Story and photos by Alyssa Turner

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The West Shore of Lake Tahoe is the ideal destination for a memorable getaway with friends.  This part of the lake has it all: scenic views, heavenly food and drink, quality lodging and endless entertainment. 

Visitors to the West Shore will be pleasantly surprised because there are plenty of options for every budget.  For instance, friends traveling to the lake for the weekend can book a cozy room at The Cottage Inn for as low as $145 per night.  Each of the rooms includes a gas fireplace, and guests are given access to the nearby private beach and pier. 



Just steps from The Cottage Inn is Sunnyside Lodge, a lakefront hotel and restaurant.  The lodge offers spacious rooms and suites starting at $140 per night.  Most of the rooms offer sweeping views of the sparkling lake.  Sunnyside is also one of the West Shore’s most popular destinations for food and drinks.

For those looking for the best of the West Shore, one must inhabit the deck of Sunnyside Lodge on a hot July afternoon. Known for star sightings, fried zucchini, and a great place to immerse oneself in the local culture, Sunnyside is the place to be, and be seen.

Kristen Agaman of Reno, Nevada, has been dining at Sunnyside since she was a child.  She frequents the restaurant during the bustling summer months.

“The food and employees have always been wonderful at Sunnyside,” Agaman said, “I always make sure to order the hula pie, which is their signature dessert.” 

The restaurants of the West Shore are conveniently located close to one another.  Visitors can hop in their car for a short trip from their hotel to the neighboring establishments.
Located across the street from Homewood Mountain Resort rests the West Shore Café, a lakefront American-style restaurant.  This newly renovated restaurant boasts excellent service, scrumptious cuisine, and a tasteful ambiance.  From decadent pork chops to fresh wild salmon, the West Shore Café is sure to satisfy any palette.      

Kara Kepus of Sacramento, California, has been going to the West Shore Café for over 10 years.  
 

“My favorite thing to do at the West Shore Café is sit on the lake deck with a glass of wine and friends,” Kepus said. 
 

The West Shore Café is closed during Fall and Spring, and will open its doors for Summer on May 24.   

























































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Whether someone craves the rush of adventure or prefers to lounge on the beach, the West Shore has activities for every personality.  Tahoe City, a mere 10-minute drive from Sunnyside, is the prime destination for those looking for some excitement on the water.  Parasailing is a great way to see the beauty of the lake from a different, and much higher perspective.  North Tahoe Water Sports takes their customers on the ride of their life when they are flown up to 800 feet in the air around the lake.  Visitors will conquer their fear of heights while taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe.  Prices for parasailing trips with North Lake Tahoe Water Sports start at $60 per person.



Stand up paddleboarding is the latest water sport craze to hit the shores of Lake Tahoe.  Paddleboarding is a relaxing and unique way to cruise on the water.  The board glides through waves as the user counts on their balance and core strength.  West Shore Sports has been the premier place to rent paddleboards on the West Shore for the past few years.  They offer paddleboard rentals for just $15 per hour, and their launch site is across the street at Obexer’s Boat Company.

The West Shore has beautiful public beaches for visitors to enjoy.  There’s plenty of beach to walk along and rocks to skip while unwinding from city life.  Sugar Pine Point State Park has a gorgeous pebbled beach with a large public pier.  Guest typically sunbathe on the pier or jump into the crisp water.  The park is located one mile south of Tahoma on Highway 89.        
 

White sand lines the shore of Meeks Bay, a public beach ten miles south of Tahoe City.  This is the perfect beach for sunbathing because there are no rocks or pebbles on the shore.  There is a $7 day use fee for vehicles. 

Anyone who likes to explore the wilderness will enjoy the hiking trails the west shore has to offer.  Eagle Rock is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike to experience panoramic views of Lake Tahoe.  An easy 20-minute hike, eagle rock encompasses the beauty of Tahoe once the hiker reaches its peak. 

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Shelby Randall of Flagstaff, Arizona, always makes time to go to eagle rock when she visits Tahoe with her friends. 

“My girlfriends and I have a chance to catch up with each other and enjoy one of life’s greatest treasures,” Randall said. 

Lake Tahoe’s West Shore has endless adventures and life long memories in store for visitors.  From parasailing high above the magnificent lake to lounging on the scenic decks of legendary restaurants, the West Shore has activities for every personality. You are sure to fall in love with the beauty of this magical place, and will want to plan more vacations here for years to come.