Sand Harbor & Nearby Attractions, Lake Tahoe

Sand Harbor State Park

2005 NV-28, Incline Village, NV 89452

Website

Open: 7 Days a week, year-round

Hours: 8am - 1 hr. after sunset

Boat Ramp: 6am-8pm

Reservations: required April 15th - October 15th, for entry 8-10:30am. 

Fees (applicable year-round):  $10 parking fee, $15 for out of state vehicles.  Cards accepted.

If you're looking for some chill coastal music to listen to while checking out this post...  Coast Modern is always like a fresh breath of coastal air. They rock.

Boy, does time fly.  About ten years ago, my baby girl hit a milestone at Sand Harbor - she started pointing at 12 months old (once I find that picture, I'll be sure to add it to this post).  Yes, Sand Harbor's beauty has that kind of effect on people.  

Needless to say, Sand Harbor is one of Lake Tahoe's most popular beaches, drawing over 1 million visitors annually with its stunning scenery, clear turquoise waters, amenities, access to outdoor recreation, history, and undeniable charm, all of which keep me coming back time and time again.   

And it being a tourist attraction is no reason to not visit.  Sure, it can get super crowded at times, but having it nearby grants us the power to strategically visit it during off peak times - early mornings & late evenings during peak summer days, as well as during our "local's summer," the period after tourists leave the area and before fall arrives, usually mid-September to mid-October.

With the fluctuations in weather and temps reaching into the 100s, there's never been a better time to take advantage of our nearby beaches.  In the pictures featured in this post, the kids and I took a spontaneous trip last week that lasted from 5-8:30pm.  The beach was practically empty and the water was warm enough for my kids to enjoy a swim.  Spontaneous beach days are an absolute privilege, and many times end up being the best kind of days... I think in big part because 1. last minute adventures spark excitement, and 2. spontaneity mean less planning, and in turn, less stress (at least that's the hope).

Aside from its beauty, Sand Harbor has so much more going on for itself.  It has a restaurant, places to wash the sand off your feet, an underrated gift shop/museum that I think more people should be talking about, a beloved and widely celebrated annual Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival that features proper plays and entertainment that take place during the most magical time of the day - sunset time - against the most epic background of water, shoreline, and a blanket of endless majestic evergreens, and so much more.  Catch Twelfth Night, Shakespeare's romantic comedy, and Peter and the Suncatcher, a playful Peter Pan sequel, now through August 24, 2025.

Another thing I love about this beach is its design.  You have your main beach area with its water sports rentals, restaurant & museum, and a wood walkway connecting to some lookouts, another smaller more intimate beach section with huge climbable boulders, the event area, a rentable pavilions, and a quieter boat launch/docking area.  

Not to mention its location on the stunning, less developed North shore and proximity to the main part of Incline Village, an underrated part of Lake Tahoe that's loaded with everything needed for a memorable & fun visit. 

A Note

My daughter just started the 6th grade yesterday (tears).  I can remember when I was in the 6th like it was just yesterday!  Bottom line:  TIME FLIES.  And that's a big reason why I seize every moment I get to do the things I love, with the people I love.  

Connecting with nature has limitless benefits, many of them priceless and not easy to measure.  Visit nature during sunrise or sunset time, and you'll witness these benefits to the max.  Tourists fly in from all over the world to visit this beach (& Lake Tahoe as a whole), & it boggles my mind how many people who live nearby still haven't been.  Hopefully this post is enough to spark your curiously and inspires you to see it with your own eyes.

It's easy to get caught up in the frenzy of life, so be sure to pause from time to time and ask yourself if it's time to reconnect with yourself, your family, and nature.  Oh, and try to not just chase the next thing and instead embrace & experience what's now.  Often, we don't realize we're living the moments we'll one day miss.  Now, get out there and be happy and don't just past time... make it matter. 

Bonuses

-access an epic family friendly bike trail - Tahoe East Shore Trail -  from the boat launch side of the beach (or Tunnel Creek lot if you're not planning a beach visit.  RATES). 

-Enjoy horse drawn carriage rides with Tahoe Sleigh Rides at the park in winter.

