A Weekend at Lake Tahoe: Lodge Life, Lakeside Yoga, and a Hint of Luxury

In the Sierra Nevada Mountains lies Lake Tahoe—the third-deepest lake in the U.S. and the 10th-deepest in the world. Claimed by both California and Nevada, it’s a shimmering, alpine jewel with crystal-clear waters and views in every direction that make you stop and stare.

From Los Angeles, it’s about a 7.5-hour drive—long, but scenic—or a $150 flight via Reno if time is short. We chose the scenic route, road-tripping up Highway 395 with stops in Bishop, Lone Pine, Mammoth Lakes, and Mono Lake before reaching South Lake Tahoe. Destination: the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, located in Incline Village on the Nevada side.

Arrival: Lodge-Style Luxury

We pulled in just before the July 4th weekend buzz. This place is dog-friendly, guest-friendly, and full of energy. The hotel sits just across the street from the lake, a short walk away.

The design is classic lodge: solid timber, stone accents, a kind of rustic grandeur that says mountains, but make it elegant. Nowhere is this more obvious than at the Lone Eagle Grill, one of the hotel’s signature restaurants. Its massive windows open up to the lake, and at night, fire pits glow along the boardwalk. The menu sticks with the theme: grilled elk, king salmon, bold, hearty flavors.

Not far from there is Pier 111 Bar, a 275-foot floating pier turned cocktail lounge—a dreamy spot for drinks, mingling, and boat-watching.

Activities: From Axe Throwing to Kayaking

We started with something unexpected: axe throwing. Yes, that’s a thing now. It’s harder than it looks—and by midday in the summer heat, we retreated to the shaded courtyard and soon after, the Stillwater Spa.

Stillwater is a sanctuary of facials, massages, and calm. After the thud of axes, the spa’s sense of stillness was perfect. But adventure calls in Tahoe, and next up was lakeside yoga, held right on the beach.

Yoga by the Water

There’s something surreal about flowing through yoga poses with your toes in the sand, the lake shimmering nearby, and a live DJ laying down mellow beats. That’s the vibe at the lakeside yoga series, hosted by local instructor Alexandra Farrar and DJ JOOLZ.

It’s not just for wellness—it supports the Step Up for STEM program at Incline Elementary School. Classes are held September 14 and 28, starting at 5:30 p.m., with happy hour at The Nest Bar & Grill after.

Out on the Water

Later, we kayaked into the lake at sunset, watching the shoreline recede and the water shift in color. A few people murmured about Larry Ellison—the Oracle CEO—whose property (the legendary Cal Neva Resort) sits visible from the water. Rumor has it he’s sold it, but the intrigue remains.

We wrapped the trip with a bike ride around the lake. Starting at the hotel, the trails gave us new views—each bend revealing another picture-perfect slice of Tahoe.

The Goodbye

As always, the goodbye came too soon. Lake Tahoe doesn’t let you leave without thinking about when you’ll return. There’s so much more to explore, and even in a packed weekend, we only skimmed the surface.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
111 Country Club Drive
Incline Village, NV 89451
+1 775 832 1234