How to Spend a Day in South Lake Tahoe with your Dog

South Lake Tahoe has many dog friendly places to visit. Here’s how to experience Tahoe with your best friend:

The itinerary makes for the perfect Tahoe dog-friendly getaway that is fun for both of you.

Visit the Dog Store Upon Arrival to Lake Tahoe

Let’s say you just arrived in South Lake Tahoe and you forgot to bring dog food or want to grab some treats for your hike. Go to Dog, Dog, Cat, located in the shopping center next to the Heavenly village. Dog, Dog, Cat has been open 14 years. I had a chance to speak with the owner, George. He opened the store with a background in the retail industry and his passion for pets. The impressive inventory in the store includes: healthy food, raw food, supplements, snacks, treats, coats, collars, toys, and everything else you can think of for your dog/cat. It’s like a mini Whole Foods for dogs. I know my pup, Taz loved it there. The staff are also well informed about all things dog and Lake Tahoe. Talk to them about which beach to go to or what hike to do and what supplement your dog may need. Make sure to ask for their brochure that includes all the dog-friendly beaches and parks in Lake Tahoe. So grab some treats and let’s continue with the day.

Lunch for Two in South Lake Tahoe

Just down the road on the main street is California Burger Co. A great place to sit outside by the fire pit, listen to music and people watch. Your dog is welcome there and they’ll even bring you a water bowl. So hang out there for lunch and a beer or stop by for their appetizers and drinks at the end of the day. They often have live music and the musicians are actually pretty good.

Shop with your dog in South Lake Tahoe

When you get done with lunch, walk down South on the main street and you will run into Earthbound. This place is more for you than for your doggie but they do carry some dog items. Grab yourself a new salt lamp, some new jewelry, a travel journal or a beautiful Indian shawl.

Go Hiking or Hit the Beach with your dog

By now, your pooch is wondering why you came to Tahoe in the first place if you just going to hang out in the village. So, hop in the car and take your dog hiking or go get wet on the Lake Tahoe beach. A few places to do so depending on your time, weather, and activity preference are:

Nevada Beach – you can park on the side of the road and walk through the forest to the beach. If it’s off season, the campground there will be closed. The South side of the beach is dog-friendly and your dog can play in the water or on the beach. They also have BBQs on the beach. You can grab something from Safeway across the highway and stay for the evening or make lunch on the beach. The path to the highway from the beach is 2.8 miles one-way but if you park closer to the beach, you don’t have to walk as much.

Powerline Trail is another great place to catch a sunset and enjoy a picturesque walk with your furry friend. This trail features a view of Tahoe Valley, the stunning sierras and the southern end of Lake Tahoe. The first sections are mostly flat so it’s a good stroll for the whole family as well.

You can access the Tahoe Rim Trail from different points in town. It’s up to you how far you want to go, as the trail goes around the entire lake. The views are definitely worth the hike.

Cocktail with a View of Lake Tahoe

Both you and your dog have earned your rest after all this hiking. It’s time to chill and enjoy a craft cocktail with a view of Lake Tahoe. We recommend doing so at Jimmy’s Restaurant, part of the Landing hotel. You can sit on the outdoor patio and sip a glass of vino while Fido is resting at your feet. Try some of the Greek appetizers on the menu as well. The Landing Hotel is also pet-friendly so if you decide to spend the night, you don’t need to walk too far. Other pet-friendly hotels in the area are: Hotel Becket and Basecamp Hotel.

Hope you bring Fido with you on your next Lake Tahoe vacation and enjoy the outdoors.