rolling vineyards. 

They offer a few tasting experiences for their Bordeaux-influenced reds and whites, including an estate tasting with bites, an Arbor Picnic Basket tasting with access to their magnificent views, and a Library Tasting of back vintages.

The sexier experiences are more expensive but still a good value when considering that food is included. Their wines start at $17, which is a fraction of the cost of many Napa Estates.

READ THIS POST

The 36 Best Wineries in Napa (by a Sommelier)

Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Wineries in Napa

“Eco-friendly” or “sustainable” wineries are umbrella terms to cover organic, biodynamic, and environmentally-friendly wineries.

There are a plethora of certifications: certified organically grown grapes, Demeter biodynamic, and Napa Green are just a few. Organic means grapes were grown without pesticides, but biodynamic takes it a step further and uses moon cycles and natural remedies like chamomile to work with the environment to grow grapes. Sustainability practices such as Napa Green measure the amount of water used at the winery and carbon emissions in the vineyard.

Even better? Not only are eco-friendly vineyards better for the environment, but they tend to make better wines! Here are the best sustainable wineies in Napa.

Spottswoode

A gorgeous Victorian-style home built in 1882 is the heart of the Spottswoode winery in St. Helena. The organic estate is a family wine estate, but their accolades are anything but humble.

Spottswoode, which frequently receives 100-point scores from various wine critics, was one of California’s first wineries to adopt organics. They later adopted biodynamics, so now their estate vineyard is a “living, breathing ecosystem.” 

Spottswoode heralds the philosophy of “One Earth” and takes a holistic approach to everything they do in the winery, the vineyards, and business. Spottswoode was also the first winery to become a Certified B-Corporation.

Tasting their coveted Cabernet Sauvignon is an experience in and of itself, but the sense of life and energy you feel at the estate vineyard puts the excellence into perspective. 

• Spottswoode | Address: 1902 Madrona Ave, St Helena, CA 94574

Trefethen Family Vineyards

For three generations of the winemaker, the Trefethen family made various Napa wines from estate vineyards in the Oak Knoll District. If you’re ready to take a break from Cabernet, Trefethen will fill your void for Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Malbec, and a variety of other less-common grapes in Napa (they, of course, also make Cabernet and Chardonnay). 

The family emphasizes biodiversity. Instead of using pesticides, they use plants and nesting spots to attract natural predators that eat harmful vineyard pests. They also practice water conservation, waste diversion, diverse employment, and solar-powered electricity.

 According to Hailey Trefethen, “Everything we do comes from this land, so we strive to keep it healthy.” Trefethen offers several outdoor experiences where you can appreciate their work with a view of their lively estate vineyards.

Cliff Lede

The 60-acre Stag’s Leap District winery became Certified Napa Green in 2015. Sustainable practices include implementing Carbon Farming and Regenerative procedures, reducing water waste, and social equity and inclusion. 

Planted by Napa viticulture legend David Abreu in 2002, owner Cliff Lede named the vineyards after his favorite songs: “My Generation,” “Dark Side of the Moon,” etc.

Cliff Lede focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, but the winery also produces a couple of red blends: “High Fidelity” and the Bordeaux-style “Claret.”

The Sauvignon Blanc was once a go-to of mine when I suggested white wine pairings as a sommelier. It’s a fresh, clean style that pairs well with seafood, salads, and fruit sauces.

• Cliff Lede | Address: 1473 Yountville Cross Rd, Yountville, CA 94599

Keenan Winery

Robert Keenan planted Cabernet vines in the Mayacamas Mountains at 1700 feet, almost twenty years before the area officially became the Spring Mountain District AVA. The region’s poor soils and cooler climate mean the vines struggle and produce less fruit – a good thing for wine, as the grapes will have more concentration and flavor! 

Instead of the juicy, giant blockbusters of the valley, Keenan makes a lifted, Bordeaux-style red.

The family-owned winery is solar-powered and sustainably farmed. Cabernet is the flagship, but they also make Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay, and a red blend.

You can make an appointment to take with the winemaker at their tasting room off Highway 29 or their Spring Mountain estate. Their tastings are dog-friendly, too!

• Keenan Winery | Address: 3660 Spring Mountain Rd #9677, St Helena, CA

READ THIS POST

The 36 Best Wineries in Napa (by a Sommelier)

Minority-Owned Wineries in Napa

In a recent survey of wine industry professionals, 84 percent of respondents were white (source). The wine industry, as a whole, lacks diversity. As a wine consumer, you can help change that by driving consumer demand and insisting that diversity in wine is the future of the industry. (Psst: this is also part of being a responsible tourist!)

