As the snow begins to melt and the winter crowds thin out, there’s a palpable sense of renewal in the air around Lake Tahoe and Reno. Its springtime – a season of transition, transformation, and possibility.

　　Nestled amidst the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe beckons with its azure waters, pristine forests, and rugged peaks. Reno, Tahoes gateway, boasts a dynamic cultural scene, a thriving culinary landscape, and unexpected treasures waiting to be discovered.

　　So pack your sense of wonder these are 20 wonderful things to do between Reno and Lake Tahoe during spring:

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　　Table of Contents

　　Toggle 1. Lake Tahoe East Shore Beaches2. Sand Harbor3. Kayak on the Clear Kayaks4. Snowshoe Tahoe Meadows5. Walk Spooner Lake6. e-Bike the East Shore Trail7. Ski Mt. Rose, Heavenly, or Diamond Peak8. Heavenly Gondola9. Helicopter Tour10. Galena Creek Recreation Area11. Reno Riverwalk District12. Art and Murals Tour13. Midtown Reno14. Reno Spring Events15. Discovery Museum Reno16. Grand Sierra Resort17. Bowers Mansion18. Animal Ark Reno19. Reno Breweries Tour20. Spa Toscana at Peppermill 1. Lake Tahoe East Shore Beaches

　　The East shore of Lake Tahoe is by far my favorite part of the lake. This is where you can get those Alpine Caribbean hues to the water, particularly in the morning about an hour after sunrise, thanks to the sandy bottom on this side. The roadside a long chimney beach is a great place to park, just keep in mind that it can be a bit steep getting down to the water, but there are trails to follow and its not too far.

　　If its snowed recently, taking spikes like Yaktrax is wise to avoid slipping on the ice.

　　2. Sand Harbor

　　If youre looking for something more accessible, Sand Harbor, easily one of the most famous beaches of Lake Tahoe in the summertime, tends to be devoid of people in the spring. Dont expect to go swimming in the frigid waters at this time of year, but its when I like to go and enjoy the calm water, calm beaches, and just look out at the beauty of Lake Tahoe.

　　If its a sunny day, you may be surprised by how warm it can feel on that granite sand.

　　3. Kayak on the Clear Kayaks

　　Depending on the year and how late into the spring you visit, you can rent clear kayaks or take a kayak tour out of Sand Harbor. The cooler months tend to be when the lake can be the calmest, and is my favorite time to kayak when there are very few other vessels on the water.

　　4. Snowshoe Tahoe Meadows

　　The mountaintops around Tahoe are almost guaranteed to still have snow during the spring, which makes it the perfect time to snowshoe Tahoe meadows. About a mile and a half up to Chickadee Ridge, youll be treated to a beautiful view of the lake and lots of chickadees! Its an opportunity to have a Disney princess moment feeding them directly from your hand.

　　If youre feeling weird about feeding wildlife, there was a study done over the course of 10 years that found that as long as the chickadees are being fed birdseed, there have been no negative effects from feeding them in Tahoe Meadows.

　　5. Walk Spooner Lake

　　An easy circle around high alpine lake on your way into Lake Tahoe from Reno, Spooner Lake State Park is a lovely snowy stroll. We once even saw a bobcat sitting in the snow!

　　If its a lighter snow year and youre visiting closer to may, the snow might be melting already, but if youre visiting in March, you might encounter a winter wonderland.

　　6. e-Bike the East Shore Trail While many of the mountain trails will still be under snow by March and even April, the snow melts much earlier on the East Shore trail, which makes it a perfect spot for an e-bike jaunt. Enjoy views of the lake while biking on a paved path that, come summertime will be bustling, but can be less busy in the spring shoulder season.

　　7. Ski Mt. Rose, Heavenly, or Diamond Peak Depending on the year, the snow might still be great around Tahoe. As of this writing in April 2024, the ski season has lasted well after spring break, and in 2023, some slopes stayed open through the end of June!

　　For those staying in Reno, Mt. Rose is a 30-45 minute drive up the mountain, and for those staying closer to stateline, Heavenly has amazing Tahoe views.

　　8. Heavenly Gondola Speaking of the ski resorts, Heavenlys gondola is also a wonderful activity for those who want the Tahoe winter experience but dont ski. The scenic gondola takes you over incredible views of Lake Tahoe, though there are some downsides. The ticket is pricey at over $100 per adult and $70+ per child, and its a roundtrip sightseeing ride that doesnt allow for exiting at the top.

　　Still, its a great way to get amazing views without having to snowshoe in the mountains, and you get a rare opportunity to be in two places at once (as Lake Tahoe straddles California and Nevada).

