south lake tahoe travel guide

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From catching a world-class entertainer on tour to seeing the lake at its clearest point in decades, there are millions of reasons to visit Lake Tahoe. What are you waiting for?

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Lodging in Lake Tahoe

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South Lake Tahoe Hotels & Resorts

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Pet Friendly Hotels in Lake Tahoe

Keep Tahoe Awesome

The clearest blue water. The brightest green mountains. It’s awe and then some, but all this awesome doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from mutual respect for the South Shore, from locals and visitors alike. That’s why we created Rules to Lake By: five ways to practice responsible tourism at Lake Tahoe, so we can keep this place awesome today and awesome tomorrow.

Endless entertainment

Events in South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Village Brewfest

Steel Pulse at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe

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Insider Tips From South Lake Tahoe

Let’s Leave Less Microplastics

Take in All of Tahoe This May

How to spend the perfect Mother’s Day at Lake Tahoe’s South Shore

When it comes to things to do in South Lake Tahoe, you can shred down the mountain from 10,067 ft. at Heavenly Mountain Resort’s peak or you can dive into the depths of Lake Tahoe. It’s more than 1600 ft. deep, making it one of the deepest lakes in North America. Needless to say, there’s plenty of things to do in Lake Tahoe above and below the surface.

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Events at the New Tahoe Blue Event Center

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Is Tahoe in Nevada or California?

Lake Tahoe is located on the border of California and Nevada. About two-thirds of the lake is in California, with about one-third extending into Nevada at the north and south ends of the lake, and the entire eastern shore. Since part of South Lake Tahoe extends into Nevada, gaming is legal in South Lake Tahoe.

How deep is Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe is the third deepest lake in North America and the 10th deepest in the world. Tahoe’s deepest point is 1,645 feet near Crystal Bay. The average depth of Lake Tahoe is 989 feet.

What part of Lake Tahoe is the most popular?

All parts of Lake Tahoe are beautiful and have something unique to offer. South Lake Tahoe is popular for its ski resorts like Heavenly , Sierra at Tahoe and Kirkwood ski resorts. South Lake Tahoe is also popular for its restaurants, shopping, casino resorts and vibrant nightlife .

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CALIFORNIA , LAKE TAHOE , NORTH AMERICA , UNITED STATES · January 29, 2021 Last Updated on March 16, 2024

THE ULTIMATE LAKE TAHOE GUIDE

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Lake Tahoe is stunning. As a travel writer, I’ve traveled extensively over the last ten years, and I have yet to find a mountain destination anywhere in the world that has everything Lake Tahoe has to offer while also being so strikingly beautiful. 

Located on the California-Nevada border, northeast of Sacramento, Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for adventure lovers, families and anyone wanting to reconnect with nature in the great outdoors.

Known for its crystal blue water, beautiful beaches, excellent hiking and world class ski resorts, Lake Tahoe attracts over 2.7 million visitors annually and has been consistently ranked in the top five best places to visit in California, top five best adventure vacations in the U.S.A., and it was rated “America’s best lake” by USA Today.

I lived in North Lake Tahoe for a winter season during college and taught skiing and snowboarding at Northstar Resort, and recently I remodeled a vacation home in Carnelian Bay.

From my experience being somewhat of a local, I put together this Lake Tahoe guide to help you make the most of your visit to this incredible destination!

Where To Stay In Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe offers an array of cute cabins and luxury vacation homes  on both the north and south shore.

I personally prefer to stay on the north shore in Carnelian Bay or Tahoe City when I visit Lake Tahoe. This area is gorgeous and I love being close to the lake while also having access to all the great restaurants in this area.

As I mentioned, I also recently purchased and remodeled a cabin in this area with beautiful lake views – @LakeTahoeCabin . We took this entire 1970s cabin down to the studs and reimagined it with high-end finishings, appliances and decor. All the bedrooms are en-suite and offer sweeping lake views.

The location of our cabin is ideal, walking distance to the lake, a short drive to public beaches, Northstar Resort, Palisades Tahoe Resort, golfing, and close to an array of excellent restaurants. My Lake Tahoe Cabin is the perfect luxury vacation rental for your next family or group getaway to North Lake Tahoe!

• Location:  Carnelian Bay
• Sleeps: 10+ guests
• Size: 4 bedrooms + a loft / 5 beds / 4.5 bath
• Price: Lake Tahoe Cabin

I also put together this list of the 20 Best AirBnBs in Lake Tahoe so you can quickly and easily look through the best rental options for large and small groups on the north shore and the south shore!

Best Hotels In Lake Tahoe

If you prefer to stay at a hotel, there are a handful of good hotel options in the Lake Tahoe area. Here are 12 top-rated hotels in Lake Tahoe:

• Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe – Featuring ski-in/ski-out access at Northstar California, this luxurious Lake Tahoe resort offers a spa, 2 outdoor swimming pools and 3 restaurants. Along with a gas fireplace, all rooms include a flat-screen TV, a seating area and a private, marble bathroom. Every room has modern furniture and lodge-inspired accents.
• Northstar California Resort – Just 10 minutes’ drive from Truckee, the Northstar California Resort is a family-friendly, ski-in/ski-out accommodations with a recreation center, multiple restaurants, an ice rink and easy access to all the amenities in Northstar Village. 
• Edgewood Tahoe Resort – Edgewood Tahoe Resort is located on the lake, in South Lake Tahoe, on the Nevada side of Stateline, and offers 5-star accommodations featuring an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and a beautiful terrace overlooking Lake Tahoe.
• Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe – Located on the Nevada side of the north shore, in Incline Village, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is a top-rated resort on a beautiful beach with great dining and an excellent spa.
• The Landing Resort & Spa – Located near Heavenly Village Ski Resort in South Lake Tahoe, The Landing Resort & Spa offers free transportation to the Heavenly Village and Casinos. Spacious guest rooms here feature a stone gas fireplace, a Keurig coffee machine, and a refrigerator. 
• Gravity Haus Truckee – Enjoy the custom comforts of a boutique hotel that embodies the authentic mountain experience, Gravity Haus is conveniently located in Truckee close to Northstar Resort and Palisades Tahoe Resort.
• Cedar Glen Lodge – Located on the North Shore in Tahoe Vista, Cedar Glen Lodge offers affordable accommodations with a cozy cabin vibe. 
• The Jeffrey Hotel – The Jeffrey Hotel is an affordable hotel, with modern decor, located in Lakeside Park, a neighborhood in South Lake Tahoe.
• Heavenly Village Condos – Offering direct access to Heavenly Ski Resort, Heavenly Village Condos are a great choice if you plan to ski at Heavenly Resort in the winter or hike or mountain bike at the resort in the summer.
• Sunnyside Lodge – Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge is located in a great location in Tahoe City, on the lake. Some of the rooms offer lake views and breakfast is included in your stay.
• Grand Resort – Located at Heavenly Resort, offering access to all the amenities there including a heated pool, tennis courts, barbecue grills, foosball table, golf and more.
• Bally’s Lake Tahoe Casino and Resort – Good spot to stay in South Lake Tahoe if gambling is your priority.
• You can also check Expedia for the best Lake Tahoe hotel prices

North Lake Tahoe Versus South Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is one big, beautiful lake, but it is often referred to by its two different regions – North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe. 

Both regions are beautiful and have many similarities as far as having great rental options , access to the lake, beautiful beaches and world class ski resorts. But North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe are also very different. 

North Lake Tahoe aka Tahoe North

North Lake Tahoe is the quieter side of the lake and is arguably the most beautiful region.

North Lake Tahoe is made up of small cities and cute mountain towns including: Incline Village; Sunnyside/Tahoe City; Kings Beach; Carnelian Bay; Crystal Bay; Tahoe Vista; and Truckee, and there is world class skiing here at Squaw Valley, Northstar and other north shore resorts.

Truckee has a population of just over 16,000 people and is located about 12 miles north of the lake. Truckee  used to be a mining town and still exudes old school rustic charm and a slow paced lifestyle. In fact all of North Lake Tahoe embraces a low paced, relaxed vibe so much so that locals here often refer to it as “Tahoe Time.”

North Lake Tahoe is more pristine, less crowded and feels more connected to nature compared to South Lake Tahoe. But the south shore also has some unique pluses to offer.

South Lake Tahoe aka Tahoe South

South Lake Tahoe is basically the Las Vegas of Lake Tahoe. South Lake Tahoe is on the Nevada side so if you like to gamble this is the region you should stay in as there are an array of casinos to be found here along with a bustling nightlife!

The south shore of Lake Tahoe includes South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, Stateline, Zephyr Cove, Glenbrook, Emerald Bay, and the Markleeville and Kirkwood areas. South Lake Tahoe is the largest city around Lake Tahoe with a permanent resident population of just over 21,000 people.

There is world class skiing on the south shore at Heavenly Resort along with an array of great restaurants, bars, and shops. If you prefer to have all the amenities of a big city during your mountain vacation, then South Lake Tahoe is for you. 

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How To Get To Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is an ideal destination because it is easily accessible by car from everywhere in California. Tahoe is just a 3.5 hour drive from San Francisco and 7.5 hour drive from Los Angeles.

If you opt to fly you can fly into the nearby Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and rent a car at the airport. From the Reno Airport it is an easy 45 minute drive to Truckee, a 50 minute drive to Incline Village, a 1 hour drive to Tahoe City and a 1 hour drive to Carnelian Bay.

Almost anywhere in North Lake Tahoe can be reached by car from the Reno Airport in an hour or less, and you can drive to South Lake Tahoe from the airport in about 1 hour 25 minutes. 

Ubers are also available from Reno Airport up to Lake Tahoe but they are pretty pricey. If you book an Uber be prepared to pay around $120 for a standard UberX or around $200 for an Uber Black. 

Things To Do In Lake Tahoe

There is so much to do and see in Lake Tahoe! These are some of the top activities in North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe that will keep you busy during your stay here. You can also check out my guide, 30 Things To Do In Lake Tahoe , for an extensive list of Tahoe activities.

• Hiking – There is great hiking all around Lake Tahoe. If you’re looking for a moderately easy hike in North Lake Tahoe try  Tahoe Rim Trail to Picnic Rock Viewpoint  which takes about 45 minutes and offers incredible views at the top! Check out All Trails for a list of the best hikes in South Lake Tahoe and the best hikes in North Lake Tahoe .
• Biking – In the summer months there is world class mountain biking at many of the ski resorts, and there are also bike paths that run along the lake, so you can enjoy biking through the mountains or around the lake with your family. 
• Ice Skating & Rollerblading – The Village at Northstar Resort has an outdoor rink that is used for ice skating in the winter and rollerblading in the summer. This is a great place to let your kids play while you enjoy cocktails rink side. 
• Boating – I highly suggest renting a boat and spending a fun day out on the water exploring Lake Tahoe’s beautiful coves and beaches. 
• Water Skiing & Wakeboarding – Lake Tahoe is an excellent lake to water ski or wakeboard or inner tube! You can book a private customizable water sports excursion  to enjoy a fun-filled day on the lake.
• Beach Day – If you don’t rent a boat but still want to be on the water you can drive to one of the many public beaches and enjoy a fun beach day lakeside. In the summer months parking can be hard to find at the public beaches so go early.
• Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Kayaking and paddleboarding are both great ways to get out on the water, explore the lake and get some exercise.  You can book a private kayaking or paddleboarding tour.
• Swimming – Lake Tahoe’s average surface temperature in the summer is 63°F, and can drop to 53°F just 18 inches below the surface. For young children who will likely want to spend hours splashing in the lake I suggest bringing a wetsuit. They might not need it but it’s nice to have just in case. 
• Happy Hour Cruise – Enjoy a relaxed experience on the lake by taking a happy hour cruise . 
• Emerald Bay State Park – This inlet along the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe is known for its colorful granite cliffs and stunning panoramas. Carved millions of years ago by passing glaciers,  Emerald Bay State Park is a must-see. To avoid the crowds and parking hassle, I suggest booking a private Emerald Bay boat tour .
• Donner Memorial State Park & Museum – This park offers hiking, camping, fishing, boating, the Emigrant Trail Museum & a historic monument.
• Float The Truckee River – In the summer months you can float the Truckee Rivers! Start in Tahoe City at Truckee River Raft Co. and end at River Ranch Restaurant & Lodge . The company takes the rafts from you at the end and returns them while you take a shuttle back to the point of origin. To save money, you can also just buy individual inner tubes at the gas station across the street from the raft rental places, but then you also have to make sure you have 2 cars; leave one car at the end point and one at the starting point. It’s about a 3 hour raft ride, slow and mellow.
• Art Walks & Art Tours – In the summer months there are art walks and art tours in North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe. These events are being updated constantly so do a quick internet search to find art events in the area you are staying.
• Gambling – There are lots of spot to go gambling in Lake Tahoe. If you want to stay where you can gamble try Border House at Crystal Bay Casino on the north shore or  Bally’s Lake Tahoe Casino and Resort on the south shore.
• Golfing – There are an array of great golf course courses in Lake Tahoe including  Incline Village Championship Course  in North Lake Tahoe and Edgewood Golf Course in South Lake Tahoe. Here’s a list of the top 10 golf courses in Lake Tahoe .
• Miniature Golf – There are several miniature golf courses in Lake Tahoe. We golfed at Magic Carpet Miniature Golf Course in Carnelian Bay which was very fun! There is also a miniature golf course in Kings Beach and a Magic Carpet Miniature Golf Course in South Lake Tahoe.
• Helicopter Tour –
• Tahoe Parks & Playgrounds – There are great parks and playgrounds in Lake Tahoe! Check out North Tahoe Parks and Tahoe South Parks for details. 
• Balloon Ride – Take balloon ride offering amazing views with Lake Tahoe Balloons . 
• Snowshoe and Snowmobile – In the winter months you can snowshoe or rent snowmobiles.
• Sledding and Tubing – Visit Adventure Mountain Lake Tahoe,  South Lake Tahoe’s premier machine groomed sledding, tubing, and snow play destination!
• Private Yacht Charter – If you really want to live it up in Lake Tahoe you can charter a 45-foot private yacht .
• Skiing and Snowboarding – Lake Tahoe offers world class skiing at 16 different resorts! Se below for more information on hitting the slopes in Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts

Lake Tahoe offers some of the best ski resorts in the United States and arguably some of the best ski skiing in the world. When it snows in the Sierra Nevada Mountains it doesn’t just snow a few inches, it usually dumps, leaving Lake Tahoe covered in multiple feet of new, fresh powder. 

Lake Tahoe also typically has sunny weather offering “spring skiing” conditions most of the winter. So when it’s not snowing it is usually sunny and nice out. 

There are 16 ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe area offering something for everyone. Here is a list of all of the resorts organized by region. 

North Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts

• Northstar Resort – Close to Truckee, Carnelian Bay, and Kings Beach, this upscale ski resort is one of the best resorts in Lake Tahoe. It offers 14 lifts and an array of excellent beginner and intermediate terrain along with a new, upscale village where you can dine, enjoy drinks and find sports shops and boutiques. 
• Palisades Tahoe Resort – Close to Tahoe City and Truckee, was the host site for the 1960 Winter Olympics, covers 3,600 acres with 30 chairlifts and the only funitel in the U.S. Excellent, beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain and is one of the best resorts in Lake Tahoe.
• Alpine Meadows Resort – Located in Alpine Meadows, California. Near the northwest shore of Lake Tahoe, it offers 2,400 acres of skiable terrain, 13 different lifts, and a vertical drop of 1,802 feet, terrain for varied skill levels, multiple lodges and a terrain park.
• Sugar Bowl Resort – Medium-sized ski area known for its significant advanced terrain, high annual snowfall and being one of the closest ski areas to San Francisco. Sugar Bowl’s terrain is 17% Beginner, 45% Intermediate and 38% Advanced.
• Diamond Peak Resort – Located in Incline Village, Nevada. Near the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe, this medium sized resort has 6 chairlifts, 30 runs, open glades, and tree skiing on its 655 acres of terrain and offers sledding and a kid’s zone.
• Homewood Mountain Resort – Several ski and snowboard runs along with terrain parks, 2 lodges and on-mountain dining options.
• Boreal Mountain – Boreal Mountain Resort is a ski area in Soda Springs, near the Lake Tahoe area of California. It has nine chairlifts and offers night skiing until 9 pm.
• Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area – Groomed cross-country ski area with lake views and a cozy lodge for light bites and equipment rentals.
• Granlibakken Ski & Sled Hill – Enjoy family fun here skiing, boarding and sledding.
• Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort – Small ski resort with 4 ski lifts and 14 trails, in Truckee, California 4.5 mi northeast of Donner Pass. 
• Donner Ski Ranch – Family-friendly ski resort with 6 lifts in the Lake Tahoe area that features a wide variety of terrain, inviting skiers and riders of all abilities.
• Soda Springs Mountain Resort – Family-friendly winter sports resort, offering lessons, sleigh rides and a vast play area for kids.
• Mount Rose – Closest ski resort to Reno, Nevada. Located about 30 miles south of Reno, in the Carson Range. Mt. Rose has the highest base elevation of a Tahoe-region ski resort at about 8,260 ft and the summit is 9,700 ft.

South Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts

• Heavenly Mountain Resort – Sprawling Lake Tahoe resort offering skiing, snowboarding & biking as well as lodging and eateries over 4,800 acres. This is one of the biggest and best ski resorts in Lake Tahoe with 97 runs and 30 lifts that run across both California and Nevada. 
• Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort – Tahoe’s third-largest ski area with 2,000+ acres of slopes & 200+ acres of backcountry trails, located in Twin Bridges, California 12 miles south of South Lake Tahoe.
• Kirkwood Mountain Resort – Kirkwood Mountain Resort is a year-round resort in Kirkwood, California south of Lake Tahoe that focuses on skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking and mountain-biking in summer.

Where To Eat In Lake Tahoe

There are an array of great restaurants on both the north shore and south shore of Lake Tahoe. Here are my suggestions on where to eat in both regions!

