If you’re looking for the perfect location with exciting activities and tourist attractions for a weekend getaway, you might want to consider visiting the city of Truckee, CA.
Truckee is a seaside suburb region of California that spreads across 87 square kilometers, with 3.4 square kilometers consisting of water from the Truckee River.
The Mediterranean climate in the city makes it an excellent place for vacation as the summers are hot and dry while the temperature during winter is mild.
Truckee blooms with many outdoor attractions, museums, shopping malls, and other exciting things.
Interested in all Truckee has to offer? Here’s a list of Truckee, CA’s best and most fun things to do.
Things to Do in Truckee, CA
1. Take Kids to KidZone Museum
Are you looking for a place where your kids can spend the day having fun? Then you mustn’t miss out on a visit to KidZone Museum.
KidZone Museum, famously called Sierra Nevada Children’s Museum, is a museum best suited for kids below seven years of age.
Founded in 1992 by a group of parents and educators in Truckee, KidZone Museum records 30,000 visitors annually.
The museum features school programs, numerous camps, and yearly exhibitions. In addition, the museum is a bilingual center open to Spanish and English-speaking families.
If you wish to be a volunteer, you could do so at KidZone Museum because volunteering opportunities are open to guests and locals.
Location: 11711 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161, United States
2. Eat Italian Cuisine at Pianeta Ristorante
If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, you’ll appreciate visiting Pianeta Ristorante in Truckee, CA.
Pianeta Ristorante is an Italian restaurant in Truckee, famous for its outstanding Italian menu.
They offer various dishes that keep customers returning to the restaurant.
Founded in 1998, Pianeta Ristorante stands out for its well-trained staff, extensive wine list, bar, and signature Italian cuisine.
Check their website for the list of metals available during your visit because their menu rotates with different mouth-watering dishes.
Location: 10096 Donner Pass Rd. Truckee, CA 96161, United States
3. Play Golf at Coyote Moon Golf Course
If you’re a golf lover seeking to spend quality time in Truckee, then a visit to Coyote Moon Golf Course would suffice.
Coyote Moon Golf Course is one of the best golf venues in California and the United States.
Coyote Moon Golf Course spans 50 acres of green hills and has a natural display of wildflowers, Trout Creek, granite pieces, and tall pine trees.
Even if you’re not a lover of golf, the incredible scenery and fresh mountain air at Coyote Moon Golf Course make it the perfect place to escape the bustle of the city.
So if you need some alone time in a scene environment, Coyote Moon Golf Course is the best place.
Location: 10685 Northwoods Boulevard, Truckee, CA 96161, United States
4. Truckee California Welcome Center
If you’re up for some adventurous tour in the city of Truckee, you should stop by Truckee California Welcome Center to partake in the different special events in Truckee, CA.
The city of Truckee is a family-friendly town that attracts tourists with a passion for outdoor fun activities.
If you wish to know more about the latest happenings and exciting things to do in Truckee, Truckee California Welcome Center is the best place to find out.
Truckee California Welcome Center contains information on what to do, where to eat, places to stay, and other relevant information in Truckee, CA.
Their staff are friendly and always happy to assist visitors at the center. Make you plan your tour with a visit to Truckee California Welcome Center on your checklist.
Location: 10065 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161, United States
5. Tahoe Donner Downhill ski Area
Tahoe Donner Downhill ski Area is one of the best and most fun things to do in Truckee, CA.
Tahoe Donner Downhill ski Area famously called ”the best place for beginner skiers,” is a ski area that offers a safe environment for beginners to learn how to ski.
Tahoe Donner Downhill ski Area features many activities ranging from ski lessons to short runs, the opportunity to meet dogs of ski patrol, and other exciting activities.
The area contains many open bowls for snowboarders and novice skiers alongside a fleshly grooming trail for speed-up.
Here’s your chance to ski if you’ve ever loved skiing.
Location: Northwoods Clubhouse at 11509 Northwoods Boulevard, Truckee, CA 96161, United States.
6. Eat Quality Dishes at Moody’s Bistro & Lounge
Moody’s Bistro & Lounge is a food center in Truckee, patterned after famous supper clubs from the mid-19th century.
Moody’s Bistro & Lounge focuses on serving mountain-inspired cuisine with dishes like ahi poke, fresh seafood, and wild game, all available at their restaurant.
