36 Hours in Truckee-Tahoe: A Local’s Memorial Day Weekend Guide

36 Hours in Truckee-Tahoe: A Local’s Memorial Day Weekend Guide

Paddleboards, patios, pastries, and potential dream homes—this is how we do Memorial Day up here.

Whether you're escaping the city or casually scoping out homes for sale in Truckee and Lake Tahoe, here’s how to soak up a perfect long weekend—insider style.

🌲 DAY 1: Truckee Townie Saturday

☕️ Café Lupine (at The Rock, Truckee)
Start your day at this charming European-style café next to the Sotheby’s office. Gorgeous French pastries, locally roasted coffee, and outdoor seating with views of Ponderosa Golf Course. → Must-try: The London Fog and leek & cheese pastry (trust me, it’s addictive).

⛳️ Ponderosa Golf Course
A casual, walkable 9-hole course perfect for a morning swing before you dive into Truckee’s food and shopping scene.

🍔 RMU Truckee (Rocky Mountain Underground)
Craft beer, killer burgers, and often live music—set in a beautiful historic stone building in downtown Truckee. Great vibe, great food, and right in the heart of Old Town.

🛍️ Downtown Truckee Boutiques & Galleries
Stroll, sip, and shop through a mix of historic charm and modern finds.

• Juniper Boutique – boho chic meets mountain modern. My fave. 

• Piper J Gallery – curated contemporary fine art.

• Art Obsessions – art + wine = yes please.

• Mountain Arts Collective – local artists, warm energy.

🍹 PJ’s Bar & Grill at Gray’s Crossing
Outdoor fire pits, sweeping views of the Carson Range, dog-friendly lawn space, and—let’s be honest—the best margaritas in Truckee. Great for families and date night.

🏨 The Tahoe Star Hotel – Downtown Truckee

Your stylish Truckee base for Day 1.
Newly renovated with boutique charm, this spot is walkable to everything in downtown Truckee—coffee shops, galleries, restaurants, and more. A perfect choice for anyone who wants to park once and soak in the mountain-town vibe on foot.

🌊 DAY 2: Lakeside Sunday

🥚 Old Post Office Café (Carnelian Bay)
Hearty breakfasts, mountain-town hospitality, and the fluffiest omelets you’ll find in North Lake Tahoe. Locals know to arrive early on holiday weekends.

🛶 Waterman’s Landing
Rent paddleboards or kayaks right next to Sierra Boat Company Marina and enjoy a peaceful morning paddle. Bonus: front-row views of some of Tahoe’s most stunning lakefront homes.

🍹 Gar Woods Grill & Pier
A classic Tahoe experience with gorgeous views and the iconic Wet Woody cocktail. Sit on the deck and soak it all in—this is lake life at its finest.

🚢 Tahoe Gal Paddlewheeler (Tahoe City)
Cruise past iconic spots like Emerald Bay on this classic paddlewheel steamer. Full bar, narrated tours, and unforgettable views.

🍽️ Jake’s on the Lake
Wrap up your lakeside day with dinner at this long-loved spot: Bar menu or fine dining, sweeping lake views, and cool memorabilia on the walls.
(And yes—there might be a couple of waterskis there autographed by two US Ski Team members… one of whom, may or may not be a real estate agent you know. Modesty first, of course. 😉)

🏔️ Granlibakken Tahoe – Tahoe City

Your peaceful West Shore stay for Day 2.
Nestled on 74 forested acres, this historic resort was originally built for the 1960 Winter Olympics. Cozy, nostalgic, and close to town yet quietly tucked away. Great for couples, families, and anyone who loves a good breakfast buffet and easy trail access.

🌅 DAY 3: Mountain Monday

🌄 Sunrise Hike Options:

Eagle Rock Trail – Easy, quick, and epic views in just 30 minutes. Perfect for visitors or families.
Stanford Rock Loop Trail – For those craving solitude, elevation, and serious alpine beauty. 10.5 miles of wildflowers and views.

🍳 Firesign Café (Tahoe Park)
A West Shore staple for decades. Great breakfast, stellar Bloody Marys, and cozy patio seating.

🚗 Taking the scenic route home?
Loop around the lake via Emerald Bay and stop at Vikingsholm Castle. Historic stone mansion, iconic views, and a peaceful end to your weekend.

🏡 Thinking this lifestyle might be more than just a weekend thing?

Between off-market opportunities, lakefront properties, and investment-ready ADU homes in Truckee and Tahoe, there’s a lot worth exploring right now. Whether you’re dreaming of a lakehouse, a legacy cabin, or your future full-time basecamp—I’d love to help you find it.

→ Don’t just visit Tahoe—live it.
Whether it’s a lakefront legacy property or a tucked-away Truckee escape, I’ll help you find your mountain match.