Tahoe North Restaurants 

• Old Post Office Cafe – Breakfast and brunch in Carnelian Bay. I love their huge breakfast burritos! 
• Gar Woods Grill & Pier  – Restaurant, bar and pier in Carnelian Bay. Pricey but a great place for lunch, dinner or drinks right on the lake and also a good spot to get on your rental boat in the summer.
• Za’s Lakefront Bar & Grill  – Excellent pizza, burgers, pasta and salads, excellent (casual) outdoor dining on the lake in Tahoe City. This is my go-to restaurant when I’m in Tahoe!
• Christy Hill  – Fine dining on the lake in Tahoe City.
• Lone Eagle Grill – Fine dining in Incline Village, Nevada.
• Bite Restaurant – Excellent tapas restaurant in Incline Village.
• Azzara’s – Great Italian food in Incline Village.
• Truckee Tavern & Grill – Excellent American cuisine and cocktails in Truckee.
• Trokay – Fine dining in Truckee offering upscale seasonal new American fare and wine pairings. 
• Truckee Food Shop – Made to order sandwiches and to go food including Fish N’ Chips and Fried Chicken Boxes.
• Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge – Great places for cocktails and lunch or dinner on the lake in Tahoe City!
• Bridgetender Tavern – Casual, fun spot for drinks, lunch or dinner on the river in Tahoe City.
• River Grill & Bar – This is a lovely spot to have drinks or a nice dinner on the river. I ate here recently with my husband and daughter and absolutely loved it. The food is excellent, their cocktails are great, they have a good wine selection and the service is top-notch.

Tahoe South Restaurants

• Scusa Italian Restaurant – Traditional Italian cuisine served in a warmly-lit dining room or on the heated outdoor patio in South Lake Tahoe.
• Himmel Haus – Festive hangout in South Lake Tahoe offering lots of German & Belgian beers, area-sourced Bavarian dishes & live music.
• Empanash – Traditional handcrafted Argentine Empanadas in South Lake Tahoe
• Cold Water Brewery & Grill – House brews join California-style pub fare in a contemporary space in South Lake Tahoe.
• Cafe Fiore – Cozy wood-paneled eatery in South Lake Tahoe offering a lengthy wine list & Italian menu with signature eggplant crêpes.
• Bert’s Cafe – Casual daytime eatery serving all-day breakfast, burgers & sandwiches in old-school surroundings in South Lake.
• Lake Tahoe Pizza Company – Cozy pizzeria in South Lake Tahoe with rustic decor serving homemade pies on wheat, white & corn dough since 1973.
• Sprouts Cafe  – Counter-service health-food cafe preparing homemade soups, wraps, burritos & smoothies.

When Should I Visit Lake Tahoe?

One of the best things about Lake Tahoe is that it is a great destination to visit year-round!

In the summer months of June, July and August the temperature is usually in the mid to upper 70s Fahrenheit making these months an ideal time to spend your summer getaway on the lake.

In the winter months of December, January, February and March the average temperature is around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. From mid-December to mid-March there is typically excellent snow coverage making this an ideal time to go on a ski trip to Lake Tahoe.

Summer and Winter are high seasons in Lake Tahoe so if you want to avoid the crowds and get better prices on Tahoe vacation homes I suggest visiting during a late spring or early fall.

In May the weather is usually in the mid 60s Fahrenheit, and in September (my favorite month in Tahoe!) the weather is typically still in the mid 70s Fahrenheit so you get to enjoy warm “summer” days without the crowds! 

Lake Tahoe Ultimate Guide Wrap Up

I hope my Lake Tahoe Guide has inspired you to visit this amazing destination. It’s truly a very special, one-of-a-kind destination that should be on your bucket list.

Lake Tahoe itself is one of the most beautiful, sparkling blue lakes you will ever see in the United States. And as of June 2023, the lake is also the clearest it has been in over 40 years! Apparently, the lake is even more pristine this year than usual because of tiny zooplankton that eat up particles that can make the water cloudy.

So if you’re thinking of booking a Lake Tahoe trip, now is a great time to do it. Happy travels!

We hope that this article has helped inspire you to visit Lake Tahoe. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.

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Read More About California 

• 30 Thing To Do In Lake Tahoe
• The Best AirBnBs in Big Sur
• 10 Essential Stops on a Highway 1 Road Trip
• The Best AirBnBs in Big Bear
• 15 Best California Girls Getaways

Book Your Stay In Lake Tahoe 

• Lake Tahoe Luxury Cabin
• Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe
• Northstar California Resort
• The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe
• The Landing Resort & Spa
• Gravity Haus Truckee
• Explore the best AirBnBs in Lake Tahoe
• Find the best hotel prices in Lake Tahoe

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South Lake Tahoe & Stateline

Highly congested and arguably overdeveloped, South Lake Tahoe is a chockablock commercial strip bordering the lake and framed by picture-perfect alpine mountains. At the foot of the world-class Heavenly mountain resort, and buzzing from the gambling tables in the casinos just across the border in Stateline, NV, Lake Tahoe’s south shore draws visitors with a cornucopia of activities, lodging and restaurant options, especially for summer beach access and tons of powdery winter snow.

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Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Emerald Bay State Park

Sheer granite cliffs and a jagged shoreline hem in glacier-carved Emerald Bay, a teardrop cove that will have you digging for your camera. Its most…

Tallac Historic Site

Three 1920s-era estates – Baldwin, Pope and Valhalla – sprawl across this 150-acre site on the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe. Free, self-guided tours wind…

Inspiration Point

Swoon-worthy views of Emerald Bay, as the camera-wielding crowds testify.

Vikingsholm Castle

Heiress Lora Knight's quirky mansion on the bay, Vikingsholm Castle is the focal point of Emerald Bay State Park, and a rare example of ancient…

Heavenly Gondola

Soar to the top of the world as you ride this gondola, which sweeps you from Heavenly Village to some 2.4 miles up the mountain in just 12 minutes. From…

El Dorado National Park

West of Lake Tahoe, this mountainous park contains the formidably named Desolation Wilderness within its boundaries.

Fannette Island

This uninhabited granite speck in Emerald Bay State Park is Lake Tahoe’s only island. It holds the vandalized remains of a tiny 1920s teahouse belonging…

Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum

This small but interesting museum displays artifacts from Tahoe’s pioneer past, including Washoe tribal baskets, vintage black-and-white films, hoary…

Latest stories from South Lake Tahoe & Stateline

Wildlife & Nature

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The gorgeous crystalline waters in North America's largest alpine lake are the clearest they've been since the 1980s.

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South Lake Tahoe Guide: Activities, Restaurants, Hiking & Parks

Lake Tahoe is one of those places that you go to and just never want to leave. The water is a stunning blue, there are secret beaches and coves all over and adventures abound for those who want to find them. This guide is to South Lake Tahoe and it includes everything from restaurants and coffee to hikes and adventures. Click on an individual photo to learn more about each one and hopefully it will encourage you to explore South Lake Tahoe yourself

Coffee & Breakfast

Nothing better than a cup of coffee to get you moving in the morning. There are a lot of great options in Lake Tahoe but one of my favorites is Free Birds which has homemade chai that is perfect. For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with a stop to Cup of Cherries as well.

Alpina Coffee Cafe

Rude Brothers

Cup of Cherries

This list will continue to expand as there are just so many different spots to eat in South Lake Tahoe. My personal favorite is MacDuffs (make sure you get the bread pudding) and you can’t beat the view at Artemis, but really everything on this restaurant list is fantastic.

Artemis Lakefront Cafe

Burger Lounge

Sprouts Cafe

Azul Latin Kitchen

Macduff’s Pub

Jimmy’s Restaurant

Since hiking is another category, most of the active items in this list relate to the water. I highly recommend you take the time to kayak or SUP while in Tahoe, and what better way to do that then by grabbing a kayak and heading over to Fannette Island in Emerald Bay. Also, Chimney Beach is another great spot to just relax in the strange urban decay that is a full chimney sitting on the beach.

Kayaking to Fannette Island

Stand Up Paddleboarding

Chimney Beach

Vikingsholm

State Parks

Two of the most beautiful State Parks in California are in South Lake Tahoe and they are Emerald Bay and DL Bliss. Both of them have parking lots that fill up fast so be sure to get their early. Click on the images to read more about what is available in these parks.

Emerald Bay State Park

DL Bliss State Park

In South Lake Tahoe there are hikes to massive summits, hikes to beautiful lakes and hikes to waterfalls, what more could you want. Eagle Lake is one of the most beautiful places I have been in California and is even the picture at the top of my sidebar on the right side of the website. This list will grow as well but here are a few to wet your whistle.

Lighthouse Trail

Glen Alpine Falls

Lower Eagle Falls

Rubicon Trail

Attractions

If you don’t want to hike, then check out these fun attractions that don’t require you to be too active.

Heavenly Gondola

The Loft Magic Show

There are a bunch of great spots to stay in Lake Tahoe but here are a few of my favorites.

Landing Resort & Spa

Hotel Azure

Tahoe Beach and Ski Club

South Lake Tahoe Video

If you are interested in seeing what a typical trip to South Lake Tahoe looks like, check out this video I made on my last trip.

Now it is your turn, what did I leave off this list that you love exploring in South Lake Tahoe? Be sure to leave in in the comments to others can find it as well. 

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Lake Tahoe   Travel Guide

Courtesy of MariuszBlach | Getty Images

Why Go To Lake Tahoe

Incredible, extraordinary, mind-boggling … try as you might, you'll have difficulty finding words that do justice to the sheer beauty of Lake Tahoe. Resting on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe has long been a favorite vacation spot, welcoming about 15 million visitors each year. Travelers are drawn here by the steep granite cliff sides and towering mountaintops, as well as the crystal-clear waters that have earned Lake Tahoe the reputation of being one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the United States. While the stunning blue lake alone is worth a trip, the surrounding area, also known as Lake Tahoe, boasts miles of hiking trails, dozens of picture-perfect vistas and some of the best skiing in North America.

But wait – there's more. Lake Tahoe seems to have adopted the major traits of its neighbors. You'll find  San Francisco -style high-end shopping and dining along the lake's north shore, while opportunities to test your luck reside in the south shore's  Reno -esque casinos. You'll also find plenty of activities that Lake Tahoe is proud to take credit for, including mountain gondola rides, hot air balloon adventures and scenic cruises across the mirror-like water.

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• # 2 in Best Places to Visit in California for 2024
• # 3 in Best Places to Visit in June 2024
• # 4 in Best Winter Family Vacations

See All 14 Rankings

Best of Lake Tahoe

Best hotels in lake tahoe.

• # 1 in The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
• # 2 in Edgewood Tahoe Resort
• # 3 in Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino

Best Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

• # 1 in Emerald Bay State Park
• # 2 in Sand Harbor State Park
• # 3 in Incline Village

Popular Tours

2 Hour Sailing Cruise on Lake Tahoe

(472 reviews)

from $ 140.00

Clear Kayak Paddle Tour at Sand Harbor

(31 reviews)

from $ 150.00

Tahoe Coastal Self-Guided E-Bike Tour - Half-Day | World Famous East Shore Trail

(237 reviews)

from $ 109.00

Lake Tahoe Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best times to visit Lake Tahoe are from March to May and from September to November, but the area welcomes visitors throughout the year thanks to the wide variety of attractions and activities. With warmer weather comes beachcombers: In July and August, Tahoe's shores are lined with oversized umbrellas and sun-drenched kids. There's a small break in tourist activity during the fall, but as the temperatures decline, visitors re-emerge with skis in hand, ready to tackle the powder. Traveling in early March or early to mid-November specifically will allow you to experience the area at a fraction of the price.

Weather in Lake Tahoe

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

It's big This massive lake spans almost 200 square miles. To get the most out of your visit, choose an area and stay there – you can always come back for more.

It's cold Lake Tahoe's waters can feel like ice: Even in the summer, the lake's temperature barely reaches 70 degrees. If you're swimming, make sure to take frequent breaks to warm up.

It's expensive A Lake Tahoe vacation will put a rather hefty dent in your bank account; save accordingly and book as far in advance as possible to score a deal.

How to Save Money in Lake Tahoe

Head south  South Lake Tahoe is jam-packed with budget-friendly hotels and restaurants. Sure, they're not as glitzy as the places you'll find in Tahoe City or Incline Village, but your wallet will thank you.

Stay and ski  Lift tickets at Lake Tahoe's ski areas are expensive. However, many resorts offer combo packages, so check ahead when booking your room.

Visit during the week  You're more likely to score deals on hotels and lift tickets if you avoid the weekend crowds. A post peak season spring visit (in March or April) will also save you a bundle.

What to Eat

Whichever side of the state line you're on, you'll have a variety of dining options at your fingertips. Of course, if you're vacationing at a resort, it's easy to stay put and enjoy the hotel's restaurants without having to set foot off the property, but it's definitely worth getting out and exploring. Without a doubt, dining lakeside is quite popular, and happily, there are a range of options from high-end to casual, to suit all budgets.

Jason's Beachside Grille , which sits on Kings Beach in North Lake Tahoe, is a fun, casual spot on the water. Recent visitors raved about the large potions and reasonable prices, although there were mixed reviews about the customer service. In the summer, there's outdoor seating and live music on the weekends. If it's fine dining you're after, head to Le Bistro in Incline Village. It offers a romantic setting with a menu featuring classic French dishes like escargot and coq au vin. The chef sources local, seasonal and organic produce and meats. 

Before heading out for a day of skiing or other outdoor adventures, a hearty breakfast is essential. In South Lake Tahoe, a local favorite is the Getaway Cafe , which serves what it calls "alpine comfort cuisine." Almost everything is homemade and the restaurant is known for its large Mexican breakfast specialties, with dishes like chilaquiles, which are composed of fresh corn tortillas that are fried, topped with sour cream, avocado and red onion and served with refried beans and eggs. The coconut French toast is another popular dish. Another mainstay to fuel up for the day is the Driftwood Café . Eggs benedict and potato pancakes are signature dishes.

The area also has its share of food, wine and beer festivals, such as the Tahoe Brewfest in summer and Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest  in August. Craft beer lovers might also want to check out the North Lake Tahoe Ale Trail. The tourism board has a helpful online map , which features more than a dozen spots to quench your thirst and sample local beer and food. There's also a South Tahoe Beer Trail, with another handy map . Any of the recommended spots offer a great way to unwind after a day hitting the slopes.

Getting Around Lake Tahoe

The best way to get around Lake Tahoe is by car. Because there are more than 70 miles of shoreline at just the lake alone, you'll find that having your own set of wheels will be most convenient. You can rent a car at the Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) about 50 miles northeast of Tahoe City. To get from the airport to your accommodations in Tahoe, you can rent a car, take a cab (ride-hailing services, Uber and Lyft, also operate in the area) or hop on a shuttle. The South Tahoe Airporter offers frequent trips between the Reno airport and six resorts in South Lake Tahoe for about $30 per person one way. Meanwhile, the North Lake Tahoe Express offers service between the Reno airport and the North Lake Tahoe-Truckee region for around $100 per person one way. There is a city bus that connects the airport to downtown Reno.

The Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) provides public bus services, but only around the north shore. Lake Link – a free, on-demand shuttle bus – provides transport to passengers in South Lake Tahoe.

With a pristine lake and epic mountain activities, Lake Tahoe is a premier destination any time of year.

Explore More of Lake Tahoe

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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Yosemite National Park

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A Quick Guide to Visiting South Lake Tahoe for First-Timers

Let’s start our adventures in Northern California with this quick guide to visiting South Lake Tahoe.

Last updated: January 19, 2022

How to Visit South Lake Tahoe

Let’s be honest, our planet is full of beautiful, yet secluded destinations that on their own don’t arouse the interest. Their locations, however, completely change the game and entice a steady influx of returning and new visitors all year round.

South Lake Tahoe is a perfect example of such destinations. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, South Lake Tahoe is a resort city on the southern edge of Lake Tahoe. As a gateway to one of the most beautiful lakes in California , the place promises an easy and relaxing vacation. And if you’re ready to give it a try, check out this first-timer’s guide to visiting South Lake Tahoe before your trip.

Getting to South Lake Tahoe

How to Get: South Lake Tahoe is located about 8 hours away from Los Angeles . Not a short drive, but it’s totally worth it. There are two best ways to reach South Lake Tahoe. You can take either Route 395 South or Interstate 5 South and make sure to stop frequently along the way. With a profusion of incredible places to see, both of these routes can be used for extended California road trips .

Where to Stay: With that said, visiting South Lake Tahoe can be as expensive or as cheap as you want it to be. The place provides ample accommodations for every budget. From luxury hotels to modest motels and lodges, your choices are pretty broad here.

Visit South Lake Tahoe by car: As it’s the case with the majority of secluded California cities, visiting South Lake Tahoe requires having a car. However, if you plan to stay only within the city limits, you can easily get by without it. Driving, though, greatly expands your territory, allowing you to explore the farthest corners of the Lake Tahoe area.

Places to Visit

South Lake Tahoe is a mecca for beach and water lovers. In fact, its sandy beaches gather hordes of visitors during the warmer and colder months.

TIP: Yet if you visit the South Lake Tahoe beaches in winter, be mindful of really low temperatures and strong wind. So, extra layers come in handy.

Once you’ve packed all the essentials, check out this first-timer’s guide to the most favorite places to stop at while visiting South Lake Tahoe.

El Dorado Beach

El Dorado Beach and Boat Ramp are the largest beach areas in the city. Taking into consideration this size, the place is accustomed to entertain a large amount of people without feeling too overcrowded. El Dorado Beach and Boat Ramp are great for large picnics, kayaking, boating, and simply relaxing by the lake.

Lakeside Beach

Lakeside Beach is a private beach with public access. Apart from panoramic views and the regular beach activities, the place offers a kids playground to keep the little visitors of South Lake Tahoe happy. Allured by the splendid vistas, couples often choose Lakeside Beach for their wedding ceremonies.

Ski Run Marina

A hub for the outdoor activities, Ski Run Marina , offers great boating, fishing, good shopping, and delicious food. The kids also have lots of fun and plenty of opportunities to practice their art skills here.

South Lake Tahoe Regan Beach

For a more secluded place to enjoy the scenery, head to South Lake Tahoe Regan Beach . With its paved lakeside pathways and the scenic views of the mountains, it’s an ideal destination for walking, jogging, and playing sand volleyball.

Places to Visit near South Lake Tahoe

With all respect to South Lake Tahoe, my heart, however, belongs to the outskirts of the city. As far as I know, many other visitors share the same view.

