The Ultimate Dog-friendly Guide to Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination with something unique to offer during each season, and it’s just as perfect for your dog as it is for you thanks to all the dog-friendly activities around the lake. Whether you’re exploring the snow-covered trails in winter, lounging by the crystal-clear alpine lake in summer, or soaking in the vibrant colors of fall, there’s no shortage of dog-friendly things to do.
In this ultimate dog-friendly guide, we’ll explore the best spots to visit with your pup during winter, summer, and fall, ensuring you both have an unforgettable adventure no matter the time of year you visit. But first, let’s cover some of the topics that are helpful year round, like how to get to Tahoe, dog-friendly lodging options, and where to dine with your pup.
Getting to Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is conveniently located on the border of California and Nevada, making it accessible from several major cities. The closest airports are:
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) - Just a 45-minute drive to North Lake Tahoe.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) - Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from North Lake Tahoe.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - About a 3.5-hour drive to South Lake Tahoe.
From the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle for the scenic drive along US-395 and NV-431, which offers beautiful mountain views
If you're driving from the Bay Area, expect about a 3.5-hour drive via I-80 or US-50, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Both routes offer stunning vistas, but US-50, known as the "Lincoln Highway," provides a particularly scenic drive through the Sierra Nevada. Be sure to check for any road closures or chain requirements in the winter months, as mountain passes can become icy.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Lake Tahoe
We’ve visited Lake Tahoe nearly 10 times since moving to NorCal, so we’ve gotten to scope out a lot of dog-friendly lodging options. A lot of the activities we’ll recommend are in South Lake and that’s where most of our hotel recommendations are as well. From luxurious accommodations to budget-friendly stays, here’s a list of dog-friendly hotels in Lake Tahoe that we’d recommend:
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Address: 13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Court, Truckee, CA 96161
Average Nightly Rate: $450+
Pet Fee: $150 per stay
Unique Features: A true luxury experience with stunning mountain views, dog-friendly amenities, and easy access to the Northstar Ski Resort. Your dog can join you by the fire pit on the outdoor terrace while you sip hot cocoa.
The Landing Resort & Spa
Address: 4104 Lakeshore Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Average Nightly Rate: $300+
Pet Fee: $75 per night
Unique Features: Lakeside location with private beach access, pet-friendly patio dining, and a dedicated doggy menu at the on-site restaurant.
The Landing Resort & Spa Lake Tahoe is a unique dog-friendly property nestled along South Lake Tahoe’s shoreline and surrounded by alpine trees. Dogs are not just allowed here, they're welcomed. There is no size restriction for your dog when visiting, but you will have to pay a daily $75 pet fee. The property features spacious dog-friendly rooms featuring a kitchenette, heated floors, and other luxury in-room amenities with a balcony. The property itself is located walking distance from downtown South Lake, but if you'd prefer they have a dog-friendly on-demand shuttle that will drop you off and pick you up from the location of your choosing or you can use one of their property bikes. While the property is downtown, there were plenty of areas for potty breaks and dog waste stations on site. The properties restaurant Jimmy's is a must when visiting. They welcome dogs on the patio and inside the restaurant and they even offer a pup menu. We absolutely loved the cocktails and food here and highly recommend snagging one of the indoor tables that opens to the patio where you can watch the sun set. As if this property wasn't dog-friendly enough, your dog is also allowed in the pool area and it's located within 20 minutes of two of our favorite dog-friendly beaches.
Desolation Hotel
Address: 933 Poplar St, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Average Nightly Rate: $400+
Pet Fee: $100 per stay
Unique Features: Modern, eco-friendly boutique hotel with dog-friendly rooms that include private patios, dog beds, and bowls. Near the South Lake Tahoe trail system for easy access to hiking.
