[Milena Regos, Tahoe South. Photo Credit Milena Regos]
South Lake Tahoe has many dog friendly places to visit. To experience Tahoe with your best friend, check out these recommendations below.
The itinerary makes for the perfect Tahoe dog friendly getaway that is fun for both of you.
Take Fido to the Dog Store Upon Arrival
Let's say you just arrived into town and you forgot to bring dog food or just want to grab some treats for your hike. Go to " Dog, Dog, Cat " store located in the Raley's shopping center next to the Heavenly village. Don't trust your GPS to take you there. It took me to a side street outside the shopping complex. You can look for Raley's if you need to find a starting
point. The store 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. 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 Tahoe. Talk to them about which beach to go to or what hike to do and what supplement your dog needs. Make sure to ask for their brochure too that includes all dog-friendly beaches and parks in Tahoe. So grab some treats and let's continue with the day.
Dog, Dog, Cat store in the Raley's Shopping Center next to Heavenly Village Lake Tahoe. Photo Credit Milena Regos
Lunch for Two
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 have live music often and the musicians are actually pretty good.
California Burger Company at the Heavenly Village Lake Tahoe. Pet friendly lunch spot. Photo Credit Milena Regos
Take Fido Shopping for You
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 the 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.
Earthbound Shop in the Heavenly Village Lake Tahoe. Photo Credit Milena Regos
Go Hiking or Hit the Beach
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 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.
Pet Friendly Nevada Beach Lake Tahoe Nevada. Photo Credit Milena Regos
Further down the road is Zephyr Cove beach. Not much walking here but you can still access the beach with your dog in the off season.
North of Zephyr Cove beach is Cave Rock. It's an easy hike to the top of the rock with some steep rocky terrain at the end. The views are definitely worth it. Recommend doing this at sunset especially if there are clouds in the sky. It will make for the perfect Instagram photo.
You can access the Tahoe Rim Trail from different points in town. It's up to you how far you want to go for as the trail goes around the entire lake. The views are definitely worth the hike.
Cocktail with a View
Both of you have earned your rest after all this hiking. It's time to chill 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 in 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 to too far. Other pet friendly hotels in the area are: Hotel
Becket and Basecamp Hotel.
Hope you bring Fido with you on your next Tahoe vacation and enjoy the outdoors.
Milena Regos
20 year Tahoe local, skier, paddleboarder, and a digital marketing consultant with focus on travel & hospitality. When not in front of the computer she can be found in the Tahoe outdoors. Website: www.milenaregos.com Instagram/Twitter: milenaregos
