Add Lake Tahoe to Your World Cup Plans
As soccer fans may know, the USA gets to play host to one of the most anticipated sports events of all time: the FIFA World Cup 2026, taking place in June and July of next year. Both Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area will host matches as part of the tournament — which puts attendees in the perfect position to extend the excitement and head up to Lake Tahoe for some post-game celebrating.
Lake Tahoe is known for its plentiful hiking trails ending in awe-inspiring views, a sparkling crystal blue lake perfect for aquatic adventures and 12 towns packed with craft brews and incredible food. It’s no wonder it’s one of the best destinations for sports fans or aspiring athlete to get away from it all. The best part? It’s only a short flight away from World Cup host cities, or an easy (and beautiful) road trip from the San Francisco Bay Area.
To help you plan the perfect trip, we’ve put together a three-day itinerary that’ll have you exploring the beauty of Lake Tahoe, all while indulging in some of the best food, drinks and outdoor adventures you can find on the West Coast. If you’re visiting California for the World Cup, this Lake Tahoe itinerary is sure to keep the excitement going.
Day One: Kick It by the West Shore
Morning
Because the Lake Tahoe region is both large and packed with exciting things to do, it’s best to divide your activities by areas of the lake. For Day One, we’re keeping you near the West Shore, starting off with breakfast in Tahoe City. Head to Fire Sign Cafe, a cozy breakfast spot offering up lovingly crafted comfort food — perfect to fuel up before a day of adventure.
Afternoon
Once you’re ready to face the day, it’s time to head out on a hike and find some truly breathtaking sights. We’ll start with an easy one — about a five-minute drive from Fire Sign Cafe is Page Meadows, a sprawling meadow bursting with wildflowers in the spring. The full meadow loop should only take you around an hour, and in that time, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for photos or simply basking in the sunshine.
For a more challenging activity, head further south (about 10 minutes) from Tahoe City to the Stanford Rock Loop, a 10-mile trail that takes around five hours to complete. Don’t worry — you won’t have to hike the full loop to still enjoy some great views along the way. This trail is also a popular biking trail if you’d rather traverse the wilderness on two wheels.
More true Lake Tahoe treasures await you at Chambers Landing. Grab a table on the patio at Chambers Landing Bar and Grill, the oldest bar in Lake Tahoe. Enjoy stunning lake views as you indulge in seasonally driven dishes and expertly crafted cocktails, such as their signature Chambers Crush, a delicious frozen cocktail so good it earned Chambers Landing Bar and Grill a spot on our North Lake Tahoe Rum Trail.
Evening
Spend some time exploring and shopping around Tahoe City. Cobblestone Center Shopping Mall is a charming outdoor mall filled with eclectic local boutiques. Browse everything from Tahoe-themed t-shirts to dog-friendly treats at the local dog bakery. Attached to Cobblestone Center is Tahoe Tap Haus, also a stop on the North Lake Tahoe Ale Trail. Enjoy a wide selection of locally made craft brews alongside elevated pub fare classics for dinner.
Once you’ve stocked up on souvenirs, you can head right across the street to stroll by the lakeshore at Commons Beach. Don’t forget to take a picture with Penny Bear — or, Ursa Mater, to use her official name — a huge 5,700-pound bear statue covered in 200,000 pennies!
Day Two: An Incline Village Adventure
Morning
The adventure doesn’t stop with day two. Start your day with a mouthwateringly good breakfast at Tunnel Creek Cafe in Incline Village. Hearty portions and a laid-back vibe make this the perfect stop for fuel before you dive into the adventure of the day. Plus, Tunnel Creek Cafe marks the start of the Tunnel Creek Trail. For those looking to grab something more on-the-go, opt for Drink Coffee Do Stuff nearby for a quality morning joe and a quick breakfast bite.
The Tunnel Creek Trail hike is moderately difficult, taking you 4.7 miles and intersecting with the famous Tahoe Rim Trail. The hard work will be well worth it, though — you can follow this trail up to Monkey Rock, a unique rock formation that bears a striking resemblance to an ape. Beyond its quirky shape, Monkey Rock offers what many consider the best panoramic view in all of Lake Tahoe, and it’s a great spot to perch for some cool photos. If your appetite for hiking isn’t quite satisfied, be sure to check out our guide to some of the best hikes in Lake Tahoe.