Emerald Bay State Park

The first place you absolutely must visit near South Lake Tahoe is Emerald Bay State Park . Even Mark Twain couldn’t resist the beauty of this place. He praised it as “the fairies picture the whole earth affords.”

The easies way to reach Emerald Bay is by following California State Route 89. For a closer look, you can access it via the Rubicon Trail .

Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm

During your first trip to Emerald Bay State Park, make sure to add Eagle Falls, located on the western shore of the lake, and Vikingsholm , a 38-room mansion, to your list of the places to visit near South Lake Tahoe.

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The best things to do in South Lake Tahoe

A guide to the best things to do in South Lake Tahoe—from the region’s best hiking and skiing to museums and attractions

Lake Tahoe is an international destination famous for a long ski season and an equally rewarding recreational summer at the lake ... and the truly Californian chance to do both in the same day! Depending on the time of year, you can ski in the morning and kayak in the afternoon, or snowshoe in the backcountry and then have a warm picnic on the sandy shores.

South Lake Tahoe refers to the California resort city on the southern end of the lake which also touches Nevada. You’ll be deep in the Sierra Nevada with alpine views and good, clean fun... and the opportunity to place some bets in Reno , if that's your thing. 

RECOMMENDED: The best small towns in California

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Best things to do in South Lake Tahoe

1.  Heavenly Resort

Heavenly Resort is most famous for its skiing and riding in winter, but also offers summer thrills too. The gravity-powered Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster zooms among natural rock formations with incredible views of the lake thousands of feet below. Just as exciting is Heavenly’s Epic Discovery, a summer playground for both kids and adults with zip lines, gemstone panning and a granite peak climbing wall. Both spots are located at the top of the Heavenly mountain and can only be reached with a trip on the gondola, a pricey but worthwhile scenic ride in and of itself.

2.  Lake Tahoe Water Trail

The Lake Tahoe Water Trail, a 72-mile route with plenty of launching and landing beaches and campgrounds along the way, provides options for a day trip or longer excursion on the water. There are 20 marked 'trailheads' on the lake to help orient you while paddling. For instance, the 8.5-mile Tahoe City Day Trip lets you visit the  historic Gatekeeper’s Museum at the Truckee River outlet, see the newly restored Barton Creek outfall in Lake Forest  —  you might even catch sight of the endangered Lake Tahoe fish, the Lahontan cutthroat trout — or just stop at Commons Beach to catch your breath. 

3.  Beaches

There is no shortage of beaches in and around South Lake Tahoe, including Lakeside Beach , a private stretch of sand which allows access to the public year-round within walking distance of the Stateline casinos (some hotels offer beach passes, or you can purchase a pass at the front gate on the day of your visit). The quiet, public  Pope Beach  is run by the National Forest Service, while El Dorado Beach  has free parking and is an access point for the Lake Tahoe Water Trail. The dog-friendly, slightly more secluded Regan Beach  has the city's only water dog park and is perfect for swimming and picnicking. At Nevada Beach , a half-mile stretch of sandy beach incorporates concessions and kayak rentals.

4.  Hiking

In warmer months, go deep into the area's legendary natural beauty on one of the dozens of hiking trails around Lake Tahoe. Near South Lake, the trails are easy and family friendly. Van Sickle Bi-State Park, which straddles the California-Nevada divide, has several shorter loop trails and links but also leads into the Tahoe Rim Trail which goes 165-miles around the lake’s perimeter. The easy 2.1-mile out-and-back Moraine Trail takes hikers to the area’s second largest alpine lake, Fallen Leaf Lake, while the 2.2-mile out-and-back Lam Watah Trail passes through Lam Watah meadows to Lake Tahoe’s Nevada Beach. For longer hikes a little farther out, try the Rubicon Trail at D.L. Bliss State Park in Emerald Bay, an 11 mile out-and-back trip, or the challenging Mt. Tallac Hike , a 10-mile round-trip with a 3,255 elevation change.

5.  Tahoe Area Mountain Biking

South Lake Tahoe is a mountain biker’s haven and the local Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association helps to keep it that way. Catch incredible views of the lake from the 13-20 mile, challenging, rock-strewn Tahoe classic Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride/Saxon Creek . There are also a number of options for biking along the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail. If racing and trick riding is more your style, head to the  Bijou Bike Park  where you can ride  various compacted dirt courses/features and hardscape areas, with pump tracks, a BMX race track and more. Finally, you have to experience America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride here!

6.  Boat rides

You can’t go to Lake Tahoe without spending some time on the lake. If kayaking or balancing on a S.U.P. isn’t your thing — and the thought of jumping in the frigid water gives you chills, there are still plenty of options. The MS Dixie II paddle wheeler, which would look at home on the Mississippi River, offers two- to three-hour daytime and dinner cruises leaving from Zephyr Cove year round. Or try the Tahoe Paradise , a two-story luxury yacht that offers charter trips and a Sipping at Sundown cruise.

7.  Lake Tahoe Balloons

Get up before sunrise to board the Tahoe Flyer , a launch and recovery vessel. You’ll watch the balloon inflate from the upper deck, and then board it for the experience of a lifetime while an experienced pilot narrates important vistas like Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake and the Desolution Wilderness. If it’s clear, you can even see the peaks of Yosemite more than 150 miles away! It all ends with deflating the balloon and celebrating with champagne, mimosas and snacks as you sail back to the marina. Although the entire experience lasts 4-5 hours for the boat ride and balloon inflation, the flight itself is 45 minutes to an hour.

8.  Parasailing

If you want to get the bird’s eye view, parasailing is an exhilarating way to experience the lake. At Timber Cove Marina, you can do a 500 foot or 1,000 foot pass over the lake and its mountain ranges, with a dry take-off and landing from the back of a boat. This outfit has more than 20 years of parasailing experience on the lake—and you can be any age so long as your heart is courageous. If not, you can pay a small fee to remain in the boat and cheer others on. Parasailing is also offered at Ski Run Marina with two parasail boats that can accommodate up to 10 people on each trip.

9.  Camp Richardson Corral

South Lake’s Camp Richardson Corral has been leading scenic trail rides since 1934. Their standard 50-minute ride takes a scenic tour of the National Forest, mountain meadows and/or Lake Tahoe views, while the extended trail ride runs two hours and has the same routes but also takes you by Fallen Leaf Lake. The pony ride for kids five and under is just a five-minute loop to get kids ready for bigger rodeos later! Camp Richardson itself is a historic resort and campground with lots of extras.

10.  Casinos

Stateline, the border between California and Nevada, is just three miles from South Lake Tahoe. And where there’s Nevada, there’s gambling. Four resorts dominate the gambling scene. At the long-standing Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino  and Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino , located across the street from one another, you’ll find hundreds of slot machines and table games. The somewhat more stylish and newer Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe  down the street has 25,000 square feet of gaming space. Bally’s Lake Tahoe  (formerly, the MontBleu) across the street has a similar selection of slots and table games.

11.  Golf courses

Fancy a day on the links? The gorgeous 18-hole course at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort stretches all the way to the lakeshore. This July, it will be the home of the 2022 American Century Championship. And for more down to earth experiences with your club and ball, watch this summer for the reopening of the city-owned  Bijou Golf Course . It's Tahoe’s oldest golf course with a seasonal nine-hole executive course. If you prefer put-putting with dinosaurs while admiring a pirate ship, try South Lake’s miniature golf destination, Magic Carpet Golf .

12.  Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum

The lake has a fascinating history equally as worthy of exploration. At the small Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum (open seasonally), photos and artifacts tell the story of Tahoe’s early days. During the summer, they open their historic log cabin to the public. At the Tallac Historic Site , generally open Memorial Day weekend through September, visitors can examine extant buildings from a 19th century summer resort, visit a working blacksmith shop and see a collection of vintage clothing in the Baldwin Museum. Down the road in Emerald Bay, stop by Vikingsholm , a Scandinavian castle built on the lakeshore in 1929.

13.  Adventure Mountain Lake Tahoe

In the winter, Tahoe is the place for cold-weather sport and play. Snow turns South Lake Tahoe’s Bijou Community Park into a flat expanse for an easy snowshoe or cross country skiing adventure. Head to the ice skating rink at Heavenly Village, open for the preseason beginning October 31, and open daily for the full season 10am- 8pm. Or spend a day at Adventure Mountain Lake Tahoe, a 40-acre destination at 7,400 feet that claims it has the most snowfall and the largest expanse of sledding and tubing terrain in the entire Tahoe Basin.

14.  Tahoe Snowmobiles

In the winter, the only thing that stands between you and miles and miles of snow-covered trail taken at top speeds is knowing where to rent a snowmobile. In South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Snowmobiles rents the vehicles for rides on their circle track from two locations. For a more freerange experience, Lake Tahoe Adventures leads tours through beautiful backcountry in Hope Valley.

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TravelAwaits

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15 Incredible Things To Do During A Weekend In South Lake Tahoe, California

• Destinations
• United States

South Lake Tahoe is made for escapees looking for a weekend getaway. It is a picture-perfect setting with multi-generation leisure activities, no matter the occasion or time of year.

The majestic Sierra Nevada surrounds America’s largest alpine lake, Lake Tahoe. Straddling two states, California and Nevada, on the southwest end of Lake Tahoe, the town of South Lake Tahoe sits on the California/Nevada border, with Stateline, Nevada, as its sister city. It’s hard to know when you’ve left one state and entered another. The only real difference is the casinos. Casino gaming is legal in Stateline, Nevada, but not in South Lake Tahoe, California.

When you stay in South Lake , you have easy access to the unparalleled natural wonders of the Sierra, Tahoe Basin, and Lake Tahoe. In addition, you are within steps of casual and fine dining, galleries, shopping, casinos, and entertainment. So come for R&R, a nature escape, the buzz, and entertainment.

Note: Kevin and I spent a weekend in South Lake Tahoe as the guests of ARDA ( American Resort Development Association ) and Visit Lake Tahoe . We are happy to share our experience with you; it was a blast.

Things To Do At Heavenly Mountain Resort

Most folks think of skiing when they hear the name Heavenly . And there’s no doubt Heavenly has lots of skiing and snow sport in the winter. But the summer season at the mountain-top resort offers activities that don’t require snow.

1. Scenic Gondola Trip

Heavenly Mountain Gondola is thrilling. An enclosed car will take you and your companions on a 2.4-mile excursion. There is one stop at an observation deck on your way to the top. The Lake Tahoe views are jaw-dropping from 8,000 feet.

On the observation deck, the snack hut has snacks, drinks, beer, and wine you can enjoy at picnic tables with a view of the Big Blue. Also, an easygoing hiking trail offers a vista of Tahoe Basin.

Get back into a gondola and continue your journey to the top. After departing your gondola car, you can take a chairlift for the remaining 500 feet to the summit.

2. Zip Line

Hot Shot Zip Line is exhilarating. First, you gear up. Then you ride the Big Easy Lift to the loading platform. At that point, you’ll be attached to one of four zip lines, then you’ll “zip” down 1,000 feet, making speeds of 30 to 40 mph.

Editor’s Note: Not sure about zip-lining? Check out 8 Things To Know Before You Zip-Line For The First Time here .

Pro Tip: Have a bite to eat at Tamarack Lodge. Take your eats from the food court to the bar and enjoy some California beer, wine, or spirits at one of the tables. Better yet, take your food and drink outside on a sunny day and watch the resort activities around you.

3. Alpine Roller Coaster

Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster is a thrill a second. The gravity coaster is a sled similar to a bobsled. It’s attached to a 3,400-foot track that takes you through trees, rock formations, and scenic views of Lake Tahoe. There are 360-degree loops and loads of turns and twists. The ride reaches speeds of 27 mph and takes about 5 minutes.

Pro Tip: Ridge Rider is open in winter and summer. Check the website for seasonal operations.

4. Pan For Gemstones

Gem Panning is a treasure hunt everyone can enjoy. Use gold-panning methods to discover a treasure in your bucket of sand and stones. Best of all, you can keep what you find.

5. Rock Climbing

Granite Peak Climbing Wall is an artificial rock formation that looks like much of the Sierras’ rock shapes. There are 15 climbing paths. They vary in difficulty, but there is a route for all abilities on the 25-foot-tall rock wall.

Note: Many activities at Heavenly Resort are seasonal. But the resort is open most of the year. Check the Heavenly Resort website for times and ticket information.

Things To Do On Lake Tahoe

6. go to the beach.

Whether summer or winter, go to the lakeshore. There are numerous beaches around Lake Tahoe. Kiva Beach and Baldwin Beach were our favorites; both are off Emerald Bay Road (Hwy 89).

While you are in the area, stop at Taylor Creek Visitor Center and walk Rainbow Trail , an accessible interpretive trail showing the connection between the lake’s blue water and the land and wildlife. The path has some outstanding photo ops of the wetlands, Lake Tahoe, and the Sierras.

7. Boat Tour

From elegant old paddle wheelers to speed-demon “rum runners,” there is a Tahoe boat tour for you and your companions. Cruising around the lake’s shoreline gives a different perspective on the Sierras and the region’s history.

We love the M.S. Dixie II , but there are many others. Take a look at Lake Tahoe Boat Tours to find one that suits your inner sailor.

Things To Do In Heavenly Village

8. happy hour entertainment.

Heavenly Village is a great place to take a happy hour break and enjoy live music. Restaurants and pubs have indoor and outdoor entertainment. So find a table, order a drink, and listen to local and national performers of various musical styles.

9. Magic Show

Magic Fusion Show is Tahoe’s top-rated. Performances at The Loft are at 4 and 7 p.m. daily. The high-energy magic acts include magicians from around the globe. Adult tickets are under $40.

10. Shopping

The Village should adopt the “shop till you drop’ motto. The shops at Heavenly include clothing, sports gear, art, music, home decor, chocolate, libations, and much more. Stroll through the 40+ shops and eateries for a South Lake memory to take home.

Things To Do On Lake Tahoe Boulevard

11. casinos.

Located across the state line in Nevada, casinos are a fun part of your visit to South Lake. In the 12 casinos, you can take your chances with slot machines, card games, digital poker, dice games, and wheels of fortune. You’ll also find eateries, bars, and entertainment.

Best Restaurants In South Lake Tahoe

12. fire + ice.

“Fire + Ice is THE hot spot in Heavenly Village,” reads the website. And it’s true. Fire + Ice is a Mongolian-style grill. You choose from a buffet of meat, fish, vegetables, noodles, and sauces, then take your selections to the enormous round grill. The grill masters take your bowl of ingredients and stir-fry them to perfection. It’s delicious because you choose your favorite ingredients.

Fire + Ice has a full-service bar that has indoor and outdoor seating. Check the website for hours and happy hour specials.

13. Driftwood Café

Driftwood Café is one of our favorite spots for breakfast or lunch. The menu has traditional diner favorites that include touches of California cuisine. The food is excellent, as is the service. Share a carafe of Bloody Marys or mimosas with breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

Pro Tip: Driftwood is popular and can have a long wait. Before you head out, use the “Join Waitlist” feature on the website.

14. The Loft

Dinner at The Loft At Tahoe will be one of your best South Lake memories. The tapas menu has small plates of meat, fish, game, veg, and fruit. The small plates are brought to your table as they are prepared. This is an excellent place for a small group to share good food, lively libations, and laughs.

Kevin and I spent 3 hours here eating some of the best food in our travels. Our meal was made perfect by our server, Scot. Be sure to ask for him when you make your reservation. His knowledge of the menu and bar was exemplary and entertaining.

Best Hotel In South Lake Tahoe

15. marriott’s timber lodge.

Marriott’s Timber Lodge is, without a doubt, the ideal home base while visiting South Lake Tahoe. Timber Lodge is located in the heart of Heavenly Village. Your room or fully furnished apartment will be steps from the gondola station to Heavenly Mountain Resort. Timber Lodge’s amenities are designed for all ages, interests, and abilities.

The pool and hot tubs are the big stars, but Club Thrive at the fitness center is a close second. Hikes, yoga, aqua exercise, and core training are scheduled daily. There is also a daily activities schedule that includes art classes, gaming classes, trivia sessions, guided walks, hikes, and lots of kids’ activities.

Our Marriott lodging was a third-floor, one-bedroom apartment overlooking the pool and hot tubs. We loved it! It was exceptionally spacious and had a fully equipped kitchen. There was even a washer, dryer, and dishwasher. The decor was modern and awfully comfy.

We spent lots of time in front of the fireplace with a bottle of wine and a platter of California noshes from The Cork and More on South Lake. Cork and More, a California deli and wine store, is less than 3 miles from Timber Lodge. I suggest you stop there before check-in and pick up some goodies for your fireplace time.

Marriott Timber Lodge is part of the Marriott Vacation Club . Some apartments are timeshares; others can be booked like any hotel room or a vacation rental through booking sites like Expedia. No one will approach you with sales or membership info unless you show interest first.

Why South Lake Tahoe?

In addition to the diverse reasons above, South Lake Tahoe sits on the shore of one of the world’s great natural wonders. Alpine Lake Tahoe is the largest in America and the bluest in the world. Encircled by the Sierra Nevada, the vistas change from hour to hour with the changing light. The lake’s beauty is unmatchable. For more information about the Tahoe area, go to Visit Lake Tahoe .

Covering 'off-the-beaten path,' 'not well-known,’ and 'in the shadow of' locations is Mary’s passion. She delves into art, music, food, libations, architecture, museums, parks, well-curated tours, history, agriculture, and the unexpected in micro-towns and big cities, both domestic and international.

As a lifelong traveler, her nomadic mother often handed her the map and asked her to choose the destination and route, granting her the nickname, Mary Go.

Today she travels by train, plane, bus, boat, shoe sole, and her Honda, Patty. Mary digs into culture, people, and history wherever she goes, sharing her experiences through words, photos, and video.

Matador Original Series

Four-Season Travel Guide to Lake Tahoe’s South Shore

By: Suzanne Roberts

N aturalist John Muir called Lake Tahoe “a kind of water heaven,” a place where the dazzling blues of the lake reflect the breathtakingly beautiful blue sky. Straddling California and Nevada with its 72 miles of shoreline, Lake Tahoe is North America’s largest alpine lake. Depths reach 1,645 feet, making it the second-deepest lake in the United States and one of the purest bodies of water in the world.

