Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in the U.S., offering several quaint towns to explore along its shores. On the northern side of Lake Tahoe, Incline Village is one of the largest communities in the Lake Tahoe Basin. From hiking to kayaking to biking, visitors can enjoy the Sierra Nevada mountain views in every direction. Here are the Top Things to do in Incline Village this Summer.
Anchoring the North Shore, it offers lodging and dining, as well as cultural events, like its annual Shakespeare Festival. There are also several Nevada State Parks in the area. After visiting for years, I recommend spending a great deal of time outside during your summertime visit to Incline Village.
Top Things to Do in Incline Village this Summer
Lake Tahoe National Scenic Byway
Mount Rose Highway
Lakeshore Boulevard
Sand Harbor Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Spooner Lake – Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Tahoe Star Tours
Preston Field and Playground
Incline Village Skate Park
Mount Rose Meadows
Tahoe Rim Trail
Tahoe Meadows Hike
Chickadee Ridge
Tahoe East Shore Trail
Flume Trail
Thunderbird Lodge
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
Incline Village Fourth of July Fireworks
Live Music on the Beach
Tahoe Science Center
Incline Village Cinema
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Casino
Diamond Peak Ski Resort
Why Visit Lake Tahoe
From the granite mountaintops to the evergreen forests to the wildflower meadows, Lake Tahoe puts on a summer show. The stunning scenery is hard to beat.
Starting in Incline Village, I recommend you see the rest of Lake Tahoe. The easiest way is to drive around its perimeter on a scenic drive. Along this route, there are lots of places to stop and explore. Small towns ring the lake, like Tahoe City and South Lake Tahoe. Each offers places to eat and outdoor activities.
Scenic Lake Tahoe Drives
Lake Tahoe offers spectacular scenery in every direction, so a scenic drive around Lake Tahoe is a must. Highways wind through national forests dotted with craggy mountain peaks. In between the mountains, visitors will find wildflower meadows.
Lake Tahoe National Scenic Byway
It’s a 68-mile (109 km) drive that rings the lake and connects U.S. Route 50, California Highway 89 and Nevada Highway 28. Easy entry points are on the north side of Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, including Nevada State Route 431 (Mount Rose Highway) and California State Route 267 (into Kings Beach).
Taking the scenic byway around the lake is one of the top things to do in Lake Tahoe. Though, it’s an all-day excursion, so pack a picnic and stop at one of the parks around the lake.
Mount Rose Highway
From Reno (and its regional airport, Reno-Tahoe International Airport), Nevada State Route 431 is also called the Mount Rose Highway. With s-curves and switchback, this 23-mile (37 km) route heads over the highest year-round pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at 8,911 feet.
Most of the area along Mount Rose Highway is part of the Humbolt Toiyabe National Forest. During the summer, traveling the Mount Rose Highway passes the seasonal Mt Rose Ski Tahoe Resort. Another top destination along Nevada State Route 431 is Tahoe Meadows, just north of Incline Village.
Lakeshore Boulevard
For lovers of large homes, drive down Incline’s Lakeshore Drive. This residential road is lined with some of the largest homes at Lake Tahoe. It offers a multi-use path, and the south end of Lakeshore Drive offers a small parking area. This area is popular with residents, their kids and dogs.
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Top Parks near Incline Village
With Lake Tahoe as a backdrop, one of the things to do in Incline Village this summer is spend time in a park. There are several in and around Incline Village.
Sand Harbor Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
This is the most popular park on the North Shore. It offers the most photographed rocks in Lake Tahoe set in the turquoise and blue water. This is one of the top things to do in Incline Village this summer.
Sand Harbor Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park rents kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. For those who would like a guided tour of Lake Tahoe, this area offers clear kayak tours. It’s a favorite spot to explore on the water.
Visitors will find a sand beach at Sand Harbor that offers boardwalks along the water. For those staying close by, consider riding a bike to San Harbor and using the Tahoe East Shore Trail that connects Incline Village with the park. Rental bikes are available in Incline Village.
Located at 2005 NV-28, five miles south of Incline Village on Lake Tahoe’s north shore. This is a day-use park. Open year-round from 8 a.m. to one hour past sunset. Admission $10/$15 per car. Arrive before 10 a.m. during the summer for parking. When the parking lot is full, no cars are allowed to enter. Parking is not allowed along Highway 28.
