Facility Overview
The South Lot at Sunnyside is an outdoor surface parking lot situated alongside California State Route 89 (West Lake Boulevard) at 1850 W Lake Blvd in Tahoe City, California. Serving the historic Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge and the adjacent Sunnyside Marina, this open-air lot provides straightforward parking on Lake Tahoe\'s scenic West Shore. Because it is an uncovered surface facility without overhead structural barriers, it offers unrestricted vertical clearance, making it suitable for standard passenger sedans, pickup trucks, SUVs, and vehicles carrying roof racks with kayaks, paddleboards, or ski gear. Paved and delineated, the lot accommodates seasonal traffic ranging from summer boaters to winter mountain travelers.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Positioned directly across and adjacent to the iconic Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge, this parking location places visitors steps away from premier West Shore dining, lakefront views, and recreational access:
- Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge: Located directly on-site across the driveway, known for its iconic lakeside deck, Mountain Grill, and fine dining.
- Sunnyside Marina: Just moments away on foot, offering boat rentals, slips, and fuel services on Lake Tahoe.
- William Kent Public Beach & Campground: Less than a 5-minute walk (approx. 0.2 miles south), offering pebble-sand beaches, picnic areas, and camping access.
- Tahoe City Downtown & Commons Beach: Situated approximately 2 miles north along Highway 89 (a 5-minute drive or scenic bike ride along the paved trail).
- Ward Creek State Park & Tahoe Rim Trail Connections: Located a short drive south, offering hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing routes.
- Granlibakken Tahoe: Approximately 1.8 miles north, popular for conference amenities, historic ski hills, and treetop adventures.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Access to the South Lot is directly via West Lake Boulevard (CA-89), the primary thoroughfare linking Tahoe City with Homewood and Emerald Bay. Ingress and egress are clearly marked, though drivers should exercise extra caution during high-season summer afternoons and snowy winter weekends when traffic on Highway 89 is heavy. The Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) operates regular bus service along the West Shore route with nearby roadside stops connecting passengers north to the Tahoe City Transit Center and south to Tahoma. The multi-use West Shore bike path also runs directly alongside the property, offering seamless connections for cyclists and pedestrians.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-Air Surface Parking: Generous headroom with no vertical height restrictions, accommodating vehicles with roof cargo boxes and sports equipment racks.
- Designated Accessible Spaces: ADA-compliant parking spaces positioned closest to pedestrian pathways and crosswalks.
- Lakeside Walkability: Immediate pedestrian connectivity to marina docks, lodge rooms, and outdoor dining decks.
- Paved and Striped Surface: Well-maintained asphalt layout optimized for easy maneuverability and turnaround.
- Plowed Winter Access: Regularly cleared during winter months to provide dependable access for lodge patrons and diners.
Ideal For
- Lodge & Restaurant Guests: Patrons visiting Sunnyside for lakeside meals, patio cocktails, or boutique lodging stays.
- Boaters & Water Enthusiasts: Visitors renting watercraft or departing from Sunnyside Marina.
- Beachgoers & Sightseers: Travelers exploring William Kent Beach and nearby scenic West Shore viewpoints.
- Cyclists & Trail Users: Visitors staging a trip along the paved West Shore multi-use bike path.
Visitor & Driver Tips
- Arrive Early During Peak Summer: The lakeside deck at Sunnyside is one of the most popular destinations in Lake Tahoe; lot spaces fill rapidly between 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM, as well as before sunset.
- Lodge & Dining Patron Priority: Parking is primarily designated for patrons of Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge and affiliated marina operations. Verify guest rules or valet availability during summer holiday weekends.
- Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists: Take special care when turning into and out of the lot, as the paved lakeside bike trail crosses adjacent to the entry drive.
- Winter Preparedness: Carry required snow chains or use an AWD/4WD vehicle during snowy conditions, as Highway 89 can experience chain controls and icy driving surfaces.
