Lake Tahoe is a year-round paradise for nature lovers, journey seekers, and people on the lookout for a serene getaway. It can be an ideal place for households and people on the lookout for 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 show you how to plan your subsequent journey.
Top Things to Do When Visiting Lake Tahoe
The finest manner to get round Lake Tahoe is by driving. Compare automotive rental costs right here. You may also obtain this audio-guided tour to comply with as you drive by way of the Lake Tahoe space. Highlights embrace Emerald Bay, Donner Pass, Chimney Beach, Mt. Rose Scenic Byway, and extra.
Don’t have a automotive? 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 points of interest 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 among the high excursions in Lake Tahoe. Don’t neglect 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 biggest 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’re visiting Lake Tahoe in summer season or winter, you’ll discover countless choices for out of doors adventures, nice delicacies, and excellent viewpoints. So, are you prepared to see all the most effective 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 facet to be nearer to the actions it’s your decision to take pleasure in. We are additionally going to cowl Lake Tahoe actions in winter and Lake Tahoe in summer season. 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 without doubt one of 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’ll be able to 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 season, Emerald Bay is right for water actions corresponding to kayaking and paddleboarding.
You can hire kayaks and paddleboards from Kayak Tahoe. Kayak Tahoe has 5 areas in locations the place the water is calm and welcoming making it excellent for paddle boarding and kayaking. Other areas 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 provides a close-up view of the Tea House ruins. Back on shore, the park’s trails present diversified climbing choices for all ranges. For a extra relaxed exercise, take pleasure in a picnic on the seashore or go to the park’s customer heart to deepen your understanding of the realm’s ecology and historical past.
3. Emerald Bay Lookout
If you’re driving round Lake Tahoe, make a cease on the Emerald Bay Lookout for the right view of the biggest alpine lake in North America.
You may also 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 also e book a non-public boat constitution to discover at your personal tempo. Book this non-public constitution for up to six visitors who can take pleasure in a non-public tour of Lake Tahoe in Style in type with their non-public captain driving them by way of 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 trip takes up to the Tamarack Lodge at 9,123 ft (2,781 meters) above sea degree.
This scenic trip provides breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The gondola ascends to an remark deck, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a panoramic vista of the realm.
At the highest, discover the unimaginable climbing trails or go to the Tamarack Lodge for a meal with a view. In winter, reap the benefits of the ski and snowboard runs. Regardless of the season, the trip is a charming manner to respect the fantastic thing about Lake Tahoe.
When you go to Tahoe in the summer season, 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 house to 12 ski resorts with six principal 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 numerous crowds, however as a result of it’s so huge, you may get away from all of it.
Kirkwood ski resort is one other in style 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’ll be able to nonetheless go up the mountain of Heavenly. The 2.5-mile gondola trip will take you to an remark 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 climbing Mount Tallac in the summer season season. This demanding path is situated and is a favourite amongst seasoned hikers. As you ascend, take pleasure in a diversified 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 convey loads of water, snacks, and solar safety.
7. Tallac Historic Site
If climbing 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 season, you’ll be able to be a part of in on guided walks. In the winter, it’s a in style 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’ll be able to hire snowshoes from Camp Richardson Mountain Sports Center and get all the knowledge you want. Camp Richardson can be a winter cross-country ski resort with cabins for hire, a historic resort, and trip leases. .
8. Tahoe Art League’s Art Center & Gallery
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Tahoe Art League’s Art Center & Gallery. This non-profit group showcases native artists and their diversified works, starting from work and images to sculpture and ceramics. The shows rotate recurrently, guaranteeing there’s all the time one thing new to see.
Additionally, the Art Center provides artwork courses and workshops all year long, excellent for guests wanting to faucet into their inventive facet. If a bit 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 fowl’s-eye view of Lake Tahoe, contemplate a hot-air balloon trip. 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, probably the most secure 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 manner 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 test availability and critiques on TripAdvisor
10. Scenic Helicopter Tour
If you’re on the lookout for thrill and surroundings, a helicopter tour over Lake Tahoe provides each. These excursions present beautiful aerial views of the lake’s main landmarks, corresponding to Emerald Bay, Fannette Island, and the encircling snow-capped peaks.
Choose from numerous tour lengths and routes, every providing its distinctive views and highlights. Some firms provide particular sundown flights for an much more magical expertise. Be certain to convey your digicam to seize the unforgettable vistas.
This helicopter tour covers all the 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 season or winter, helicopter excursions are a phenomenal manner 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 among the best seashores in Lake Tahoe, it’s an ideal location for swimming in Lake Tahoe in the summer season. The park can be recognized for its outstanding granite formations, such because the Rubicon Point Lighthouse.
Beyond the seashore, the park provides a community of climbing trails. A well-liked selection 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 appears of everybody crossing the border to the casinos on the Nevada facet of Tahoe South, individuals adore it.
There’s Bally’s and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino to identify a number of. Of all of the issues to do in Lake Tahoe South that is most likely some of the in style. South Lake Tahoe is full of pleasure and nightlife and plenty of eating selections.
