Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by foxintheforest
Nestled on the northeast side of Lake Tahoe, Incline Village is an incredible place with breathtaking views of the stunning crystal blue lake and surrounding mountain peaks.
It’s a fantastic spot to explore during a summer visit to Tahoe, and you’ll also find lots of cool things to do in Incline Village all year round.
I’ve spent the last 22 years visiting Lake Tahoe several times a year because my family lives here. Yep, I said 22 years!
So as a long-time Lake Tahoe local, I’ve seen the area evolve over time, and I have the true experience to tell you all about the best things to do in Incline Village like a local, not a tourist.
About this Guide to Things to Do in Incline Village
Inside this local guide to the top things to do in Incline Village, you’ll find:
- Location of Incline Village
- What Incline Village is known for
- The best things to do in Incline Village in summer
- The top things to do in Incline Village year-round
- Additional local Lake Tahoe travel resources
Where is Incline Village?
Incline Village is located on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side of the lake. It’s just under an hour drive from Reno to Incline Village.
What Is Incline Village NV Known For?
Incline Village NV is known for its exceptional location on Lake Tahoe and its sandy beaches with incredible mountain views.
You’ll find lots of outdoor things to do in Incline Village – the trails attract mountain bikers, and a couple of ski resorts bring in the powder hounds.
Plus, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is well-attended every summer in Incline Village has a great hiking and biking path, but the town itself isn’t super walkable.
To get around when visiting Lake Tahoe, it’s best to have a bike or a car, or you can take Tahoe Transit (the 28 East Shore Express line serves Incline Village) to get to other towns around the lake.
The Best Things to Do in Incline Village in Summer
If you’re wondering when to visit Lake Tahoe, summer is paradise in Incline Village, with beaches, boating, biking, and so many more things to do in Incline Village in summer.
Local Tip: Incline Village mostly has private beaches, meaning it’s tough to visit unless you’re staying here.
Most lodging rentals should have an IVGID pass to access the beaches, but be sure to check before you book!
1. Go Boating on the Lake
At the very top of the list of fun things to do in Incline Village and one of the most popular Lake Tahoe summer activities is to get out on the water and go boating on Lake Tahoe.
For a unique perspective on the aquamarine waters, take a cool clear kayak tour to Bonsai Rock with Clearly Tahoe. You can also rent a bigger boat to cruise around the harbor for the day from AWS Incline.
2. Bike the East Shore & Flume Trails
Incline Village is the place to be for biking in Lake Tahoe. Enjoy a leisurely ride on the East Shore Trail which runs right along the water for amazing Lake Tahoe views while you pedal.
Or step it up a notch by mountain biking the Flume Trail, a steep singletrack trail through granite cliffs.
3. Take in the Epic Views from Sand Harbor
Sand Harbor State Park features one of the very best Lake Tahoe beaches with absolutely breathtaking views. It’s one of the few public beaches in Incline Village, so it’s often pretty crowded!
Along with sunbathing and soaking in the views, you can swim, SUP, scuba dive, kayak, and more. The beach also has picnic areas and food concessions, so you can spend the whole day here.
Local Tip: Sand Harbor State Park is so popular during the summer that it may close when the day-use parking lot fills up.
Get there early (the park opens at 7:00 am) or have a backup plan. Park entrance fees are $10/vehicle for in-state and $15/vehicle for out-of-state plates (cash only between Memorial Day and Labor Day).
In recent years, the parking area has filled up by 8 – so be sure to plan accordingly!
4. Visit Hidden Beach
Hidden Beach is a gem in Incline Village, although it’s popular enough these days that it doesn’t really live up to its name.
But this stretch of rocky shoreline tucked along Highway 28 is totally worth visiting to sit on the beach and soak in the expansive views of Lake Tahoe.
Local Tip: Parking has gotten extremely limited along this stretch of road. Be sure to follow all signage and get here early if you’re driving. For a better adventure, you can boat to this shoreline!
5. Hike the Trails for Tahoe Views
Explore some of the best Lake Tahoe hikes near Incline Village to find even more fabulous views.
For an easy-to-moderate hike, make your way to Monkey Rock, featuring a funky boulder and a panoramic perspective of Lake Tahoe.
If you want more of a challenge, summit Mount Rose, the tallest peak on the north shore of the lake.