 

Nearby

Skunk Harbor

5.2 miles, 12 mins. away | about 2.4 mile out & back hike | 600-900 ft. elevation gain

A secluded unmarked hidden gem that features a short scenic hike, a small, intimate boulder lined beach, tranquility, and old remnants of historic buildings from the 1920s.  Google directions will bring you to the pullout looking area where you can park.  No restrooms and trash bins available.  For the love of earth, please don't forget to pack it out.

Christmas Tree Village Shopping Center 

(5 miles, 10 mins. from Sand Harbor)

*Thania's Juice Bar - Organic eats and organic drinks prepared by a fierce owner who listens to her customers and treats them with kindness.  Nutrition is #1.

*Koi Sushi - pretty good sushi spot with AYCE and budget maki roll options.  Heads up:  Their portions are huge just in case you're interested in taking on an all you can eat session.

*Happy Tiers Bakery - if you want a serious spread of pastries and desserts, this place is sure to deliver.  Serves local coffee from Coffeebar.  Their tiramisu and key lime pie are pure FIRE.

 

Down the Street from Christmas Tree Village

*Sushi Scoops - cute little shop that serves ice cream, shakes & malts, sundaes, smoothies, frozen yogurt, shaved ice, sodas.

*Wing's Korean Chicken - Located in the same plaza as Susie Scoops.  I've been enjoying this place for a good while now. It's without a doubt one of the best spot for chicken wings.  Tip: ask for the sauce on the side to regulate the sauce and keep the wings crispy.  Oh, and don't skip the sweet fried cheese balls. They're so addicting.

Bowl Incline (4.7 miles, 10 mins. from Sand Harbor)

Pricing of activities is on the higher end because of its location, but still a fun spot for its lively and bright atmosphere and retro/mid century modern vibes.  Includes 16 lanes, patio with games like cornhole & axe throwing, arcade, bar, and restaurant (note: they serve dole whip, a pineapple soft serve that's loved by many).  Make reservations for bowling lanes HERE.

Incline Village Recreation Center (Website)
A welcoming community space open to the public offering a variety of fitness, sports, and family-friendly activities for all ages. There's a fun, short, and sweet trail that follows Incline Creek that I've done many times with my kiddos that starts right next to the Bocce Ball area.  There's also the Stream Environment Zone on the opposite side, which offers an 0.85-mile loop through a forested area with several small bridges that cross over streams and creeks.  

Tip: Bring a bathing suit and waterproof footwear so you can splash around in the multiple creeks and streams found throughout the area. 

***Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own. 

Photography

© Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Categorized under "Lake Tahoe"

Discover Damonte Ranch Park

1950 Steamboat Pkwy
Reno, NV 89521

When I first moved to Reno, I was on the hunt for the coolest playgrounds for my kids, and Damonte Ranch Park consistently topped Google’s recommendations. After visiting for the first time, it quickly became a family favorite over the past six years.  

Whether you’re a wildlife watcher, a wetland lover, a casual walker, biker, or skater, an eager jogger, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, this park has something for everyone.

Notes
-Trail:3.1-mile loop trail with no elevation gain, perfect for walking, jogging, or biking.
-8-acre park with plenty of open space.
-The park is completely exposed, making early morning or sunset visits ideal during summer. Don’t forget sunscreen, as the higher elevation in Reno means stronger sun exposure. 
-There are no water fountains, so be sure to bring your own water.
-Play Structures: Two play areas—one for smaller kids and one for bigger kids.
-Popularity: This park can get busy on weekends, after school, and during holidays. However, you might find it more peaceful during colder, windier days.
-Picnic Area: 1 picnic shelter with 4 tables and a BBQ, conveniently located near year-round restrooms.
-Basketball Court: Features two half-courts 
-Hills: A couple of cute hills are perfect for running or rolling down. In winter, they’re great for sledding.
-Open Grass Areas: Ideal for flying kites or playing fetch with dogs, though it can get muddy when wet.
-Photography: The park offers stunning views of sunsets, snow-covered mountains, and local wildlife
-Parking: The parking lot can fill up during peak hours; street parking is available if needed.
- Biking: The wide trail is great for family biking or for those learning to ride.
-Neighborhood: The trail is lined with residential backyards
-Pet Waste Stations: Poop bags are available at a couple of locations for dog owners.
-Nearby Amenities: If you need to grab a bite or run errands, there’s a plaza down the street with McDonald's, Starbucks, Home Depot, Pizza, Subway, & Safeway

Categorized Under "Parks and Playgrounds, Picnic Spots, Birthday/Event Venues

*Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own. 