While the crystal-clear lake shimmers with unparalleled beauty and ample avenues for outdoor recreation, the surrounding mountains, rivers, and forests offer endless activities of their own, whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, family entertainment, a romantic getaway, or just some rest and relaxation. With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, a friendly mountain-town feel, and accommodations ranging from upscale digs to camping among the conifers, the South Shore of Lake Tahoe is the perfect year-round destination. Here’s how to spend four seasons at Big Blue.

Summer: Wildflower hikes, water sports, and outdoor Concerts

S outh Shore summers are perfect for leisurely beach days, exhilarating hiking and biking, al fresco dining, and outdoor concerts. Begin your day lounging at sunny Baldwin Beach with your favorite summer read, or hop on a kayak or SUP and paddle to Emerald Bay State Park . Look for nesting bald eagles and osprey diving for fish. Float around the rocky Fannette Island with its historic teahouse, then kick back on a sandy beach at the mouth of Emerald Bay or tour Vikingsholm , an early 20th-century Scandinavian-style castle.

Picnic under the pines at Pope Beach before strolling to The Grove , Camp Richardson’s newly renovated restaurant, for a classic beachfront cocktail: the sweet and tangy Rum Runner. Nearby, Anderson’s Bike Rental will set you up with wheels for a leisurely pedal along Lake Tahoe’s shore or to Fallen Leaf Lake for a dip in a secluded cove. You can also rent a powerboat or learn to waterski with Tahoe Sports . To maximize your beach time, stay at Camp Richardson Resort’s historic hotel or camp under the pines.

When you step away from the lake’s azure shores, you’ll find endless miles of hiking and biking trails, from easy paved paths to rocky, steep singletrack. Check out Eagle Falls (go at sunrise for Instagram-worthy pics) or push on to Eagle Lake, a granite-bound lake in the glacier-sculpted mountains. To fully explore Desolation Wilderness , apply for a backcountry camping permit, backpack to some of the 130+ alpine lakes, and sleep beneath the stars. For those who want a peek into the Desolation Wilderness without the workout, get a bird’s-eye view via helicopter tour or hot-air balloon ride .

One of the many joys of Sierra Nevada summers is the array of wildflowers. Raise your spirits with a high-elevation wildflower hike from Carson Pass to Winnemucca Lake, a windswept rockbound lake in the shadow of Round Top Peak, where you’ll be treated to a patchwork of purple lupine, yellow mule ears, and pink mountain pride, among many other species. Families with little ones, meanwhile, won’t want to miss the short stroll to Angora Lakes , where your efforts will be rewarded with a shallow swimming area and the sweetest lemonade in the basin.

If you prefer your walks with a small white ball and a bag of clubs, you have options on Tahoe’s South Shore. Lake Tahoe Golf Course is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, preserving the natural habitat with mountain views from every green. Edgewood Golf Course hosts the annual Celebrity Golf Tournament , drawing stars from sports, comedy, music, and more to its lakeshore course. Stay a while, treating yourself to some fine dining, a spa day, or luxury accommodations at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort .

Wherever you’re staying, Tahoe evenings start with lakefront dining options . Enjoy a wood-fired pizza or savor slow-roasted prime rib at the Riva Grill (snap a selfie with the Mark Twain statue at the restaurant entrance). Watch the sunset from the Chart House or the top-floor Friday’s Station. Café Fiore and Evan’s American Gourmet Café are perfect picks for romantic evenings and special occasions.

And on nearly every summer night you’ll find live music — from a one-man show like Arty the Party Starter at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe to a big-name headliner playing at Harveys Outdoor Arena. Browse the galleries and shops at Heavenly Village , and then listen to live music under twinkling fairy lights. For music with a view, pack a picnic and head to Lakeview Commons for Live at Lakeview. Another midsummer night’s dream is catching an in-the-sand, under-the-stars play at the Shakespeare Festival in Sand Harbor.

Leave the lake and its surroundings as beautiful and pristine as you found them. Consult these Rules to Lake By to lessen your impact on the unique alpine environment.

Fall: Changing Aspens and Spawning Salmon

T ahoe locals call the stretch between Labor Day and the first snowfall the “local’s summer” when most of the watercraft are gone, creating glassy conditions for SUPing and kayaking. Summer crowds have cleared out, and the quiet trails blaze yellow with changing aspens.

For the best leaf-peeping, head to the Van Sickle Trail or wander through the groves to Nevada Beach , which provides the perfect vantage point to watch the sunset. Drive up Luther Pass and descend into Hope Valley where surrounding hillsides are dotted with turning trees. Picnic along the creek or take a nap to the sound of the leaves fluttering in the wind.

Tahoe’s South Shore is replete with mountain biking options, from flowy trails for beginners to iconic double-black diamond tabletop jumps for those with more experience. Riders can access the Tahoe Rim Trail on even-numbered calendar days (odd days are for hiking only) and the extensive Corral Loop system with a variety of terrain. Part of the Sidewinder and Corral trails were burned in the Caldor Fire in 2021, so these rides offer a unique opportunity to watch the regeneration of a fire-scarred landscape. More advanced riders can put their technical expertise to the test on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride . Meanwhile, the newly built Lily Lake Trail’s wow-factor lies in both the techy granite riding and the jaw-dropping lake views.

Another autumn highlight is Taylor Creek’s Fall Fish Fest , which celebrates the spawning Kokanee salmon. These non-native relatives of the sockeye ended up in Lake Tahoe after a mishap at a World War II-era fishery. A tank overflowed, pouring the Kokanee into the lake, where they adapted and proliferated. They’re prized for their sweet, pink meat by spring and summer anglers on sportfishing charters, but in the fall they turn fire-red (and the males grow impressive hooked beaks) as they find their way back home. The best place to see them is Taylor Creek where — if you’re lucky — you might also glimpse a black bear fishing for a meal.

The fall season showcases an impressive lineup of special events. Don your lederhosen and try artisan brews from a commemorative stein at Oktoberfest , sample gourmet treats and wines at the Tahoe Food and Wine Festival , or run your heart out in the scenic Lake Tahoe Marathon .

Autumn weather can range from beach-day perfect to early-season blizzards, so prepare for all kinds of conditions. This is also the time of year when bears are most active, so make sure to dispose of all garbage properly, and don’t leave food in your car.

Winter: A Snowy Wonderland

W inter in Tahoe is the most wonderful time of the year, whether you’re a hardcore skier or just looking to relax in front of a crackling fireplace with a hot drink. Take in panoramic lake views with bi-state, base-to-base skiing at the 4,800-acre Heavenly Mountain Resort ; make family memories in terrain parks and open bowls at Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort ; and explore every nook, cranny, and secret powder stash at Kirkwood Mountain Resort .

After skiing Kirkwood, trek back to town for a fireside happy hour at the Black Bear Inn or a gourmet dinner at Maggie’s in the Desolation Hotel. If you aren’t a skier, you can still experience the thrills of sliding across snow and ice. Ride the soaring Heavenly Mountain Gondola to the 500-foot tubing hill or huff it to Echo Summit’s family-friendly Adventure Mountain for tubing, sledding, and snow play. You can explore even farther into Tahoe’s winter wonderland by zooming along ridgetops and through mountain meadows on a snowmobiling tour . Tahoe Sport Fishing also operates year-round, providing 360-degree views and the opportunity to catch a Mackinaw trout or Kokanee salmon.

Get some peace and quiet on a cross-country ski trail or by taking a snowshoe tour to the awe-inspiring Echo Lakes. Rent skates and take a spin on the ice with some wild skating at Red Lake or Caples Lake. Ice anglers, on the other hand, come to these alpine lakes for their rainbow, brown, and Mackinaw trout. After being out in the cold, warm up in the natural, healing waters at David Walley’s Hot Springs .

Whether you’re interested in browsing art galleries, high-stakes gaming, or dancing until dawn, winter nights are packed with ongoing and special events. To make the most of your time, check out Visit Lake Tahoe’s events page when planning your winter getaway.

The ski resorts typically open around Thanksgiving, and many of them now employ a parking reservation system. Check before you go, and be prepared for winter driving with an AWD/4WD vehicle with snow tires or carry chains.

Spring: Hero Snow, Waterfalls, and Craft Beer

W hen the low-elevation snow begins to melt, the scent of pine duff and the sounds of water fill the atmosphere. The winter crowds dissipate, and the sunshiny spring days soften the slopes, resulting in creamy groomers and slush bumps. Melting snow also creates powerful cascades and creeks, making spring the perfect time to snowshoe (or hike, depending on snow levels) to Cascade Falls and Glen Alpine Falls to witness the water’s impressive power and roar.

In late spring, paddle the meandering Truckee River through the meadows and past the tiny airport where private jets whisk away the rich and famous. Take a guided daytime kayak tour of Lake Tahoe in clear-bottom boats or an evening LED glow excursion with Clearly Tahoe .

After a full day on the water, get ready to explore the local craft beer scene. South Lake Tahoe’s Stateline Brewery offers family-friendly fare in a casual, laid-back space. Or sample a barrel-aged flight on the patio at Sidellis Brewery & Restaurant .

Spring is also a “kind of water heaven” for Lake Tahoe anglers , as it’s the best time of year to hook giant Mackinaw trout. Nearby rivers such as the west fork of the Carson make for idyllic places to cast for rainbow and cutthroat trout. Mini-anglers can fish at Tahoe Trout Farm where two ponds are stocked with Mount Lassen rainbow trout. The good folks there will wrap your fish to go, or you can bring your catch to MacDuff’s Pub , and they’ll cook your filet to perfection.

South Lake Tahoe travel guide

South lake tahoe tourism | south lake tahoe guide, you're going to love south lake tahoe.

South Lake Tahoe is the largest city in El Dorado County, California. It's also a stone's throw from Nevada and attracts thousands of tourists each year.

The area is the perfect destination for those who want to have access to the kind of casinos and entertainment for which Nevada is well known. You can also enjoy the wild landscapes and climate that make California one of the most pleasant vacation destinations.

South Lake Tahoe is home to a few resorts that combine luxurious hotels and casinos. Between the casinos, the ski slopes, and the lake, your itinerary will be packed!

Top 5 Reasons to Visit South Lake Tahoe

1. enjoy the lake.

Lake Tahoe is the perfect spot if you enjoy fishing and boating. Even if these activities aren't on your schedule, you can still enjoy Lakeside Beach or Pope Beach or go on a sightseeing tour.

2. Go Skiing or Snowboarding

The Heavenly Mountain Resort, Squaw Valley Ski Resort, and Homewood Mountain Resort are the perfect destinations if you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or other winter sports.

3. Try Your Luck at the Casinos

South Lake Tahoe is located right next to Stateline, Nevada where you will find many casinos. You can stay at Harrah's Lake Tahoe or at Harveys Lake Tahoe, partake in gambling or catch one of the extravagant shows staged there.

4. Explore the State Parks

There are plenty of outdoors activities and state parks to explore if you like camping and hiking. Check out Fallen Leaf Lake, the Donner Memorial State Park, Emerald Bay State Park, or Van Sickle Bi-State Park.

The casinos have a lot to offer but you will find that South Lake Tahoe is a vibrant town all year round. There are plenty of spas, dance clubs, grills, and bars on the south shore of the lake. This is the perfect place if you want to find a balance between sports, outdoors activities, and entertainment.

What to do in South Lake Tahoe

1. lake tahoe: the best lake in america.

This deep blue alpine lake was officially named the greatest lake in the United States, and it's no wonder why the vast coastline is dotted with the greatest of activities, host to all water sports from lazy to extreme. The freshwater that fills the depths of Lake Tahoe is also of the purest quality, beckoning visitors to swim their hearts out beneath the stunning peaks of surrounding mountains.

2. Emerald Bay State Park: The Forest of Oz

Surrounding the crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe are some of the most spectacular National Parks in the United States, and Emerald Bay State Park is a true gem. This unique inlet of the massive alpine lake is surrounded by lush lands flowing with rivers and falls, and teeming with hiking trails and campsites. Discover Vikingsholm Castle for yourself, a mystical viking-style construction based on 9th-century Scandinavian architecture, with striking views over the bay.

3. Squaw Valley Resort: Take to the Peaks

In the winter, visitors to South Lake Tahoe set their sights on the idyllic peaks high above the water for world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities. A scenic aerial tramway bears visitors to great heights at Squaw Valley Resort, where the High Camp village offers rest and recreation. Not only are the slopes right at your ski-tips, but after a long day of cruising downhill the resort village offers poolside relief and shopping galore.

4. Stateline: Gaming at the Border

Lake Tahoe sits at the border between California and Nevada, and Stateline holds surprising contrasts - many activities allowed in one state, are not allowed in the other. Nevada is the motherland for gambling in the United States, and visitors to South Lake Tahoe can enjoy a break from the remarkable natural world in this geographical loophole, which allows 24-hour gaming centers just minutes away. This Vegas in miniature is a sight to see whether you're one for the poker tables or not.

5. Kings Beach: "North Lake Tahoe"

A scenic waterside drive along the expansive Lake Tahoe brings you to South Lake Tahoe's sister town Kings Beach, known for its incomparable restaurants, cafés, shops and views. Lake Tahoe never gets old, and a trip to this town across the way brings a serene perspective shift over the cobalt blue waters. Hit the beach without a care in the world, and let the royal treatment whisk you away.

Where to Eat in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is primarily known for offering an upscale traditional American dining experience. Your hotel or resort will probably have its own dining spot, but make sure you check out Nephele's, Evan's American Gourmet Cafe, and LewMarNel's Steaks & Spirits. An upscale meal should cost at least $40 to $50. There are many more affordable dining options in the area if you are not looking for a luxury experience. Make sure you stop by Sprouts Cafe for an original take on healthy food, Jalisco Grill if you enjoy Mexican fast food, and Dough Custom Pizza. You should be able to find fast-food meals between $10 and $20.

When to visit South Lake Tahoe

The winters can be cold, but the warm and dry summers are characteristic of the weather you will find in California. Traveling to South Lake Tahoe during the winter is ideal if you are into skiing, but there are more outdoors activities in the summer if you are more interested in the lake and state parks.

How to Get to South Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Airport (TVL) is three miles south of South Lake Tahoe but this airport is fairly small. It will probably be easier to fly to Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO). Taking a taxi between this airport and South Lake Tahoe should cost $115.00, but there are different shuttles available with more affordable prices.

There are a few different Amtrak lines that will get you close to South Lake Tahoe but you will have to drive for the last leg of your trip. You can take the California Zephyr line from San Francisco or the Capitol Corridor from Sacramento or San Francisco.

South Lake Tahoe can be easily accessed via US Route 50 and 89 if you are already located in California or in Nevada. If you are planning a longer road trip, you will probably have to follow US Route 80 that goes through Nevada.

There are hotel and resort shuttles from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport to South Lake Tahoe. You can also take the South Tahoe Airporter if your hotel does not offer a shuttle service. The nearest Greyhound bus station is in Carson City, NV and Greyhound has connections from Las Vegas or in Los Angeles.

Airports near South Lake Tahoe

Airlines serving south lake tahoe, where to stay in south lake tahoe.

East South Lake Tahoe - South Lake Tahoe is divided in two main sections. The eastern portion of the town is where you will find most of the hotels and resorts. There are more restaurants and shopping options and you will be able to easily access the casinos across the state line.

Popular Neighborhoods in South Lake Tahoe

West South Lake Tahoe - the western portion of South Lake Tahoe is mostly residential. You will find the marina on the lakeshore and a few cheaper hotels and motels but will be further away from the casinos and restaurants.

Where to stay in popular areas of South Lake Tahoe

Most booked hotels in south lake tahoe, how to get around south lake tahoe, public transportation.

There is a very reliable public transportation system that connects South Lake Tahoe with Carson City and the rest of the Carson Valley. You can ride the South Shore Services bus by purchasing a $5 day pass or paying the $2 fare. South Shore Services also offers ski shuttles during the winter and a trolley service to Emerald Bay during the summer.

You will find taxis near hotels but you can easily avoid using taxis by staying at one of the main hotels or resorts in the eastern portion of the city, which will put you within walking distance of everything. Taxis should typically cost a base price of $3.00 and an additional $2.50 per mile.

Renting a vehicle typically costs around $100 a day. You can rent a car in South Lake Tahoe at one of the Enterprise and Budget locations or hire one at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport where you will have more options. Renting a car is an ideal option if you want to be able to take scenic drives around the lake.

The Cost of Living in South Lake Tahoe

Shopping streets.

The best place to shop in South Lake Tahoe is the Tahoe Crescent V Shopping Center located on the state line and near the main hotels and resorts. You will find some art galleries inside of the shopping center, sporting goods stores, clothing stores, and a food court. You should also check out the Factory Stores at the Y if you like shopping at outlet stores. Here, you will find Big 5, Van Heusen, TJ Maxx, and other clothing stores.

Groceries and Other

If you stay at one of the main hotels on the state line, you will find a Raley's inside of the Tahoe Crescent V Shopping Center as well as different smaller convenience stores in the area. There is a Kmart located in the western portion of the city. The cost of groceries is slightly above the national average since the cost of living in California tends to be a little higher. You should expect to pay $3.38 for a gallon of milk, $1.78 for a dozen of large eggs, and $6.99 for a pound of ground beef at the local Raley's.

South Lake Tahoe

• 1.1 Climate
• 3 Get around

South Lake Tahoe is a city in the Lake Tahoe region of California in El Dorado County . South Lake Tahoe, the largest town around the lake, sits on the south shore, and offers beautiful views of mountains covered with fir and pine trees, deep blue water year-round, and a wealth of outdoor activities. A popular location for skiers and snowboarders during the snowy winter season, Lake Tahoe is also home to miles of beaches for sun-tanning, boating, water skiing, and swimming in the summer.

Understand [ edit ]

Located at the meeting point of California and Nevada , Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in the world. The north and south shores offer plenty of hiking and biking trails and retreats for campers. On the Nevada side of the town ( Stateline , NV), is a long stretch of more than ten casinos — a haven for those looking for a world-class gambling experience.

