Hi!
We have family visiting us from overseas and for whatever reason they all want to do a day trip to Tahoe (we suggested staying over, but the logistics do not work out).

I was wondering if you can recommend a decent itinerary for a day trip to Tahoe from San Francisco.

Thanks!

Drive the 3.5 or 4 hours to Tahoe, drive around the lake stopping for lunch at somewhere fun like Garwoods, stop at a casino to spend a few dollars in the slots, then drive home. There's the day.

Sometimes people need to be told what isn't a good idea. Pick a place 3.5 to 4 hours from where your friends live in Europe and ask them if they would do a day trip there.

day of the week would make a huge difference whether it was even feasible.

On a Friday the traffic up will make it at least a 4 hour trip. On a Sunday the trip back to the Bay area could easily take 5 or 6 hours.

So picking a different day of the week would help a little.

But in any case count on 8 -10 hours driving not counting the 2 hours it would take to drive around the Lake in summer time. That is 10+ hours straight car time w/o any stops.

I'd REALLY try to squeeze in an overnight stay.

Really wouldn't do Tahoe as a day-trip from S.F.

All you'd do is sit in the car all day, burn gasoline, and pollute the air-- with little relaxing fun for yourselves.

Spend the night in Tahoe, or visit one of the gazillion reasonable day-trips from S.F. So many choices from that wonderful city.

I agree that sometimes people need to be told when something isn't a good idea. They may just not have any real concept of the time it will take to get to Lake Tahoe and back - and will reconsider once they realize they are looking at 8+ hours in the car.

When one of my friends first moved to the east coast, I would go visit and we'd come up with all sorts of day trips that her husband would veto because of the time it took to get there and back. On the map, everything looks so squishy and close.

Drive up via 80 and then it turns to 50 in west Sacramento. Arrive in South Lake Tahoe for lunch. Just before you get to the Y stop at the subway (on the right side) or at the Raleys (on the left side)for sandwiches or cross the Y and sit down for mexican food at the Cantina.

If you picked up sandwiches take them to Camp Richardson for a picnic by the lake.

While in the area visit the Tallac site:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/ltbmu/recreation/tallac/

Drive on to Fallen Leaf lake where you can drive through and see a really beautiful area.

Head to Emerald Bay and if it's still open (you didn't say what time of year this visit will take place) walk down teh wide paved path to the castle and take a tour.

Walk across the street and follow the path to Eagle Falls. It's pretty short.

Heading north on 89 check with teh ranger at the entrance station to DL Bliss and if you can go in then do it. Beautiufl little beach and terrific views. Walka little of the Rubicaon trail if everyone is able. It's not difficult and hte views are amazing.

Time for some refreshement? stoip inat Chambers (on your right after you leave Tahoma - an amazing log cabin is on the left right on the road & it usually catches you eye well the right turn to Chambers is just up the little hill after you pass the log cabin)

Have a drink on the historic pier/bar - fun times (ok enough about me)

Next you'll go through the town of Homewood and then head toward Tahoe City. It might be really trafficky here. I'd stop for dinner at Sunnyside whichis right on the lake.

In Tahoe City turn left and head north toward 80. You will drive along the Truckee river. When you get to the Town of Truckee get on 80 going west. If you chose not to have dinner in Tahoe then look for Rainbow Lodge west of Donner and have dinner along the river. Food is wonderful.

I left out a whole bunchof stuff because realistically you do not have time for much when you have about a 4 hour drive each way.

Suzie, you have given a fun day itinerary for Tahoe. Now if they want to leave SF at 3 AM and get home at 2 AM the next day -- they can go for it.

Heehee. If it were me i"d be doing the eating and drinking by the lake and skip a bunch of the hiking.

Love the view of the lake with a cool beverage in my hand. AHHHHHHHhhhhhh

Thanks a lot everyone.
Convinced them to not go to Tahoe.
We'll go to Point Reyes instead.

Smart move! Congratulations.