At the time of writing this, Valentine’s Day is only three weeks away. If you’re anticipating that you’ll have a date on February 14th, it’s a good idea to make plans sooner rather than later. Restaurants and rental companies tend to get booked up this time of year, so make sure to solidify your plans quickly.
Since it’s still January and it’s possible you still have Christmas lights hanging outside your house, you can be forgiven if you haven’t considered what to do on Valentine’s Day this year. The good news is that there are tons of great date options in the Tahoe area. Below I’ve compiled a list of fun romantic activities both for outdoor lovers and those who would rather stay warm indoors.
1. Go for a Sunrise Snowshoe
What better way to kick off the most romantic day of the year than with a sunrise snowshoe adventure? If you’ve never explored the trails here in Tahoe before, I recommend checking out my blog post on three beginner trails to try in Truckee to help you get started. Also, if you don’t own snowshoes or poles, it’s easy and pretty inexpensive to rent them. I recommend picking up a pair for $20/day from Tahoe Dave’s, which has several locations around the north side of the lake.
2. Iceskate Under the Lights
Ice skating is a great date night activity, especially when it involves gliding around an outdoor rink at your favorite resort. Three of my favorite ice rinks in the Tahoe area are located at the Resort at Squaw Creek, Northstar, and Heavenly. At all three of these locations, you can enjoy open-air skating under the lights and take a break for hot chocolate or a cocktail. Skates are also available to rent at all locations.
3. Take Your Partner Skiing or Snowboarding
In my opinion, there’s nothing better than spending the day skiing or riding at the resort with your significant other. Josh and I love riding together because every time we go out, it’s an adventure deciding which routes to try and what skills to work on. If you’re new to skiing in the area and are staying on the north end of Lake Tahoe, check out my guide to selecting the best North Lake Tahoe resort.
4. Enjoy a Romantic Dinner on the Lake
The most classic Valentine’s Day celebration is a nice dinner out. Pair a nice meal with views of Lake Tahoe and you have the perfect setting for a romantic date. Three of the best places to have a meal on the Lake are Christy Hill, Lone Eagle Grill, and Edgewood. These places are very popular, so be sure to request a reservation ASAP or settle for the night before or after Valentine’s Day. Also just a reminder, the sun sets around 5:30pm this time of year, so I recommend either booking a 5:00pm dinner or showing up early for pre-dinner drinks so that you can take in the view of the lake before it gets too dark out.
5. Watch the Sunset at Sand Harbor
The east shore of Lake Tahoe is a great place to watch the sunset. Park at Sand Harbor ($15 parking fee for out-of-state vehicles) and find a secluded place along the beach or on one of the boulders to cozy up with your significant other. When the sun goes down it will get very cold, so I recommend bundling up and bringing a blanket and some hot chocolate. Also, remember that sometimes the best sunset colors show up on nights when it’s partly cloudy, so don’t be discouraged if the sky isn’t completely clear on Valentine’s Day.
6. Treat Your Partner to a Spa Day
If your partner is into pampering or just needs a little relaxation, consider treating them to a spa day at one of the spas around the lake. A couple’s massage is also a great add-on to a day of skiing or snowshoeing. Some of the best spas in the Tahoe area are at The Ritz Carlton at Northstar, The Stillwater Spa at the Hyatt, and Edgewood. Each of these spas is located in a different region around the lake and is guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed.
I hope you found this list helpful. Have a great Valentine’s Day ❤
Tahoe Meg 