The reason why Napa’s wine industry is so white stems from land ownership, which long ago created a divide between class and race in the wine world – watch this YouTube video to learn more.

In a nutshell, the best vineyard sites are extremely expensive, so historic families that passed down their land as inheritance put the rich, white class at an extreme advantage to sell the best wine in the world for a markup—and without the added cost of paying off the land.

We have a long way to go, and a great place to start to diversify the industry is by supporting minority-owned wineries in Napa. Here are a few winemakers who are making grounds:

J. Moss Wines

Gospel musician James Moss took his passion for wine to a higher level when he studied winemaking under former Opus One winemaker Mark Jessup and former Chateau Montelena and Winemaker Gustavo Brambila before launching his namesake label.

J.Moss focuses on single-block Cabernet Sauvignons sourced from fruit throughout the valley, though they also make Petit Sirah and Chardonnay. Their tasting room is just outside of Napa and offers courtyard tasting flights by appointment. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CN3cV0nn7Q0/?igshid=wqkiofdw8jam

Brown Estate

The Brown Estate claims to be the first and only (!) Black-owned Napa estate. There are other Black-owned wineries, but incredibly, this is the only one that offers estate fruit. What that means is that while many wineries buy their fruit from vintners, an estate owns their own fruit.

The Brown Estate’s coveted Zinfandels are magnets for top scores year after year, and their Cabernets and Chardonnay stand well on their own. 

The family purchased and rehabbed the property in 1980, selling the estate fruit to local wineries until the kids decided to make their wine from 1995.

The Brown Estate tasting room is well regarded for its hospitality and is one of the few wine tastings available in downtown Napa. As it closes at 7 pm, it’s the perfect way to wrap up a day of driving and give your DD a break. 

Kieu Hoang Winery

Vietnam-born Kieu Hoang is an American entrepreneur drawn to red wine during his analysis of health benefits from food and drink products. He claims that “Kieu Hoang Wines showed the highest level of High-Density Lipoprotein among more than 100 tested items.” 

Putting health benefits aside, their Cabernets, red blends, and Pinot Noirs are balanced and nuanced, emphasizing red fruit. They choose more cool-climate AVAs within Napa: Spring Mountain and Carneros. This selection lends for a more elegant style of red wine. 

They offer tastings just outside of Napa at their back veranda that overlooks Napa vineyards. 

Other Must-See Wineries in Napa

Here are my picks for other must-see wineries in Napa Valley.

Castello Di Amorosa (Lia’s Pick)

Some wineries you visit for the wine. Some you visit for the scenery. And some, you visit because they’re so absolutely ridiculous you just have see it for yourself. Morbid curiosity, perhaps?

Castello Di Amorosa is in that last category. Meant to be an authentic replica of a 13th-century Tuscan castle, the owner (who also owns V.Sattui winery) used more than 1 million antique bricks taken from Hapsburg palaces and imported handcrafted hardware from Italy. The castle is sprawling and no expense has been spared, from the lake to the terraces. andcourtyards to the armory to the …er, torture chamber.

Yes. That’s right: this winery has a torture chamber.

Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on your personal preferences) it’s not a functioning torture chamber – it’s just for show. And because, according to the owner, real 13th century Tuscan castles have torture chambers, so in oder to achieve true authenticity, Castello Di Amorosa has to have one, too.

Whether you chalk that up to “people with too much money doing ridiculous things” or you have a deep appreciation of medieval replicas, you just have to go see it for yourself. Ah, maybe that’s the true reason behind the torture chamber …

Stag’s Leap

Napa may have never reached its prestige without a 1976 wine tasting where Stag’s Leap overwhelmingly outperformed First Growth Bordeaux and Burgundy in a blind tasting. The event, now dubbed “The Judgement of Paris,” turned the world’s attention to the quality and potential in this unknown area in Northern California. 

Built in the 1800s, the winery was originally an aristocratic home, passed through several families before Beringer (now Treasury Wine Estates) constructed a 28,000 ft cave into the rocky mountainside. They also planted strolling gardens to surround the historic Manor House that currently serves as the tasting room.

Stag’s Leap remains the epitome of quality California Cabernet Sauvignon, made from estate fruit in state-of-the-art facilities. You can book a tasting and tour through the gardens at the secluded yet accessible estate off Silverado Trail.

Opus One

Opus One is among the most coveted wines globally and in the cellar of any serious wine collector. Owned by the Mondavi family (and just across the street from the flagship winery), the project is a brainchild of current-generation Carlo Mondavi and Baron Philippe Rothschild’s family—the family behind one of the five Bordeaux Châteaux to be awarded First Growth status.