Built by John F. Moody in 1873, Moody’s Bistro & Lounge stands out for its cocktails served on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with live music.
Spending time at Moody’s Bistro & Lounge is worthwhile, and you won’t regret adding it to your bucket list.
Location: Truckee Hotel at 10007 Bridge St. Truckee, CA 966611, United States
7. Explore Art Pieces at Art Obsession Gallery
If you’re an art lover looking for a place to explore art pieces in Truckee, then you’ll enjoy visiting Art Obsession.
Art Obsession launched officially in June 2011 in Truckee’s Historic Downtown District. It is a famous art gallery that contains artworks of well-known local and international artists in Truckee.
Artworks like sculptures, originals, jewelry, and famous artists’ fine art artifacts are available at the gallery.
You can’t be an art lover and exit Truckee without stopping by the Art Obsessions Gallery.
Aside from wonderful art pieces on display at the gallery, Art Obsession also stands out as the purveyor of fine wine.
The gallery features a wine bar that serves fine wine from Friday to Sunday.
Location: 10072 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161, United States
8. Visit Old Truckee Jail Museum
The Old Truckee Jail Museum is one of the best and most fun things to do in Truckee for history lovers.
If you love visiting historic buildings, then the Old Truckee Jail Museum is one place you’ll enjoy staying.
Located near the corner of Jibboom and spring street, Old Truckee Jail Museum is one of the few historical buildings left in Truckee.
The Old Truckee Jail Museum contains information on one of Truckee’s jailhouses built in 1913. The museum is perfect for all history lovers, so make sure you visit the Old Truckee Jail Museum before leaving Truckee.
Location: 10142 Jibboom St. Truckee (CA 96161, United States
9. Family Time at Tahoe Whitewater Tours
If you desire something fun-filled for the entire family, you should prioritize a visit to Tahoe Whitewater Tours on your bucket list.
Operating in Lake Tahoe since 1994, Tahoe Whitewater Tours offers an unlimited fun adventure for the entire family in Truckee, CA.
Tahoe Whitewater Tour Company visits different rivers, including Truckee River, South Fork American River, Middle Fork American River, North Fork American River, and East Fork Carson River.
Guests can opt for different trip options like half-day, full-day, and multiple-day options.
Trips are also structured to suit visitors’ skill levels and desires.
Location: 10015 Palisades Dr, Truckee, CA 96161, United States
10. Grab a Glass of Fine Wine at Truckee River Winery
Are you a wine lover looking for the best winery in Truckee? If so, a visit to Truckee River Winery would suffice for you.
Among the numerous wineries in the city of California, Truckee River Winery stands out for its unique wine flavor.
Truckee River Winery keeps the wine in barrels at low temperatures and high elevations to reduce the fermentation rate and create a unique flavor.
Founded in 1989 by Russ Jones and Joan Jones, Truckee River Winery features a tasting room and several wine events.
The winery also stands out for its Pinot Noir. Make sure you stop by Truckee River Winery before you exit Truckee.
Location: 11467 Brockway Road Truckee CA 96161, United States
11. Outdoor Fun Experience at Donner Memorial State Park
Don’t spend your day in Truckee sleeping indoors. Instead, step out and explore the beautiful places and attraction spots in the city of Truckee.
A visit to Donner Memorial State Park is one of the best and most fun things to do in Truckee, CA.
Donner Memorial State Park is home to many exciting outdoor fun events in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The park features numerous activities like hiking, fishing, boating, and other fun events.
Donner Memorial State Park is famous for its giant boulders, geographic debris, and ancient sedimentary rocks.
Location: 12593 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA, United States
12. Visit Eagle Ridge Snowmobile Outfitters
Eagle Ridge Snowmobile Outfitters is one of the best places to visit in Truckee, CA.
Serving in the Tahoe National Forest area for eighteen years now, Eagle Ridge Snowmobile Outfitters is an excellent location for lovers of outdoor events.
The area allows visitors to explore nature on its national forest land. Visitors can also rent snowmobiles in the area.
Snow guides are available to aid visitors through their tours around the area. You will also get the chance to learn how to climb mountains with snowmobiles.