　　9. Helicopter Tour

　　Spring is one of the best times of year to take a helicopter tour around Lake Tahoe. You get the perfect mix of snowy mountaintops with lake views that arent full of boats or kayaks yet. I love the peaceful feeling of flying above the shoreline, which often involves a peek at the east shore beaches and local waterfalls.

　　10. Galena Creek Recreation Area Looking for a little less snow? Discover the beauty of Galena Creek Recreation Area, a hidden gem nestled at the base of the mountains in Reno. Hike through fragrant pine forests, picnic by the creek, or explore the interpretive nature center for a day of outdoor exploration. Some of my favorite hikes in the area are Thomas Creek to dry pond and Browns Creek.

　　11. Reno Riverwalk District

　　For the perfect free afternoon activity, stroll along the Truckee River and explore the eclectic shops, galleries, and eateries that line the Riverwalk District. Dont miss the public art installations, which are mostly from Burning Man, that add charm to this vibrant area.

　　If youre visiting on a Sunday, stop by the Riverside Market in Idylwild Park for the best local farmers market, showcasing local farms, bakeries, food, craft beer, and handmade soaps and handicrafts.

　　12. Art and Murals Tour

　　Dont sleep on an opportunity to see the free range art in Reno! Whether youre going on foot or letting someone else take you around with a Pineapple pedicab, which is a covered wagon you get to relax in while a tour guide bikes you around the art. For anyone who loves to know a little bit about the history of art, the owner of this company really does her research!

　　13. Midtown Reno

　　It simply does not get funkier than Renos Midtown district. Full of quaint coffee shops (Im partial to Pangolin Cafe, voted one of the top coffee shops in the entire nation), some of Renos best restaurants (like Washoe Public House, Arario, and Greatfull Gardens), beautiful murals, and boutique and thrift shopping, this is a great spot to spend an afternoon enjoying the sunshine and popping in and out of local haunts.

　　14. Reno Spring Events Whether its musical events coming through town or quirky events like the leprechaun race, Reno always has something going on. Check out this weeks events here.

　　15. Discovery Museum Reno

　　If youre traveling with kids (or are a big kid at heart) youll love the Discovery Museum in downtown Reno. Its a multi-level interactive museum with everything from exhibits about our bodies to the progression of Lake Tahoe to the Truckee River to Pyramid Lake in Blackrock Desert. This was my sons favorite part of the museum, and theres plenty to build and interact with all throughout the museum, as well as presentations throughout the day.

　　If you have kids under 5, the museum opens one hour early especially for little ones on Wednesdays! Get current ticket prices and hours here.

　　16. Grand Sierra Resort

　　Looking for a great spot to base yourself out of while visiting Reno? The Grand Sierra Resort is one of the best casino resorts in the area, with a heated pool and a fun zone for kids that is what arcade dreams are made of. Theres a climbing area with slides as well!

　　17. Bowers Mansion Journey back in time with a visit to Bowers Mansion, a historic estate nestled in the heart of Reno. Explore the opulent mansion, stroll through the lush gardens, and learn about the fascinating history of this grand estate. ($9 $12 for the mansion tour)

　　18. Animal Ark Reno

　　Venture to Animal Ark for a wildlife encounter that lets you marvel at majestic creatures like wolves, bears, and big cats, all while supporting conservation efforts to protect endangered species.

　　The animals here are rescues, either from lives as pets that got too big (like tigers!), orphaned animals, or others who had no home, and the Animal Ark displays each animals story next to their enclosure. Theres a glass viewing area at each enclosure so you can peep the animals as well. My sons favorite thing about the visit was the golf carts, which I recommend calling ahead to reserve. Although theyre fun to drive around, its walkable as well and all-terrain stroller friendly. Dependent on the weather, the Animal Ark usually opens for the year in early spring.

　　19. Reno Breweries Tour Quench your thirst with a tour of Renos craft breweries and taprooms on a brewery or distillery tour. Sample an array of locally brewed beers, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, and gain insight into the citys thriving craft beer culture. Kick back and relax as you get peddled around!

　　20. Spa Toscana at Peppermill If youre looking to get pampered, the Spa Toscana at Peppermill has an array of treatments from hydrafacials (which I get monthly there!) to massages and pedicures. Theres a central area with a restaurant, pool, and hot tubs, and clothing optional locker rooms devoted to men or women with a dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and hot tub as well as showers and relaxation area.

　　Beyond Reno and Tahoe, theres the history of Carson City, wild horses of the Carson Valley, Virginia City, which is frozen in time, and Blackrock desert to the north. Having lived here for six years, Im delighted by how much there is to do in Reno and beyond, particularly in my favorite season of the year spring!