Lake Tahoe is a year-round paradise for nature lovers, journey seekers, and people in search of a serene getaway. It will also be an excellent place for households and people in search of nightlife and leisure. Straddling the borders of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe boasts a wealth of actions that promise unforgettable experiences from world-class snowboarding to thrilling festivals. This information unveils the highest issues to do in Lake Tahoe to make it easier to plan your subsequent journey.
Top Things to Do When Visiting Lake Tahoe
The finest means to get round Lake Tahoe is by driving. Compare automobile rental costs right here. You may obtain this audio-guided tour to comply with as you drive via the Lake Tahoe space. Highlights embody Emerald Bay, Donner Pass, Chimney Beach, Mt. Rose Scenic Byway, and extra.
Don’t have a automobile? You can e book this full day Lake Tahoe circle tour – This full-day bus tour is led by an area information stopping at high Lake Tahoe sights together with Resort at Palisades Tahoe (previously Squaw Valley Resort), Sand Harbor, and Emerald Bay.
Planning Your Trip To Lake Tahoe Right Now?
Below are a few of the high excursions in Lake Tahoe. Don’t overlook to plan forward when visiting Lake Tahoe!
Top Activities and Tours in Lake Tahoe:
About Lake Tahoe
Divided into two sections, Lake Tahoe is the most important alpine lake in North America. The North Shore is a nature lover’s playground in a pure setting among the many bushes of the Sierra Mountains foothills whereas the South Shore is full of casinos, nightlife, and loads of leisure.
Whether you might be visiting Lake Tahoe in summer time or winter, you’ll discover infinite choices for out of doors adventures, positive delicacies, and excellent viewpoints. So, are you prepared to see all the very best issues to do in Lake Tahoe? Let’s get began.
South Lake Tahoe
To make planning simpler, we’re going to break up all of the issues to do in Lake Tahoe between the North Shore and the South Shore. You can select your lodging on both aspect to be nearer to the actions it’s your decision to get pleasure from. We are additionally going to cowl Lake Tahoe actions in winter and Lake Tahoe in summer time. It is a year-round vacation spot.
1. Emerald Bay State Park
A go to to Lake Tahoe isn’t incomplete with out experiencing the attract of Emerald Bay State Park. Located on the south shore, Emerald Bay State Park is among the most picturesque locations in Lake Tahoe. One of the highest issues to see is Vikingsholm Castle. Hike down the path from the parking space to attain the historic architectural gem that gives guided excursions to give guests a style of Lake Tahoe’s previous.
One of the most well-liked trails is the Eagle Falls to Eagle Lake Trail. You want a allow to hike to Eagle Lake or you may flip round at Eagle Falls the place you’ll take in the views of Eagle Creek and the waterfalls.
2. Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Kayaking
When visiting Lake Tahoe in summer time, Emerald Bay is right for water actions comparable to kayaking and paddleboarding.
You can lease kayaks and paddleboards from Kayak Tahoe. Kayak Tahoe has 5 places in locations the place the water is calm and welcoming making it good for paddle boarding and kayaking. Other places are Baldwin Beach, Pope Beach, Nevada Beach, and Meeks Bay.
Extend your journey by visiting Fannette Island, the one island in Lake Tahoe. A paddle out to the island gives a close-up view of the Tea House ruins. Back on shore, the park’s trails present assorted mountaineering choices for all ranges. For a extra relaxed exercise, get pleasure from a picnic on the seashore or go to the park’s customer middle to deepen your understanding of the realm’s ecology and historical past.
3. Emerald Bay Lookout
If you might be driving round Lake Tahoe, make a cease on the Emerald Bay Lookout for the right view of the most important alpine lake in North America.
You may take a ship cruise on Emerald Bay. The Tahoe Emerald Bliss Boat Cruise is an hour-long boat tour that takes you from Tahoe Keys to Rubicon Point to take in the gorgeous surroundings of the shores of Lake Tahoe. You may e book a non-public boat constitution to discover at your individual tempo. Book this non-public constitution for up to six friends who can get pleasure from a non-public tour of Lake Tahoe in Style in fashion with their non-public captain driving them via Emerald Bay to Fannet Island, Rooster Rock, and D.L. Bliss State Park.
