Terri is a nutritionist, speaker, and author of Fabulous Health: A Simple Plan to Get Well and Stay Well. She joined The World Vegan Travel Podcast to share her insider tips on Lake Tahoe vegan restaurants, outdoor adventures, and how to live a plant-based lifestyle surrounded by mountains, lakes, and fresh alpine air.
Why Lake Tahoe is a Vegan Outdoor Paradise
Lake Tahoe straddles the California–Nevada border, about four hours from San Francisco. It’s one of the deepest lakes in the world — nearly 1,700 feet deep — and its bright blue waters stretch 12 miles across.
Terri lives near Diamond Peak Ski Resort, about 7,000 feet above sea level, where she hikes, skis, and explores year-round. She says the best part of Tahoe living is how much there is to do — and how easy it is to stay plant-based while doing it.
There are no mosquitoes, the air smells like pine trees, and the lake never freezes, so you can kayak even in cooler months. Just keep an eye out for local wildlife — bears are rare but worth being cautious about!
Must-Do Adventures: From Kayaking to Bear Spotting
Terri’s advice is simple: Get on the water!
Whether you’re gliding across the lake on the Sierra Cloud Catamaran or kayaking near Incline Village, Tahoe offers endless ways to connect with nature.
For hiking lovers, she recommends using AllTrails to find local gems like the paved trail between Incline Village and Sand Harbor, part of the Pacific Crest Trail network. It’s perfect for all ages and fitness levels and gives you unforgettable panoramic views.
And yes — if you’re visiting in winter, Diamond Peak offers some of the most stunning ski slopes in the region.
The Vegan Food Scene: From Gourmet to Grab-and-Go
Even though Lake Tahoe is known for its outdoor fun, vegan food lovers won’t be left out. Terri’s top tip? “You won’t be starving — you just have to know where to look!”
“You won’t be starving — you just have to know where to look!” – Terri Chrisman
Osteria Sierra: Fine Dining with a Vegan-Friendly Chef
Located inside the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, Osteria Sierra is Terri’s go-to for Italian-inspired dishes. Chef Shay loves creating vegan pastas and salads on request, turning a classic fine-dining experience into something deliciously plant-based.
Sprouts & Mofo’s: The Casual Vegan Classics
When you’re after something casual, head to Sprouts Café at Stateline for smoothies, burritos, and their famous Volcano Salad — it’s a local vegan legend!
If pizza is your love language, Mofo’s Pizza has customizable vegan pizzas and a salad bar where you can build your own bowl.
You’ll also find plenty of grab-and-go spots like Thania’s Juice Bar for wraps and smoothies, or Thai Recipe Incline Village for fragrant vegan Thai food.
Local’s Secret: Navigating the CA–NV Border for Food & Lodging
Here’s something many travelers don’t realize — Tahoe is split between two states, and that affects where you stay and eat.
- On the Nevada side, short-term rentals like Airbnbs are common and convenient.
- On the California side, tighter rental rules push most visitors toward hotels and casinos, especially near Stateline in South Lake Tahoe.
Terri recommends renting a car, since public transport options like the Tahoe Area Rapid Transit (TART) can be limited for sightseeing.
Beyond Tahoe: Day Tripping to Reno’s Vegan Hotspots
If you’re in the mood for a quick adventure, drive 45 minutes to Reno, where the vegan scene is booming.
Terri suggests stopping by:
- Great Full Gardens for whole-food meals and house-made kombucha.
- House of Mexica for fully vegan Mexican food.
- Freshies for Hawaiian-inspired vegan options.
These Reno vegan restaurants make for a fun and flavorful day trip beyond Tahoe’s borders.
Self-Catering Success: Farmers’ Markets & Supermarket Runs
For travelers who love cooking, Terri recommends checking out summer farmers’ markets in Incline Village. You’ll find locally grown fruits and vegetables from nearby areas like Sacramento.
For everyday groceries, head to Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s in Reno — perfect for stocking up before exploring Tahoe’s trails or beaches.
About Terri Chrisman
Terri Chrisman is a nutritionist, speaker, author, and host of the Fabulous Health Show Podcast. She’s also board-certified with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and helps people transition to a healthy, plant-based life through her platform, Fabulous Health.
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Final Thoughts
Lake Tahoe proves you don’t have to choose between adventure and compassion — you can ski, hike, kayak, and still enjoy incredible vegan food every step of the way.
As Terri reminds us, “You just have to look — the vegan gems are everywhere.”
So whether you’re planning your first trip to Tahoe or returning for another mountain escape, this Tahoe vegan guide will help you make it your healthiest, happiest getaway yet.
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Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- Explore the best vegan restaurants in Lake Tahoe, from Osteria Sierra to Sprouts Café.
- Discover fun outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking, and skiing around the lake.
- Get Terri’s tips for self-catering and finding farmers’ markets in Incline Village.
- Learn how to plan your stay on the California or Nevada side of the lake.
- Find out where to go for a day trip to Reno’s vegan restaurants and cafés.
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