Photography

©Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Phillip Annie Callahan Park- A Close Getaway Within Arms Reach

15960 Callahan Road

Reno, NV 89511

Park Ranger Office: 

(775) 849-2511

Website

Phillip Annie Callahan Park is a hidden gem tucked away in a serene forest next to Mt. Rose Highway. I stumbled upon this park while searching for family-friendly spots to enjoy during the summer. I couldn’t believe such a beautiful place had remained a secret for so long. Over the years I’ve been visiting, it’s always been a low-key and peaceful retreat, likely because many people head straight to the nearby Galena Regional Park instead.

Although it’s on the smaller side, the park is packed with charm. It features a pavilion, limited paved pathways, two play structures, some grassy areas, and a handful of picnic tables. 

A lovely creek runs alongside the park, providing a refreshing alternative to swimming, especially during those hot summer days.  One of my family's favorite activities is bringing along floating toys like rubber ducks or toy boats and watching them float down the creek. 

Shade is abundant here, and there’s a short loop trail perfect for beginner hikers, all while being serenaded by the soothing sounds of the creek. There’s truly nothing better than hiking in the shade with the gentle sound of water nearby.

To access the short loop, head past the end of the paved path into the dirt area and towards the forest. Keep going until you find a bridge, then turn right onto the bridge (picture) that leads back to Callahan Park. The trail ends at the parking lot for the Galena Creek Trail, which is just a short walk from the park.  The short loop is simple, short, and sweet.

This charming park is a go-to for summer fun, hiking, picnicking, and small gatherings. 

Access Galena Creek Trail from the park. 4.7 mile Out and Back. 774 ft. elevation gain.

History 

Phillip and Annie Callahan Park is a hidden gem honoring the Callahan family, who donated 25 acres for its creation. The park's history dates back to Nevada’s early settlement, particularly during the Comstock Lode boom in nearby Virginia City. Matthew Callahan arrived in 1863 from England, establishing a brickyard that supplied bricks for significant local structures. When demand for bricks declined, the family shifted to dairy farming in Galena, producing a variety of crops and fruits.

Phil Callahan, Matthew’s son, helped establish a school in Galena using materials from their land. The historic Galena Creek Schoolhouse, now part of the park and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was once home to Nevada's famous poet Joanne de Longchamps. Today, as you explore the park, you can appreciate its serene beauty while reflecting on its rich history.

Notes

-Beautiful golden foliage in the fall

-Ample shade in the summer

-Small play structure is shaded; the larger one has partial shade, with swings for both big and small kids

-Wildflowers & wildlife

-Ideal for picnics and photo shoots

-The downward slope pathway next to the parking lot is a favorite spot for kids to ride their plasma cars & bikes

-Horse and dog-friendly, with poop bags available at the parking lot

-Mountain biking paths and horseshoe pits available

-The pavilion includes a BBQ pit and is available on a first-come, first-served basis

-Water fountain and benches available throughout the park

-Download the AllTrails app for detailed reviews, trail information, photos, and directions to Galena Creek Trail. The app also helps navigate so you won’t get lost.

-While there are no restrooms at the park, you can find a porta-potty at the Galena Creek Trailhead, just a two-minute walk toward Mt. Rose Highway. 

Categorized under Parks and Playgrounds, Family Friendly Hiking and Picnic Spots

Magic Carpet Golf, Reno - Take a Magic Carpet Ride Into Fantasy and Back in Time Into the Prehistoric Era

6925 S Virginia St

Reno, NV 89511

Directions

(775) 853-8837

Reviews on Yelp

Website

I didn't grow up with mini golf, so I never had the interest to seek out places like Magic Carpet Golf.  After becoming a parent, my mindset changed and like many parents, I am always on the hunt for places to take my kids.  Finding places that are safe, fun and educational is like finding gold.  

Five years ago when I first moved to Reno, I found such a place-Magic Carpet Golf.  It drew me in with it's inviting, whimsical, handmade structures and tall trees.  I couldn't believe that I've been missing out on so much fun all these years.

One hot summer day, I dropped in with my son and fell in love with the place.  Upon entering, we were welcomed with some good old video games, many of which I played when I was a kid.  I was so happy that my kids would get to experience some of the joys of my childhood.  

