Shopping in Lake Tahoe
Even if you’ve come to Lake Tahoe to ski, boat, fish, or take advantage of some other wonderful outdoor opportunity, chances are you’ll need a little break every now and then. That down time is a great time to go shopping and there is certainly a variety of places to shop all around Lake Tahoe – both on the North Shore and South Shore.
If you’re looking for typical shopping malls, those are few and far between in the area. Instead, what you’re more likely to find here are unique shops that you won’t see anywhere else. They’re quaint and welcoming and include items that are truly one-of-a-kind. You’ll no doubt be enticed to make a few purchases! Just be sure to leave some room in your suitcase!
Art Galleries
Tahoe is literally bursting with art galleries. Truly, you’ll find just about everything for sale here, from beautiful watercolor paintings and oils to stunning photography, sculpture, pottery, weavings, handmade jewelry, and much more. These are scattered in various places. Some are in free-standing shops; others are located in small shopping centers at resorts and throughout towns like South Lake Tahoe, Stateline, Squaw Valley, Tahoe City, and Zephyr Cove. They cater to a wide variety of tastes so take a few moments to browse through them and you’re likely to find something you find truly breathtaking.
Shopping Areas
There are a number of shopping “villages” in Tahoe. Most are quite picturesque and boast a variety of small shops peddling anything from clothes to souvenirs. Check out these locations:
? Boatworks Mall – Located in Tahoe City, this two-story enclosed shopping area includes about 15 unique shops and two waterfront restaurants with great views. Accessible via the Tahoe Trolley during the summer months, it’s open all year round with extended hours during peak seasons.
? Cobblestone Center – Also in Tahoe City, this little shopping area looks quite Bavarian. It has shops, a restaurant or two, and a cinema as well as some service-type businesses, like a few doctors’ offices and a yoga center.
? Village at Squaw Valley – At this large resort, the shopping is fine! You’ll find about 20 shops here, including a few that offer interactive activities like make-you-own pottery or candles. There are about 10 restaurants at the village as well.
? The Shops at Heavenly Village – Situated at the base of the new Heavenly Gondola, the shops at this South Lake Tahoe resort are simply lovely but certainly not low-priced. If you’re looking for a bargain, this is generally not the place to shop, but if your taste tends towards the best, you’ll love it here. There are also a number of eateries here including a Cold Stone Creamery, Seattle’s Best Coffee, Burger King, and Wolfgang Puck Express.
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Factory Stores at the Y – Located at Highways
50 and 89, this outlet shopping area boasts 17 stores selling well-known
brands at discount prices. Included in this collection of shops are Bass,
Big Dog, Geoffrey Beene, IZOD, Adidas, Nine West, Van Heusen, and Pearl
Izumi. Open 7 days a week, year round.
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