The estate vineyards surround the modern tasting room sprawls with top-tier real estate right off Highway 29.

Every vintage of their rare Cabernet flies off to allocations (pre-arranged agreements to sell the wine to specific collectors or restaurants), but you can taste it by the glass with an appointment. Despite the prestige, the staff is relatively warm and welcoming. You’ll have space to savor your $60 tasting.

• Opus One | Address: 7900 St Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562

Robert Mondavi

Robert Mondavi is the modern-day father of Napa Valley and the man who traveled the world to champion its quality. During a time where post-prohibition tastes often favored sweet wines, he focused on planting Cabernet vines with superior quality. 

His To-Kalon vineyard in Oakville is arguably the most famous vineyard in all of Napa. Now led by female winemaker Geneviève Janssens, the wines continue to be a standard-bearer for Napa greatness.

The sunny ranch-style estate wraps around a courtyard with hidden views of Oakville vineyards. They offer tastings in a range of styles, from Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon to oaked Sauvignon Blanc. You can book a tasting, a tour, or a dining experience. The winery even offers concerts, pending seasonality and pandemics. 

READ THIS POST

The 36 Best Wineries in Napa (by a Sommelier)

Even More Awesome Wineries in Napa Valley

I’ve either been to or tasted the wines from all of these wineries. It’s a perfect mix of history, innovation, and great wine! 

If you still can’t decide on which Napa wineries to visit, head over to this complete directory or take a look at this map of all of the Napa wineries. You can also download the Winery Finder app and browse wineries in Napa by the best deals and what’s nearby!

READ THIS POST

14 Things to Do in Montreal in the Winter: The Ultimate Montreal Winter Guide

Where to Stay in Napa Valley

Napa Valley is actually a region that includes several small towns, all of which typically have a little walkable area and are close to wineries. So before you pick a place to book, think about which part of Napa Valley you want to base yourself in: Napa, Yountville, Calistoga, or St. Helena.

Keep in mind that it takes anywhere from 35-90 minutes from upper Nappa Valley to lower Napa Valley depending on traffic, so it’s helpful to think of which wineries you want to visit before you book your hotel to keep your driving time down!

Napa, the largest city, has fabulous boutique hotels and plenty of restaurants – plus, it’s got a scenic river to go kayaking on. St. Helena and Yountville are charming and walkable towns, with phenomenal world-class restaurants. But you might also consider staying in Calistoga, which has more of a romantic-getaway vibe and a plethora of spas thanks to its natural geothermal hot springs!

Here are my picks for where to stay in Napa:

• The beautiful Archer Hotel in downtown Napa is a great place to base yourself for a romantic weekend getaway, right downtown and within walking distance to wineries and shops. The rooms are luxurious (look at that tub!) and the hotel features a swanky rooftop bar that is frequented by locals!
• La Casita is a charming little Spanish style bungalow located in Napa’s Old Town, walking distance from all of downtown Napa, with a hot tub and a cute backyard patio.
• If you plan on visiting wine country with a group (hello, bachelorette party?) this stunning mid-century modern mansion in Calistoga is what Napa dreams are made from. Wake up to mountain views, swim in the pool overlooking rolling hills and vineyards, and sip wine on that gorgeous terrace!

READ THIS POST

The Mono Hot Springs Camping Incident: The Importance of A Good Travel Companion

The Best Restaurants in Napa

Where there is a great wine, there is excellent food. I left off the most famous destinations, as it’s notoriously difficult to get a reservation at pricey French Laundry or Meadowood.

Here are a few of my favorite restaurants in Napa Valley:

