Top Things for Empty Nesters to do in Lake Tahoe
Once the kids have grown and left the nest, fall can be the perfect time for empty nesters to rediscover Lake Tahoe—this time at your own pace. We know, as our kids have flown the coop, many have recently married and are moving on into adulthood.
As we always remind our guests at Sun Bear Realty, Vacation Rental and Property Management in Tahoe, summer crowds have thinned, the weather is often crisp and comfortable, and the mountains begin their spectacular transition into autumn. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, great food, relaxation or simply time together, Lake Tahoe offers plenty of ways to enjoy an unforgettable fall getaway.
Take a Scenic Drive for Fall Colors
Fall foliage is one of Tahoe's biggest attractions, particularly from late September through October. Take a leisurely drive to Hope Valley, where groves of aspen, cottonwood and willow turn brilliant shades of gold and orange. Be sure to pack a picnic, as a few lakes in the region provide the perfect backdrop for a classic fall day in the Sierra.
On your way back to Incline, plan a stop at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, where you can walk along the creek and, later in the season, watch kokanee salmon make their annual spawning run!
Enjoy a Colorful Fall Hike in Tahoe
Fall is arguably one of the best seasons for hiking around Tahoe. Cooler temperatures and fewer visitors make it easier to enjoy the trails without the summer crowds.
Earlier this month, Sun Bear Realty and Property Management, which has vacation rentals on Tahoe's north shore, posted an informative blog about the Top Spots to Hike and See the Fall Colors in Tahoe. You can read the list of our faves through this link.
Get Out on the Lake
Don't assume boating season ends with summer. September and October can be wonderful months to get on the water, with calmer conditions, fewer crowds, and water temperatures that can remain surprisingly comfortable.
Book a sunset boat rental, kayaks or paddleboards, or take a scenic cruise. Our team at Sun Bear Realty Incline Village always recommends a sunset cruise as it is especially appealing for empty nesters looking for a relaxing afternoon rather than an action-packed adventure.
Ride a Tram or Gondola in the Sierra
You don't have to hike to enjoy spectacular mountain views. Just a short, scenic drive from Incline, you can take a gondola or tram ride to the top of Heavenly Ski Resort or Palisades Tahoe. Both offer panoramic views of Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra. Once at the top, take a leisurely walk, enjoy the scenery and have lunch or a drink while taking in the view.
Book an Aerial Tram Ride at Palisades Tahoe
Play a Round of Golf
Fall is a wonderful time for a leisurely round of golf, and from our vacation rental office in North Lake Tahoe, there are some sensational options to tee it high and let it fly! Here are some highlights of our favorite (and closest) courses that we always recommend. Be sure to check out their websites for their fall golf schedule.
Incline Village Championship Golf Course
A snippet from their website tells the story best: “A classic Robert Trent Jones Sr. design, this classic design golf course features distinctive design and the most beautiful views imaginable. Voted #10 in Golf Advisor's 2018 "Best Courses in the State”, 2012 and 2013 by Golf Digest magazine, and "Best State-by-State Courses" in 2016 by Golfweek magazine.
Incline Village Mountain Golf Course
An amazing mountain layout with old-growth trees and elevation changes, this 18-hole Incline Village golf course is fun, affordable, and perfect for a family outing. The Mountain Course is the highest elevation golf course in the State of Nevada and the Tahoe Basin. Tee times are usually not a problem so go ahead and give them a call or book online. You can play this par-58 Lake Tahoe golf course quickly and be back with the family to enjoy the rest of your day.
Home of the biggest celebrity golf events in the nation, Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course hosts the prestigious American Century Celebrity Golf Classic every July on the edge of the Lake’s east shore. If the views of the Lake and surrounding High Sierra don’t interrupt your game, the course is one you will enjoy and remember for years to come. Its George Fazio design is noted as “super interesting,” with elevations over 6,000 feet and plenty of water hazards to keep you focused on your game.
Explore fall golf in Lake Tahoe
Enjoy the Quiet
Perhaps the best thing about an empty-nester getaway to Lake Tahoe is the freedom to do absolutely nothing. Grab a coffee, walk along the shoreline, read beside a fire, browse local shops or watch the sunset together.
Fall brings a peacefulness to Tahoe that can be hard to find during the busy summer months. As the leaves change and the crowds disappear, the lake seems to slow down.
For empty nesters, fall is an invitation to reconnect—with each other, with nature and with the simple pleasure of having nowhere else you need to be.
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