Originally a town of several smaller communities, South Lake Tahoe has developed into one large area consisting of approximately 21,000 permanent residents. The population fluctuates massively in the winter, and triples around New Years, as there is a massive influx of tourists visiting for the holiday season. There are two main parts of South Lake Tahoe: the Western part of town, centered on "The Y" - the X-shaped intersection of US Highway 50 and California state highway 89, and the Eastern part, centered around the CA-NV state border. The former is distinctly residential, and the latter is distinctly commercial - it is the home of all the casinos and larger hotels, and Heavenly's Gondola starts in this area.

Traveling from "The Y" toward Stateline, motels, hotels, resorts, and small businesses line Highway 50, before arriving at 'Heavenly Village' a town center at the foot of the Heavenly ski resort's gondola. Heavenly Village is comprised of shops, restaurants and two Marriott resort hotels. There is also a multi-story parking garage at Heavenly Village. Heavenly Village is the center of activity for the majority of visitors to the South Lake Tahoe region, and is bustling with activity year-round.

One block northeast of Heavenly Village is the official California-Nevada state line, and the unincorporated settlement of Stateline, Nevada, which is home to four major resort casinos, and two smaller local casinos.

Climate [ edit ]

Get in [ edit ].

The most common route into South Lake Tahoe is via the nearest major city, Reno , Nevada. Reno International Airport provides transit to and from the Tahoe basin for a minimal fee.

International and transcontinental travelers typically fly into San Francisco International Airport ( SFO  IATA ), and make the journey via Sacramento on I-80 and US-50, though Sacramento International Airport and Reno International airport are also viable hubs for shorter-distance travelers.

US Route 50 accesses Lake Tahoe via Echo Summit, a windy mountain grade that descends nearly 1,000 feet before entering the unincorporated community of Meyers, California. Alternately, Highway 89 enters the Lake Tahoe Basin via Nevada, winding over Luther Pass. SR-89 and US-50 intersect in Meyers. Highway 50 continues through Carson City , NV, ascending over Daggett Pass, before merging with Nevada Highway 395.

Entering from the northern side of the Lake is Interstate-80, which provides access from both Sacramento and Reno.

During Tahoe's cold, snowy winters, road closures and traffic are not uncommon, as ice poses a hazard, as does the risk of avalanche, particularly on Highway 89, which wraps around the Western shore of the lake. Inexperienced winter drivers, coupled with mandatory chain-installation stops create highway backups during inclement weather. As snow has been reported 12 months a year, vehicles with four-wheel drive are a necessity for locals, and an important option for visitors to have on their vehicles.

Get around [ edit ]

Bus service around the South Lake Tahoe area is provided by BlueGo, which operates a fleet of environmentally-friendly buses, and in the winter, both the Heavenly and Sierra-at-Tahoe ski resorts have their own bus services, which are free and meant to shuttle skiers to and from their hotels and motels. There are also several taxi services, however these are in very high demand in the winter, and waits of 30-60 minutes are not uncommon in peak times.

During summer months, BlueGo offers transportation around the South Shore both by their bus service, but also by several streetcar-like trolleys under the name "Nifty Fifty Trolley", in reference to US Route 50, South Tahoe's main road, and the route upon which they travel.

All major locations around the Heavenly Village area such as the stateline casinos, are within walking distance (one quarter mile) of each other. There are underground walkways between the major casinos.

See [ edit ]

• Take the Heavenly Gondola to see a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe (Winter and Summer).
• During summer, a number of trails of varying difficulties will provide incredible views of the South Lake area as well. For a strenuous, but entirely worth it, day hike, hike to Star Lake from High Meadow Trail (roughly 6 miles uphill to 9000 ft) for an incredibly serene lake which is great for fishing and/or camping (be sure to get a fire/campstove permit from USFS!) If that hike doesn't tire you out, continue the extra two miles west on the Tahoe Rim Trail to the Freel Saddle, where you can begin the steep 1.2-mile ascent to the top of Freel Peak (10,886 ft) which is the tallest peak/best view in the Lake Tahoe basin. If you so choose, you can walk an easy few miles across the range to Job's Sister at 10,600 ft for impressive views of the Carson range.
• Drive to Emerald Bay , which features the only island on the lake.

Do [ edit ]

• In Summer, hike the Heavenly trails or take a day hike on a section of the Tahoe Rim Trail for some incredible views of the lake and surrounding areas. Find a bike rental and explore the town and the beaches, or head into a marina and take a boat out on the lake. DL Bliss state park offers some great swimming and cliff jumping; there are many other beautiful spots to take a break from boating at as well.
• Lake Tahoe has a ton to offer mountain bikers of all skill levels. On the South side of the lake, Powerline, Gunmount, Incense Cedar and Sidewinder are good trails for intermediate riders. More advanced riders will enjoy Corral Trail, which starts at the same place as Sidewinder (3 miles up Fountain Place/Oneidas Rd). Ride the extra mile past Corral Trailhead on the paved road for a fun, technical downhill called Armstrong Connector, or keep going on the singletrack uphill for Armstrong Pass/Tahoe Rim Trail. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is the most technical downhill trail in South Lake, located on Highway 89 near Luther Pass.
• In winter, ski or snowboard at one of the resorts nearby. Heavenly is on the stateline of California and Nevada (right by the casinos); Sierra is about 20 minutes away just west of Meyers, CA; Kirkwood is roughly 45 minutes south of the lake located on Highway 88.
• Try the casinos; Dottie's Casino — the entire casino is no-smoking. Harrah's and Harvey's feature an underground walkway to keep you from having to cross the street or venture out into the cold. Lakeside Casino (just a short walk east from the bigger casinos) has an Apres Ski special everyday; get a free pint from 4-7PM with a lift ticket or ski pass.
• Go to Bally's Casino and play one of the few Sigma Derbys remaining in the country. Quarter horse racing.
• Magic Carpet Miniature Golf Course , 2455 Lake Tahoe Blvd . One of the most elaborate and imaginative miniature golf courses in Northern California, with creative holes involving dinosaurs, spiders, and caves. ( updated Nov 2018 )
• Explore points of interest like Camp Richardson and the spectacular view at Emerald Bay. (If you don't have a car, the Nifty-Fifty trolley (local transit ) makes the journey during the summer)

Buy [ edit ]

• As a large tourist area, there are an abundance of T-shirt and other novelty stores, mainly centered around the CA-NV state line, with the more upscale stores being in the Heavenly Village development.

Eat [ edit ]

• Applebee's , 3987 Lake Tahoe Blvd , ☏ +1 530 544-2113 . ( updated Jul 2021 )
• The Beacon . In Camp Richardson provides a beautiful waterfront view, live music, their famous rum runners, and good food for less than the casinos.  
• Blue Dog Pizza . It's just next to Raleys, near the Heavenly Gondola. Good pizza, informal atmosphere (read: loud), and friendly service.  
• Base Camp Pizza Co. . A pasta/pizza restaurant located in the village near the gondola (next to Coldstone Creamery and the parking garage).  
• Denny's , 2870 S. Lake Tahoe Blvd , ☏ +1 530 541-7575 . ( updated Jul 2021 )
• Fire and Ice . Below the Marriott. Great if you want a sports bar with a BBQ pit.  
• Freshies , 3330 Lake Tahoe Blvd , ☏ +1 530-542-3630 . Hawaiian restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Their outside seating is on the roof, with a marvelous view of the lake across the street. Friendly and informal atmosphere. Go during sunset for great views. Moderate prices. Reservations not accepted.  
• iHop , 3730 Lake Tahoe Blvd , ☏ +1 530 544-4880 . ( updated Jul 2021 )
• Los Mexicanos , 3564 Lake Tahoe Blvd Ste D , ☏ +1 530 541-4608 . Mexican restaurant with great tacos, burritos, and agua frescas (horchata or hibiscus). ( updated Jul 2021 )
• Sprouts Cafe , 3125 Harrison Ave ( Cross-street Lake Tahoe Blvd ), ☏ +1 530 541-6969 . Organic food including sandwiches, vegetarian or meat burritos, nachos, and salads. Smoothies and coffees. Order at the counter. Friendly service.  
• 38.949563 -119.961218 1 Artemis Lakefront Café , 900 Ski Run Blvd Ste. 111 , ☏ +15305423332 . Local Greek and Mediterranean food restaurant specializing in gyros and souvlaki plates, has a great outdoor patio overlooking the lake. ( updated Dec 2021 )

Drink [ edit ]

• There are plenty of bars in the casinos. This is where most of the night life is situated.
• Just outside the casinos is the Heavenly village, home to Base Camp Pizza Company , Fire & Ice , and Stateline Brewery -- all serving various drinks and great happy hour specials.
• Of all the Heavenly Base Lodges, make sure you take a look at Boulder on the Nevada side, up Kingsbury Grade. It has one of the friendliest bars on the mountain.

Sleep [ edit ]

• 38.95694 -119.94723 1 3 Peaks Resort and Beach Club , 931 Park Ave. , toll-free: +1-866-500-4886 . Pet friendly, comfortable and well priced. Pool, and year round, multi-level hot tub. 3½ wings of rooms available with or without, kitchenettes and full size kitchens. Fireplace in some rooms.  
• Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe , 3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd , ☏ +1 530-292-6895 . Clean rooms, well-kept grounds with flower beds, etc. Some rooms have a lake view, but be aware that some of the rooms with lake view are 'partial' views, and they won't guarantee particular rooms—any room closer than the pool is considered lake view/lake front (more expensive). Top floor rooms are much quieter—the rooms are poorly sound insulated between floors. 2 restaurants and a tiki bar. Pool. Two casual restaurants, a Safeway right across the street, nearby coin-operated laundry, and walking distance to Long's Drugs and Heidi's, for breakfast. In summer, frequently hosts weddings, so you should expect wedding dance music until 10PM, and starting again at 9:30AM.  
• Forest Suites Resort , One Lake Parkway , ☏ +1 530 541-6655 .  
• Lakeland Village Beach and Mountain Resort , 3535 Lake Tahoe Blvd. , ☏ +1 530 544-1685 , fax : +1 530 544-0193 . Each room has a deck or balcony, fireplace, fully equipped kitchen/kitchenette, complimentary shuttle service for the south lake area, as well as exclusive private beach access on Lakeland's quarter mile beach. Some town-homes are available with lake-view or lakefront. 2 swimming pools and a children's wadding pool heated to 82 °F (28 °C), and 2 hot tubs heated to 102 °F (39 °C) (only 1 pool and both hot tubs available in winter). Tennis courts, ping pong, volleyball, kayaks, and paddle boats, all available seasonally. Two saunas and fitness center available year round. Complimentary access to dock and buoys. Children's activities available during the summer. During the winter months you may rent all your ski or snowboard equipment at Lakeland's on site rental shop, pick up a discounted lift ticket from the front desk to any of Tahoe's premier ski resorts, and if you're headed to Heavenly use Lakeland Village's free shuttle to get there. During ski season there is a complimentary continental breakfast available. Lakeland Village welcomes groups and has two conference centers available for rent.  
• Motel 6 , 2375 Lake Tahoe Blvd. , ☏ +1 530 542-1400 , fax : +1 530 542-2801 . This is a very large Motel 6.  
• The Landing Tahoe Resort & Spa , 4104 Lakeshore Blvd. , ☏ +1 530-541-5263 . Check-in: 4PM , check-out: 11AM .  
• Park Tahoe Inn , 4011 Lake Tahoe Blvd. , ☏ +1 530 544-6000 . The Park Tahoe Inn is a pet friendly hotel across from the Heavenly Gondola Resort.  
• Tahoe Keys Resort , 599 Tahoe Keys Blvd. , toll-free: +1-800-698-2463 .  
• The Avalon Lodge , 4075 Manzanita Ave. , toll-free: +1-888-544-STAY (7829) . New beds, in room fireplaces, flat screen TVs, iPod docking stations, free WiFi, complimentary continental breakfast, outdoor pool, and whirlpool. Pets welcome, too.  
• 38.94667 -119.97222 2 Heavenly Valley Lodge Bed & Breakfast ( previously Inn at Heavenly ), 1261 Ski Run Blvd. ( 1/2 mile up from the Lake, off the 50, or Lake Tahoe Blvd. ), ☏ +1 530 564-1500 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: noon . In-room fireplaces, ceiling fans, flatscreen TV, with DVD player and library of more than 400 complimentary movies, iPod docking stations, kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast. 4 outdoor patios, with a large open park with outdoor games, and the property is off the beaten track, set back amongst tall Pines. Dogs welcome. The Heavenly shuttle bus stops right outside the property offering Ski-In/Ski-Out convenience for skiiers and snowboarders. $89-275 .  
• 38.95427 -119.94616 3 Holiday Inn Express South Lake Tahoe , 3961 Lake Tahoe Blvd , ☏ +1 530 544-5900 , toll-free: +1-877-834-3613 . Check-in: 4PM , check-out: noon . ( updated Mar 2015 )

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First Timer’s Guide to Lake Tahoe: Vacation Tips

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: June 3, 2023

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Located on the California-Nevada border in the Sierra Mountains, Lake Tahoe is a popular vacation getaway. Day trippers and weekend warriors from Northern California visit often, but Tahoe is a bucket list destination for travelers from all over the country and even the world as well. With skiing and winter sports in colder months and boating and beach activities in summer, the area offers a wide variety of pretty epic vacation experiences year round.

I’ve lived in the Bay Area for over 15 years and have traveled the 3-4 hours to Lake Tahoe on dozens of trips. My family has visited at a variety of times of year. I’ve also been to quite a few different cities and communities that encircle the lake. To say this Tahoe guide is a bit overdue is probably an understatement!

No matter what time of year you plan to visit, it’s important to do your homework for a Tahoe vacation. It’s a huge area with some potential travel pitfalls if you fail to plan. Here’s everything that a first time visitor needs to know about visiting Lake Tahoe.

(Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.)

Where is Lake Tahoe Located?

Lake Tahoe is located in the Sierra Mountains on the border between California and Nevada. It’s about 85 miles northeast of the city of Sacramento, as the crow flies, but farther given the available driving routes.

Lake Tahoe is the country’s largest alpine lake and is the second deepest lake in the United States. It’s best known for its gorgeous crystal blue color, spawning the famous conservation message turned bumper sticker “Keep Tahoe Blue.”

Coming from most Northern California destinations like Sacramento or San Francisco, there are two major routes into Lake Tahoe over the Sierra mountains.

• Interstate 80 : Interstate 80 passes over Donner Summit into the northern region of the lake. To get to the shore, travelers exit I-80 in the town of Truckee onto either Highway 89 or Highway 267.
• Highway 50 : Near Sacramento, US Highway 50 splits off from I-80 taking guests to the southern end of Lake Tahoe. Highway 50 is a narrower route, but is sometimes an easier drive because it won’t have the same number of big rigs loaded up driving on it.

There are other smaller roads that lead to Tahoe for guests coming from Southern California or from eastern directions. Some of those routes may be inaccessible in winter, so check road conditions regularly. I have put together all my best tips for driving to Lake Tahoe in winter already to help, including what social media accounts to follow for the most accurate and up-to-date road conditions. Lake Tahoe can have very severe winter driving conditions. Guests who visit any time from late fall well into spring need to do some real homework in preparation and carry the right gear (like chains!).

Sub-Regions, Major Cities, & Layout of Lake Tahoe

What many first time visitors to Lake Tahoe don’t understand is just how enormous the lake and the surrounding communities are. Driving the roads that encircle the lake takes about 2 full hours. The region spans three counties in California (Placer, El Dorado, and Nevada) and two counties and one city in Nevada (Washoe and Douglas Counties plus Carson City).

And because there are lots of mountains plus an enormous lake dotting the topography, there are not always direct routes between different places in the Tahoe area. Don’t expect to seamlessly hop from one area to another without some effort.

If you plan to explore the entire region, you definitely need at least a week. This is especially true when visiting during winter months when weather will slow you down. If you only have 2-3 days, I’d recommend picking a single home base and exploring a sub-region or single town or resort near the lake. Locals roughly divide the area between “North Lake” and “South Lake” but there are even further divisions than just that.

Major cities and neighborhoods of note in and around Lake Tahoe are:

Truckee, CA

Located right on I-80 just northwest of the lake is the city of Truckee, CA. Truckee has a laid back mining town vibe that is always welcoming. The Truckee area is home to several quality moderately priced hotels in the north lake area, including ones in national chains where guests can cash in or earn hotel loyalty points.

Kings Beach, CA & Incline Village, NV

Located due north of the lake on the water are several towns that blend together as they span North Lake Tahoe’s California/Nevada border. On the California side, the largest city is Kings Beach where a lot of moderately-priced Lake Tahoe vacation rentals can be found.

As you cross the border on State Route 28, the casinos of Crystal Bay, NV line the road. Incline Village, NV is the largest town a few miles farther down the road. Incline Village is a popular second home location for Californians seeking a lower tax state. For travelers, the beautiful lakeside Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is a popular spot to stay.

Tahoe City, CA

On the northwest side of the lake where Highway 89 hits the beach road is Tahoe City, CA. The area has a cute walkable downtown with some beautiful beaches. The resort communities of Dollar Point and Chinquapin nearby are popular places to find rentals.

South Lake Tahoe, CA

South Lake Tahoe, CA is the largest city in the Lake Tahoe area. Located directly south of the lake right on the Nevada line, the city is home to Heavenly Resort, one of the largest ski resorts in the area. The high rise casinos of Stateline, NV just across the border are visible and easy walking distance from Heavenly’s gondola in the city center.

Reno is the closest big city near the Tahoe area, located a little over an hour’s driving distance northeast of the lake. The city of course is known for its casinos and nightlife, but plenty of family-friendly and outdoor adventures are available there too.

What are the Best Airports for Flying to Lake Tahoe?

Many visitors to Tahoe are Californians and others from drive markets. But plenty of visitors choose to fly in as well. Given its location high in the mountains, access to Lake Tahoe by air isn’t super easy or obvious. There is a small Truckee Tahoe airport for the well-heeled with private planes. But for the rest of us, the best airports with commercial service to get you to Tahoe include:

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)

The closest airport to the Lake Tahoe area is located in Reno, Nevada. RNO is served by 11 major carriers, including Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, JSX, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, United, and Volaris. Collectively these airlines serve more than 20 destinations non-stop, mostly in the West and Midwest, so availability is pretty solid.

The drive from RNO to Incline Village is about 45 minutes, Drive times to other destinations in the area are a bit longer (about 1:15 to South Lake Tahoe in regular weather conditions).

