Truckee Travel Guide

The vibrant town of Truckee sits on the border of California and Nevada, offering something for every season. The beautiful mountain surroundings mean skiers can hone their skills, while there are state parks and miles of trails that hikers and bikers can explore. What’s more, being near Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake means that beaches, fishing and boating are always on the cards when the sun is out. The western style Downtown of Truckee is where visitors can wander around the art galleries and boutiques, while there are plenty of dining options for the evening. Truckee offers everything from relaxing cafés and delis to fine dining restaurants and wine bars.

Things to Do in Truckee

One of the best places to visit in Truckee is Donner Memorial State Park. This is a favorite spot for history buffs, who can learn more about the fate of the Donner Part during the 1846 winter, as well as hikers who love the outdoors and those looking for some artsy photos. The park is home to a beautiful sandy beach, miles of hiking trails and even cross-country skiing trails during the winter.

Another place to get back to nature and enjoy hiking is through Tahoe National Forest, which stretches around Donner Summit. For some boating and fishing, head to Donner Lake. If you'e planning a vacation during the winter months, Boreal Mountain Resort is a must-visit for skiing and snowboarding.

Best Places to Stay in Truckee

There are resort, lodges and hotels located near downtown Truckee that will allow easy access to surrounding activities.

Best Time to Visit Truckee

The great thing about Truckee California is that it's a year-round vacation destination. For summer weather, the best months to visit are June to August. Fall is also a pleasant time of year with the changing colors of nature. For skiing and winter activities, vacationers can come to Truckee from December to February.

A Local's Guide to Truckee

The charming mountainside town of Truckee makes for the perfection family vacation destination. The town is a great base for exploring other North Shore towns and the surrounding areas such as the stunning Lake Tahoe. Historically a logging town with an Old Western downtown, Truckee has been transformed into an artistic town center, filled with modern art galleries and boutique shops. The work of dozens of local artists can be seen in the many galleries around town. Mountain Arts Collective and Riverside Studios are town of the most well-known, and inside are paintings, sculptures, glassware and more.

Over the years, Truckee has started to become a foodie hotspot, with favorite dining options including venues like Stella, the Drunken Monkey and Trokay, the last of which offers guests classes on how to make their own pasta, or the art of cheese pairing. A Truckee vacation would not be complete without sampling at least a few of the delicious delicacies on offer.

With a vacation rental in Truckee, adventure is never far away. In the summer months, enjoy activities such as rafting, swimming, horseback riding, biking or golfing on the surrounding golf courses. For an easy day trip, head to Kings Beach, a funky beach town where visitors can enjoy the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Although the biggest and most impressive lake is Lake Tahoe, another alternative is Donner Lake or the sparkling Truckee River.

In the winter, Truckee's location near the mountains comes in handy. The town is just 15 minutes away from some of the largest ski resorts around Tahoe such as Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Homeward Mountain Resort ski area. Northstar California is particularly popular, especially with families, thanks to the array of activities and adventures on offer. Tuck into hand-crafted smores, enjoy the outdoor ice rink, and of course, make use of the ski slopes. Be sure to try other winter sports such as snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and sledging too.

The Donner Party plays a big part in the town's history, and the Donner Memorial State Park has been created to preserve the site of the ill-fated. Find out more about the unfortunate events around the Donner Party at the Emigrant Trail Museum and Pioneer Monument, found on the Emigrant Trail.

There is a large range of rentals in Truckee, ranging from high-end hotels complete with a swimming pool to cozy lodges in mountainside resorts. Opting for a location downtown is ideal for being in walking distance from the main shopping and dining district, while booking something further out of town tends to be closer to the main ski resorts. The town is also home to one of America’s largest homeowner associations, Tahoe Donner, which has nearly 6,000 properties in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The company operates a large variety of recreational facilities, some of which are open to the general public, some of which are for members only.

Cabins in Truckee

Truckee California is a fantastic town for a family vacation. Surrounded by world-class ski resorts such as Tahoe Donner Ski and Sugar Bowl, the beautiful surroundings of the Sierra Nevada and busy town center, there is something for everyone to enjoy here. The main draw to town is the collection of winter sports on offer, downhill and cross country skiing are very popular, and are the reason that so many people look for vacation rentals in Truckee.

Alternatively, go sledging, snowboarding, or ice skating with the whole family. The Donner Memorial State Park offer free cross country skiing and snowshoe trails, in between towering pines and beautiful Donner Lake. Downtown Truckee buzzes with life, and it is here you will find most of the restaurants and nightlife. Nearby Kings Beach is also a popular resort, while the Tahoe region also has some great golf courses.

There are many different Truckee cabin rentals in the Squaw Valley, and you are sure to find the perfect home in Truckee. Whether a house for all the family or a secluded log cabin with a hot tub for couples, there's a wide selection of rentals in the area.