Location: P.O. Box 1591, Tahoe, CA 96145 United States
13. Sightseeing at Rainbow Bridge-Donner Summit Bridge
If you need something exciting to do in Truckee, plan to visit Rainbow Bridge-Donner Summit Bridge and enjoy watching the city from afar.
Founded in the early 19th century, Rainbow Bridge-Donner Summit Bridge lies on the historic U.S. Route 40.
Rainbow Bridge-Donner Summit Bridge is a place to relax and watch Truckee. Notable sight in the area is Donner Lake.
Spending time at Rainbow Bridge-Donner Summit Bridge is a great way to spend your day in Truckee, so make sure you don’t miss out on visiting here.
Location: 950 Maidu Ave, Nevada City, CA 95959 US, United States
14. Explore Donner Pass
If you desire a place with incredible scenery and lots of fun activities in Truckee, you’ll appreciate visiting Donner Pass.
Donner Pass is home to a 7,056-foot high mountain in northern Nevada. The hill lies above Donner Memorial State Park and Donner Lake.
Popular places like The California Trail, Victory Highway, Lincoln Highway, and the First Transcontinental Railroad used the pass in previous times.
Donner Pass got its name from the Donner Party, which was overwintered there in 1846.
Donner Pass features a recreational community with ski resorts and several alpine lakes.
Whether you plan to visit during the summer or winter, there are many activities to engage in at the park, from backpacking, alpine, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, and ice climbing.
The pass is also great for sightseeing as there’s a great view of rock formations, rail tunnels, mountains, and a lake.
Location: Truckee, CA, United States
15. Snowboarding at Northstar California
One great way to spend your day in Truckee is to go snowboarding at Northstar, California.
Northstar California is a mountain resort famous for its winter fun experience in Truckee.
The center is open during all seasons, and guests in the area have access to exciting events like outdoor seating, dining at a family-friendly restaurant, snowboarding at the trails, and other winter activities.
Visitors at Northstar California can engage in mountain biking and ski lift rides on the wooden slopes.
The area is also perfect for picnics, and if you’re in the mood to go hiking, you can walk along the scenic environment and enjoy remarkable views.
Location: 5001 Northstar Dr, Truckee, CA 96161, United States
16. Buy Fresh Produce at Foothill Farmers Market
Foothill Farmers Market is the perfect place to purchase fresh farm produce and relate with the locals in Truckee, CA.
Tourists and locals shop for baked goods, fresh produce, handmade craft, and all other items at Foothill Farmers Market.
It’s fun spending time at the Foothill Farmers Market because you get the opportunity to shop and enjoy good music alongside.
Guests at the market also have access to Truckee River Regional Park’s playground, so endeavor to bring them as there are many things for them in the garden.
Foothill Farmers Market is open every Tuesday morning from mid-June to late September. So if you’re lucky to visit Truckee this season, stop by the market and shop for anything you need.
Location: 10500 Brockway Road Truckee, CA 96161, United States
17. Go Hiking at Tompkins Memorial Trail
Are you a lover of hiking? Do you desire a place with lovely trails to hike in Truckee? If yes, then a visit to Tompkins Memorial Trail would suffice for you.
Tompkins Memorial Trail, located in the lower portion of the mountain, offers links to the Martis Valley and Porcupine Hill areas.
Tompkins Memorial Trail is open for hiking, biking, and running. It also connects to the Martis Creek Trail. Hence you either hike at Tompkins Memorial Trail or its neighbor trail- Martis Creek Trail.
Engage in hiking with your friends on the trail, and you will have a lovely time.
Location: Highway 89 – Martis Valley, Truckee, CA 96161, United States
18. Fishing at Donner Lake
If you’re a lover of fishing and looking for a place to explore your fishing skills in Truckee, you might have just found the perfect venue because Donner Lake has all you need.
Donner Lake, situated on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada & about 32 km northwest, is home to freshwater in Northwest California.
The lake features a moraine that serves as a natural dam. The lake lies between Schallenberger Ridge to the south and Interstate 80 in Truckee.
With a depth of 73km and a high water level of 1,809.2 m above the Mean Sea Level, Donner Lake contains many brown trout and Kokanee salmon.
Chances of catching a lake trout are rare during summer, but during spring, lake trout swim to the top to feed, making it easy to see one.