Sacramento International (SMF)

The even bigger airport in Sacramento serves over 40 non-stop destinations and has commercial service from Aeromexico, Alaska, American, Air Canada, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, United, and Volaris. The drive from Sacramento to most destinations in Tahoe is right at about two hours.

Oakland International Airport (OAK) or San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Many travelers to Tahoe spend time all over the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California, so one of the major airports in the Bay Area may be a choice as well. These airports are both served by too many airlines to count. They often offer some super-cheap travel deals, depending on where you are coming from.

Just be aware the drive from OAK or SFO to Tahoe is long and can be very traffic-filled. While many Tahoe destinations can be reached in 3.5 hours if you have smooth sailing, having that kind of traffic luck in such a busy corridor is a rare occurrence. As someone who has spent 11 hours driving that very same route in a winter storm, be advised.

What is the Best Season to Visit Lake Tahoe?

Tahoe is truly a year round destination, so you can’t go wrong with a visit any time of the year. Of course, the offerings are substantially different depending on what season you visit. Here’s what you can expect each time of year:

Tahoe in Winter

The Lake Tahoe area gets over 200 inches in annual snowfall (300-500 inches at higher elevations), so winter sports dominate the tourism scene in winter months. The best conditions and peak season are in January and February, but many ski resorts try to open by Thanksgiving and certainly before Christmas.

Tahoe in Spring

The snow in Tahoe continues well into spring, with most ski resorts keeping the slopes open through spring break into early or mid-April. Snows sometimes don’t melt until much later though. In fact, the major Tahoe ski resort Palisades Tahoe (formerly known as Squaw Valley) was able to offer skiing on July 4th a few years ago and made it again to Independence Day in 2023!

If you want more spring-like weather on a Tahoe trip without winter driving conditions, you won’t reliably see that until at least May.

Related : Best Spring Break Destinations in California for Families

Tahoe in Summer

Tahoe in summer is glorious. Because the snows linger well into spring and sometimes into early summer, June and even early July can be chillier than you might expect, especially at night.

Late July and all through August are the best times to visit for the warmest temperatures and all the adventures on the lake. Summer daytime temperatures are often well into the 80s, making it a perfect place for summer activities.

Tahoe in Fall

After Labor Day Weekend ends, a lot of tourists pack up and leave Tahoe. This makes the early fall shoulder season one of the better times to visit for lower crowds. The cooler temps in September and early October before the snow starts falling regularly make it a great time of year to hike. The area has some beautiful fall colors as well.

Just watch weather forecasts carefully, as early snows can start throwing a wrench into travel plans in October some years.

Things to Do in and Around Lake Tahoe

What you can do in and around Lake Tahoe is heavily dependent on what season you are visiting in. Here are a few of the major activities to add to your travel agenda, season-permitting:

Skiing & Snowboarding

In the winter, the biggest reason to visit Tahoe is to ski and snowboard at one of the area’s more than dozen resorts. Tahoe has mega resorts, mid-size ski mountains, and the tiniest of community ski hills.

The three ski resorts our family visits the most are Northstar California Resort, Diamond Peak, and Heavenly. Northstar is a full service resort operated by Vail known for its luxury vibe and family-friendly offerings (see my complete guide to skiing Northstar with kids for a deep dive). Diamond Peak is a mid-sized resort great for teaching kids to ski frequented more by locals that remains a bit of a hidden gem (check out my Diamond Peak guide here ). And Heavenly is an enormous resort spanning many peaks with multiple base areas with a little of something for everyone (see my Heavenly guide here ).

Of course, every family has their favorite Tahoe ski resorts and ones that have become traditions for them. It’s fun to mix it up and visit as many as you can. I’ve skied almost all of them, but still have a couple on my list to complete the Tahoe ski circuit (Palisades and Homewood continue to elude me but hopefully not for long!). To decide what resort is best for you, see my comparison of the family-friendly amenities at every Tahoe ski resort , which I update annually with prices and details.

Sledding, Tubing, & Snow Play

For families not interested in skiing or snowboarding, but wanting time in the snow, Tahoe has that too. The area has a number of areas for sledding, tubing, and other snow play activities. Places to visit in winter include:

• Adventure Mountain Lake Tahoe : Located near Echo Summit on Highway 50 on the way to South Lake Tahoe, this snow play area has groomed tubing lanes and lots of place for sledding and snow play.
• Soda Springs : Soda Springs offers some skiing (especially for beginners), but it’s mainly a giant snow play winter wonderland. There’s a tubing area, Planet Kids for little ones under age 7, mini-snowmobiles, and more. Located just over Donner Summit on the way to North Lake Tahoe, this area is just minutes from Sugar Bowl and Boreal.
• Many of the major ski resorts (Northstar, Palisades Tahoe, etc.) offer tubing and other snow play activities as well.

Hiking, Mountain Biking & Outdoor Adventure Activities

The opportunities to get outdoors in the warmer months are pretty much endless in Tahoe. Depending on where you are staying, find a few nearby hikes. (Check out the 8 Best Hikes for Families Near Lake Tahoe from fellow NorCal blogger Jenna at This is My Happiness as a great place to start. And if you have little ones, be sure to read my tips and tricks for hiking with toddlers .)

Mountain biking is also extremely popular, with several of the ski resort slopes becoming biking trails when the snow melts. A few adventure activity operators to consider:

• Heavenly’s Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster : A summer alpine coaster that sends guests speeding down the mountain.
• Woodward Tahoe : An adventure sports center affiliated with Boreal Mountain that operates year round.
• Northstar’s Bike Park : The slopes of Northstar turn into mountain biking trails in summer at Tahoe’s only lift serviced bike park.

Lake Tahoe Beaches

A wide variety of beaches encircle the lake. Spending a Lake Tahoe day in the sand and sun is a must-do in summer months.

Parking can be a challenge at some of the most popular state park beaches. It’s smart to arrive early if you don’t want to get shut out. If you can find a vacation rental in a community with private beach access or a secret smaller beach that tourists don’t know about, that makes things even easier.

And of course there are beaches you can pull up to from the water. One of the most popular where we anchored on our last trip is Chimney Beach on the Nevada side of the lake.

One important word of warning if you plan time in the water: anyone coming from a warm weather climate should know that Lake Tahoe is COLD. This is true even on the warmest days of summer. Being from Alabama originally, it’s always a shock to my system. I have found, however, I am able to tolerate it in early August which is the warmest time of year. If you plan to spend substantial time in the water or have young kids, buying or renting a wetsuit isn’t a bad idea. (We found this inexpensive wetsuit for my son that works quite well!)

Boating & Water Activities

Speaking of water, I highly recommend not just staying on shore in the warmer months while in Tahoe. Here are a few ideas for getting out onto the lake.

• Boat or jet ski rentals : Most of the cities along the lake have companies that rent boats. We used Boatsetter on our last trip to find a rental in Tahoe City near where we were staying.
• Paddleboarding : SUP is crazy popular on the smooth water coves along Lake Tahoe. The most popular spot – and the site of thousands of Instagram photos – is Emerald Bay on the southern side of the lake.
• Kayaking : The shorelines are dotted with kayaks in summer months. Tons of local companies will rent kayaks if you don’t have or can’t transport your own.
• Parasailing : Several operators will take guests out on the lake parasailing. This is a great way to get on the water if you don’t want the responsibility of driving a boat yourself.

A few local operators offering several of these rentals and services:

• North Tahoe Watersports (locations in Kings Beach or Tahoe City)
• Tahoe Sports (South Lake Tahoe)
• Action Watersports (South Lake Tahoe)

Related: What to Pack for a Day at the Lake

Tahoe Area Casinos

Open year round regardless of weather are the many casinos on the Nevada side of the lake. To the southern side of the lake, the high rises at Harveys , Hard Rock , and Harrah’s are the big players. On the northern side, there are a few smaller casinos in Crystal Bay as well as one at the Hyatt Regency in Incline Village .

Several of the casinos offer the usual Vegas-style shows and performers that come through on occasion for some additional entertainment offerings. Even if you don’t play, the casino hotels offer some great lodging options as well, often on the cheap.

Floating the Truckee River

One of the most popular activities in summer is grabbing an inflatable raft, filling up a cooler, and relaxingly floating down the Truckee River. Local operator Truckee River Rafting Company has parking available at their large facility and buses you up the river so you can float back to where you started.

Historical Sites & Museums

Although the great outdoors is the big draw of Tahoe, there are a number of museums and historical sites with something to offer too. A few of the best to explore include:

• Emigrant Trail Museum : Tahoe is famous (well, more accurately, infamous) for the trip of the Donner Party and you can learn all about that history here. Located in Donner Memorial State Park , there are also outdoor trails to hike here.
• Vikingsholm : Tour an historic and magnificent Scandinavian castle near Emerald Bay.
• Truckee Railroad Museum : A top stop for train-loving kiddos, this museum has an original caboose from the Southern Pacific Railroad and explores the rail history of the Sierra.

Related: Complete Guide to Train Rides and Attractions in Northern California

Lake Tahoe Hotels & Lodging: Where to Stay

The topic of lodging in Lake Tahoe is worthy of a post all its own which I’m sure I’ll get to eventually here on the blog. But in the meantime, here are the essentials you need to know as well as my top lodging picks!

Vacation Rentals

While the area certainly has many hotels and motels, many visitors to Tahoe opt for vacation rentals. Tahoe is a popular destination for families and bigger friend groups to travel together, and a house or condo means more space, room to cook, laundry and more, especially on longer vacations. Check out Tahoe vacation rentals on VRBO .

My personal favorite places to look for vacation rentals are in Kings Beach, Incline Village, and Tahoe City. Those areas are a little less expensive than the communities that directly orbit a major ski resort. Kings Beach is close enough to drive to either Northstar California or the Nevada ski resorts like Diamond Peak or Mount Rose. Incline Village is even closer to those Nevada ski resorts and is also well located for summer lake activities. And Tahoe City is not too far from Palisades or Homewood for winter activities and has lots of direct lake access in summer.

Lake Tahoe Hotels

If a hotel is more your speed, here are a couple of our family’s favorite places to stay in and around Lake Tahoe:

North Lake Tahoe Hotels

• Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe : Located on the slopes of Northstar California Resort, this is the most luxurious hotel in the area and my top pick for ski-in, ski-out winter stays. See my Ritz Carlton-Lake Tahoe Hotel review here .
• Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe (Incline Village, NV): Another full service higher end hotel close to skiing and directly on the lake for summer boating and beach time.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Tahoe-Truckee (Truckee, CA): Just a short ride to either Truckee or Northstar California Resort, this moderately priced hotel can be a value option.

South Lake Tahoe Hotels

• Grand Residence Club by Marriott, Lake Tahoe : Prime location within walking distance of Heavenly’s gondola right in the heart of town and just a few blocks from the lake. Condo style accommodations with kitchens. We stayed there on our last trip to Heavenly and it worked exceptionally well for the price.
• Marriott’s Timber Lodge : Right next to the Grand Residence Club with similar condo accommodations.

Tips & Tricks for First Time Visitors on Lake Tahoe Vacations

1. Book early – really early : Tahoe is a super popular destination year round, and peak weekends in both winter and summer book up fast. If you want your choice of lodging at a reasonable price, you really need to consider booking very early. For holidays during the ski season, I recommend up to a year in advance. But at the very least, consider booking before summer is up. Once the kids return to school in the fall, everyone really begins planning their ski vacations in earnest. The flip side is true for the summer season – definitely plan to book summer vacations in the dead of winter before everyone else’s minds turn to the changing season.

2. Respect the local community : While Lake Tahoe is a popular vacation getaway, so many travelers forget that there are real locals who live there year round. Respect the local community, their resources, and the lake. There is some real local resentment that has been building lately because of the behavior of travelers, perceived – rightfully or wrongfully – as entitled Silicon Valley tech bros… or worse. This resentment has grown especially since 2020 as the lake was overrun by tourists while so few travel destinations were open. Be part of the solution and not the problem. I promise you’ll have a much more authentic, relaxing, and rejuvenating Tahoe trip if you do. And that’s a win-win.

3. Plan for cell dead spots : Lake Tahoe’s cell and data coverage has improved a lot with each passing year. That said, there are still some pretty significant dead spots, including even on the drive along I-80! Input directions into your cell phone before you leave WiFi coverage. Pack an old fashioned map or guidebook. If your party plans to split up for hiking or skiing, have a set meeting place and time just in case someone can’t get calls or texts to go through.

What other questions do you have about Lake Tahoe? I’ll keep adding to this guide because we keep going back to Tahoe and discovering even more.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

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Tuesday 12th of September 2023

This blog offers an invaluable guide for first-timers exploring Lake Tahoe. The tips and insights shared here are a great resource for anyone planning their inaugural visit to this beautiful destination. Thanks for providing such helpful advice and recommendations! 🏞️🌲🗺️

Tuesday 6th of June 2023

Hi! a couple girlfriends and I are going to be spending a 3 day weekend on the west side of Lake Tahoe at the end of Sept. Traveling from Oakland area. I am realizing this is sort of an "off" season as it isn't summer nor winter. We love to hike and are looking for a more "spiritual/healing" trip. Maybe doing some yoga during sunrise or sunset on a hike. Do you have suggestions for hiking trails on the west side that would give us a glorious sunrise or even sunset? Or a place that may hold a healing circle with sound bowls and such? Any other suggestions for that time of year?

Tuesday 20th of December 2022

Wednesday 6th of July 2022

What hotel or resort is best walking distance lake front or beach front? Planning an August or September trip. Thanks

Wednesday 20th of April 2022

Hi there! We are going on our honeymoon to Lake Tahoe in early August. I have found a lot of cool activities but am scared to book because I want to see what the weather is like. Since most activities are outside, I would be regretful booking things to find out that day was going to be rainy but also regretful if things fill up because I didn't book soon enough. Any tips on booking outdoor activities to get our spot but also not jumping the gun too soon? Thanks!

Leslie Harvey

Thursday 28th of April 2022

Things book up very quickly in summer in Tahoe due to crowds so I'd book earlier rather than later. There isn't a lot of rain in Tahoe in summer but most activity operators offer rain checks or refunds in case of bad weather.

10 Things To Do In South Lake Tahoe: Complete Guide To California's Bluest Lake

South Lake Tahoe has always been one of California's many gems; here's what to see and do at the state's bluest lake.

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, South Lake Tahoe emerges as one of the most captivating mountain towns , boasting the jewel of Lake Tahoe as its centerpiece. With a mesmerizing blend of ski resorts, sun-kissed beaches like El Dorado Beach with inviting picnic areas, and a spirited nightlife seamlessly mingling with the adjacent casinos of Stateline, Nevada, this destination promises a dynamic array of experiences. Van Sickle Bi-State Park, graced by wooded trails and enchanting lake vistas, beckons adventurers, while the Nordic-style marvel of Vikingsholm within Emerald Bay State Park transports visitors to another era.

While Lake Tahoe often teems with tourists during its peak season, savvy travelers know that the true allure of this locale unveils itself during the serenity of spring and fall. The crowds recede from April to May and September to November, offering an intimate communion with the natural splendor that defines this region. The endlessly beautiful towns surrounding the lake are also worth a visit.

Things To Do

For those headed to the South Lake Tahoe area, get ready to see Mother Nature like never before. Here are ten things to do in South Lake Tahoe, plus other valuable tips, tricks, and suggestions.

Related: 10 Most Scenic Spots In The Sierra Nevadas For Picturesque Moments

1 Van Sickle Bi-State Park

• Address: 30 Lake Pkwy, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

One thing to do while in South Lake Tahoe is to visit Van Sickle Bi-State Park, a public recreation area straddling the border of California and Nevada. What's unique here is that the park covers two states, allowing visitors to seamlessly walk between California AND Nevada.

2 Tallac Historic Site

• Address: 1 Heritage Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Hours: Friday - Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM

The next thing to do in South Lake Tahoe, California, is to check out the Tallac Historic Site . Here is where people can explore the site of two historic homes, open seasonally, with exhibits, tours & events & costumed interpreters. Most guests spend a few hours here.

3 Pope Beach

• Address: CA-89, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM

Pope Beach is a favorite among locals and tourists. Here is where people can explore the quaint beach, see dunes and nature, and take a dip in the cool, clear water. Pope Beach also has swimming, picnic areas, and cycling opportunities.

Related: Springtime Serenity: 10 Charming Towns Around Lake Tahoe To Visit This Season

4 Emerald Bay State Park

• Address: California 96150
• Hours: Sunrise to sunset
• Tickets: $10 per person

For those wanting to spend the whole day enjoying nature, Emerald Bay State Park is a nice option. Here, guests can enjoy the vast property, boasting Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay, a National Natural Landmark. People will also see Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm, a 38-room mansion.

Checking out Angora Lakes , near Lake Tahoe, will also be a nice idea for travelers.

5 South Lake Brewing Company

• Address: 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Hours: Mon-Wed 2-8:30, Thurs 4-9, Fri-Sun 12-9

Another idea for South Lake Tahoe visitors is seeing the South Lake Brewing Company . Here, guests will enjoy the small-town, community-focused brewery in South Lake Tahoe, California. All beers offered here are brewed in-house, making this a nice way to support local business.

6 Tahoe Trout Farm

• Address: 1023 Blue Lake Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

The next thing to do in South Lake Tahoe, California, is to check out Tahoe Trout Farm , a unique fishing pond open to the public. Here, people can go fishing on the dock and enjoy a day out in the open.

Check with the location's official site before heading out, as they close periodically throughout the year.

7 Vikingsholm

• Address: CA-89, Tahoma, CA 96142
• Hours: Open daily from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• Tickets: $5 general admission

For those wanting to embrace their inner Viking, visiting Vikingsholm is worth considering. Here, guests of South Lake Tahoe can step back into the Viking era, visiting this 38-room mansion on the shore of Emerald Bay.

It's on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been called "one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America."

8 Lakeside Beach

• Address: 4081 Lakeshore Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Another beach idea in South Lake Tahoe is Lakeside Beach. Here, people can enjoy a fun day in the sand and one of the finest sand stretches on Lake Tahoe. During peak seasons, there may be an entry fee, so that's something to be wary of.

