It is a very basic principle of thriving cities that when summer comes around, everyone wants to get out on the weekend. Enter the leisure destination. Tahoe is precisely that for San Franciscans, a year-round magical spot for anyone who loves the outdoors, four hours (or six, depending on when you leave) from town. While beloved for its dramatic slopes that cascade down into an expanse of freshwater lake, Tahoe has never been sought after for its design-forward aspirations. It’s like Venice Beach before the rejuvenation of Abbott Kinney—a little down-at-the-heel. A number of newcomers on the vacation scene, however, are seeking to change that reputation, bringing style and craft experience to this inimitable locale. It all begins with a good hotel.
STAYThe volume of vintage motel stock in South Lake Tahoe was not lost on industry veteran Justin Wazka, who purchased a 1960s property with his brother. With a clean, rustic look (read: lots of plywood) and welcoming spaces to gather, The Coachman is brand-new and ready for business—think Ace Hotel meets Route 66 meets Fallingwater. From Frette linens to Stumptown-trained baristas and a well-curated wine list, the hotel is intended to be somewhere you come and stay . . . all day. Be sure to take advantage of the fireside s’more service that lasts well into the evening.
WORK (if you must)Trust us on this one: Beat the crowds by leaving Thursday night and sign on remotely on Friday from newly opened Tahoe Mountain Lab, a coworking space demonstrating Tahoe’s liveability to the tech-crazed masses in the Bay Area. Until Slack updates location services, your boss will never know you’re steps from the beach.
EATGet in the mountain mood at the Beacon Bar & Grill inside the Camp Richardson Resort. With its live music and throwback Tahoe charm, all you really need is a hearty salad and a local brew like Sierra Nevada to kick your shoes off and begin to enjoy your weekend away. Or, if your drive was longer than expected and nothing but a well-executed burger or pie will do, you may fancy a visit to no-frills local favorites Lucky Beaver or Basecamp Pizza.
DRINKFourth of July or not, beer is the beverage of choice for all seasons at the lake. We encourage you to deviate from bottles of Sierra Nevada (albeit delicious) and venture down the path of microbrews at Sidellis, a new beer hall with an edge.
SEEJust as the Bay Area is all about the views, so is Tahoe. Hiking shoes are a must, and a short drive from the Coachman, you’ll find Emerald Bay State Park, where the lake vistas are phenomenal. Between the waterfalls and breathtaking outlooks on which to enjoy a bottle from the hotel’s meticulously curated wine list, the natural beauty will transport you to a world far, far away from your desk. Exhale.