Summer activities at the lake include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, picnicking, and camping. During winter, visitors engage in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Stop by at Donner Lake and spend a fabulous time with family and friends.
Location: Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 9616, United States
19. Ski at Tahoe Donner Cross Country
If you’re thinking of the best and most fun things to do in Truckee, CA, you should consider spending time at Tahoe Donner Cross Country.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country features 14 snowshoe trails and 65 ski trails spread across 3,000 terrains. The place is open to skiers of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country also features special classes and hosts several other events at the center. In addition, the area is dog friendly, with about eight dog trails.
Other things to do at Tahoe Donner Cross Country include relaxing in a vast rental area, access to the computer sign-in system, and a new boot dryer.
Tennis lovers can also play table tennis at tennis, and there’s also a golf course for golfers and a Beach Club Marina.
Spending time at Tahoe Donner Cross Country is always worthwhile, so include it on your checklist.
Location: 15275 Alder Creek Rd, Truckee, CA 96161, United States
20. Truckee River Legacy Trail
Completed in 2014 after stalling for 20 years, River Legacy Trail is another exciting place to spend time in Truckee, CA.
Truckee River Legacy Trail is a Multi-Use bikeway that connects to Truckee’s River Bikeways and trail systems.
Truckee River Legacy Trail is about 5 miles long and serves as a recreational trail in Truckee.
The trail is open to people of all classes with pets and allowed entry, so if you need a place to relax and get away from the stress of work, Truckee River Legacy Trail is the best place for you.
Location: Legacy Trail, Truckee, CA 96161, United States
21. Explore Historic Downtown Truckee
If you desire to learn about Truckee’s and shop alongside them, you mustn’t leave Truckee without visiting Downtown Truckee.
Founded in 1972, Downtown Truckee is home to several businesses in the city of Truckee.
Visitors can explore various options at Downtown Truckee, from shopping to eating at restaurants, touring around museums, and enjoying live musical performances.
Tourists also get to engage on a historic walk tour at Downtown Truckee.
Truckee Downtown Merchants Association, a non-profit organization, manages the downtown to ensure every area is in check.
Location: P.O. Box 1356 Truckee, CA 996160, United States
22. Cool Off at West End Beach
If you’re looking for the best place to cool off in the summer heat, West End Beach is the perfect place.
The West End Beach is a famous Summer location in Truckee, CA.
The beach features a variety of fun activities that would keep visitors entertained and glued to the spot.
The beach contains a basketball court for basketball fans, boat parking, and a beach area.
Boat rentals at the beach include stand-up paddleboards, boat storage, and paddle boats.
If you feel exhausted at the beach, you can patronize the snack shop to get your favorite snack.
Tickets are on two folds. You could either pay daily at the beach or opt for a season pass to enter the beach whenever you desire.
Location: 15888 S Shore Dr. Truckee, CA 96161, United States
23. Horse Riding at Tahoe Donner Equestrian Centre
If you need a little adventure to spice up your stay in Truckee, you should consider adding Tahoe Donner Equestrian Centre to your checklist.
Tahoe Donner Equestrian Centre is home to equestrian activities in Truckee, CA.
Whether you’re boarding the horses for the short term or long term, you’ll surely enjoy visiting Tahoe Donner Equestrian Centre.
The center features guided trails for children and adults. Also are pony rides for kids too young to ride a horse alone.
If you’ve ever desired to learn horse riding, this is the perfect chance as the organizers’ host classes to teach visitors everything they need to understand about horse riding.
Visit Tahoe Donner Equestrian Centre with your kids, and you’ll be glad you did.
Location: 15275 Alder Creek Rd, Truckee, CA 96161, United States
24. Soda Springs Mountain Ski Resort
Soda Springs Mountain Ski Resort is one of the best and most fun things to do in Truckee, CA.
Soda Springs Mountain Ski Resort is a mountain resort with a 400-foot-long lift and 20 lanes.
The resort is open to people of all ages, and pedestrian can opt to watch on the sidelines before participating.
Soda Springs Mountain Ski Resort features ski runs for all levels.
Even if you are not in the mood for outdoor fun activities, you can relax at the Woodward Tahoe indoor facility and play on trampolines and foam pit.
Location: 10244 Soda Spring Rd. Soda Springs, CA, 95728, United States
