Vacationers come from all over to visit Lake Tahoe each season. There’s no denying that the crystal-clear water, sandy beaches, and the Sierra Nevada mountain range are quite the sights to see. Although, if you’re making a spontaneous trip to Lake Tahoe, it can be hard to find a hotel with all of the crowds. Even if you do, it’s often more affordable to stay further from the hustle and bustle.

Perhaps you want a more relaxed Lake Tahoe weekend getaway. Luckily, Carson City is right down the road! Thirty minutes away from Tahoe’s ski resorts, casinos, and beaches is a charming town that’s chock full of eateries, outdoor recreation, museums, and downtown shopping. And it’s just the place to put your feet up after a fun-filled day.

Let’s say you book a room in Nevada’s capital for your next Lake Tahoe weekend getaway. Here’s the perfect two-day itinerary to make this your best trip yet.

Day One

Today is your first full day in the area! You have plans to meet friends up at Lake Tahoe. Before that, you need to fuel up. 

Head out from your hotel and over to Villa Basque Café. It’s open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., serving up hearty dishes rooted in our state’s heritage. Basque immigrants moved here during the Gold Rush and have been a part of the sheep herding culture here and in neighboring states ever since. This cafe is well-known and well-loved by locals. We’d recommend their Basque burritos and any meal with chorizo! 

Your stomach might be full now, but snacks at the beach are a must-have. Swing by L.A. Bakery to pick up a sandwich before you head up Highway 50 to kickstart your Lake Tahoe trip.

Hours go by and, before you know it, evening is upon you. Rinse off the day back at your hotel room and get ready for dinner. Here are some crowd favorites depending on what cuisine you’re in the mood for:

  • Piazza offers cuisine inspired by the owners’ visits to Italy and Spain, including small plates, salads, flatbread pizzas, and desserts. Oh, and they boast an impressive wine selection. 
  • Savor authentic Asian dishes at The Basil Creative Thai Cuisine, from curries and noodles to pan-fried protein.
  • Southern cuisine is in the house at Nashville Social Club! In addition to soul food, they offer a robust cocktail menu and host live musical performances often.

Day one of your Lake Tahoe weekend getaway doesn’t have to end there!! The Fox Brewery & Pub specializes in locally made craft brews if you’re craving hops. Otherwise give The White House a try, a new, beautiful cocktail bar inside one of Carson City’s historic homes. 

Day Two

The second day of your Lake Tahoe weekend getaway is here. Grab a latte or freshly squeezed juice from Comma Coffee, one of locals’ favorite stops since 2000. Don’t forget about some sustenance! You can’t go wrong with their “eggs”-ploitation omelet, the East Coast lox bagel, or French toast. As you wait for your breakfast, sip your beverage from their patio, where there’s a great view of the sun rising behind the mountains. 

Make the morning easier and make Carson City’s historic downtown part of your trip. A few ideas would be to:

  • Admire Victorian-era homes and learn about the famous homeowners on the Kit Carson Trail, complete with a self-paced audio tour.  
  • Stop by the Nevada Capitol Building and its picturesque campus to see the 130+ year old, sandstone structure. 
  • Pick up a souvenir or two at one of Carson City’s downtown shops.

After you’ve explored the heart of Nevada’s state capital, head on up to Lake Tahoe for a few hours! If you’re an experienced hiker who’s looking for a challenge while you’re on a Lake Tahoe weekend getaway, we’ve got just the way to make your way up there: the Capital to Tahoe Trail. It’s 9.8 miles worth of beautiful scenery. (Want a shorter route? Check out one of the other trails in Carson City.)

When you come back from the lake, it’ll probably be dinnertime. Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint is a great place to replenish your energy. As their name implies, they offer a wide variety of cuisine—from Mexican and Asian Fusion to Italian and New American—to meet the taste buds of everyone in your party. 

Should you want to turn in early for the night, you know you’re going back to a cozy hotel! If you want to celebrate a great weekend, you can grab a cold one at Great Basin Brewery or treat yourself to a cup of ice cream at Scoups Ice Cream & Soup Bar. 

Expand Your Horizons

While Tahoe has plenty of activities for every kind of traveler, you don’t have to lay your head down there. Embrace your inner adventurer and explore nearby! Trust us; this is the best way to make the most of your Lake Tahoe weekend getaway. Between our riveting history at Nevada’s state capital and historic railways, to downtown shopping and scenic hikes, Carson City has everything you could ask for and more on a Lake Tahoe trip.

What do you say? Stay near the action without breaking the bank—stay in Carson City.