Afternoon
As you arrive in downtown Truckee, the city’s storied past is immediately on full display: The lively sidewalks are lined with Victorian structures and historic buildings housing unique boutiques, eateries, nightlife spots, and novelty shops (there’s even a retro gas station). So, it’s easy to feel as though you’ve taken a step back in time—especially once you reach The Truckee Hotel. This historical landmark in the heart of downtown has been welcoming travelers since the 1870s, when it served as a stagecoach stop along the Dutch Flat Wagon Road. It continues to be a popular haven for visitors, beckoning with its warm, wood-accented interiors and modern amenities.
Check in for the weekend and head up to your thoughtfully appointed guest room to drop off your bags and prepare for the adventures that await. (If you prefer a more secluded stay, there are cozy Airbnb cabins as well as the Lucky Dog Lodge merely minutes from downtown.)
Fuel up for your afternoon excursions with a hefty sandwich at the locally beloved Full Belly Deli. As the name implies, you won’t leave here feeling hungry. The eatery uses fresh ingredients to craft crave-worthy creations such as the savory GNAR burrito stuffed with dry-rubbed tri-tip, gooey pepper jack, hash browns, a fried egg, and green chilies; a decadent Cuban sandwich bursting with black forest ham, roasted pork loin, Swiss cheese, and tangy pickles; and the Dirka Dirka featuring corned beef, pastrami, pepperoncinis, Swiss, and jalapeño coleslaw. Once you’ve made the difficult decision, slide into one of the picnic tables on the patio to devour your meal.
Once satiated, drive 15 minutes to the famed Northstar for a day on the powdery California slopes. This luxurious, family-friendly destination is one of the best ski resorts in California, with terrain that provides mountain thrills for even the most experienced skiers and snowboarders. But even if you’re more into après ski, you’ll still find plenty of entertainment here. From ice skating and sitting by the fire pits to snow tubing down the hill and warming up with a cup of hot cocoa at The Village at Northstar, you can enjoy a combination of excitement and relaxation. For the ultimate indulgence, pamper yourself with a spa treatment to soothe your muscles after your day of fun in the snow.
Evening
After the sun sets over the snowy peaks, retreat to your room at The Truckee Hotel and freshen up for dinner with a leisurely soak in the clawfoot tub. While it may be difficult to draw yourself away from the cozy environs, it’s time to nourish your body and soul with a divine dinner at Pianeta. Walk for two minutes to reach this romantic restaurant on Donner Pass Road, and you’ll be greeted by the mouthwatering scents of simmering bolognese and sizzling Italian sausage.
Settle in at your table and kick off the night with an artisanal beverage and the piatto formaggio featuring Humboldt fog cheese, aged pecorino, and creamy Taleggio—all carefully plated alongside quince spread, fresh fruit, and fig compote. Follow it up with a plate of house-made tagliatelle interlaced with spicy fennel and Tuscan-style sausage and smothered in savory marinara sauce. Or, for something slightly lighter, order the heaping bowl of fresh clams served in a fragrant broth perfumed with white wine, tomatoes, and basil. End the evening on a sweet note with the silky lemon panna cotta adorned with mixed berry coulis.
When you return to the hotel, savor a nightcap at the on-site Moody’s, lounge by the fire pits and reminisce about your first day in Truckee, or simply read a good book in bed before turning out the lights.
Day 2
Morning
Rise and shine to beat the lines at Squeeze In. The quirky, alien-themed eatery only has 50 seats, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in character and delectable breakfast fare—drawing droves on the weekends (even celebrity chef Bobby Flay has dined here). The countless breakfast options can seem overwhelming, but it’s hard to go wrong at Squeeze In. From banana walnut pancakes and cream cheese–stuffed French toast to Spanish- and Hawaiian-inspired four-egg omelettes, there’s something for every craving on the robust menu. (Kids are also bound to love the adorable bear-shaped pancakes and the mugs of hot chocolate capped with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles.)
Follow up your hearty meal by meandering through downtown Truckee. The main thoroughfare offers a peek into the past, but make no mistake—you’ll find nothing but contemporary businesses here. Browse for your next novel at Word After Word Books; shop for locally made ceramics, handcrafted jewelry, and home decor at Bespoke; treat yourself to a stylish sweater, T-shirt, or boots at Nomad Boutique; and satiate your sweet tooth at the bright-pink, nostalgia-inducing s’mores food truck.
Afternoon
Before continuing your Truckee explorations, grab an afternoon pick-me-up from Coffeebar. Aiming to evoke the café culture of Italy, this hip hangout spot offers artisanal cups of joe in a convivial environment. From perfect pour overs and espresso shots to lavender lattes and coconut chai teas, you can find your fix here.
Channel your newfound energy into an outdoor activity at Donner Memorial State Park. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, less than 10 minutes from downtown Truckee, this gorgeous expanse offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Fish for planted trout and kokanee, cross-country ski or snowshoe along the 8-plus miles of trails, and witness the region’s fascinating geologic formations—all while taking in views of the glimmering Donner Lake surrounded by snow-dusted peaks and lush forest.
When you’re ready to warm up, head to the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center, where you can immerse yourself in Truckee’s history. This small yet riveting museum features compelling exhibits with artifacts and stories of the Emigrant Experience, including those of the Donner Party, Native Americans, and transcontinental railroad workers. Right outside lies the Pioneer Monument, a California Historical Landmark that was erected to commemorate those who emigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800s.
Evening
Toast to your fun-filled day in Truckee at the venerable Moody’s. The stylish restaurant specializes in inventive farm-to-table eats and artisanal beverages—but it is anything but pretentious. This inviting bistro is where you’ll find first-time tourists alongside longtime Truckee residents, who flock here for the seasonally driven fare. Savor everything from authentic Neapolitan pizzas and house-made pastas to succulent, organic steaks and fresh seafood. Though the menu changes frequently, you won’t leave here disappointed, especially when you can enjoy live music with your meal.
Indeed, Moody’s not only draws crowds with its delicious food, but also with its musical performances on most weekend nights, when diners can listen to acclaimed blues, jazz, or Americana bands starting at 8:30 p.m. With bumpin’ tunes, farm-fresh dishes, and laid-back vibes, Moody’s is the perfect place to end your unforgettable weekend in Truckee.
Which spots are you most excited to visit?