HOW LAKE TAHOE STOLE MY HEART
Before I visit somewhere new, I always get a bit apprehensive, thinking . . . .
“It’s never going to live up to my expectations”
“Will the water really be that blue?”
“Those Instagram photos, you know the ones, with the Stand Up Paddle boards in the most stunning coves, with crystal clear waters and huge boulders. Do they really exist, and will I find them?”
“And the mountains….. they don’t look that big in the photos, I’m probably going to be underwhelmed”
Welcome to my brain.
It turns out, that Lake Tahoe has been one of my favourite places to visit, in the USA so far . . . . It may even sit at the top of the list!
In answer to my early worries:
Yes! the water really is that blue! In parts, the water is so clear, you can see objects, 67 feet below the surface!
If you go to the right places, those coves with boulders really do exist, they are plentiful, peaceful, and will absolutely blow your mind!
The lake itself sits over 6,000 feet above sea level, so you are already up in the mountains, and I promise, you will be absolutely overwhelmed.
We only had 2 nights at Lake Tahoe, giving us only a day and a half to explore. We visited in the middle of September, so it was lovely and warm. Although, don’t be surprised if you see the odd snow-day around this time. (Lake Tahoe in the winter has been added to my ever-growing destination bucket list)
We thought about hiking, but all I really wanted to do was be around the water. Jet skis, Stand Up Paddle boards and glass kayaks were considered, but to be honest, these were all a bit pricier to hire than what we were hoping to pay. (We were on a budget, but if you have more cash to splash out, absolutely go for it. Or, maybe take a blow up paddle board with you. It would be an exceptional way to see the lake!)
After a little research, I settled on the place I really wanted to see, Secret Cove.
You can park at Secret Harbor parking area, which is roughly a 30 to 40 minute drive from South Lake Tahoe (Where I stayed). If you are staying at Incline Village, you’d maybe only be 15 to 20 minutes away. The beach is then a half a mile walk along the easy to follow footpath. And let me tell you, the beauty of that beach is something else! I never wanted to pull my eyes away from it. Even with the few naked people dotted around the water!
(It’s clothing optional, but don’t let that put you off. In fact, why not embrace it? YOLO!)
We decided to keep hiking along the coast to find a cove that was a little less busy, where we could relax for the day. Roughly 2 miles from the car park, we settled on Whale Beach. Named after a rock protruding out of the water that looks like . . . . you guessed it, a whale.
This cove is nothing short of paradise! We spent the day sketching, reading and swimming (FYI, the water is super refreshing, and will probably take your breathe away for a second or two).
The local four legged friends are well experienced paddle boarders, and provided entertainment all day long, jumping on and off their boards.
Day 2? We decided to do exactly the same. I never wanted to leave.
If you are considering a West Coast road trip, I would highly recommend adding Lake Tahoe to your itinerary. The scenery is insane, the vibe is so chilled and I think you will fall in love with it, just like I did.
Have you been to Lake Tahoe? What did you think? Let me know in the comments!
Be kind and follow your dreams,