4. Ride the Heavenly Mountain Gondola
No journey to Lake Tahoe is full with out using the Heavenly Mountain Gondola. This scenic experience takes up to the Tamarack Lodge at 9,123 ft (2,781 meters) above sea stage.
This scenic experience gives breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The gondola ascends to an statement deck, the place you may get pleasure from a panoramic vista of the realm.
At the highest, discover the unimaginable mountaineering trails or go to the Tamarack Lodge for a meal with a view. In winter, make the most of the ski and snowboard runs. Regardless of the season, the experience is a fascinating means to recognize the great thing about Lake Tahoe.
When you go to Tahoe in the summer time, hop on the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster at Heavenly. This is a rip-roaring good time to zoom down the mountain on the coaster.
5. Ski Lake Tahoe
Out of all of the issues to do in Lake Tahoe this one is a should. Lake Tahoe is dwelling to 12 ski resorts with six important resorts providing world-class snowboarding and snowboarding. You’ll discover ski terrain and mountains in each North and South Lake Tahoe to fit your abilities and preferences.
Heavenly Ski Resort is the most well-liked place to pores and skin in Lake Tahoe and it has the very best vertical drop in California. Located on South Lake Tahoe, it sees loads of crowds, however as a result of it’s so huge, you will get away from all of it.
Kirkwood ski resort is one other well-liked ski space with the deepest snow in the Lake Tahoe space and it’s a lot much less crowded.
If you aren’t a skier, you may nonetheless go up the mountain of Heavenly. The 2.5-mile gondola experience will take you to an statement deck for a panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe.
6. Hike Mount Tallac
If you crave a problem and spectacular views, contemplate mountaineering Mount Tallac in the summer time season. This demanding path is positioned and is a favourite amongst seasoned hikers. As you ascend, get pleasure from a assorted panorama of forest, meadows, and beautiful alpine lakes.
Upon reaching the summit, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and its surrounding peaks. It’s an ideal spot for images or just having fun with the vistas. Plan for a full day because the round-trip hike can take 7 to 9 hours. Remember to deliver loads of water, snacks, and solar safety.
7. Tallac Historic Site
If mountaineering doesn’t catch your fancy, go to the Tallac Historic Site which was as soon as touted because the Grandest Resort in the World. Visitors can relive the heyday of California’s elite mountain getaway. If you go to Lake Tahoe in summer time, you may be a part of in on guided walks. In the winter, it’s a well-liked place for snowshoeing and cross-country snowboarding.
It is free to enter and the Tallac Museum is housed in the previous Baldwin House.
In the winter, you may lease snowshoes from Camp Richardson Mountain Sports Center and get all the knowledge you want. Camp Richardson can also be a winter cross-country ski resort with cabins for lease, a historic resort, and trip leases. .
8. Tahoe Art League’s Art Center & Gallery
Art lovers mustn’t miss the Tahoe Art League’s Art Center & Gallery. This non-profit group showcases native artists and their assorted works, starting from work and images to sculpture and ceramics. The shows rotate usually, making certain there’s at all times one thing new to see.
Additionally, the Art Center gives artwork courses and workshops all year long, good for guests trying to faucet into their artistic aspect. If a chunk catches your eye, many artworks are on the market, providing a novel memento out of your Lake Tahoe go to.
9. Take a Hot-air Balloon Ride over the Lake
For a chicken’s-eye view of Lake Tahoe, contemplate a hot-air balloon experience. This unforgettable expertise permits you to admire the lake’s glowing blue waters, sandy seashores, and surrounding peaks from a completely completely different perspective.
Launch from the deck of a ship and float over the lake at dawn, essentially the most steady time for flights. This journey sometimes lasts three to 4 hours, together with setup, flight, and pack-up. With a memento flight certificates included, it’s a novel means to create lasting recollections of your Lake Tahoe journey.
