Washoe tribesmen named their campsite in the corner of Lake Tahoe “Daubey Odu” – roughly translated as “running over,“ referring not to the Lake, but to the riches of the area’s fish and game. However, Tahoe’s true wealth was not discovered until 1864 when local prospectors laid out a small town at the intersection of the Truckee River – Lake Tahoe’s only outlet, and the Lake, and named the town Tahoe City.
Originally constructed as a port of call and end of the line for the Lake Tahoe Railway – historically and today – Tahoe City stands as the gateway to all that is the Tahoe Basin.
Time has chiseled away some of the edges of its history, but its huge array of year round activities, including snow sports in winter, and hiking, camping, fishing, biking, golf and water sports in the summer, continues to make Tahoe City a town with unstoppable charm. Tahoe City is one of Tahoe’s most popular destinations because of its quaint downtown shopping and dining district and some of North Lake Tahoe’s most authentic local dining establishments, like Rosie’s for a fireside breakfast and the Bridgetender with its summertime riverside lodge pole tables, a local’s favorite burger stop. Fine dining options abound at restaurants like Jake’s on the Lake, Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique, Fiamma, Christy Hill and The River Grill.
In summer, Commons Beach, the heart of downtown, comes alive with kayakers, swimmers, sunbathers, free evening movies, and free concerts on the beach. The weekly farmers market is just the ticket for stocking up for a week of picnics and beach barbeques. Just a stone’s throw away is the historic “Fanny Bridge,” named after what you see of the tourists who often line the sidewalk on the lake side to ogle the monster rainbow trout awaiting handouts.
In the winter, Tahoe City is a popular destination due to its proximity to the mountains. Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are just a 10-minute drive away, and for that matter any ski resort in North Lake Tahoe is a short and scenic drive away. Just a few steps from any of its fine lodging options, winter vacationers will find easy access to backcountry and Nordic trails. Cross-country and snowshoe aficionados will revel in the lake vistas at Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area, and enjoy a steaming hot cocoa at one of the area’s well-stocked huts.
 

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