Baby-friendly summer weekend in Truckee Lake Tahoe

A Baby-Friendly Summer Weekend in Truckee

ByRenee Sand

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When my now-husband moved across the country for business school, I decided to do the opposite, and move to a tiny cabin tucked away in Tahoe National Forest. I had enjoyed my near-decade living in the Bay Area, but I was ready for a change to a more peaceful lifestyle. 

I traded my steep rent for a 9×9-square-foot bedroom in San Francisco for a mortgage on a modest two-bedroom mountain cabin that needed some love…and I was thrilled with the decision. After my remote workday, I could hike right from my front door. On weekends, I had a constant stream of visitors who wanted to explore the area with me—including the nearest town, Truckee, on the north side of the Lake Tahoe area. To this day, my husband affectionately refers to Truckee as a “Hallmark Movie Christmas Town,” because that’s exactly how special it feels. 

We now live in Denver for my husband’s job, but we are lucky enough to still own the little cabin and ended up spending two summer months of our parental leave there with our new baby. That’s when we realized how wonderful our beloved town of Truckee is for families, too. 

If you’re planning a summer weekend in the Lake Tahoe area with a baby, here are the places I’d recommend after years of exploring Truckee as both a local and a new mom.

Why You Should Visit Truckee With a Baby

Casual environment

The first time I went to a non-California mountain town (Park City, Utah), I was shocked by how fancy it was compared to what I was used to in my home state. With a large population of transplants from the Bay Area, and an equally large population of home-grown Californians, Truckee is the perfect casual, laid-back environment for families. Nobody will think twice if your baby fusses, or if your family is wearing beach outfits straight to dinner. 

Mild summer weather

Coming from Denver, where summers can be scorching hot, something we love most about Truckee is the comfortable and mild summer climate. With daytime highs in the 70s to low 80s, you don’t have to worry as much about your baby overheating while out and about. (You should still use proper precautions, of course, and keep them protected from the sun!)

Local vibes

While Lake Tahoe is famous for its bustling resort towns, Truckee has managed to hold onto its small-town character. It feels like a place where people actually live, not just visit on vacation. This translates to a community where people care about their town, keep it clean, and want their businesses to succeed. Families are encouraged and welcomed to visit to enable the town of Truckee to keep thriving year-round, even outside of ski season. 

Iconic natural beauty

The Lake Tahoe area is truly one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Truckee provides a perfect gateway to the surrounding Tahoe area, plus its own natural beauty to offer (Donner Lake is also stunning!) and local mountain town charm.  Even if your baby isn’t quite old enough to remember the incredible scenery, you’ll still be creating lasting family memories (and taking amazing family photos). 

Baby-Friendly Things To Do in Truckee

Sightseeing

Eating and Drinking

  • Get Hawaiian Hazelnut coffee, bagel sandwiches, and fresh pastries at Wild Cherries Coffee House (their lemon bars are my absolute favorite!)
  • Enjoy delicious salads and pizzas at Old Town Tap (definitely try the mushroom pizza with white sauce)
  • Try local beers and tons of burger options at Fifty Fifty Brewing (at a brand-new building in a growing part of town, with ample parking)
  • Have some of the best fries and poke at The Pub at Donner Lake (just across the street from the West End beach)
  • Sit down for an early dinner reservation (as soon as they open at 5PM) at the incredible Italian restaurant Pianeta, located in one of the oldest historic buildings in town (Babies will love the dark, cozy vibes and chill ambient noise. Please note this is the only restaurant recommendation that I would say isn’t stroller-friendly, but we brought our baby in his infant car seat with no issues.)

Shopping

  • Buy souvenirs (and anything you forgot to pack) at Mountain Hardware and Sports (which the locals affectionately call “Truckee Nordstrom” because they sell the nicest gear in town!)
  • Shop for unique handmade items at Bespoke (they also have a huge children’s book area at the back of the store)
  • Check out adorable baby and toddler clothes at Jack + Emmy (right across the street from Old Town Tap)
  • Explore a bunch of other cute stores in historic downtown Truckee (Many places to shop for souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and even handmade candy with a very casual, baby-friendly vibe). The downtown area is flat and has wide sidewalks, making it very stroller-accessible.)

How to Prepare for Your Truckee Trip

Nearby Airport

If you’re not within driving distance to Truckee, the closest airport is located in Reno, Nevada. I LOVE Reno-Tahoe International Airport—it’s small and easy to navigate, but still offers many direct flight options all over the country. The rental car facility is incredibly convenient; you literally just walk across the street, no hassle with a shuttle. (Pro tip: Costco is down the street from the Reno airport, so stock up on your family’s groceries and supplies before heading up the mountain to Truckee.)

Family-Friendly Lodging

There are a few hotels and motels in town, but for families it’s far more enjoyable to reserve a house rental where you’ll have a dishwasher, laundry, and private space to enjoy the outdoors throughout your trip. Check out highly rated listings on Airbnb for rentals with forest views, and some even within walking distance to Donner Lake!

Seasonal Considerations

This is specifically a summer vacation itinerary. Visiting Truckee in the winter is magical, but very different—the Lake Tahoe area is one of the snowiest parts of the country! And while summers in Truckee are still crowded, it’s not as crazy busy as ski season. 

What to Pack

Besides the key things you’d usually bring on a summer vacation with your baby, the following items are must-haves for a family trip to Truckee:

  • Baby sun hat: You’ll most likely be enjoying outdoor activities and even dining outside most of the trip. 
  • Baby carrier: Not all of the activity options are stroller-friendly, so babywearing is a great alternative to keep your little one close to you during family adventures. 
  • Travel stroller: Even for the stroller-friendly destinations in Truckee, a travel-sized stroller is far more convenient in crowded spaces. 
  • Beach blanket: Many of the best summer activities in and around Truckee involve beach days!
  • Beach umbrella: It’s usually possible to find shade at Donner Lake, but you’ll most likely need to bring your own shade if you visit Lake Tahoe. 

Shop my family travel planner on Etsy!

Summer weekend family travel planner printable

Why Truckee Works So Well With a Baby

If you’re looking for a mountain destination that’s beautiful, laid-back, and genuinely welcoming to families, I can’t recommend Truckee enough. There’s so much to do in a short driving distance, easy parking around town, mild summer weather, casual restaurants with plenty of outdoor seating, and an overall relaxed pace. Whether it’s your baby’s very first vacation or simply another weekend exploring together, I hope this little travel guide helps you create memories your family will treasure for years to come.

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Baby-friendly summer weekend in Truckee Lake Tahoe