Hot air balloon rides happen in Lake Tahoe in the Summer from May to October. You can verify availability and critiques on TripAdvisor
10. Scenic Helicopter Tour
If you’re in search of thrill and surroundings, a helicopter tour over Lake Tahoe gives each. These excursions present beautiful aerial views of the lake’s main landmarks, comparable to Emerald Bay, Fannette Island, and the encompassing snow-capped peaks.
Choose from varied tour lengths and routes, every providing its distinctive views and highlights. Some corporations provide particular sundown flights for an much more magical expertise. Be positive to deliver your digital camera to seize the unforgettable vistas.
This helicopter tour covers your entire south shore of Lake Tahoe. You’ll see Zephyr Cove, Emerald Bay, Cascade Lake and Fallen Leaf Lake. Whether you go to Lake Tahoe in summer time or winter, helicopter excursions are a ravishing means to take in beautiful views.
11. D.L. Bliss State Park
D.L. Bliss State Park is a pure wonderland ready to be explored. Home to a few of the best seashores in Lake Tahoe, it’s an excellent location for swimming in Lake Tahoe in the summer time. The park can also be recognized for its outstanding granite formations, such because the Rubicon Point Lighthouse.
Beyond the seashore, the park gives a community of mountaineering trails. A preferred alternative is the Rubicon Trail, providing beautiful views of the lake and shoreline. For a novel expertise, take a look at the Balancing Rock nature path that includes a big, precariously balanced granite boulder.
12. Casinos
We aren’t a lot into playing, however from the seems to be of everybody crossing the border to the casinos on the Nevada aspect of Tahoe South, folks adore it.
There’s Bally’s and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino to identify a couple of. Of all of the issues to do in Lake Tahoe South that is in all probability some of the well-liked. South Lake Tahoe is full of pleasure and nightlife and many eating selections.
13. Zephyr Cove
Zephyr Cove is on the Nevada Side of Lake Tahoe, however it’s a beautiful scenic view of islands, seashores, and it’s right here that you simply’ll discover the well-known lone tree that has turn out to be well-liked on Instagram.
14. Tour the El Dorado Wine Region
Located an hour’s drive from South Lake Tahoe, the El Dorado Wine Region is a wine lover’s paradise. Nestled in the Sierra Mountains foothills, this wine area has greater than 2,000 acres of vineyards. Book a wine tour and produce dwelling some California wine/
Lake Tahoe North
15. Tahoe City Winter Sports Park
If you need to go fats biking, snowshoeing, ice skating or cross-country snowboarding, the Winter Sports Park is the place to be. What makes it distinctive is that it’s an all-inclusive park the place you pay one worth for admission and get the possibility to attempt all of the actions. There Cafe Zenon is positioned on the golf course for folks to calm down whereas the children have some enjoyable.
16. Paddleboarding on Kings Beach
Take benefit of Lake Tahoe’s clear waters by paddleboarding at Kings Beach when visiting Lake Tahoe in the summer time. This calm, sandy seashore is the right spot to study or apply stand-up paddleboarding. With leases obtainable close by, it’s a straightforward exercise to decide up even for those who’re a novice.
Apart from paddleboarding, Kings Beach gives a wide range of water-based actions like kayaking and jet snowboarding. Or, you may merely calm down on the shore and absorb the solar. The seashore’s westward-facing location makes it an excellent spot to watch the sundown over the lake.
17. Lake Tahoe Spas
After all that out of doors exercise, it’s your decision to unwind and calm down on the Lighthouse Spa in North Lake Tahoe and have a therapeutic massage, get a facial, or e book a full-body remedy like a heat aromatherapy physique wrap.
You may indulge in a spa day on the Resort at Palisades Tahoe (previously Squaw Valley Resort). This wellness middle gives a variety of remedies designed to rejuvenate physique and thoughts, together with massages, facials, and physique therapies.
The resort’s amenities additionally embody heated swimming pools, a health middle, and a mindfulness studio providing yoga and Pilates. Enjoy your day of luxurious amidst the resort’s tranquil setting, with views of the gorgeous Squaw Valley panorama offering the right backdrop for leisure.
Most inns round Lake Tahoe have on-site spas together with the Spa and Casino at Incline Village.
18. Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum
Immerse your self in the historical past of the Westward Expansion at Donner Memorial State Park close to Truckee. The park’s customer middle gives insightful reveals on the Donner Party, Native American historical past, and native wildlife. A brief stroll from the customer middle is the Pioneer Monument stands 22 ft excessive and is devoted to the pioneers who crossed the Sierra Nevada.
The Donner Party consisted of almost 100 emigrants en route to California between 1846 to 1847. Only half of them survived after their wagon prepare ran right into a snowstorm. it tells a ugly story.
Aside from its historic enchantment, the park gives a wide range of out of doors actions. In summer time, get pleasure from tenting, mountaineering, or fishing in Donner Lake. In winter, the park turns into a playground for snowshoeing and cross-country snowboarding.
19. Treetop Adventure Park
Unleash your inside adventurer at Treetop Adventure Park. This thrilling out of doors expertise contains a collection of programs set excessive in the bushes, together with rope swings, bridges, and zip strains. It’s a enjoyable and difficult exercise for adults and kids alike.
Courses range in problem, making it accessible for all health ranges. Professional guides guarantee security and supply directions earlier than you begin. Whether you’re an journey fanatic or in search of a enjoyable household exercise, Treetop Adventure Park is a novel means to expertise the Tahoe forest.
20. Go Mountain Biking at Northstar California Resort
Northstar Mountain Resort has winter snowboarding and snowboarding, however for those who go to Lake Tahoe in summer time, you’re going to need to hit the paths to do some mountain biking. It has bike paths for single-track, cross nation, and downhill mountain biking. If you don’t have expertise, there’s an intro bike park for freshmen.
At the resort, there are mountaineering trails, enjoyable summer time actions for the entire household, and a child’s camp. You may keep at Northstar California Resort in each the summer time months and winter.
21. Go Rafting Down the Truckee River
If you need to add somewhat river enjoyable to your Lake Tahoe journey, e book a whitewater rafting journey down the Truckee River. This rafting journey is enjoyable for the entire household and takes you from Tahoe City via scenic meadows and mountains views as you navigate straightforward rapids to River Ranch.
If you need a extra adrenaline-fueled rafting expertise, you may e book the Boca Floriston Run on the Truckee River with intermediate rapids via the Tahoe National Forest.
Book this tour in advance – The Truckee River Boca to Floriston run is sweet for households to get pleasure from average Class III rapids on a half-day tour.
22. Snowfest
Each February or March (see particulars at their web site) hosts 10 days of winter enjoyable in varied places. There are events, the polar plunge, reside music, and out of doors enjoyable simply ready to be had. The Festival takes place in Tahoe City and Kings Beach. The subsequent occasion is from Feb 24 to March 10, 2024.
23. Summer Concert Series
During the summer time months, Lake Tahoe heats up with reside leisure. All round Lake Tahoe, there are festivals and occasions. The summer time live performance collection consists of weekly occasions at The Village at Palisades Tahoe, Kings Beach, and Commons Beach.
24. E-Biking from Incline Village to Sand Harbor
Rent an e-bike to discover the East Shore Trail from Incline Village in Nevada to Sand Harbor Beach. You can e book leases forward of time. The straightforward mountaineering and biking route takes you to seashores, coves and the gorgeous Nevada shoreline. The paved path is 3 miles lengthy and connects Incline Village south to Sand Harbor State Park.
Explore at your leisure to go to locations just like the Mark Twain Cultural Center, Billionaire’s Row and quite a few hikes. Includes helmet, bike lock, and bike rack with bungee.
25. Sand Harbor Beach
If you need to pop over to the Nevada Side of Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor Beach is among the hottest locations to get pleasure from watersports and the nice and cozy climate. You’ll discover kayak and stand-up paddleboarding leases, there’s a pavilion for picnics and there’s even a ship launch for avid boaters.
26. Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
Experience the magic of Shakespeare below the celebrities on the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. Held yearly at Sand Harbor State Park, this occasion attracts 1000’s with its high-quality performances set towards the gorgeous backdrop of Lake Tahoe.
