Truckee is my favorite Tahoe town. It’s small and charming, yet it offers a plethora of activities, scenery, and beauty. Only a few hours from San Francisco, Truckee is the perfect Bay Area winter weekend getaway! Wether you are an avid snow bunny, or prefer to admire the snow from the comforts of your cozy cabin, you’ll enjoy this town. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite places in the Truckee and North Lake Tahoe area. What are your favorite Truckee spots? Comment below!
Things to do
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort
Sugar Bowl is a great place to ski or board if you are driving up from the Bay Area for the day. It’s the closest large ski resort to the San Francisco Bay Area, which will save you 30-45 minutes versus going to some of the other big resorts in the area. It has two parking lots, which spreads out the traffic and makes it easier to get in and out of as well. The mountain has a good range of beginner and expert runs, so everyone can enjoy their time there. There is an Inn on the mountain if you are looking for convenience and the hotel bar serves up a mean Bloody Mary to get you going in the morning.
Rainbow Bridge Overlook
After skiing at Sugar Bowl, take the scenic route to Truckee on Old Highway 40. The road winds around the mountains and on sunny days you may even see a rock climber or two scaling the rocky walls. After you cross the bridge, there is a small parking area and a gorgeous overlook. This is one of my all time favorite view points. It never gets old.
Places to Eat
Trokay
Trokay is the place to go for an experience of meal. We were wowed by the, innovative and beautifully plated dishes. Service was just as impeccable. With dishes named, Snow & Ice, and, A Walk in the Woods you know it will be an imaginative treat. Guest can choose between a pre fixe, chef’s tasting menu, or a la carte meal.
The Station – A Truckee Eatery
The Station is a fantastic spot to grab real, quality food quickly after a day in the mountains. The counter service makes it easy for large groups and families to gather. The Station specializes in bowls and sandwiches and also offer lots of veggie and vegan options so everyone can eat happy. After a long day on the slopes, wind down with some drinks or one of their specialty super food beverages! Definitely stop by next time you are in the Tahoe area, you won’t be disappointed! Some of our favorite dishes were the Istan-Bowl, Soba Noodles, and Teriyaki Bowl. Lunch served daily, breakfast and lunch on weekends only.
Truckee Cornerstone Bakery
Cornerstone Bakery is open every day 7am-4pm. They provide the freshest pastries in town baked daily with full coffee and espresso service. They also make their own chocolates in house and specialize in special occasion desserts for weddings and events, and custom birthday cakes. Our favorite is their mixed berries muffin!
Mellow Fellow
Mellow Fellow has three locations, including one in Historic Downtown Truckee. It’s a fun, casual place to stop by after a day on the slopes. You can bring the whole family, including your loveable furry friend. They have 40 beers on tap daily and serve the most delicious locally made sausages…these are a must try!
Fifty Fifty Brewing Co.
Fifty Fifty is the perfect post ski hangout place. House made brews and a large menu of items will make even the pickiest eaters happy. Their calzones are colossal and the burgers are scrumptious! Beer nerds will love it here, drop by and pick up a few of their highly sought after Eclipse bottles.
Full Belly Deli
Full Belly Deli serves huge sandwiches at reasonable prices. Stop by in the morning and grab a sandwich to-go before hitting the slopes. Believe me, it will be enough fuel to keep you going for the day.
Marty’s Cafe
Marty’s Cafe is a cozy restaurant located in Historic Downtown Truckee. They serve delicious, fresh homestyle food. It’s a great place to stop by on Sunday for brunch before heading back to the Bay Area. Lines can get long though, so prepare to wait awhile.
The Pour House Wine & Cheese Shop
If wine and cheese is your thing, visit The Pour House. This little shop is located on Jiboom Street, one street off the main drag in Historic Downtown Truckee. Along with a great selection of wines, it even has a tasting bar to unwind after a day on the slopes. You’ll be able to grab some great cheese and wine for dinner at the cabin here.
Tahoe Mountain Brewing Co.
There are actually quite a few breweries in the Tahoe area. Tahoe Mountain Brewery is a little off the beaten path, but its a chill place to relax and have a beer sampler with your buddies. They have quite a few brews on tap and you can even buy a growler to take back home with you. You can have a taste of Truckee later on in the week and start daydreaming about your next trip up to the mountains.
Places to Stay
Tahoe Maus House
If you’re visiting the area with a bigger group of family or friends and want to maximize your time spent together, Tahoe Maus House is the perfect place to stay. This rental can fit 18+ people with 3 different levels that can be closed off or rented separately as needed. Everything is beautifully decorated and designed by Found Rentals. The beds and sofas are all very comfortable and the location is close to the lake and town. They have an nice fenced off yard which we hope to enjoy more during a visit in the summer!
PlumpJack Inn
With all the snowfalls this past winter, many resorts are open until July. PlumpJack Inn is the perfect place to stay for a relaxing and ski/snowboard packed vacation since they are located within walking distance of the ski lifts. They have a delicious complimentary breakfast every morning and complimentary valet parking. Once you arrive you won’t have to get back in the car again until you leave. So relax and enjoy beautiful Tahoe!
Cedar Glen Lodge
Located a short drive from Truckee is Cedar Glen Lodge in Tahoe Vista, right across from the Lake Tahoe. They are an eco-friendly award-winning lodge that has stand alone cottages or two bedroom units with massage tubs and full kitchens. The grounds and gardens are beautifully kept and there’s plenty of space to bbq, mini golf, or take a dip in the hot tub year round.
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