9 The Shops At Heavenly Village

• Address: 1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Mon-Thurs 10 AM to 8 PM, Fri-Sat 10 AM to 9 PM, Sun 10 AM to 7 PM

Shopping in South Lake Tahoe is always a great idea, especially at The Shops at Heavenly Village . Here is where guests can enjoy a ski village complex of 40+ shops & restaurants, with a cinema, outdoor ice-skating & live music.

Related: 10 Amazing Lakes In California Besides Lake Tahoe

10 South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena

• Address: 1176 Rufus Allen Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Hours: Open daily from 12-8:30 PM

Ice skating in South Lake Tahoe is also an option, with the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena being the perfect venue for families or groups. Here, guests can enjoy the arena, offering daily ice skating, lessons, hockey camps, a café, a video arcade, party rooms, and quality skate rentals.

11 Best Time To Visit South Lake Tahoe, California

• Best time to come: Spring or fall

For those wanting to see gorgeous South Lake Tahoe, California, the best time to do this is April to May and September to November. Because summers here are crowded and priced higher than usual, it's better to wait until the off or 'shoulder' seasons. Spring and fall tend to be these.

Skiing will start in November and run through the early spring. That's the best time for snow lovers to visit South Lake Tahoe, although the weather may result in road closures, delayed or canceled flights, and power outages. It gets wild at the lake!

For those wanting to visit Lake Tahoe in the summer , there are still ways to get a bang for your buck and skip the crowds .

12 Best Ways To Get Around South Lake Tahoe, California

• Best way around: Renting a car

Getting around South (and North) Lake Tahoe can be a bit tricky for those coming to the area. Typically, it is better to rent a vehicle to drive between destinations here. Furthermore, South Lake Tahoe is the more popular side, offering more in terms of transportation.

For instance, someone can easily grab a taxi/rideshare to get from point A to B or get on a city bus in the summer. Fares will be between $0 and $4 for a one-way ride. Lake-Link also runs in a select section of the south shore and is free for riders.

13 Where To Eat In South Lake Tahoe

For those wanting to plan restaurants in South Lake Tahoe, the options are endless. Here are choices for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks.

Breakfast: Heidi's Pancake House

• Address: 3485 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Serving: Homey breakfast & lunch purveyor serving hearty fare, including many egg dishes & hot sandwiches.

Lunch: Driftwood Café

• Address: 1001 Heavenly Village Way #1a, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Serving: Breakfast & lunch, including locally roasted coffee & homemade soups.

Dinner: Riva Grill On the Lake

• Address: 900 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Serving: American fare, rum drinks, a mahogany interior (inspired by Riva boats) & lake views.

Drinks: McP's Taphouse Grill

• Address: 4125 Lake Tahoe Blvd A, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Serving: Popular Irish spot featuring local talent & traditional pub fare along with beer & spirits.

14 Where To Stay In South Lake Tahoe, California

Regarding hotel options in South Lake Tahoe, there will be plenty to choose from. Whether someone prefers a ski resort, a cabin in the woods, or something affordable, there is something for them.

Ski resorts tend to be most sought after in the North and South areas of the lake, but they'll cost more money. However, being right near a mountain/slope is worth the price for many.

Budget: Travel Inn

• Address: 3536 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Free parking, Flat-screen TV

Budget: Black Jack Inn

• Address: 985 Park Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, Free parking, Flat-screen TV, Free toiletries

Budget: Bluelake Inn at Tahoe

• Address: 944 Friday Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Amenities: Private beach, Outdoor pool, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Free Parking, Business center

Mid-Tier: The Coachman Hotel

• Address: 4100 Pine Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Amenities: Outdoor pool, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee shop

Mid-Tier: Hotel Becket

• Address: 4003 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Amenities: Outdoor pool, Restaurant, Room service, Coffee machine, Valet parking

Mid-Tier: 3 Peaks Resort And Beach Club

• Address: 931 Park Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Amenities: Private beach, Outdoor pool, Bicycle rental, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Free parking

Luxury: Resthaven Tahoe

• Address: 4145 Manzanita Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Amenities: Private beach, Free Wi-Fi, Private bathroom, Terrace/Patio, Balcony

Luxury: The Landing Resort And Spa

• Address: 4104 Lakeshore Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Amenities: Beachfront, Outdoor pool, Spa and wellness center, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service

Luxury: Edgewood Tahoe Resort

• Address: 180 Lake Parkway, Stateline, NV 89449
• Amenities: Private beach, Water sports facilities (on site), Outdoor pool, Spa and wellness center, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge

For those coming here in the spring, these luxurious Lake Tahoe resorts may be worth choosing.

15 Tips For Staying In South Lake Tahoe, California

For people heading to South Lake Tahoe, CA, there are some things to remember. First, the busiest times of year are summer and winter. Because of the perfect ski and lake conditions during both seasons, South Lake Tahoe quickly comes alive.

Typically, waking up early and getting the day started is the best way to avoid crowds. If not, you may be stuck in long lines at attractions, restaurants, and shops. South Lake Tahoe is a premier destination, so with that might come additional prices. Budget accordingly.

Related: North Vs. South Lake Tahoe: Which Is Better, According To Reddit

16 How To Spend The Perfect Day In South Lake Tahoe

Spending the perfect day in South Lake Tahoe shouldn't be a challenge. First, wake up early, head to a cafe in town, and get on the road. Make a stop in Emerald Bay State Park, going for a hike (or two) for a few hours.

From there, venture back to the streets of South Tahoe, enjoying some shopping at The Shops at Heavenly Village, where food will also be available.

As you wrap up the day, get back to the hotel and put on something nice for dinner. Head back out to a water-front eatery, enjoying the sunset in stunning South Lake Tahoe. Cheers!

Discover Angora Lakes, South Lake Tahoe's hidden gems

I was confused the first time my boyfriend suggested we spend a day at Angora Lakes, a pair of gorgeous lakes that are more or less due south of South Lake Tahoe . When he suggested this, we were sitting on the beach at Lake Tahoe . Why on earth would we leave and go to a different set of lakes? Especially lakes we'd need to hike to? I was new to the area back then and have since learned the region is filled with spectacular, must-see places beyond Lake Tahoe.

If you're looking for a hidden gem to explore before summer is over, keep reading for everything to know about Angora Lakes in South Lake Tahoe and how to make the most of your visit.

Getting to Angora Lakes 

The next morning we piled into the car at 9 a.m. This seemed early, but my boyfriend insisted we arrive no later than 10 since parking is limited. Angora Lakes is about thirty minutes from Stateline, NV on US-50, a bit shorter from South Lake Tahoe, and the drive up is captivating. To the right, the view plunges down, offering dazzling glimpses of  Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe, and across to Mount Tallac . To the left, the scars of the 2007 Angora Fire are still visible, serving as a reminder of how important is to take care of this precious place . 

When we arrived, we managed to snag one of the last remaining parking spots . This is when we learned the parking fee can only be paid via cash or check, neither of which we were in the habit of carrying. Luckily, we managed to empty our pockets and scrape together enough coins and wrinkled bills to satisfy the charge (parking at the time of this writing is $10, so be sure to plan ahead). 

The trail to Angora Lakes

The trail that takes you to Angora Lakes stretches only a half mile from the parking lot. Although not a technical hike, it's uphill the entire way and I admit to stopping once or twice to catch my breath. The path is wide and covered in sand so pale it appears white in the sunlight, providing contrast against the evergreens and enormous steel-gray boulders hugging the trail. There are a few rocky spots along the way so I was grateful I had selected a pair of sturdy shoes.  

As we approached the top of the trail, Lower Angora Lake appeared to the left. We kept going. Lower Angora Lake is lovely and serene, but Upper Angora Lake is where you'll find some of the most mesmerizing scenery and unique recreation in the entire Lake Tahoe region. 

The bigger lake came into view as soon as I reached the crest of the trail. It felt like we'd stumbled into a different world. Instead of the jagged mountains that encircle Lake Tahoe, Upper Angora Lake is flanked by dramatic cliffs. The contours of the rock formations have weathered over time, rendering them smooth and inviting. So inviting that dozens of people made their way to the far sides of the lake to sun themselves on ledges high above the water. 

For risk takers: try cliff jumping

Upper Angora Lakes is extremely popular  with cliff jumpers . During my visit, braver souls sprung from the stone platforms as if they were diving boards. However, you don't need to participate to enjoy this activity. It was a joy just to watch people leap exuberantly into the water from where I watched.

A word of caution, however: The stone platforms range from 20-feet to 60-feet high and jumping into the water from a height of 60 feet is not recommended. There were numerous signs around the lake advising visitors as such. I witnessed several people jump from that plateau and saw one person get injured. Obviously, use extreme caution if you decide to take a leap.

For more mellow lakegoers: hit the sandy shores

On the trail-side of the lake, a strip of sandy beach was filled with sunbathers and families who hauled picnic blankets and camp chairs up the trail. If you want to stake your claim, get there as early as possible. Otherwise, there are plenty of rocks to sit on, including several enormous boulders within an easy wading distance of the beach. 

Plan to stay awhile

Upper Angora Lake is home to Angora Lakes Resort , a historic cabin resort that has been around since the early 1920s. The resort offers nine rustic cabins above the beach, which can be rented on a weekly basis from June through mid-September. The cabins generally book up in advance (reservations open in January), but they have a waiting list available in case of cancellations. 

In addition to the cabins, Angora Lakes Resort operates a small gift shop and restaurant selling sandwiches, ice cream and fresh-squeezed lemonade. They also offer kayak, rowboat and paddleboard rentals. 

What you need to know before you go to Angora Lakes

Dogs are welcome at Angora Lakes but they must be on leash and kept out of the water.

It's best to visit Angora Lakes from June through September. During the off-season, heavy snows may cause road closures, making the trail difficult to reach. 

Find it: Angora Lakes , 2630-2666 Kubel Ave., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

This story was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at  [email protected] .

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• Travel Destinations A-Z

This Is the Largest Alpine Lake in North America — and It's Perfect for Visiting Year-round

How to plan the perfect visit to Lake Tahoe no matter when you visit.

Best Time to Go

Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

Lake Tahoe, located in the Sierra Nevadas in northeastern California, is the largest alpine lake in North America. The deep blue water, mountains, pine-scented air, rocky shoreline, and clear skies, all located 6,225 feet above sea level, make Lake Tahoe a prime year-round destination. In winter, snow sports attract visitors to ski resorts, and in summer, an abundance of outdoor activities, including swimming, boating, hiking, camping, biking, and nature walks, call to active travelers.

Two states share Lake Tahoe. A north to south vertical line divides the lake, with the eastern third in Nevada and the western side in California. In addition to the state line, an imaginary east-west boundary creates North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe South, a distinction to help travelers when planning a visit. The gateway for most visitors arriving by air is Reno-Tahoe International Airport, located about 60 miles northeast of Lake Tahoe. The Reno-Tahoe Territory and Reno, Nevada are destinations in themselves.

Pacific Standard Time Zone (adjusted seasonally to Daylight Savings Time)

Lake Tahoe is a popular vacation destination throughout the year, with skiing and snowboarding in winter, beaches and boating in summer, and crisp, clear weather in spring and fall. From about the end of November through late March, ski resorts welcome snow sports fans who undoubtedly believe that winter is the best time at Lake Tahoe. Summer visitors who head to the shore, marinas, resort pools, golf courses, and campsites come for the warm weather, sunshine, and clear waters of the lake. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking, biking, and scenic drives around the lake.

Lake Tahoe comprises three main areas; South Lake Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe, and Reno-Tahoe. Here is what you need to know about each destination.

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe (also referred to as Tahoe South) includes the city of South Lake Tahoe on the California side, which is the largest city around the lake. Downtown features shopping, restaurants, bars, and a pedestrian-friendly Heavenly Village. On the Nevada side of Tahoe South, there's nightlife, dining, entertainment, and four casino resorts.

North Lake Tahoe

With its stunning granite boulder coastline, the north shore includes small cities and towns in both California and Nevada. Described as a quieter, nature-focused area, North Lake Tahoe offers casinos, entertainment, and a wide range of places to stay.

The area, also referred to as the Reno-Tahoe Territory , encompasses mountains, meadows, urban cities, old-west style towns, casinos, and outdoor activities. The city of Reno, " The Biggest Little City in the World ," offers casinos, restaurants, nightlife, museums, and year-round events.

Need more? Here are a few fun facts about Lake Tahoe:

• The scenic drive around the entire lake covers 72 miles.
• Lake Tahoe's tap water has been named the best tasting water in the country.
• The 1960 Winter Olympics were held in Lake Tahoe at Squaw Valley, now called Palisades Tahoe , out of respect for Native American women.

From Reno-Tahoe International Airport, North Lake Tahoe Express provides year-round scheduled service to the North Lake Tahoe-Truckee region with local connections. South Tahoe Airporter offers door-to-door transportation to South Lake Tahoe hotels and residences. RTC 's bus service goes to downtown Reno and Carson City, where travelers can connect to buses for other destinations.

Tahoe Truckee area Regional Transport provides bus service in the North Lake Tahoe region. Tahoe Transportation System manages several bus routes in the South Lake Tahoe area.

Most major resorts offer free shuttles to and from the slopes during ski season. Check with your accommodations for schedule and availability.

Edgewood Tahoe

Address: 180 Lake Parkway Stateline, Nevada 89449 Phone: 888 881-8659 Website

This five-star shorefront resort features a world-class spa, stunning lake views, sandy beach, upscale and casual dining, heated outdoor pool, and a championship golf course and is home to the annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship . During snow season, onsite ski butlers deliver snowboarding and ski equipment to guest accommodations, and the ski shuttle takes skiers to nearby Heavenly Mountain.

The Landing Lake Tahoe Resort & Spa

Address: 4104 Lakeshore Boulevard South Lake Tahoe, California 96150 Phone: 530 541-5263 Website

With a lakeside location, spa, heated outdoor pool, and semi-private beach, The Landing is ideal for year-round visitors. The Landing is just minutes from Heavenly Village for skiing in winter and sightseeing Gondola rides in summer. Guests can dine on California cuisine at Jimmy's restaurant in private dining alcoves, some of which come with their own fireplaces.

Zalanta Resort at the Village

Address: 4101 Lake Tahoe Boulevard South Lake Tahoe, California 96150 Phone: 866 331-6944 Website

Luxurious two, three, and four-bedroom residences feature gourmet kitchens, spacious living areas, private balconies, fitness center, pool, and hot tub. Just steps from the Heavenly Gondola, Zalanta is also conveniently located for shopping, restaurants, ice rink, mini-golf, movie theater, live music, and Stateline casinos.

Basecamp South Lake Tahoe

Address: 4143 Cedar Avenue South Lake Tahoe, California 96150 Phone: 530 208-0180 Website

Located in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, a five-minute walk to the lake and the Heavenly Gondola, Basecamp is a boutique hotel with 73 rooms, including a mountain view suite and family room that accommodates up to eight guests. There's a Courtyard, Picnic Deck, and Beer Garden with cornhole, table tennis, and fire pits for roasting s'mores.

Harrah's Lake Tahoe

Address: 15 Highway 50 Stateline, Nevada 89449 Phone: 800 427-7247 Website

The 18-story, 512-room hotel offers two full floors of luxury suites in addition to deluxe standard guest rooms with soundproof walls, blackout curtains, and lake or mountain views. There's plenty to do with an indoor pool, spa, and 24-hour casino with table games, slots, video poker, and more.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Address: 13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Court Truckee, California 96161 Phone: 530 562-3000 Website

This luxury resort, located about 15 minutes from the lake, offers guest rooms and suites, and slopeside residences as large as three and four bedrooms. The ski-in/ski-out family-friendly destination includes fine dining, a casual café, bars, and Highlands Spa, for relaxing treatments — perfect after a day of skiing or hiking. In summer, guests can shuttle to the exclusive Lake Club for boating and water activities.

Northstar California Resort

Address: 100 Northstar Drive Truckee, California 96161 Phone: 800 466-6784 Website

This family destination sits on more than 3,000 acres, with 19 lifts, a cross-country center, ice skating, fat tire biking, and a 2,280 ft. vertical drop of alpine terrain for winter sports. In summer, it's a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors with swimming, golf, hiking, and more. The resort also offers a variety of places to stay, including private homes, condos, and lodges in a range of prices for every budget.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino

Address: 111 Country Club Drive Incline Village, Nevada 89451 Phone: 775 832-1234 Website

Set among tall pine trees and the Sierra Nevadas, this waterfront resort features spacious guest rooms, suites, and private waterfront cottages. The resort offers a casino, spa, sandy beach, year-round lagoon-style pool, and various restaurants and lounges, including beachfront dining in summer.

PlumpJack Inn

Address: 1920 Squaw Valley Road Olympic Valley, California 96146 Phone: 800 323-7666 Website

This pet-friendly lodge-style resort near the north shore features 55 guest rooms and suites, upscale and casual dining, and is steps away from the Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram with ski-in/ski-out access in winter. The onsite Inn Shop offers convenient ski and snowboard equipment rentals. In summer, there's an outdoor swimming pool and complimentary cruiser bike rentals, as well as nearby trails for hiking and mountain biking.

Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort

Address: 6834 North Lake Boulevard Tahoe Vista, California 96148 Phone: 530 546-9500 Website

Views of the lake, patios, plush furnishings and spacious suites equipped with conveniences like refrigerators, microwaves, and coffeemakers make this lakefront boutique resort a popular family escape. One-bedroom forest-side cabins with private decks are also available. A stay at the resort includes access to hydro-bikes, paddle Boards, kayaks, fire pits, BBQ grills, hot tubs, and hiking trails.

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

Address: 3800 S. Virginia Street Reno, Nevada 89502 Phone: 775 825-4700 Website

This luxury resort is set in the heart of south Reno's entertainment district. It has various rooms and suites featuring city views, a casino, spa, salon, fitness center, a year-round indoor pool, and a seasonal outdoor pool with cabanas. The Atlantis Fun Center offers arcade games, music, and prizes. Dining venues include a steakhouse, sushi bar, deli, cocktail lounges, and casual spots.

Peppermill Resort Spa Casino

Address: 2707 S. Virginia Street Reno, Nevada 89502 Phone: 866 821-9996 Website

Guests can find a variety of accommodations at this accommodation, including the Peppermill Tower Suites, Spa Suites, and Tuscany Tower rooms with mountain and city views, private foyers, and hand-painted Italian art. Dining venues include Bimini Steakhouse, seafood at Oceano, cocktail lounges, and casual cafés. The plush casino has classic games and Sports Book, and there's nightly live music for entertainment.

