In 1909, Arthur Jost built a small pier and hotel at the water’s edge five miles south of Tahoe City in a sheltered section of lake under the shadow of Ellis Peak. He called his friendly resort “Homewood, and all the name implies.”
Today the location’s real charm rests along the 21 miles of its shoreline, with bike paths and beaches in the summer months and in winter, Homewood Mountain Resort (one of Tahoe’s “secret” ski resorts.) Westshore also boasts the newly refurbished 1960 Winter Olympic Cross-Country ski trails at Sugar Pine Point State Park and the historic sledding hill at Granlibakken Resort. Homewood Mountain Resort has always retained an air of adventure and has been a favorite lair for hardboiled skiers from near and far, who are attracted to the resort’s incomparable views, tree-protected runs, nostalgic atmosphere and views that encompass the dramatic panorama of Lake Tahoe’s shoreline. After an unforgettable day of skiing, feed your craving for a casual pizza with a pie from locals’ favorite Angelo’s Pizza.
Summertime is magical on the West Shore. Bike paths along the lake deliver one breathtaking view after another, and stunning beaches are the perfect venue for picnics and relaxation. For the more adventurous rider, the Tahoe Rim Trail can be accessed by Granlibakken Resort or the Truckee River, and from here can take mountain bikers to the spectacular Paige Meadows.
The Lake Tahoe Music Festival, set in the serene and majestic Hillside Amphitheater at Homewood Mountain Resort, provides an unforgettable evening under the stars. And don’t forget to visit one of the oldest structures on the Lake, historic Chambers Landing. This charming boathouse and pier is an excellent place to have a drink and soak up the lakeside ambience.
Spectacular scenery is only a part of the West Shore’s enchantment. From the stately Ehrman Mansion at Sugar Pine Point State Park in Tahoma, to the beaches of Meeks Bay to Eagle Rock and the Emerald Bay trailheads, gateway to Desolation Wilderness, the West Shore is an exciting elixir of recreation and relaxation. If you are looking for a glimpse of some of the classic wooden boats that Tahoe is famous for, visit the Tahoe Maritime Museum and explore the rich history of these spectacular yachts.
Or learn about Lake Tahoe history at the Gatekeeper’s Museum, where the Lake flows into the Truckee River under “Fanny Bridge.” And if you wish to become a part of this spectacular scenery, create your own adventures afloat with a kayak or paddleboard from West Shore Sports. For an appealing retreat at day’s end, enjoy the warming ambience of Sunnyside Resort, an excellent choice for sunset quenchers or diners just starting the evening.
 

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