While many people across the world know of Lake Tahoe, California nestled in the magnificent Sierra Nevada mountains, fewer are aware of the quaint town just to the north of the famous Alpine lake.
Truckee, California situated twelve miles from Lake Tahoe, is a charming town that stands alone as its own destination spot.
Primarily known for its stunning mountain and forest scenery, Truckee is home to spectacular nature trails, beautiful Donner Lake, incredible downhill and cross-country ski resorts, and a very walkable downtown. Many other outdoor activities make Truckee a perfect destination spot for the adventurous spirit!
Pines and Aspens dot the landscape and create a magical forest ambiance as you traverse through the hundreds of miles of walking and biking trails.
There are countless opportunities to stop and take in wide open vistas of blue and green with distant mountain views. The trails are spectacularly maintained and you will even come upon magical creations left by previous hikers.
The greater Tahoe area is renowned for its abundant ski destinations, and Truckee is no exception. NorthStar Resort boasts a quant village and ski trails for the novice to expert skier. In addition, summer activities are plentiful.
From hiking trails to downhill mountain biking and upscale dinners at the Ritz Carlton, Northstar Resort delights even the most discerning of wanderers.
Tahoe Donner, a family friendly ski resort located on the north side of Truckee, contains great opportunities for novice skiers, in addition to world-class cross-country skiing. Snowshoeing, equestrian activities, and miles and miles of hiking trails also make Tahoe Donner a great choice for any season.
Donner Lake, a gem located on the western side of Truckee, provides an array of options for visitors. Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are just some of the numerous water activities available.
Aside from opportunities on the lake, beautifully maintained hiking trails and strenuous rock-climbing options also avail themselves to travelers. For those with a fondness for history, a stop at the Donner Museum and Emigrant Trail Museum is a fascinating journey back in time to learn about the famous Donner Party..
Downtown Truckee is a quintessential gold rush town that instantly transports visitors to a bygone era. Gloriously preserved and maintained, it leaves a feeling of charm without pretense.
Lined with home decor shops, restaurants, coffee shops, clothing stores, and much more, the downtown area holds something for every type of traveler.
A stop at the delightful Word After Word Bookshop provides a fantastic opportunity to unwind and connect with others around a fantastic assortment of books.
Bespoke, an eclectic mix of hand-crafted goods, is also a must-see stop for travelers wanting to buy goods from local artisans.
Within downtown Truckee, restaurants abound and provide varied options for every palate. From the delicious and low-key Best Pies Pizzeria and Restaurant to the exquisitely delectable and rustic upscale dining found at Cottonwood Restaurant, it is hard to go wrong when dining in Truckee.
Restaurants are numerous in the downtown area, but visitors should also be aware hidden gems, like FiftyFifty Brewing Company, located on the outskirts of town.
For our family, a trip to Truckee—or anywhere—must include stops at local coffee shops. Truckee doesn’t disappoint in this domain, with multiple options available for the discerning coffee aficionado. Both CoffeeBar and Dark Horse Coffee Roasters have fantastic options for the discerning java bean connoisseur.
The highlights of Truckee presented are only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the ample opportunities for fun within Truckee, California.
A visit to Truckee should be high on the list for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Beyond that, it is a fantastic place for travelers seeking refuge from a fast-paced existence as this picturesque town provides an enchanting respite surrounded by natural wonder.
Truckee is a definite favorite for our family. We plan to return for years to come and continue to explore this fantastic destination!
I went there many years ago with my husband and a friend, there were no restaurants or gift shops, but I loved it there
Thank you for sharing your Truckee memories, Cathryn! The old white gas station is such an adorable location and Best Pies really is the best after a day of skiing 🙂
We moved back to the UK from the Bay Area two years ago. Truckee was and remains my favourite Californian town so this was a wonderful little treat, thank you. I miss Best Pies Pizza after a day’s skiing and the Christmas lights in the old town. I always wanted to start a running shop in the wonderful white gas station on the main street. What a lovely little town.