Spooner Lake – Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
At the intersection of Highway 50 and Highway 28, this park is located near the Carson Range Pass. It offers 50 miles of multi-use trails, including part of the Tahoe Rim Trail and the Flume Trail.
Spooner Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park offers cabin and backcountry camping. A new Spooner Lake Visitor Center and amphitheater opened recently and offers interpretive programs.
Located on Highway 28 just after the turn-off from Highway 50. Open year-round from dawn to dusk. Admission is $10/$15 per vehicle.
Tahoe Star Tours
Explore the night skies with a choreographed astronomy show. Then, see the night sky for yourself using a Celestron telescope.
Held at the Spooner Lake Visitor Center and Amphitheater and the Northstar Cosmoarium. Adult admission is $50, and kids 3 to 12 are $30. Held at alternating locations every Thursday and Saturday from mid-June until Labor Day weekend. Program starts at 8 p.m.
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Preston Field and Playground
For little kids who need some playground time, Preston Field offers a parking lot and a shaded playground with lots of equipment. This area also offers a restroom, picnic tables, and stand-up grills.
Located at 700 Tahoe Blvd. Free to enter.
Incline Village Skate Park
For the older kids, they can drop in at the in-ground concrete skate park.
Located at 939 Southwood Blvd. Free and seasonal.
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Mount Rose Meadows
Located along the Mount Rose Highway (Nevada State Route 431) and just down-mountain from the year-round pass, Mount Rose Meadows is a favorite destination in North Lake Tahoe. With Ophir Creek running through a wildflower-studded meadow, everyone from dogs to seniors to babies in backpacks seems to be hiking there. This is one of the top things to do in Incline Village this summer.
This area features year-round restrooms and off-highway parking, along with several marked trails. Some of the trail is covered with a boardwalk to protect the vegetation. There are several trails in the area, and they are clearly marked, including a section of the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT).
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Top Hiking Trails near Incline Village
TRT- Tahoe Rim Trail
The Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) is a popular 165-mile (266 km) long-distance trail that rings Lake Tahoe. It shares 50 miles with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and travels through the national forests and state parks. It’s a popular hike with long-distance hikers.
Tahoe Meadows Hike
Take a wildflower hike with level terrain and a well-defined 1.3-mile trail in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Explore a sub-alpine mountain meadow and walk along Ophir Creek’s boardwalk to enjoy the summertime wildflowers.
Stop and read the interpretive signs to learn more about Lake Tahoe. Leashed dogs are welcome. This is one of the top things to do in Incline Village this summer.
Located 3.8 miles west of Mt. Rose Ski Resort on Nevada Highway 431 in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Free
Chickadee Ridge
Named after the birds that frequent this area, Chickadee Ridge is a 2.4-mile hike that uses the Ophir Creak Trail until it heads into the forest. It is an in-and-out trail labeled as moderate.
Located 3.8 miles west of Mt. Rose Ski Resort on Nevada Highway 431 in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Park along the highway in this area.
Tahoe East Shore Trail
This multi-use paved path offers three miles of accessible hiking and biking along the shore of Lake Tahoe. From Sand Harbor State Park to Lakeshore Bike Path, this path is free to use and paid parking is available at Highway 28 and Tunnel Creek. This is one of the top things to do in Incline Village this summer.
For those who want to rent a bike, head to Flume Trail Mountain Bikes. It offers mountain bikes, e-bikes and bikes for kids for 2 hours (or all day). Located at 1115 Tunnel Creek Rd. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for the season (May until September). Visitors will find a cafe along with paid parking.
Flume Trail
A 14-mile one-way mountain bike trail with amazing views of the lake. Since it’s above 7,000 feet, it’s considered moderate to difficult.
Use the shuttle ($) from Incline Village to Spooner Lake State Park to start the Flume Trail with Flume Trail Mountain Bikes.
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Top Attractions in Incline Village
Thunderbird Lodge
Back in the 1920 and 1930s summer estates strung up along the shores of Lake Tahoe. George Whittell, Jr. built his summer getaway on the north shore. It is open for tours and considered one of the top historic homes. During the tour, walk through the main house, along with a card house (for playing cards), a boat house and more. Learn about early Tahoe history and the wooden boats of Lake Tahoe, like the wood speedboat the Thunderbird.