Alongside the Shakespearean performs, the pageant consists of a wide range of different leisure, comparable to reside music and dance. Enhance your theater expertise with a pre-ordered meal or deliver your individual picnic to get pleasure from on the seashore. Be positive to e book your tickets in advance for this well-liked summer time occasion.
27. Tahoe National Forest Hikes
California boasts many nationwide parks and forests and the Tahoe National Forest is one among 18 nationwide forests in the state. Located between Reno Nevada and Sacramento California in the northwest of Lake Tahoe, there’s now scarcity of mountaineering trails. The Five Lakes Trail is among the most stunning trails in the Tahoe National Forest. It’s a 2-mile steep climb up to 1200 ft earlier than you start to discover the 5 lakes. Once you attain the highest, you may take your time following the paths to the lakes.
28. Ski Lake Tahoe North
Sugarbowl is the closest to San Francisco and Sacramento making it a favourite amongst locals. It has that old-school really feel with the very best quantity of snowfall in the area.
When visiting Lake Tahoe in winter, it’s essential to hit the slopes of Olympic Valley. Lake Tahoe hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and it has by no means slowed down since! Out of all of the issues to do in Lake Tahoe this one is a should. Lake Tahoe is dwelling to 12 ski resorts with six important resorts providing world-class snowboarding and snowboarding.
Palisades Tahoe: Known for internet hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics, Palisades Tahoe (previously Squaw Valley Resort) has terrain for everybody from mild slopes for freshmen to difficult trails for superior skiers. Ski classes can be found for newcomers or these trying to improve their abilities. While at Palisades, take the Arial Tram up to High Camp for panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the High Sierras. And when you are there, go to the Olympic Museum showcasing memorabilia from the 1960 Winter Olympics.
North Star has a few of the finest views of Lake Tahoe and is an entire household resort with a village and our private favourite the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Wherever you select to ski in Tahoe you gained’t be dissatisfied.
Northstar, Alpine Meadows, and Homewood Mountain are different really useful resorts.
Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe
When in search of the place to keep in Lake Tahoe, all of it depends upon what out of doors actions you need to do. If you need to concentrate on extra nightlife, eating places and household holidays, you’ll need to keep in South Lake Tahoe. If you need some world class snowboarding, we advise north lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe North
Cedar Crest Cottages – Great for big households or {couples}. It has its personal kitchen and out of doors firepit. It’s somewhat distant from all the things, however that’s precisely what most individuals are in search of when coming to Lake Tahoe.
Sunnyside Resort – Located immediately on Lake Tahoe, Sunnyside Resort is a superb central location that looks like you might be in extra of a ski village really feel when in this space.
Lake Tahoe South
Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel – This is essentially the most handy location proper subsequent to the Heavenly Gondola. It’s a busy resort with numerous households and I believe it may positively use an improve. But you may’t go fallacious with the placement or worth. Search Booking.com for Accommodation in Lake Tahoe.
We have a whole article devoted to the place to keep in Lake Tahoe. You can learn it right here.
Where to Eat Lake Tahoe South
There is not any scarcity of locations to eat in Lake Tahoe South. All you’ve got to do is go for a stroll down the road and discover the place you might be in search of.
But a couple of locations we sampled and may advocate are:
Riva Grill – is a lakefront eatery that may be a native favourite. It gives up to date American meals and there’s loads of parking. Outpost Brewing Company – is a good apres ski location providing handcrafted brews. Azul Latin Kitchen – positioned close to the gondola this restaurant gives a scrumptious Mexican-inspired menu. Off the Hook Sushi – Another native favourite, this sizzling spot is positioned in the center of city and can fulfill your seafood cravings. See full suggestions on the place to eat at Tahoe South Food Guide
Lake Tahoe is a year-round vacation spot providing actions for households, {couples}, and even bachelors and bachelorettes. We loved North Lake Tahoe’s laid-back tempo and quiet environment, however households and youthful single vacationers will certainly love the thrill and vitality of South Tahoe’s nightlife and casinos.
Have you been to Lake Tahoe in the winter? What are your favourite issues to do?