Romantic Things to do in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee

There are some incredibly romantic and fun things to do in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee with the one you love. If you live in Tahoe-Truckee or are visiting from out of town this Valentine’s Day use this guide for both fun and romantic outdoor and indoor activities.

There are a ton of great date options in this area, so no matter what time of year you are visiting, be sure to feel more connected and close with your partner as you both soak up and savor everything romantic this area has to offer. With Valentine’s Day falling on a Monday this and being the day after the Superbowl, it may be better for you and your beau to celebrate before or after, especially since restaurants tend to book up for Valentine's Day and/or is more crowded on weekends. Valentine's Day is considered the most romantic day of the year, however, each day is an opportunity to do something special with your partner. Let these suggestions help you remain in the love vibration with your partner today and every day moving forward. We hope your heart will be open to this guide.

1. Take Your Partner Skiing or Snowboarding

There is no better way to enjoy time with your partner than a romantic day making turns on the mountain. Nothing compares to the adventure that each new run brings, followed by time on the chairlift together snuggling, kissing, and chatting; it is these times together on the slopes that you look back on as being incredibly bonding.

With the experience of finding new routes, perfecting your skills or chasing a storm, and catching a powder day together, there is no better way to connect with your partner. Couples that play in the snow together stay together.

For the Advanced skiers or snowboarders 

Palisades Tahoe 

With progressive terrain for every ability and a vast 3,600 skiable acres, Palisades Tahoe is home to everything from mountain-top beginner slopes with views of Lake Tahoe to plunging chutes and wide-open bowls that have bred Olympic champions and ski movie stars. Palisades Tahoe combines both Alpine Meadows and Palisades (formerly Squaw Valley). The two mountain is often voted one of North America’s best ski resorts; Palisades Tahoe is known for its world-class terrain, vibrant ski culture, and Olympic heritage as host of the 1960 Winter Games. If you’re coming for deep powder and steep chutes and bowls set to the gorgeous backdrop of Lake Tahoe, these two mountains will deliver. If you’re brand new to skiing or snowboarding, you’ll appreciate our forgiving learning zones, welcoming instructors, and convenient access. With consistent snowfall that lasts late into the season and a lively spring skiing scene complete with music festivals and ample sunshine, Palisades Tahoe boasts one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in the country.

Palisades Tahoe

For the intermediate or beginner ski or snowboard couple

Northstar at Tahoe 

Hidden among the trees in the majestic Martis Valley, Northstar allows you to relax, disconnect, and recharge, inviting you to discover what makes the resort unforgettable where a weekend together feels timeless. For the holidays you will have the space you need to connect with those who matter most. This mountain has it all. Great skiing/snowboarding, ice skating, shopping, food, and drinks, a movie theater. Reach the lifts with a five minute gondola ride and from there you can catch a lift to the run of your choice. 


Northstar Tahoe 

Couple skiing at Northstar

2. Enjoy a romantic dinner together 

Christy Hill

Follow up a day on the slopes and let the Heart Tour lead you to the Christy Hill Restaurant in Tahoe City. If you want to enjoy a romantic dinner with incredible lake views, Christy Hill is most certainly the spot for you and that who you love. The restaurant sits just 100 feet above the shoreline of Lake Tahoe, offering diners a panoramic vista. Spectacular sunset colors of the Lake Tahoe Basin can be seen from every table. A night out at Christy Hill will certainly be remembered as a highlight.

Christy Hill is open Wednesday-Sunday from 5-9 pm. Make a reservation on Open Table or call (530) 583-8551

Views from Christy Hill’s patio

tella at the Cedar House 

At Stella, the focus is on fresh, wholesome, and flavorful food. Stella is committed to supporting local farmers and producers and is a hub for any couple that would consider themselves foodies. The dining room hosts an open kitchen. This is a destination for culinary arts and provides the diner with the ability to see the kitchen's inner workings. It is a full-scale R&D kitchen for culinary enthusiasts.

If one of the ways you choose to connect with your partner is over good food and wine, Stella is the spot. Chef Lupe believes that the most flavorful dishes are made simply, focusing on just a few ingredients and making them shine. Stella takes it to the culinary next level and is a destination for culinary arts.

Serving both breakfast each day from 7am-11am and daily dinner from 5pm to 9pm, Thursday – Sunday. For reservations call 530.582.5655 or visit Open Table.

Kitchen & Dining room at Stella

3. Let your zen zone help you stay in the love vibration with snowshoeing, cross country skiing or backcountry skiing 

What better way to kick off the most romantic day of the year and every day full of love to follow than a sunrise snowshoe up Chickadee Ridge, cross country ski at the Royal Gorge or backcountry excursion to the Bradley Hut. We recommend you check out our blog post, Ways to Find Your Zen Zone in Truckee-Tahoe to refer to these outdoor excursions. 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.

Views from the top of Chickadee Ridge

4. Go Ice Skating 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 or Northstar. At both 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. When at Northstar follow up the skate with your date, with dinner at Manzanita at the Ritz Carlton 

Ice skating rink at Northstar

Rotisserie Chicken at Manzanita courtesy of SF Gate

5. Pamper both yourself and your partner with a Spa Day 

If your partner is into pampering or just needs a little relaxation, consider treating yourself to one of the best spas around the lake, the Ritz Carlton Spa at Northstar or for a couple’s massage visit Zenergy Massage & Wellness in Truckee.

Christy Deysher