Things to do in Truckee

Where to eat and drink

Tangerine French Bistro: A cozy, modern French-inspired spot in Truckee offering fresh, seasonal dishes and great wines. Tip: Reservations are recommended during peak times.

Buoy & Trap Seafood: Seafood market and restaurant in Truckee.

Burger Me: A casual, family-friendly stop in Truckee serving creative burgers, hand-cut fries, and milkshakes. Tip: Try the elk or ahi tuna burger for something different from the classic.

Casa Baeza Mexican Restaurant: Great atmosphere and Mexican food in Truckee. A local institution with tasty food and strong margaritas!

Coffee And: A Truckee restaurant perfect for breakfast, lunch and people watching on the patio.

Cornerstone Kitchen: Delicious cafe with excellent breakfast in downtown Truckee.

Craft and Logic Taproom: Awesome tap room with craft beers and tasty bites in downtown Truckee.

Donner Lake Kitchen: This restaurant is a great place to stop for breakfast or lunch. Tip: The Huevos Rancheros are not to be missed. Highly recommend getting a cinnamon roll for the table.

Euro Snack Inc: A lively shop with candies, sweets, gelato, and frozen yogurt.

Full Belly Deli: Super tasty sandwiches and burritos in Truckee. Tip: It gets busy, so order ahead online if you can!

Squeeze In: Popular breakfast restaurant in Truckee. Great vegan options!

Trokay: For fine dining, this spot is legendary for its commitment to plant-based eaters, offering a fully separate vegetarian tasting menu that can be tailored to be 100% vegan upon request.

Great Gold: Cozy spot serving Italian comfort food, including vegetarian options.

Also nearby: 1882 Bar & Grill, Alibi Ale Works, Bar of America, Donner Creek Brewing, Drunken Monkey Sushi, Fiftyfifty Brewing Co, Golden Rotisserie, Jax At The Tracks, Little Truckee Donuts, Little Truckee Ice Creamery, MakiAli, Manzanita, Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats, Mountain Brew, Mountain Lotus Provisions, Old Town Tap, P.J.’s at Gray’s Crossing, Petra Wine Bar, Pizza On the Hill, RMU Truckee, Rubicon Pizza, Siam Cuisine, Smokey’s Kitchen, Spring Poke & Sushi, Stella, Tacos Jalisco, The Lodge at Big Springs, The Lodge Restaurant & Pub, The Pub at Donner Lake, The Sawyer at Schaffer’s Mill, The Tourist Club (T-Club), Truckee Brewing Company, Truckee Food Shop, Truckee Tavern & Grill, Uncorked Truckee, Vous, Wild Pine.

 

Coffee and bakeries

Coffeebar: Cute coffee and breakfast stop! Highly recommend.

Coffeebar Bakery: Truckee cafe with an amazing selection of baked goods and good coffee.

Whole Treats Bakery & Coffee House: Coffee shop with tasty baked goods in Truckee.

Wild Cherries Coffee House: Cafe in Truckee with delicious baked goods and sandwiches.

Also nearby: Zuri Coffee Co.

 

Beaches

West End Beach: A relaxed day-use beach at the west end of Donner Lake with swimming, boat rentals, and beautiful mountain views. Tip: This is a locals’ favorite for picnics — bring cash for the small entry fee.

 

Outdoors and things to do

Truckee pickleball courts: Twelve public pickleball courts at the community recreation center on Truckee Way.

Donner Lake Rim Trail (Bermgarten trailhead): Wonderful hiking trail with amazing views of Donner Lake.

Donner Memorial State Park: Museum and trails highlighting pioneer history and the Donner Party. Tip: A small day-use fee applies; the museum is free, but donations are appreciated.

Donner Peak: A moderately strenuous hike to great views from the top of Donner Peak.

Meadow Park: A park with two small ball fields, a lawn, picnic area, restrooms, and a playground.

Riverside Studios: Beautiful arts and gift shop in downtown Truckee.

Tompkins Memorial Trail: Quiet trail around the Northstar resort area. There are some parts that are moderately steep. In general the trail is very well maintained. There are benches and picnic tables.

Truckee Bike Park: All levels. Kids will get dirty. Only in late spring through early fall.

Truckee River Regional Park: Tennis courts, a playground, skate park, disc golf course, and trails.

Steve Randall Community Recreation Center: A multi-use center with a gymnasium, fitness center, climbing wall, and dance room.

Prosser Creek Reservoir: Close to town, and a great place for kayaking and for dogs.

Also nearby: Coyote Moon Golf Course, Gray’s Crossing Golf Course, Legacy Trail, Martis Creek Wildlife Area, Mountain Arts Collective, Museum of Truckee History, Nature Loop Trailhead, Old Greenwood Golf Course, Pacific Crest Trail and Donner Peak Trailhead, Ponderosa Golf Course, Sawtooth Trailhead, Shoreline Park, The Village Cinemas, Truckee Community Pool, Truckee Railroad Museum, Truckee River Wildlife Area, Truckee Veterans Memorial Building.

 

Winter

Ice skating at Northstar Village: Glide around the outdoor ice rink in the heart of Northstar Village, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cozy fire pits. It’s a festive way to spend an afternoon or evening, even if you’re not skiing.

S’mores at Northstar Village: Head to the Village at Northstar for a quintessential Tahoe après-ski treat! Gather around the outdoor fire pits for complimentary s’mores, traditionally offered around 4 PM. Arrive early, as supplies can go quickly.

Also nearby: Northstar California Resort, Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort.

 

With kids

KidZone Museum: Playful children’s museum offering indoor & outdoor interactive exhibits, plus classes & camps.

Slime Kitchen: A DIY slime kitchen for kids with friendly staff to help, and a tea shop next door for parents.

 

Groceries

Raley’s O-N-E Market: A modern grocery store with a focus on organic, sustainable, and locally sourced foods, along with a wide selection of prepared meals.

Copper Lane Provisions: A small market at Northstar with a great beer selection.

Also nearby: Mi Pueblito Market, Mountain Valley Meats, New Moon Natural Foods, Safeway, Save Mart, Z Market Place.

 

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