Lake Tahoe with Little Kids or a Baby
I adore Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, in every season. Living so close, it’s my go-to for a perfect staycation, and I’ve been bringing my son up there since he was just 7 weeks old. Whether it’s summer or winter, there’s always something magical about Tahoe. Here’s my tried-and-true itinerary for a one-week family stay that balances the best of the mountains, the lake, and everything in between.
Days 1-3: State Line – South Lake Tahoe
We always start our trip at Edgewood Tahoe. This place is pure magic, right on the shores of the lake with views that never get old. The rooms are spacious, and they’re super accommodating for families—they’ve got cribs, diaper trash cans, and other little things that make life with a toddler so much easier.
Plus, the heated pool is a hit with our son, no matter the season. You can’t beat the convenience of having restaurants right there, and the biggest perk in my book is the private beach. Beaches in Tahoe can get busy, but this one is only for resort guests. There’s also one of the most famous golf courses right onsite.
Beaches: You can’t come to Tahoe without spending some time at the beach. Sand Harbor is a must, with its crystal-clear waters and soft sand—it’s like Tahoe’s own slice of the Caribbean. In the summer, we spend hours here, just splashing around and soaking up the sun. You’ll want to go early to avoid the crowds, and there’s a permit system now implemented for the busy summer months.
We also like Zephyr cove, which has a parking lot with paid parking, though you can get dropped off there by Edgewood as well, which provides local transport.
Skiing: Heavenly is the closest ski resort, and one of the best in the area. There are nannying services you can use to watch your little one while you’re out skiing.
Easy Hikes: We love the Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Trail. It’s a simple loop, and the scenery is gorgeous year-round. The boardwalk sections are perfect for little legs, and there’s plenty of space for running around and exploring. Another great option is the Spooner Lake Trail, which is a flat, easy loop around the lake—perfect for strollers or toddlers who are just getting the hang of hiking.
How to Book Hotels for the Best Prices and Extra Perks
Edgewood isn’t part of a major hotel consortium, but it IS part of Virtuoso, which means you can often get slightly better pricing, free breakfast, $100 resort credit, room upgrades and early check in and late check out upon arrival (when available).
I’m a travel advisor with 65 countries of travel experience (15 with my now 2 year old!), and have been booking amazing trips for years. I’m here to help if you want assistance with booking your Tahoe adventure (or if you aren’t seeing the best possible pricing through these links. I can get you perks and the best price, just email me to let me know!)
If you’re looking to save a bit, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is a solid alternative. It’s not as luxe as Edgewood, but it’s still got that Tahoe charm, and the location is unbeatable. The private beach and the family-friendly vibe make it a great option, and you still get the upgrade upon arrival, resort credit, and daily free breakfast when you book through this link.
Days 4-7: The Ritz-Carlton – Mountain Bliss in Truckee
Midway through our trip, we head up to the Ritz-Carlton in Truckee. Staying here puts you right in the heart of the mountains, perfect for exploring the more rugged side of Tahoe or skiing at Northstar or Palisades in the winter. The hotel is like a cozy mountain lodge but with all the luxuries you’d expect from the Ritz.
We love the ease of being close to the slopes in winter and the hiking trails in summer. And when the day’s adventures are over, it’s back to the heated pool or hot chocolate by the fire. The resort’s got all the amenities a family could want, and the restaurants here are top-notch—no need to haul gear to find dinner.
With adventurous hikes, scavenger hunts, and creative activities, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe’s Ritz Kids program provides Northstar California Resort’s peak family experience. As a travel advisor, I’m able to get extra perks at the Ritz like upgrades (when available), breakfast, and resort credits at no extra cost.
Beaches: We love the west end beach in Donner, with gorgeous views of the lake, a nice, sandy beach with plenty of space, and a roped off swimming area that jet skis aren’t allowed to enter. If we’re not up to the crowds in Tahoe, this can be a great spot. Adults cost $14 and kids under 2 are free.
Skiing: Northstar is accessible right from the Ritz. Palisades Tahoe is also one of the most famous ski resorts in the area, and this is a great jumping off point to access the slopes.
Hiking: While we’re in Truckee, we like to hit up some of the easy hiking trails that are perfect for little legs and scenic enough to keep everyone happy. Johnson Canyon Overlook Trail is a favorite of ours—it’s a two mile trail that offers beautiful views of Donner Lake and the surrounding mountains. Another great trail is Sagehen Creek Trail, which is an easy, out-and-back hike that follows the creek and leads to a lovely meadow. Both of these trails are perfect for families and offer a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area without too much effort.
Whatever you choose, be sure to bring a hiking backpack carrier. We have both the Deuter kid carrier and the Osprey Poco LT and both are great, though we slightly prefer the Deuter.
Snowshoeing and Sledding: Chickadee Ridge and Beyond
One of our favorite winter activities is snowshoeing up to Chickadee Ridge. It’s an easy trail (though it can feel tough with a hiking backpack and snow shoes, so take it easy), and the reward at the top is so worth it—feeding the chickadees right out of your hand is a magical experience. Right across from the Chickadee Ridge trailhead, there’s a perfect little spot for sledding. It’s not an official sledding area, which I kind of love because it’s less crowded, but still tons of fun.
If you’re looking for a more organized sledding experience, Tahoe Donner Snowplay is a great option. They’ve got groomed sledding hills, and it’s super family-friendly with all the amenities you need.
Why We Choose Hotels vs. Vacation Rentals in Tahoe
Over the years, I’ve found that hotels in Tahoe really do offer the best experience, especially with a toddler in tow. The positioning is key—being close to the beach or slopes means less time schlepping gear and more time enjoying ourselves. Plus, the amenities make a world of difference. It’s the little things, like cribs in the room, diaper trash cans, and on-site dining, that really elevate the stay. And let’s not forget the heated pools, which are a lifesaver when the lake or the air is just a bit too chilly for comfort.
Summary
So that’s my perfect Tahoe week—balancing the luxurious lakeside vibes of Edgewood with the rugged mountain experience at the Ritz-Carlton, and sprinkling in a mix of beach time, easy hikes, and snowshoeing adventures. It’s the kind of trip that leaves everyone happy, and every time we go, I’m reminded why I keep coming back to this beautiful place. Want help with booking? Just email me to let me know!
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