6. Head to the Top of Stateline Fire Lookout
Though the actual fire lookout no longer exists, you can still visit Stateline Lookout for a top-of-the-world view of Lake Tahoe.
Follow a short but steep paved path from the parking lot to the cement structure where the fire tower used to be.
7. Hit the Links at the Incline Village Championship Golf Course
If you like golfing, you have to play a round at the Incline Village Championship Golf Course.
The course is impeccable and the layout is incredible with breathtaking views from the fairways. Enjoy an upscale meal at The Grille at the Chateau after you play.
Local Tip: You’ll want to make advanced reservations for these courses, they book up quick.
8. Attend a Performance at Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
One of the most special things to do in Incline Village is attend a performance at the annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, which takes place every summer at Sand Harbor.
It’s a wonderful cultural experience to watch a play while sitting on the beach in a beautiful place enjoying a bottle of wine and a gourmet meal.
The Best Things to Do in Incline Village Year-Round
You’ll also find plenty of things to do in Incline Village in the winter and all year round – and don’t worry, there are lots of things to do in Lake Tahoe besides ski.
9. Check Out the Incline Bull Wheel
The historic Incline Bull Wheel was used to transport lumber through the mountains in the late 1800s, and you can hike a moderate trail to marvel at it.
The Bull Wheel is a fun destination to snowshoe to in winter as well, along parts of the Tunnel Creek and Incline Flume Trails.
10. Let It Ride at Grand Lodge Casino
When in Nevada, visiting a casino is certainly the thing to do. The Grand Lodge Casino at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe combines a gambling destination with the atmosphere of a mountain lodge.
You’ll definitely feel like you’re in Lake Tahoe and not Las Vegas here, whether you win or lose.
Local Tip: I’m not personally a fan of casinos, but most of the Lake Tahoe casinos fall pretty short compared to their popular Vegas counterparts.
11. Get Pampered at Stillwater Salon & Spa
You’ll also find Stillwater Salon & Spa at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe if you prefer some pampering instead of gambling.
Choose from a variety of massages, facial treatments, or float in an orb for unparalleled relaxation and healing.
Local Tip: Book reservations for a drink at the Lone Eagle Grill afterward for some lakeside relaxation.
12. Roll a Strike at Bowl Incline
If you’re looking for things to do in Incline Village when it rains, Bowl Incline has got you covered. Book a lane to go bowling or try your hand at axe throwing.
When you get hungry, fuel up at the integrated Ohana Diner, which offers everything from poke to pizza, along with beer, wine, and specialty cocktails.
13. Go Shopping at The Potlatch
The Potlatch is an Incline Village institution where you can shop for local wares from jewelry to home decor.
You’ll find boutique bath and body products as well, along with Lake Tahoe-inspired fashion. This is definitely the place to find that special souvenir to commemorate your visit to Lake Tahoe.
14. Eat Local at Lake Tahoe
Whether you want to indulge in a special dinner or just grab a quick coffee, Incline Village is full of tasty meals and treats that hit the spot.
- Lone Eagle Grill – Splurge on local, seasonal cuisine in a spectacular setting with a backdrop of Lake Tahoe at Lone Eagle Grill.
- Inclined Burgers & Brews – The menu is pretty much limited to what’s in the name at this simple spot, but the burgers don’t disappoint (and they have vegetarian options).
- Tunnel Creek Cafe – Serving breakfast and lunch all day, Tunnel Creek Cafe is the perfect place for a casual meal and has several rotating beer taps.
- Drink Coffee Do Stuff – Sip on a signature coffee drink like the Pines Latte with rosemary, sage, and thyme syrup and accompany it with a fancy toast or breakfast sandwich at this local favorite.
15. Have a Pint at Alibi Ale Works
Toast to your time in Lake Tahoe with a beer from local brewery Alibi Ale Works.
Visit the original brewery and barrel house with an outdoor beer garden or stop by Incline Public House for delicious pizza, sandwiches, and small plates along with your beer.
Additional Lake Tahoe Travel Resources
Looking to explore the Lake Tahoe area like a local, not a tourist? Then check out these handy resources:
- North Lake vs South Lake Tahoe – What’s Right for Me? (coming soon)
- Spend the Perfect Weekend in Lake Tahoe
- Incredible Things to Do in Lake Tahoe Besides Ski
