The Best Things to Do In Truckee, California 2025
Truckee is a small town located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, known for its proximity to Lake Tahoe and its abundant outdoor recreation opportunities including skiing, hiking, and fishing. If you are heading to Truckee California soon and need some ideas, you are in the right place. Read on for things to do in Truckee, California!
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1. Float the Truckee River
Truckee River Raft Co (Mountain Air Sports ) is one of Tahoe’s original raft companies, offering self-guided raft trips on the beautiful Truckee River, from Tahoe City, California. Visitors enjoy a leisurely and casual float from Tahoe City down a 5-mile stretch of the Truckee River to the River Ranch.
The River is a slow pace that will allow you to float casually for about three hours including stops. Paddling is fairly easy and you should be able to navigate around any light brush or rocks with no problems.
Pack a lunch in a waterproof bag and then float down the river, stopping at different points, to have lunch or rest. Make sure you slather on sunscreen, there is no shade on the river!
2. Snowmobiling During Winter
Did you know that there are snowmobile tours near Truckee? A Cold Stream Adventures tour guide will take you up into the mountains for some gorgeous views. It’s one of our favorite things to do in Truckee!
3. Visit Donner Lake
There are plenty of things to do at Donner lake that don’t require any equipment. Try one of the several hikes near the lake or lounge on the west shore sandy beach. If you need some ideas on what to bring make sure you bring a towel, sunscreen, snacks, water shoes, your phone, and some good company!
Another fun idea is to rent e-bikes and ride around the lake. There are several paths to take and the lake is fairly close to downtown Truckee.
Spend the afternoon fishing or paddle boating. There’s also an adorable ice cream shop near the shore called. The ice cream is pricey but delicious.
4. Truckee River Winery
Did you know Truckee has a winery and tasting room? The ambiance of Truckee River Winery is casual, and the environment is very inviting. The building itself is rather quaint and cozy on the inside. The real treat is the outdoor space with ample seating, corn hole, and bocce ball courts.
Due to the unique location, tastings and tours are limited to reservations only and on certain days of the week. Right now I’m seeing that they are only offering outdoor tastings twice a week and by appointment!
5. Donner Pass Railway Tunnel
Looking for a unique and interesting hike near Truckee? Look no further!
With walls covered in cool graffiti and ice glaciers, tunnel openings to scenic views of Donner Lake and the valley, and soft light bouncing through tunnel walls that create interesting patterns, the Donner Pass Summit Tunnel is a cool experience.
Bring layers as it is quite chilly inside the tunnels. A flashlight would be helpful as some areas are a bit dark.
The easiest access to the tunnels is by parking in the dirt parking lot directly across Donner Pass Rd from the Donner Ski Park.
6. Visit Word by Word Book Shop
Word by Word is a beautiful bookstore in downtown Truckee that offers a wide selection of books and records. From children’s books to biographies, cookbooks to historical fiction, local authors, and travel books, there is something for every shopper.
Head to the basement for bargain books and fun collector items like concert shirts and tickets!
7. Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is an enjoyable winter activity that offers the perfect blend of exercise and adventure. With snowshoes, you can venture into the beautiful snow-covered wilderness, explore new terrain, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the winter landscape.
Need a fun activity? Tahoe Adventure Company snowshoeing tours last approximately 4 hours and include 2 – 3 miles of walking.
All equipment, hot drinks, permits, and guided tour. Appropriate for All Ages
8. Truckee Railroad Museum
The Truckee Railroad Museum is a teeny tiny little museum in downtown Truckee basically it’s is one train car. That train car is packed with cool displays and information! Learn about the logging trains and the First Transcontinental Railroad plus some interesting facts about the Donner Party.
It’s right alongside the tracks too so you can watch the trains come and go if you are there at the right time.
9. Take a Haunted Tour!
Consider taking the Haunted Truckee walking tour! This is a 90-minute outdoor walking tour through downtown Truckee that takes you to various landmarks and historic sites while the guide recounts ghost stories and folklore associated with the town.
Tickets are $20.00 per person.
Military & Kids 12 & under -$15.00 per person
10. Truckee River Regional Park
Truckee River Regional Park is huge and beautiful. There are fields for games, a softball field, a skate park, and a jungle gym.
In the wintertime, there is a great sledding hill past the back of the parking lot! There is also an ice skating rink in the winter. The rink itself is outdoors and surrounded by some bleachers and tall pines so it got dark relatively fast but there was a beautiful and clear view of the mountains, trees, and sky in the distance.
Located a half-mile south of downtown Truckee at Truckee River Regional Park (10500 Brockway Rd. Truckee, CA 96161), the Truckee Ice Rink features public skating, rentals, private lessons, and various ice-related activities.
ICE RINK FEES
RESIDENT DAILY ADMISSION:
Adult: $9
Youth/Senior: $8
NON-RESIDENT DAILY ADMISSION:
Adult: $13
Youth/Senior: $11
RESIDENT SEASON PASSES:
Adult: $76
Youth/Senior: $67
NON-RESIDENT SEASON PASSES:
Adult: $110
Youth/Senior: $92
Skate Rentals: $5
Skate Sharpening: $20