Staying at Desolation Hotel in South Lake Tahoe with your dog offers a luxurious yet dog-friendly retreat. The eco-conscious boutique hotel embraces a modern mountain aesthetic, with rooms and townhomes featuring sleek, minimalist designs and private balconies or patios—perfect for relaxing with your pup after a day of adventure. Dogs are welcome in designated rooms, and the hotel goes out of its way to make furry guests feel at home, providing amenities like dog beds, bowls, and treats upon arrival. With the hotel’s prime location near hiking trails and dog-friendly beaches, you’ll have easy access to plenty of outdoor activities.
One of the unique features of Desolation Hotel is its proximity to Maggie’s, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, which has cocktails inspired by dogs and welcomes dogs inside in their restaurant and on their patio. You can enjoy a meal or a drink with your dog while taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. After a long day exploring the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe, unwind by the fire pit or soak in the outdoor hot tub while your dog rests beside you.
A few things to consider when staying here with your dog:
If your dog is fearful of heights, they probably won’t enjoy the townhome. Ruby was fine on the 2nd floor but very aware of how high up she was on the 3rd floor bedroom/balcony level.
There is a grated front entry by the door. I had to carry Rue over it every time we entered/exited the townhome. It wasn’t a huge deal since she’s small, but it might be challenging with a fearful, larger dog.
Potty spots are scarce on property. You’ll have to walk the surrounding area for strips of landscaping and grass.
Desolation Hotel Hope Valley
Address: 1315 Carson Pass Hwy, Markleeville, CA 96120
Average Nightly Rate: $375+
Pet Fee: $100 per stay
Unique Features: Located in a serene setting surrounded by fall foliage, this intimate lodge offers rustic yet refined accommodations. Pet-friendly cabins feature private fire pits and scenic views of the valley.
Station House Inn
Address: 901 Park Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Average Nightly Rate: $125+
Pet Fee: $50 per stay
Unique Features: Retro-inspired inn with cozy dog-friendly rooms and a seasonal outdoor pool. Just a short walk to the lake and nearby dog-friendly cafes.
The hotel is located just a few blocks off of Lake Tahoe Blvd. in downtown South Lake. We enjoyed our stay in a cozy king on the first floor that provided direct access to the outside. Our room came with all the essentials and then some, like a mini fridge, heat lights in the bathroom, and snow gear storage. There’s plenty of parking on-site, and it’s included in your reservation. Station House Inn is about a 5-minute walk from the hotel to downtown if you don’t want to deal with parking at Heavenly Village you can easily walk to and from the hotel. The hotel also has a spacious lodge that’s great for hanging out after a day in the snow and an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy food to-go. The Station House Inn Lodge hosts happy hour every day from 4-6p.m. and movie nights on Fridays. They even offer s’mores for evenings out by the fire pit.
The Coachman Hotel
Address: 4100 Pine Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Average Nightly Rate: $200+
Pet Fee: $50 per stay
Unique Features: Contemporary boutique hotel with a communal vibe, perfect for dog lovers. Enjoy the outdoor fire pits, complimentary s'mores kits, and dog-friendly rooms with easy access to trails.
The Coachman Hotel gives off a hip, relaxed, and modern vibe that is complemented by its welcoming attitude toward dogs. The property features 42 rooms with designated pet-friendly rooms and outdoor spaces where your pup can relax with you. Their cozy communal fire pit will be your favorite evening spot where you can enjoy s’mores, and they have a sleek outdoor bar area with a menu featuring local light bites. The hotel is located just a short walk from Heavenly Village and on-site parking is included in your reservation.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants to Eat at in Lake Tahoe year round
You’ll typically need to dine outside when your dog is accompany you for meals, but that’s not a problem in Tahoe because of the patios are equipped for serving guests year round—yes, many patios have heaters and blankets for those cooler winter months and I personally enjoy more of the après ski vibe anyways. This list of restaurants are establishments we frequent each time we visit and all welcome dogs on their outdoor patios (some even inside).
Azul Latin Kitchen
Address: 1001 Heavenly Village Way #3, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Cuisine: Latin Fusion
Description: Known for its fresh, healthy take on Latin American cuisine, Azul offers a dog-friendly outdoor patio where you can enjoy tacos, burritos, and a great selection of cocktails.