Afternoon
After your hike, you’ve earned a cold drink. Stop by Alibi Ale Works, which is a quick five-minute drive from Tunnel Creek, to unwind and prepare for your next activity. Known for its award-winning beers brewed with Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear water, Alibi is the perfect place to relax. Many of their beers are even gluten-reduced, and they also have non-alcoholic options to choose from. Pair your beer with one of their creative dishes — such as an artisan pizza, fish tacos and a mustache-shaped soft pretzel — and you’ll be fully refreshed.
The day’s still young, and while you’re in the Incline Village area, you can soak in the outdoor scenery at an award-winning golf course. Incline Village Championship Golf Course is strategically laid out to provide you with incredible mountain views as you make your way through the course. If you’re looking for the thrill of a golf game, but the weather is on the colder side, they also offer indoor virtual golf.
Evening
Once you’ve won your game, you won’t have to go far for an excellent meal. Head over to The Grille at the Chateau, an elegant yet laid-back restaurant serving burgers, handcrafted plates and more. Their menu changes each season, so keep an eye out for what new and exciting flavors might be featured during your visit.
If you’re up for one more stop before you settle in for the night, you can drive five minutes to Glasses Wine Bar for a nightcap. Choose from 26 wines — many of which are local — or enjoy a selection of beers and sparkling ciders as you unwind. They have books and games, and host events often, so you’re guaranteed to find a fun way to spend the rest of the evening.
Day Three: Unwind and Take in the Views in Kings Beach and Carnelian Bay
Morning
Today is all about lakeside fun. Start the day off with a visit to family owned Tree House Café in Kings Beach, where you can grab a strong coffee with locally sourced beans to pair with breakfast. Choose from a delightfully stacked menu of burritos, bagels, sandwiches, scrambles, waffles and more.
Afternoon
Your afternoon exploration is just steps away. You’ll only have to walk for a few minutes to reach Kings Beach State Recreation Area, the perfect place to kick off your day of lakeside adventuring. This recreation area offers a park with a play structure for kids, ample paved pathways for strolling and, of course, a wide stretch of sandy beach perfect for lounging in the sun. Splash in the water by the shore or venture further out onto the lake with a boat, kayak or paddleboard courtesy of North Tahoe Watersports. They’re located within the recreation area itself, making it easy to rent a vessel and get onto the water in no time! For those up for a more thrilling adventure, they even offer parasailing.
For a more easygoing option, treat yourself to a therapeutic yoga class at The Sanctuary Tahoe in Kings Beach – offered seven days a week. The Sanctuary also offers a wealth of wellness services for those looking for a healing mind and body experience, including reiki, somatic therapy, facials, massages and more.
If you’re looking to truly spend the whole day on the water, the Lake Tahoe Water Trail will be your best friend. This 72-mile water route connects various launching points around the lake, including the Kings Beach State Recreation Area. You can follow maps such as their North Shore Day Trip map to be sure you never lose your way.
Evening
After a whole day of lakeside fun, you’re sure to be famished. Go for an easy, relaxed dinner with a trip to Whitecaps Pizza, which is many locals’ favorite stop for a slice. In addition to a wide selection of beer and wines, Whitecaps offers tasty appetizers (trust us, the Boquerones are amazing), salads and of course, artisanal pizzas. Whitecaps Pizza also appears on our Lake Tahoe eats list, so be sure to check that out for more dining inspiration while you’re here.
Before your trip wraps up, make one last stop at Crystal Bay Club & Casino to test your luck and catch an incredible live performance. In addition to a wide selection of games, Crystal Bay is one of Lake Tahoe’s premier venues for events of all kinds, from live concerts and DJ sets to comedy nights and more.
Lodging in Lake Tahoe
Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations to help you feel pampered or you prefer to sleep as close to nature as possible, Lake Tahoe has lodging options for both — and everything in between. Browse Lake Tahoe lodging.
Ahead of your stay, it’s important to also make sure you’re prepared. Use our Know Before You Go page to stay up to date on current weather, road conditions, state and county advisories and other tips to travel responsibly.
Experience True Tahoe Thrills
Why add a Lake Tahoe stop to your FIFA World Cup experience next year? It’s simple. Here, you’ll find a truly unique blend of outdoor adventure, stunning scenery and incredible food and drinks. With activities year-round, whether you’re into snow sports, hiking or paddling on the lake, there’s always something to do. Plan your True Tahoe escape today.
