Tahoe: A Honeymooner’s Guide

Posted by: Kay Rich

So you’ve tied the knot and lived the wedding of your dreams… Now the sunlight warms your face as you wake up and look out to a sparkling view of the lake. The thought occurs to you, what’s next? Read on to discover new and exciting activities to explore in your new home away from home!

 

 

Sunset Cruising

Now that the wedding has come to an end, it’s time for a new beginning! Assuming you and your partner won’t be waking up at sunrise, this is a great time to kick back and sleep in. After all, some reprieve will be much needed after the hecticness of the wedding. Then in the evening, consider a romantic night on the lake by taking a sunset cruise!

Nothing can compare to the orange tinted waters of Emerald bay as the sun sets behind the Sierra Nevadas. Plus, if you book with the M.S. Dixie II, you can enjoy a gourmet dinner on board for $140/person. Their paddle wheeler can

board up to 500 people and includes a charming ambience with panoramic views. The Dixie is also a great choice for our more extroverted couples who don’t mind being seated alongside other guests.

Or if you choose to dine beforehand, another amazing option is Tahoe Tastings. Their sunset cruise departs at 6pm throughout August and includes spirits from the finest wineries in Northern California. They’re also best if you prefer a smaller crowd at $125/person. For more info on departure times and dates click here.

 

Mansion Tours

Interested in learning more about Tahoe’s past? Welcome to the world of extravagant lake mansions!

Back in the late 1800s after the post-mining era, many wealthy businessmen wanted to build their luxury summer homes in Tahoe as a statement of their status and success. Often these millionaires customized their homes to accommodate their high tastes and

fascinations, starting a trend that still exists in Tahoe today.

The Hellman Ehrman mansion, which doubles as a glamorous wedding venue and historical landmark, is a must see for honeymooners on a budget. For only $15/person, you can enjoy a guided tour of the property, which includes eight bedrooms, seven baths, and an entire floor dedicated to housing a full time live-in staff.

Similarly, the Thunderbird Lodge hosts a variety of specialized rooms,

including a private card house and secret tunnels. If mysterious millionaires pique your interest, then we highly recommend going on their guided tour for $75/person where you can learn all about George Whittell Jr. and his Gatsbyesque lifestyle.

Private tours are limited and only run from late May to October, so definitely make sure to book ahead of time! And if you’re lucky… you might get the chance to view Whittell’s luxurious, one of a kind yacht 🙂

 

Clearly Tahoe

Once you’ve had your taste of historical affluence, let’s step back into the present for some adventure!

Clearly Tahoe offers a variety of guided kayak tours all over Tahoe from Incline to Zephyr Cove. And the best part? You don’t need to have any previous kayaking experience!

For our first timers we recommend booking the Bonsai Rock Tour, where you’ll paddle through pristine waters in an entirely transparent kayak.

For both you and your spouse, a double adult kayak is priced at $218 or $109/person. However, if you’re wanting to have a little more fun and challenge your spouse to a race, you can also purchase the single kayaks for $129/person. Either way, we suggest booking early in the morning to beat any large crowds. This way you’ll also avoid any extreme heat that might manifest in the afternoon.

PRO TIP: Pack a waterproof fanny pack for any valuables you might want to bring along for the ride!

 

 

Couple’s Massage

For a more relaxed day (and if you’re in the mood to spend a bit more cash) there’s no going wrong with a classic couple’s massage. Especially when it’s at the Everline Resort.

Located in Olympic Valley, the Everline Spa has everything you could imagine and more! From the nurturing touch of gentle stones to deep tissue massages, it’s impossible to exit their treatment rooms unsatisfied.

Our recommendation is opting for the Couple’s Escape, which lasts 80 minutes and includes a massage, hot oil scalp treatment, and warm stone foot ritual in the tranquility room for $315/person.

 

Better yet- with booking any treatment both of you will receive complimentary access to the spa’s sauna, steam room, powder room, pools, and hot tubs for the entire day!

PRO TIP: Pack your favorite book or bring some wireless headphones to listen to your favorite podcast. The spa is your playground for the day so make sure to take advantage of the  room service and five star amenities while you’re there!

 

Tahoe Star Tours

Last but not least on our honeymooning list is a mesmerizing night of stargazing by the lake. One of the best parts about visiting Tahoe are the clear skies. Without city lights to cloud the atmosphere, summer evenings are known to showcase unobstructed views of the cosmos shining down on the lake.

With Tahoe Star Tours, you can start your journey at the Spooner Lake Visitor Center or Dark Skies Cosmoarium (Northstar) where they offer a variety of stargazing tours for $45/person. The only catch is that they only operate on select Thursdays and Saturdays from June to early September. Although we can guarantee this will be an unforgettable experience if you are able to add it into the schedule!

Plus, aside from being amazed at the natural phenomena, stargazing will provide an intimate and informative journey for you and your spouse that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

 

 

Now let us know what you think! What was one of the most memorable things you did on your honeymoon? If it was in Tahoe, we’d love to know more!

Do you have any fun and exciting date ideas on your bucket list?

Feel free to like or share a comment to support our blog and help us keep delivering quality content to you <3

Until Next Time,

Luna Belle Beauty

 

M.S. Dixie II Menus

~ Lunch

~ Dinner

 

 

Sources

“Hellman Ehrman Mansion.” California Department of Parks and Recreation, https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=991. Accessed 7 Aug 2023.

“Tour Tahoe’s Historic Mansions.” Tahoe Luxury Properties, 10 May 2022, https://www.tluxp.com/blog/tahoe-life/tour-tahoes-historic-mansions. Accessed 7 Aug 2023.