From Memorial Day until mid-October, tours are on Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. Admission is $75 per person, and you must be 6 or older. Shuttles (required) depart from 969 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
Don’t let the name put you off—it’s more than Shakespeare. From June until mid-August, professional performers come to the Warren Edward Trepp Stage in Sand Harbor Lake Tahoe State Park.
Performances include Broadway shows, the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, and select Shakespeare plays.
Located at 2005 NV-28, five miles south of Incline Village on Lake Tahoe’s north shore. This is a popular annual event. Tickets are necessary and available online.
Incline Village Fourth of July Fireworks
If it’s the Fourth, visitors should find their spot early in the day along the lake. The annual fireworks show starts at dusk, and the fireworks reflect off the lake.
As a bonus, there are several shows around the lake, and most are visible. This is one of the top things to do in Incline Village this summer.
Live Music on the Beach
Visitors will find live music at several beaches at Lake Tahoe during the summer season. For 2024, nearby Kings Beach offers outdoor live music from June through Labor Day each Friday evening from 6 to 8:30 p.m. This is a free event.
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Indoor Activities in Incline Village
Tahoe Science Center
In partnership with UC-Davis, the Tahoe Environmental Research Center offers interpretive displays covering the scientific research to Keep Tahoe Blue. With hands-on activities, families can learn about lake ecology and how it changes.
Located at 291 Country Club Drive. Open from June 1 to Labor Day from Tuesday to Friday with tours at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., Saturday tours are offered at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. For the rest of the year, the Tahoe Science Center is open Tuesday to Saturday, with tours at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Advance reservations are required for a specific tour. Tours range from $5 to $10 per person.
Incline Village Cinema
Located at 901 Tahoe Blvd. and shows first-run movies.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Casino
Locals, visitors and guests mingle at the mountain-themed casino inside the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort. It offers live game tables and an assortment of slot machines and video poker.
Located at 111 Country Club Dr. at Lakeshore Blvd. Adults only.
Mountain Resorts near Incline Village
Diamond Peak Ski Resort
This resort is located in Incline Village, though it is closed for the summer season. From the base area, it offers a hiking and biking trail up to its Snowflake Lodge along the Fire Road.
Located at 1210 Sky Way, Incline Village. It is free to enter though no services are offered in the off-season.
Mount Rose Ski Tahoe
This resort is closed during the off-season. Located at 22222 Mount Rose Highway, Reno.
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Where to Eat in Incline Village
Austin’s Restaurant
A favorite for 20 years, it serves family-friendly fare. Start with the buttermilk fries and follow with a salad, burgers or chicken strips, all outstanding. The dining room is small, so expect a wait.
Located at 120 Country Club Dr. #24, across from the Hyatt Resort. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Inclined Burgers and Brews
Tucked into a strip center, find a small restaurant with good burgers, lots of beers and a few wine-by-th-glass plus a kids menu. A patio area overlooks the parking lot and the 7-11 next door. However, don’t let the lack of ambiance deter you. It’s packed most of the time, and take-out is available.
Located at 901 Tahoe Blvd. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Drink Coffee Do Stuff
An independently owned coffee and tea shop with an excellent mocha along with all the barista-made favorites. Find light snacks and bottled beverages as well.
Located at 907 Tahoe Blvd. #20A. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lone Eagle Grille
Enjoy upscale dining with Lake Tahoe as a backdrop. Enjoy an New American menu packed with locally-sourced ingredients. Full wine and cocktail list available.
Located across from the Hyatt Regency at 111 Country Club Dr. at Lakeshore Blvd. Open for dinner only Monday to Wednesday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday from noon – 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday noon – 10 p.m.. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
Raley’s Grocery Store
It features a large selection of wine, beer and liquor and many grab-and-go items in the deli. It’s a fully stocked grocery store with a pharmacy.
Located at 930 Tahoe Blvd.
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Where to Stay in Incline Village
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
With 422 guest rooms, suites and cottages with direct access to Lake Tahoe, the Hyatt offers a AAA Four-Diamond resort perfect for family getaways. I found several restaurants on the property, and the Lone Eagle Grille offers lake views and a fine dining menu.
The Stillwater Spa is one of the largest spa facilities in the area. Grand Lodge Casino offers adults an upscale mountain-themed casino that tempts locals and travelers alike.
Hyatt offers a free ski shuttle and a kids camp for kids 5 to 12. Located 111 Country Club Dr. at Lakeshore Blvd.
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