Edgewood Restaurant

Address: 180 Lake Parkway Stateline, Nevada 89449 Phone: 855 681-0119 Website

Stunning lake views are the backdrop for luxury dining with an extensive wine list and entrees from prime beef to Smoked Elk Loin and Pan-seared Branzino. The service is excellent, and the elegant room is gorgeous at sunset.

Address: 1169 Ski Run Boulevard South Lake Tahoe, California 96150 Phone: 530 541-2908 Website

This intimate restaurant serves generous portions of classic and modern Italian entrees. The menu includes creative pastas like Fettuccine alla Calabrese, with artichokes, pine nuts, olives, and broccoli, along with seafood and traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina.

Ciera Steak and Chophouse

Address: 55 US-50 Stateline, Nevada 89449 Phone: 775 588-3515 Website

Steaks, chops, seafood, and vegetarian entrées are served in an elegant atmosphere along with an extensive selection of wines and champagnes. The restaurant offers Prix Fixe options in addition to menu items like lobster tails, Alaskan king crab, and Filet Oscar.

Christy Hill

Address: 115 Grove Street Tahoe City, California 96145 Phone: 530 583-8551 Website

Set just 100 feet above the shoreline with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe from every table, Christy Hill serves Modern American cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Diners can start with shared plates of house-marinated olives or Country Pork and Pistachio Paté and go on to enjoy entrées that include California Black Cod and Moroccan Spiced Lamb Loin.

Lone Eagle Grille

Address: 111 Country Club Drive Incline Village, Nevada 89451 Phone: 775 886-6899 Website

Seasonal high-Sierra cuisine is served with views of Lake Tahoe in a setting that includes panoramic windows, wood beams, stone fireplace, and lodge-style decor, with al fresco dining during warmer months. Menu items include Linguini Bolognese, Bone-in Niman Ranch Pork Chop, and Angus Beef Short Rib, with excellent dessert and wine choices.

Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar

Address: 10142 Rue Hilltop Road Truckee, California Phone: 530 587-5711 Website

Set in a historic 1928 ski lodge, Cottonwood serves atmosphere and delicious farm-fresh food for dinner and weekend brunch. Small plates, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrées like New Zealand lamb, Braised Pork Shank, and Vegan Meatloaf are on the menu, along with Kids' menu favorites.

Fourk Kitchen

Address: 4991 S. Virginia Street, Suite B Reno, Nevada 89502 Phone: 775 870-1000 Website

The concept created by owner Paul Jansen is unique: four nights a week, Wednesday through Saturday, there's one 24-person seating for a four-course dinner. Happy Hour starts at 5:30, dinner at 6:15, and the cost is $49. The menu changes monthly with items like Porcini Mushroom Ravioli with Roasted Garlic Pesto, Roasted Chicken Breast, and Tres Leches Chocolate Espresso Mousse.

The Grill at Quail Corners

Address: 6520 S. McCarran Boulevard Reno, Nevada 89509 Phone: 775 827-6262 Website

Open for lunch, dinner, and happy hour, this family-owned spot offers a wide array of appetizers, salads, pizza, seafood, and traditional entrees like Steak Frites, Cedar Plank Salmon, and Cioppino.

Von Bismarck

Address: 805 South Wells Avenue Reno, Nevada 89502 Phone: 775 622-3687 Website

German and Eastern European dishes are the focus of the menu that includes Schnitzels, Berliner Curry Fries, and house fermented sauerkraut. There's a wide selection of German beers and wines from Germany and Austria.

Winter sports — skiing, snowboarding, sledding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and fat-tire biking — bring in visitors from November through April. Ski resorts for all skill levels and budgets are located in North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe South .

For summer visitors, dozens of beaches line the shores of Lake Tahoe, including Pope Beach, Sand Harbor, Baldwin Beach, El Dorado Beach & Boat Ramp , and Kiva Beach, to name a few.

Hiking: Hiking trails for a wide variety of fitness levels attract visitors and locals to Tahoe South and North Lake Tahoe or look for day hiking ideas at Tahoe Rim Trail .

Camping: Campgrounds are available in North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe South . State Parks with campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe area include Emerald Bay State Park , Washoe Meadows State Park , Lake Valley State Recreation Area ,

Golf: In summer, visitors have their choice of courses in North Lake Tahoe , Tahoe South , and Reno .

Sand Harbor State Park offers picnicking, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, swimming in summer. The park also hosts the annual Shakespeare Festival .

Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey's features world-class entertainment in a beautiful landscape from about July - September.

Casino Gambling and Entertainment: Gambling is legal n the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe and in Reno. Casinos are located in North Lake Tahoe , Tahoe South , and Reno .

Explore Lake Tahoe History at local museums and exhibits, many open only during summer months:

• Gatekeeper's Museum , once the home of the Watermaster of Fanny Bridge in the early 1900s. Watson Cabin Museum, built in 1908, and the Marion Steinbach Basket Museum, featuring handmade Native American baskets.
• Vikingsholm , now located in Emerald Bay State Park, was one of the first summer homes at Lake Tahoe, built in the 1860s. The building is open from June - September.
• Lake Tahoe Historical Museum houses artifacts from pioneers, trappers, traders, miners, pioneers, and the Washoe, the area's first inhabitants.
• The Tallac Historic Site offers guided tours of a 1920s home.

The Shops at Heavenly Village

Address: 1001 Heavenly Village Way South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Website

More than 40 shops in an outdoor setting offer clothing, accessories, jewelry, art, winter sports equipment, gifts, toys, and candy. There's an ice rink, 8-plex cinema, live theater, and dining spots featuring pizza, burgers, sushi, desserts, ice cream, and more.

Boatworks at Lake Tahoe

Address: 760 N. Lake Boulevard Tahoe City, CA 96145 Phone: 530 288-4999 Website

Accessible by land and water, Boatworks features a variety of shops offering clothing, accessories, jewelry, wine, home furnishings, candy, souvenirs, and toys. There's a stunning view of the lake from the shopping area and from two waterfront restaurants.

Chateau at the Village

Address: 4125 Lake Tahoe Boulevard South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Website

Shop for clothing, souvenirs, Lake Tahoe gifts, toys, metal art, and resort wear. Old West-style gear and cowboy-themed footwear and accessories are featured at Bonanza Boot & Leather, and several restaurant options include Ace High Saloon and McP's Taphouse Grill.

Shayden Summit - Reno

Address: 13925 South Virginia Street Reno, Nevada 89511 Phone: 775 853-7800 Website

This major shopping mall includes a luxury movie theater with stadium seating and plush lounges, several restaurants, boutiques, and major retailers including Apple, Dillard's, Lucky Brand Jeans, Old Navy, and Pottery Barn.

Downtown Truckee in North Lake Tahoe features a wide range of shops for buying and browsing, from clothing and accessories to art, sports equipment, jewelry, gifts, and gourmet foods. Choose from coffee, pizza, burgers, seafood, baked goods, or a brewery stop during your shopping trip.

Incline Village on the north shore in Nevada is home to hotels, restaurants, casinos, lakeside mansions, Lake Tahoe State Park, and Sand Harbor. The large town attracts visitors to beaches in summer and ski areas in winter.

Truckee is a mountain town about 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe's north shore. Its western history and culture are still on display, and its downtown is a popular shopping area. In town, the Donner Monument commemorates the famous Donner Party pioneers.

Tahoe City on the lake's west shore features restaurants, bars, beaches, and access to the Truckee River and Lake Tahoe Dam.

Kings Beach is located on the north shore with shops, hotels, restaurants, Kings Beach State Recreation Area, and popular beaches for summer water sports.

On the south shore in Nevada, Stateline is noted for its entertainment and casinos, with the state's legal gambling attracting visitors for many decades. Hotels featuring nightclubs, world-class performers, amenities, and restaurants are located in the Stateline area. On the California side, South Lake Tahoe is home to Emerald Bay State Park and Heavenly Ski resort.

The climate ranges from cold, snowy winters to sunny, clear summers. Snow falls as early as October and continues through April, with December, January, and February receiving the largest amounts, receiving at least 12 inches each month, according to WeatherSpark . Summers are dry with minimal rainfall, and even on warm days, the temperature is significantly cooler at night.

Average low and high temperatures, all reported from the Lake Tahoe Airport :

January: 18°F to 42°F February: 21°F to 43°F March: 24°F to 48°F April: 29°F to 54°F May: 33°F to 62°F June: 37,°F to 71°F July: 41°F to 79°F August: 40°F to 78°F September: 36°F to 72°F October: 29°F to 61°F November: 25°F to 49°F December: 19°F to 42°F

Tahoe South Planning App : for hotels, restaurants, shopping, activities iOs | Android

TART Connect: Tahoe/Truckee Transit (TART) offers information on bus service and reserving curb-to-curb transportation. iOs | Android

Uber : Request a ride in the Lake Tahoe area iOs | Android

Lyft : Request a ride in the Lake Tahoe area iOs | Android

The alpine waters of Lake Tahoe rest at 6,225 feet above sea level among the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The combination of crystalline lake and crowning mountain peaks creates gorgeous vistas from every angle, stunning sunsets, and marvelous star-gazing. Tahoe is as loved in its snowy winter as in its brilliant summer. With each season, the area beckons nature lovers, adventurers, and those in need of a retreat. Skiers, snowboarders, and snow aficionados flock to Tahoe each winter, while hikers, mountain bikers, and lake devotees return every summer.

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Photo by CSNafzger/Shutterstock

Can’t miss things to do in Lake Tahoe

The true treasure of Tahoe is in its kaleidoscope of natural beauty and the unique possibilities to experience these marvels. Lingering over a lake view at sunset is essential to any visit, as is discovering the vistas of a mountain peak. Visitors enjoy breathtaking views along Sierra Nevada ridges by gondola, sky tram, hot air balloon, or their own two feet. Kayaks, sail boats, and paddleboat cruises allow a more intimate experience of the lake. Interactions with Tahoe’s natural wonders can come in many forms, from snowshoeing treks under a full moon to a soak in natural hot springs.

Food and drink to try in Lake Tahoe

Tahoe serves up fresh local ingredients with culinary creativity. At West Shore Café & Inn, everything down to the marshmallows is handmade. PlumpJack at Squaw Valley has a menu that changes with the local harvest, as well as special seasonal events. The traditional Zephyr Cove Restaurant is a South Lake classic dedicated to all things local, sustainable, and delicious. The local drinking scene is similarly alluring, with wine bars such as Uncorked and Picchetti Winery’s tasting room, brew houses such as Mellow Fellow and Stateline Brewery, and artisanal cafés for those who need a caffeine fix.

Tahoe has multiple options for those who love to shop or meander through local markets. In the summer, there are weekly farmers’ markets on both the north and south shores, brimming with regional produce, local art, and the spirit of the mountain communities. While these markets hibernate for the colder months there is a winter farmers’ market (open every other Sunday) in nearby Reno. Truckee and Tahoe City welcome visitors in any season to stroll their streets and browse antique stores, artist galleries, mountain furniture stores, and local shops that create everything from soaps to olive oil. For those that wish to stay closer to the comforts of a ski resort, Northstar, Squaw Valley, and Heavenly all have shopping complexes.

Practical Information

The mountain setting that makes Tahoe so beautiful also creates a need for caution. Keep an eye on the weather in winter, especially when driving. Roads can close for a time, and you should always have a full tank of gas and carry snow chains; pay attention to the road signs and listen out for radio advisories; drive slowly and never brake suddenly. Finally, watch out for snow plows! Summers are hot and bring beautiful rain storms and possibly cool nights, so pack appropriate attire. Keep in mind that you are at an elevation of 6,000–10,000 feet, so if you are undertaking strenuous outdoor activities you need to pace yourself, bring water, and always tell someone where you are going and what you are doing.

Guide Editor

Vanessa Petersen

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The Four Principles of a Perfect Trip to North Lake Tahoe

A spring trip to the majestic mountain getaway lets you enjoy both winter and summer activities all in one visit. Here’s why (and how!) you should go now to experience twice the fun!

Here’s a hot take on North Lake Tahoe: While winter is a wonderland and summer is excellent, spring is one of the best times to book a trip. Savvy travelers have long known that the bridge season is prime time for visitors looking to maximize their stay to this stunningly beautiful Western destination. The pace is slower and there’s more space to roam, plus the weather is in that dreamy sweet spot where there’s abundant snow for sledding and skiing but mild enough temperatures to enjoy a leisurely day kayaking on that exquisitely clear blue lake with majestic snow-capped peaks rising in the distance. Come evening, indulge in culinary activities or simply sit by the firepit at your lodge and enjoy a quiet evening sipping hot toddies under the stars. With 12 charming towns, nature and nightlife options galore, snowy pursuits beckoning, and culinary gems around every corner, there’s an activity for everyone. Book your travel now and you’ll be lucky enough to experience first-hand how spring is twice as fun in North Lake Tahoe. Here are the four principles for planning a perfect trip:

Prep and Pledge Before Taking the Plunge

That pristine blue lake and inspiring trails and those charming little towns nestled up against the pines with snow-dusted peaks in the distance are all a national treasure worth preserving. So let’s keep Lake Tahoe precious and put responsible tourism central to how you travel. Just as you can make unforgettable memories by being fully in the moment on the slopes or the lake, you can take a similarly mindful approach to how you interact with nature and infrastructure to preserve them forever too.

Before your trip, take the region’s Traveler Responsibility Pledge , which conveniently outlines the best practices for visitors, including tips for being an environmentally and civically-minded steward of the land. The pledge includes practices such as leave-no-trace, pack-in-pack-out, fire safety, cultural respect, wildlife sensitivity, and pre-trip education. Mindfully respecting the place and the people will make for a deeper and more satisfying travel experience in North Lake Tahoe. And let’s not forget that weather, wildlife, and other travelers are variables that are constantly in flux. To get ahead of logistics around the lake, take advantage of the North Lake Tahoe Know Before You Go page , which lists best practices, includes real-time webcams and updates on weather and driving conditions, and shares public transit and parking tips to make your trip as safe and seamless as possible.

Photo courtesy of Northstar

Go for Four… and Explore More

To double your fun on your trip you’re going to want to double your time, which means spending at least four days in North Lake Tahoe. Whether you’re looking for skiing in Alpine Meadows or Incline Village, hoping for inspiring kayaking off the beaches of Carnelian Bay, want to play the slots in Crystal Bay, or look forward to exploring the dining scenes of Tahoe City and Northstar, your days and nights will fill up fast. Some travelers like to get a taste of the weekend energy, but also build in a couple of weekdays to have more space on the slopes, roads, and restaurants. The tough part? Picking exactly what you’re going to do from the hundreds of options.

Which is why this seasonal itinerary planner should be your go-to resource with detailed links and tips for building a perfect four- (or more!) day springtime plan. With 11 downhill ski resorts to choose from—from Palisades Tahoe , which boasts the area’s longest ski season (until May 27) to the secret ski runs of Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe Resort just 25 minutes from Reno—skiers are spoiled for choice. More mellow Alpine activities await snowshoers and Nordic skiers on the dozens of pristine trails as well as zip lines and ropes courses. Granlibakken Tahoe Ski Area  boasts miles of trails for snowshoers and cross-country skiers, and a flat-groomed trail perfect for beginners. For an all-ages ropes experience Tahoe Treetop Adventure offers ropes courses for ages six and up. And since it’s spring, kayaking season is just kicking off. Starting in May, Tahoe Adventure Company offers kayaking tours of the lake, the largest alpine lake in the United States!

The region has so much more than those admittedly greatest of Alpine and aquatic hits. Whether you’re looking for a break from the action or a reset from the daily grind, there’s a high concentration of wellness activities in the region. Get into the flow at Tahoe City’s Mountain Lotus Yoga , the only lakeside yoga studio in Tahoe; book a Hana Hot Stone massage at the serene tropical-themed Aloha Spa in Incline Village; or stock up on botanical wellness products at Tahoe City’s Sage Spa Apothecary and Shop after a cupping session.

Dine and Drink Finely

Depending on which of North Lake Tahoe’s dozens of restaurants you choose, food can be tasty fuel for an adventure or a relaxed full-on fine dining experience. Alibi Ale Works’ Incline Public House is a rollicking spot for craft beer, creative pizzas, and a calendar of festivities (from line dancing to bingo). For over 40 years Fire Sign Cafe has been serving locals and visitors alike in that classic small-town diner way, with breakfast all day and an annex behind the main building offering grab-and-go items and locally roasted coffee. If you’re looking for fine dining with breathtaking views, Big Water Grille is a must-book. The modern California menu is designed to satisfy (think braised short ribs with manchego polenta) and is backed up with a smart wine list. To dial in a dining option to suit your taste or location, use this handy searchable restaurant finder .

Photo courtesy of North Lake Tahoe

Live It up at a Homey Hotel or Luxe Lodge

Are you looking for that old-school Alpine getaway vibe? Is sleek and luxe more your speed? The hotels, lodges, motels, and resorts of North Lake Tahoe can offer you the perfect spot to call home-away-from-home during your spring getaway. There’s Tamarack Lodge , a former speakeasy built in 1927 that offers stylishly updated throwback charm nestled in nature, while Cedar Glen Lodge , with its eco-friendly ethos and cozy shingled cabins provides a picture-perfect lakeside retreat. For a more modern take on this formula, book Incline Lodge , which boasts sleek, minimalist rooms, nightly wine gatherings, and a heated indoor pool. Or truly indulge yourself at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe , which offers the ultimate in luxury mountain living, with ski-in/ski-out access, panoramic views of the mountains, and a superlative spa. And for a full-service resort experience for everyone from couples to groups to families, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort Spa and Casino offers beach access, a spa, multiple restaurants, a heated pool, and the Grand Lodge Casino. For more options, or to search for lodging by location and amenity offerings, use this online tool . And remember: The longer you stay, the more you’ll be able to slow down and enjoy your chosen hotel’s amenities to the fullest and truly make the most of your perfectly timed getaway to North Lake Tahoe, where spring means twice the fun on so many levels. 

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