With summertime fun in full swing and more high temperatures in our forecast, we decided to come up with a list of some cool day trips our staff enjoy that also evade the weekend crowds of Lake Tahoe. So pack up your family or a small crew of good friends, grab your finest swimwear, and point your smartphone map app toward one of these locations!

Day Trips Near Truckee, CA

(That Aren’t Lake Tahoe)

1. Graeagle, CA – Less than an hour North of Truckee, you will enjoy 18-hole championship golf courses, horseback riding, campgrounds, nature hikes, lakes, specialty shops, and restaurants throughout the entire area. We always make sure to stop at The Brewing Lair to have a home-brewed beer or non-alcoholic beverage and relax in the shade under the trees. The brewery also features a food truck and tons of activities and games for the whole family. Learn More at Graegle.com →
2. Emerald Pools – Located downstream of Lake Spaulding and only 33 minutes West on I-80 is a series of swimming holes and short hiking trails called the Emerald Pools. The pools have a medium level of popularity, so if you can head on mid-week, you might find yourself navigating a minimal amount of other humans! Note, cliff jumping can be dangerous and our local paramedics are very familiar with Emerald Pools. Click Here For Directions →
3. Sardine Lake & Lodge – This tiny resort is a hidden gem with small well-furnished cabins on Sardine Lake, a beautiful High Sierra lake. There are a collection of activities you can enjoy like fishing, hiking, kayaking, and scenic photo opportunities, and the lodge offers its visitors some amazing food. Check ahead because lodge dinners fill up fast. Reservations recommended. Click Here To Learn More  →
4. Virginia City – Steeped in history Virginia City is a town in Nevada, just southeast of Reno, and is home to Victorian buildings built during a 19th-century mining boom. Enjoy everything from museums and haunted tours to a complete old-western saloon dining experience. Definitely treat yourself to ice cream or homemade fudge. There is also a fun, public pool in Virginia City with 2 diving boards. Can you say family canon ball competition? Click Here For Directions →
5. Webber Lake – Managed by the Truckee Donner Land Trust, Webber Lake is the headwaters of the Little Truckee River, the largest single tributary of the Truckee River, and a landscape rich in history. You can enjoy such things as fishing, hiking, kayaking and boating, paddle boarding, running, mountain biking, swimming, and doing nothing! You can navigate this lake for free during the daytime. Click Here To Learn More  →

Looking for other great tips? Visit Truckee-Tahoe’s site for more great adventure ideas in and around Truckee!