Looking for a relaxing spring escape? This Tahoe weekend itinerary hits all the right notes for a fun and laid-back getaway. Start off with lakeside bites at Sunnyside Restaurant before settling into the cozy vibe at Basecamp Tahoe City. Then, spend a day on the slopes at Palisades Tahoe, taking in the fresh mountain air. Come evening, swing by Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats for great food and live music, and wake up the next day to grab a freshly brewed pick-me-up at Wild Cherries Coffee House. Round out your adventure with a thoughtful stroll at Donner Memorial State Park—it's the perfect blend of excitement, downtime, and a touch of local history!

Since 1906, the iconic Sunnyside Lodge, boasting the largest lakefront deck in Tahoe and sweeping panoramic views, has been home to Sunnyside Restaurant. Perched along the scenic West shore, diners continue to enjoy their famous fried zucchini appetizer, a Sunnyside tradition since 1965. The fresh fish tacos and sesame salmon rice bowl are “off the hook” and their well-rounded kids menu makes this an ideal family destination.

The newer location of this modern, stylish, budget-minded hotel offers 24 rooms a mere five-minute walk to the lake in downtown Tahoe City. The lobby bar serves local micro-brews, wines and snacks, and s’mores are available for purchase to use at the outdoor fire pits. You’ll also find secure places to lock up your skis or snowboard, leaving more space for your four-legged friend in the designated pet-friendly rooms. The hotel welcomes pets without breaking the bank. They charge a one-time pet fee per visit of $40 plus tax and dogs are welcome in select rooms and the hotel’s common areas,

Home to the 1960 Winter Olympics, the ski resort and village formerly known as Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows in Olympic Valley is a year-round draw for its skiing, snowboarding and scenic Aerial Tram. In 10 minutes, up to 110 passengers ascend over 2,000 feet to get panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra. In summer, meadows are ablaze with wildflowers along hiking trails leading to waterfalls. In winter, 29 mountain lifts attract all levels of snow enthusiasts. Above the village, Via Ferrata is a guided, protected rock climbing experience using permanent steel anchors and cables. Tip: New for the 2022-2023 ski season, the Base to Base Gondola now connects the two valleys of the resort, a scenic ride that takes 16 minutes and traverses 2.4 miles and 3,105 vertical feet. palisadestahoe.com

The quintessential Truckee experience, Moody's is a warm and inviting destination for fresh, seasonal farm-to-table eats and craft cocktails. Located within the historic Truckee Hotel, diners relish the ahi poke, braised lamb shanks and Neapolitan pizzas. Its fine dining is complemented with live jazz, Americana soul, and rhythm and blues bands reminiscent of the 1950s supper clubs.

“Good feelings, great coffee and great fare.” For over 20 years, this Truckee mainstay has been lauded for its bakery specializing in European-style pastries, artisan sourdough breads, focaccia, savory quiches, fruit and custard pies, fresh muffins and scones to name just a few! Feel free to enjoy your breakfast, snack or lunch at this laid back hub in Truckee, long a locals favorite or simply pop in for one of their fresh, flavorful roasted coffees.

Set against the majestic backdrop of Donner Lake in Truckee at an elevation of about 6,000 feet, Donner Memorial State Park memorializes the ill-fated Donner Party and the California emigrants who traveled west during the mid-1800s, at the Pioneer Monument, completed in 1918. But along with this somber historical landmark, the park offers outdoor enthusiasts a wealth of activities to enjoy, including camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and 8 miles of hiking and over-the-snow trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Tip: The park’s visitor center provides informative exhibits on the Donner Party, the local Washoe tribe and the Chinese construction of the railroad.