• The Pickled Pig in Calistoga has low-key farm to table bites, and specializes in, you guessed it, pork! Check out their award-winning smoked wings or their Piggy Deluxe Burger with black garlic mayo and homemade dill pickle chips.
• The Model Bakery which has a location in Napa, St. Helena, and Yountville is an artisanal bakery which specializes in cookies, muffins, and breads. Try their fan favorite the Morning Glory Muffin with apples, carrots, cinnamon, raisins and coconut or their English Muffins, which were one of Oprah’s “Favorite Things” in 2016!
• The Station, which is located in an old gas station, is a great place to stop for organic coffee with grab-and-go bites. They have really good cappuccinos as well as some solid avocado toast, and a really cute outdoor patio to sit out back to enjoy your coffee and snacks!
• Oenotri is a stylish restaurant in the heart of Napa serving souther-Italian cuisine. They build their rustic dishes from locally-sourced food, so this is a place to get a  super fresh and delicious meal. Try their Chef’s 6 to share with the table, which includes house-made salumi with marinated olives, spiced nuts, pickled onion, and house-made crackers. If pasta is more your thing, try their gigli with pork ragu, tomato, garlic, onion, and parmigiano-reggiano.
• Zuzu is a Spanish-inspired restaurant and tapas bar in downtown Napa overlooking the Napa River. Try their Akaushi flat-iron steak with roasted jalapeno chimichurri, or the Tunisian brik pastry stuffed with Dungeness crab, organic egg, and green onions.
• Oxbow Public Market is a 40,000 square foot market that has over 20 local vendors and a riverside deck. Check out El Porteño Empanadas, and try the carne empanada with Grass-fed beef, onions, green olives, raisins, and cage free hard-boiled eggs, or stop by Hog Island Oyster Bar and try some fresh, California-coast local Hog Island Oysters, Manila Clams, and Tomales Bay Mussels!
• Press is a swanky, modern steak-house with a world-class Napa Valley Wine list, and the perfect place to have a fancy dinner in St. Helena. Check out their truffle-glazed chicken with smoked bacon, salanova lettuce, sauce vin jaune, or their pan-seared scallops with honey tangerine, heart-grilled fennel, habanada broth. Really you can’t go wrong with anything here, and the knowledgeable staff will help you pair your meal with an excellent glass of wine. Most restaurants in Napa will have a great wine list, but if you’re ready to geek out on back vintages, Press is an essential visit!

READ THIS POST

The 36 Best Wineries in Napa (by a Sommelier)

Map of the Best Wineries in Napa

We’ve put all of our recommendations for Napa wineries and restaurants onto a handy dandy map. Save it on your phone or bookmark this page and take it with you on your trip!

About Our Contributing Writer: Aubrey Terrazas is a wine writer and Master Sommelier Candidate who lived in San Francisco, Chicago, and Lyon, France. She is a Co-founder and wine buyer at Palate Club, the online wine club that features a blind tasting experience with wines matched to your taste. Aubrey also runs Terra Vine, a wine marketing agency between the USA and Europe. Want to write us an article? Send us a pitch!

---

Which Napa winery are you headed to first? Drop us a comment below!

Psst: Looking for more California getaways? We have a bunch! Browse them all or take a look at these posts:

FOLLOW US!

Psst: Save this post for later on Pinterest!

Our Top Travel Tips & Resources

Here are our favorite travel tips & resources for saving money and planning travel logistics! For more tips, check out our complete guide to trip planning.

• Booking Flights: To score flight deals, search on Skyscanner or Kayak. Money-saving tips: fly mid-week or on the weekend; fly carry-on only on a budget airline; and take red-eyes or early morning flights.
• Accommodations: We usually stay in budget-friendly, vacation rentals, boutique hotels or private rooms in hostels. We use Booking.com to book hotels (we love their flexible cancellation policy) and Hostelworld to book hostels (low deposit, easy change/cancellation, and excellent reviews). For vacation rentals, we prefer to book using VRBO (they’ve got lower fees and better support than Airbnb, and we’re not fans of Airbnb’s unethical track record.) You can also book vacation rentals on Expedia and Hotels.com. We’ve also used TrustedHousesitters as both hosts (for our home and our fur-child) and travelers!
• Travel Insurance: We always, always, ALWAYS buy travel insurance for international trips, and we STRONGLY suggest it – visit our Travel Insurance Guide to find out why. We recommend either World Nomads or SafetyWing for international travel insurance. SafetyWing is one of the few policies that covers Covid-19, and they have excellent monthly policies that are perfect for Digital Nomads and long term travelers!
• Vaccines & Meds: We use the travel guides on the CDC website to research recommended medications and vaccines for international trips. We always recommend getting every vaccine recommended by the CDC! You can get them at your primary care doctor’s office or a walk-in pharmacy.
• Tours: We love booking guided tours, especially food tours and walking tours, to get a local’s perspective and a history lesson while sight-seeing! We book our tours using Viator and GetYourGuide.
• Transportation: We use Rome2Rio to figure out how to get from place to place using public transit. When we book a rental car, we use Kayak to compare rental companies and find the best deal.
• Luggage Storage: Whenever we’re checking out early or taking advantage of a long layover, we use Stasher or LuggageHero to safely store our luggage while we’re running around. On Stasher, you can use the code PW10 for 10% off your booking!
• What to Pack: Here are the travel essentials that we bring on every trip. We also have packing lists for hot weather, cold weather, and many more. Take a look at all of our packing guides!