1. Sun ’N Sand Lodge
City: Kings Beach, CA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (530) 546-2515, (800) 547-2515
Address: 8308 North Lake Boulevard
Description: The accommodations at the Sun ’n Sand Lodge are average, but the location is definitely upscale—it sits right on sandy Kings Beach. A walkway outside the rooms is a great place to sit and enjoy coffee in the morning or cocktails in the evening while taking in a million-dollar view of Lake Tahoe. It’s within walking distance of a movie theater, restaurants, shops, and both a miniature and regular golf course in Kings Beach. North Shore casinos are about 1.5 miles from the lodge.
2. Martis Creek Lake
City: Kings Beach, CA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (530) 432-6427 (December–March
Address: 7 miles north of Kings Beach
Description: Tucked on the edge of Martis Creek Lake in an 850-acre wildlife preserve, Martis Creek Lake campground offers marvelous opportunities to view birds and animals, such as Canada geese, ducks, coyotes, and deer. It’s also an angler’s dream—the reservoir is well stocked with Lahontan cutthroat and German brown trout. Fishing is catch-and-release only, and other restrictions apply. With a total of 25 RV and tent sites, the campground offers the basics of piped water, vault toilets with running water, barbecues, and picnic tables. The daily fee is $16, with discounts for America the Beautiful Passports holders. The campground is open seasonally from May 15 to October 15. No reservations are accepted. Pets are allowed but should be leashed on the campground property. Even though it’s just off CA 267, about halfway between Kings Beach and Truckee, the campground is peaceful and quiet, with great views of Martis Peak. There’s a wonderful world of outdoor fun all around (see the description of Truckee in the Day Trips chapter for more details), including all the amenities of Northstar-at-Tahoe. Be sure to ask the on-site ranger about tours of the dam; campfire programs are offered on Saturday night.
3. Old Brockway Golf Club
City: Kings Beach, CA
Category: Golf
Telephone: (530) 546-9909
Address: 7900 North Lake Boulevard
Description: This nine-hole course is located a block from Lake Tahoe and features rolling hills, a meandering creek, tall pines, and excellent views. Built in 1924 and home of the first Bing Crosby Tournament, Brockway is one of the oldest courses at Lake Tahoe. It was also a favorite of the Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and crew). Extremely challenging because of its narrow fairways and wooded roughs, it is usually the first to open and the last to close at the lake. Reminiscent of its colorful history, the clubhouse showcases the Old Tahoe style of architecture, with massive logs and soaring ceilings. I suggest lunch or an after-round drink on the lovely patio that faces the lake. The following information is based on 18 holes of play. Yardage: 6,054 Par: 72 USGA rating: 67.6Slope: 125Greens fees: $35 to $75, excluding cartReservations: 7 days in advance
4. Kings Beach
City: Kings Beach, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (530) 546-4212
5. Tahoe Paddle & Oar
City: Kings Beach, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (530) 581-3029
Address: 8299 North Lake Boulevard
Description: You can explore the picturesque boulder fields and hidden coves of Crystal Bay on a guided tour hosted by Tahoe Paddle & Oar. The cost is $90 per person, with a minimum of two people, and reservations are required. For a longer trip the guides will take you out to Sand Harbor, where you’ll paddle your own kayak along the dramatic granite boulders and turquoise waters between Sand Harbor and Secret Harbor. This trip will run you $100, and there is a two-person minimum. If you’re a free spirit and want to go it on your own, you can rent a kayak and explore; the cost is about $20 per hour.
6. Kings Beach State Recreation Area
City: Kings Beach, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (530) 546-4212
Description: If you like lots of activity while you swim and sunbathe, this just might be the spot for you. You’ll find all the usual water sports at Kings Beach State Recreation Area, along with a day-use park. It’s a very busy place, with easy access to shops and restaurants in Kings Beach. Dogs are not allowed.
7. Re/Max Scenic Properties
City: Kings Beach, CA
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (530) 546-3356
Address: 8611 North Lake Tahoe Boulevard
Description: This RE/MAX location handles residential properties, condos, and lots on the extreme northern shore of Lake Tahoe. It has a solid reputation among Insiders and offers very specialized services.
8. Steamers Beach Side Bar And Oven
City: Kings Beach, CA
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (530) 546-2218
Address: 8290 North Lake Boulevard
Description: For a kicked-back, inexpensive lunch or dinner, you can’t beat the pizza, oven-baked sandwiches, and calzones served up at Steamers Beach Side Bar and Oven. With an amazing array of ingredients to choose from, you can design your own pizza just the way you like it. For lighter fare choose from a tasty selection of soups and salads, including Steamers’ own clam chowder. Nestled on the white sands of Kings Beach, Steamers is a great place to feed the whole family. In summer you can enjoy your meal on the small patio overlooking the lake. It’s open daily for lunch and dinner.
9. Lanza’S
City: Kings Beach, CA
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (530) 546-2434
Address: 7739 North Lake Boulevard
Description: With casual decor and reasonable prices, Lanza’s is a good choice for families with children. You can relax in its family-friendly atmosphere after a hard day skiing or hiking. From its varied selections of pasta, pizza, chicken, and veal, you’re sure to find everybody’s favorite. If you’re just too tired to eat in a restaurant, you can give a call and order from the restaurant’s take-out service. Lanza’s is open for dinner daily year-round.
10. The Potter’S Wheel
City: Kings Beach, CA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (530) 546-8400
Address: 8331 North Lake Boulevard
Description: If you’re looking for fine pottery, this store is a must-stop. It offers a selection of weavings, watercolors, and woodworking. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily in the summer. It’s closed Monday through Wednesday in winter.
11. North Shore Parasail
City: Kings Beach, CA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (530) 546-7698
Address: 8290 North Lake Boulevard
Description: Like North Tahoe Watersports (the previous listing), North Shore Parasail offers riders the next thing to flying as it offers safe dry “flights” over the lake. Call for rates.
12. Brockway Twin Theater
City: Kings Beach, CA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (530) 546-5951
Address: 8707 North Lake Boulevard