Things I Love About Summer in Incline Village
There are beautiful places all over the country, but every year I find myself looking forward to returning to Incline Village. Nestled along the north shore of Lake Tahoe, it offers something that feels increasingly rare—fresh mountain air, towering pines, crystal-clear water, and a slower pace of life that encourages you to spend more time outdoors.
As someone who splits my year between the desert and the mountains, I never take Tahoe summers for granted. Here are ten things I look forward to every year.
Waking Up to Cool Mountain Air
One of the first things I notice every morning is how refreshing the air feels. Even in July and August, mornings often begin in the 40s or 50s before warming into comfortable afternoons.
Opening the windows, hearing birds in the trees, and smelling the pine forest is one of my favorite parts of living here.
The Incredible Color of Lake Tahoe
Pictures never quite capture the water.
Depending on the light, Lake Tahoe shifts between deep sapphire blue and brilliant turquoise. On calm summer mornings, the lake almost looks tropical—surrounded by granite mountains instead of palm trees.
It still amazes me every time I see it.
Living Among the Pines
The Jeffrey pines and white firs give Incline Village its unmistakable character.
They're more than just beautiful trees—they create shade, attract wildlife, and make every drive through town feel like you're entering a national park.
There aren't many communities where mature forest is part of everyday life.
Gardening at 6,500 Feet
One of my favorite summer hobbies has become gardening.
The growing season is short, but watching roses, hydrangeas, dahlias, California poppies, and hanging baskets come to life after a long winter is incredibly rewarding.
Mountain gardening requires patience, but I think that makes the results even more satisfying.
Wildlife Around Every Corner
Living here means sharing the mountains with wildlife.
It's common to see deer quietly walking through neighborhoods, hear birds singing in the morning, or spot chipmunks darting across hiking trails, and of course the bears!
It's one of the reminders that you're living in a true mountain environment.
Endless Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors
Whether it's hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, mountain biking, fishing with family (as pictured above) or simply relaxing on one of Tahoe's beaches, there's never a shortage of things to do.
Some of my favorite days don't involve any big plans at all—just spending time outside enjoying everything the mountains have to offer.
Every Day Feels Like a Vacation
One of the things I appreciate most is that life here naturally encourages balance.
Instead of rushing from one place to another, people spend more time outside, take evening walks, meet friends by the lake, or simply enjoy the scenery.
It's one of the reasons so many people dream of calling Tahoe home.