Blue Dog Pizza
Address: 4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd #22, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Cuisine: Pizzeria
Description: A local favorite for delicious pizzas with a variety of toppings. The dog-friendly patio is perfect for enjoying a slice with your pup.
Basecamp Pizza
Address: 1001 Heavenly Village Way #25A, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Cuisine: Pizzeria/Italian
Description: Featuring gourmet pizzas, live music, and a lively atmosphere, Basecamp Pizza’s outdoor seating is dog-friendly and provides a great spot for a casual meal.
Sprouts Natural Foods Café
Address: 3123 Harrison Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Cuisine: Vegetarian/Vegan/Healthy Eats
Description: A health-conscious café serving up fresh salads, smoothies, and sandwiches. The dog-friendly outdoor seating area makes it a wonderful spot for a healthy meal with your pet.
The Hangar Taproom & Bottle Shop
Address: 2401 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Cuisine: Brewery/Pub Fare
Description: This laid-back taproom has an expansive dog-friendly outdoor area, complete with picnic tables and yard games. Food trucks are often on-site for rotating meal options.
Jimmy’s at The Landing Resort & Spa
Address: 4104 Lakeshore Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Cuisine: Californian/Mediterranean
Description: A sophisticated dining experience with lakefront views that welcomes dogs inside the restaurant or on their patio. Jimmy’s menu features locally-sourced ingredients with a Mediterranean flair plus a dog menu.
Sidellis Lake Tahoe Brewery & Restaurant
Address: 3350 Sandy Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Cuisine: Brewery/Comfort Food
Description: A microbrewery offering a range of house-made beers and comfort food favorites. They welcome dogs inside.
Heaven's Little Café
Address: 3135 Harrison Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Cuisine: American/Café
Description: A cozy café with dog-friendly outdoor seating, serving up classic breakfast and lunch items like pancakes, omelets, and burgers.
Maggie’s
Address: 4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 (Located inside Desolation Hotel)
Cuisine: Elevated American with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Menu highlights include artisanal flatbreads, hearty salads, craft cocktails, and farm-to-table dishes.
Description: Maggie’s offers a cozy, rustic-chic dining experience with indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant has a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The rooftop dining area provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and dogs are welcome inside or on their outdoor patio.
the seasons of lake tahoe and dog-friendly things to do when visiting
Winter in lake tahoe
Visiting Lake Tahoe in the winter with your dog offers a magical experience as the area transforms into a snowy wonderland. With its frosted alpine trees and scenic hikes, to dog-friendly ski resorts, sledding, and picturesque views, Lake Tahoe has something for everyone when it comes planning a winter getaway here.Many of Tahoe’s trails become ideal for snowshoeing with your pup, like the scenic paths at Fallen Leaf Lake, you can take to the hills of Heavenly Village for some sledding, and many Tahoe beaches, including Kiva Beach, remain dog-friendly year-round, allowing your pup to romp on the snowy shoreline with snow capped mountains as the backdrop.
Lake tahoe in the summer
While Tahoe is a year round destination, it’s particularly fun to visit with your dog in the summer when more activities available, like the aerial gondolas, mountain trails at the ski resorts, and fun water activities.Summer is truly a season where your dog with experience no restrictions when it comes to enjoying a Tahoe getaway with you. You and your pup can enjoy plenty of shoreline time at dog-friendly beaches, hiking trails abound with breathtaking alpine scenery, and one of our personal favorites — clear kayaking. The warm days and cool nights make summer ideal for dog-friendly adventuring from sunrise to sunset.
chasing fall foliage in lake tahoe
Fall in Lake Tahoe brings crisp air, vibrant fall foliage, fewer tourists, and off-peak prices. While Tahoe doesn’t turn into New England come October, if you know where to look you can certainly get a taste of it. Many of the prime fall foliage spots can be seen by car or shorts walks along lakes and creeks, making for a relaxing adventure. The cooler weather also makes it more comfortable for your dog to enjoy longer hikes, and the peaceful, uncrowded trails provide plenty of space to roam.