We checked in at the counter, where we found three courses to choose from- a 19-hole-course with a fantasy theme, a 19 whole course with a dinosaur theme and a 28-hole course with a theme unknown to me since I have yet to try it out.  

Me and my son tried both the fantasy and dinosaur courses between different visits.  We were given a score card, putters & a ball by the nice person at the counter, headed out to our course, and went at our own pace.  Of all the times I've been here, it's never been busy to the point that I felt rushed.  

My son had a great time with a look of pure joy on his face as he swung his putter and admired the handmade structures (some mechanical moving).  It was so great to see him have so much fun, all while getting exercise and fresh air.   

I love the fact that mini golf is something you don't have to be good at.  You take the ball, aim for the hole and swing for the win — all while being able to enjoy the ambiance they've worked so hard to create. 

During the pandemic, I'm even more appreciative of outdoor places like this that enable people to have a fun and safe time, allowing good air circulation and space to distance yourself from others.  

Notes:

-family owned and run

-Masks required in lobby and outside when a distance of six ft cannot be maintained.  Putters wiped down.

-In the summer, they serve Dole Whips.  Yes, the ones from Disneyland.  If you're really hooked on them, believe it or not, you can buy the machine and mixture from Amazon.  

-Hungry? Walk over to Sushi Minato next door if you want to get your picnic on at Magic Carpet

-handicap accessible 

-water structures make for a relaxing environment 

-great shade in the summer

-at the end of your game, place your ball into the ball slot machine for a chance to win a free game

-drink and snack machine available inside building

-little play putter available for little ones (my 2 year old had fun pretend playing).  The person at the counter gave my son one along with a ball free of charge.

-I would throw a party here, hands down.  Check their website for more information on their birthday packages

-you don't have to have children to have fun here.  I always see adults on their oown,having fun.

-ideal spot for meetings, fundraisers, field trips, team building and work events

-restrooms available

-No alcohol, no glass, no cooking

-the place is well kept and beautiful 

-closed on Thanksgiving

-hours change according to season and weather. check website or call in for current hours

-Right next to Target across the street

-outdoor food and cake allowed for events

Take a Scenic Stroll Back in Time and Walk the Lands of the Cowboys at Bartley Ranch, Nevada.

6000 Bartley Ranch Road,

Reno, NV 89511

Website

2024 Winter Concert Series

Map of trails

Park Ranger Office: (775) 828-6612
Pavilion Reservations (775) 823-6501

Bartley Ranch holds a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorite parks in Reno. Its Western vibe, shaded grassy lawns, natural beauty, amenities, events & concerts make it an absolute must visit.  At 56 acres, the park may seem big, but the way it's landscaped and designed make it feel like an intimate & welcoming park. 

Stepping into Bartley Ranch is like stepping back in time. The park has vintage tractors and wooden shacks that give you a glimpse of the past. The horse tracks along the trails only add to that old-timey charm. 

One of the highlights of the park is the Western Heritage Interpretive Center, a cool vintage Huffaker School, and an amphitheater that you can rent for special occasions. Right outside the interpretive center, you’ll find pamphlets with interesting tidbits about the park’s plants, wildlife, and history.

Coming in from the south, you’re greeted with a scenic lookout - Audrey Harris Park - that offers stunning views before you descend into the ranch. From there, you can spot everything from the white picket fence shaped like Nevada to runners hitting the trails, dog walkers, and people simply soaking in the views from the benches.

In just a short 30-minute walk at the park, you can encounter wildlife, different landscapes, and a cute nature trail that leads to a charming wooden bridge. From there, a wooden walkway takes you along the gorgeous hills, and a zigzagging trail brings you right back to the heart of the ranch.

Whether you’re attending a special event, taking a scenic walk, watching wildlife, enjoying the views, walking your furry friends, or just relaxing with a picnic, Bartley Ranch Park never disappoints. It’s a place I keep coming back to, and I’m so excited to share it with all of you.

2024

Notes

-Plenty of parking available

-For special events, get there early—parking fills up quickly

-Bartley Ranch is a hot spot for photo sessions

-Bartley Ranch is host to one cool annual fall harvest festival

Bartley Ranch in Fall

Park at Audrey Harris Park for lookout.

Categorized under "Parks and Playgrounds, Family Friendly Hiking and Picnic Spots"

***Information subject to change.

***All opinions are my own.

Photography

©Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.