13. Zephyr Cove
Zephyr Cove is on the Nevada Side of Lake Tahoe, however it’s a pretty scenic view of islands, seashores, and it’s right here that you just’ll discover the well-known lone tree that has turn into in style 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 house 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 prospect to attempt all of the actions. There Cafe Zenon is situated on the golf course for folks to calm down whereas the youngsters 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 season. This calm, sandy seashore is the right spot to be taught or observe stand-up paddleboarding. With leases accessible close by, it’s a simple exercise to decide up even when you’re a novice.
Apart from paddleboarding, Kings Beach provides quite a lot of water-based actions like kayaking and jet snowboarding. Or, you’ll be able to merely calm down on the shore and absorb the solar. The seashore’s westward-facing location makes it a really perfect 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 also indulge in a spa day on the Resort at Palisades Tahoe (previously Squaw Valley Resort). This wellness heart provides a spread of therapies designed to rejuvenate physique and thoughts, together with massages, facials, and physique therapies.
The resort’s services additionally embrace heated swimming pools, a health heart, 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 rest.
Most motels 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 heart provides insightful displays on the Donner Party, Native American historical past, and native wildlife. A brief stroll from the customer heart 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 grotesque story.
Aside from its historic enchantment, the park provides quite a lot of out of doors actions. In summer season, take pleasure in tenting, climbing, 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 interior adventurer at Treetop Adventure Park. This thrilling out of doors expertise encompasses 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 differ in issue, 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 on the lookout for a enjoyable household exercise, Treetop Adventure Park is a novel manner to expertise the Tahoe forest.
20. Go Mountain Biking at Northstar California Resort
Northstar Mountain Resort has winter snowboarding and snowboarding, however when you go to Lake Tahoe in summer season, 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 may be an intro bike park for rookies.
At the resort, there are climbing trails, enjoyable summer season actions for the entire household, and a child’s camp. You may also keep at Northstar California Resort in each the summer season months and winter.
21. Go Rafting Down the Truckee River
If you need to add slightly 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 by way of scenic meadows and mountains views as you navigate straightforward rapids to River Ranch.
If you desire a extra adrenaline-fueled rafting expertise, you’ll be able to e book the Boca Floriston Run on the Truckee River with intermediate rapids by way of the Tahoe National Forest.
Book this tour in advance – The Truckee River Boca to Floriston run is nice for households to take pleasure in reasonable 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 numerous areas. 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 season months, Lake Tahoe heats up with reside leisure. All round Lake Tahoe, there are festivals and occasions. The summer season 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 climbing 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 without doubt one of the hottest locations to take pleasure in watersports and the nice and cozy climate. You’ll discover kayak and stand-up paddleboarding leases, there’s a pavilion for picnics and there may be even a ship launch for avid boaters.
26. Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
Experience the magic of Shakespeare underneath the celebrities on the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. Held yearly at Sand Harbor State Park, this occasion attracts hundreds with its high-quality performances set towards the gorgeous backdrop of Lake Tahoe.
Alongside the Shakespearean performs, the competition consists of quite a lot of different leisure, corresponding to reside music and dance. Enhance your theater expertise with a pre-ordered meal or convey your personal picnic to take pleasure in on the seashore. Be certain to e book your tickets in advance for this in style summer season occasion.
27. Tahoe National Forest Hikes
California boasts many nationwide parks and forests and the Tahoe National Forest is one in all 18 nationwide forests in the state. Located between Reno Nevada and Sacramento California in the northwest of Lake Tahoe, there may be now scarcity of climbing trails. The Five Lakes Trail is without doubt one of 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’ll be able to 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, you have 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 house to 12 ski resorts with six principal 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 rookies to difficult trails for superior skiers. Ski classes can be found for newcomers or these wanting 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 among the finest views of Lake Tahoe and is a whole household resort with a village and our private favourite the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Wherever you select to ski in Tahoe you received’t be disillusioned.
Northstar, Alpine Meadows, and Homewood Mountain are different beneficial resorts.
Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe
When on the lookout for 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 recommend north lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe North
Cedar Crest Cottages – Great for giant households or {couples}. It has its personal kitchen and out of doors firepit. It’s slightly distant from all the pieces, however that’s precisely what most individuals are on the lookout for when coming to Lake Tahoe.
Sunnyside Resort – Located instantly on Lake Tahoe, Sunnyside Resort is a wonderful central location that seems like you’re in extra of a ski village really feel when in this space.
Lake Tahoe South
Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel – This is probably the most handy location proper subsequent to the Heavenly Gondola. It’s a busy resort with plenty of households and I feel it might undoubtedly use an improve. But you’ll be able to’t go incorrect with the situation 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 isn’t any scarcity of locations to eat in Lake Tahoe South. All you have got to do is go for a stroll down the road and discover the place you’re on the lookout for.
But a number of locations we sampled and may advocate are:
Riva Grill – is a lakefront eatery that may be a native favourite. It provides 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 – situated close to the gondola this restaurant provides a scrumptious Mexican-inspired menu. Off the Hook Sushi – Another native favourite, this sizzling spot is situated 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 ambiance, however households and youthful single vacationers will certainly love the joy 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?