Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

The Gondola at Heavenly travels 2.5 miles (4 km) up the mountain from Heavenly Village in 15 minutes. Stop midway at the 9,123-foot (2,780-meter) Observation Deck viewing platform for photos, and at the top, embark on three summer hiking trails or hang out at the Tamarack Lodge.

The Gondola departs from the middle of Heavenly Village. Located on the California-Nevada border in South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly is easily accessible by car from Lake Tahoe resorts such as Northstar and Squaw Valley or Tahoe City.

A gondola ride at Heavenly Lake Tahoe offers very different experiences in winter and summer, but the scenery is equally breathtaking. Wintertime provides scenic views of the snowcapped Sierra Nevada and a chance to go skiing or just experience the bustling Tamarack Lodge. Summertime allows for hiking at the top, a ropes course, or maybe even a ride on a zip line in addition to the views over Carson Valley and the Desolation Wilderness. Gondola tickets prices go up on holidays.

Ride back down to the village and spend some time in the pedestrian mall; here, you can browse souvenir shops and boutiques. If you're with kids, take them to the arcade or ice skating at the Heavenly Village Outdoor Ice Rink. If you're a winter sports enthusiast, the Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort itself has 97 runs and 30 lifts, a ski school, and terrain parks spread between California and Nevada.

Lake Tahoe is split into two areas—South Lake and North Lake. The majority of summer tours such as biking, boating, and Jet Ski rental run out of South Lake Tahoe, opposite the lake from Tahoe City. Those staying on the south shore can visit Tahoe City on a tour that circles the lake by bus or bike, stopping along the way for photo ops.

 

Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular ways to get out on the lake, and a paved path runs along the water for walking and biking. Or take a rafting tour on the Truckee River, which flows from the lake. In winter, Tahoe City provides rental shops for ski and snowboarding gear and restaurants and bars to visit after a day on the slopes.

 

Tahoe City is located 15 miles (24 kilometers) off Interstate 80. Most visitors arrive via State Route 89 south from the town of Truckee. Find street parking and a few small parking lots along North Lake Boulevard.

Its busy seasons are winter and summer, with fewer visitors in full and spring, but Tahoe City hosts popular events year-round. Watch fireworks on the Fourth of July; head to Commons Beach in the summer for a farmers market or outdoor concerts; visit in June for the Tahoe City Food and Wine Classic; or celebrate Mardi Gras at the Tahoe City SnowFest Parade.   

 

The most accessible ski resorts from Tahoe City are Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. These neighboring resorts off State Route 89 are about five miles (8 kilometers) from town, and can be skied on the same pass. Northstar California Resort is a family-friendly resorts and about a 30-minute drive in normal conditions. The smaller Homewood Resort, about 15 minutes south on 89, is a local favorite.

Emerald Bay is the jewel of Lake Tahoe’s natural sights—and not just because of its name. Its waters are a bright turquoise color, owing both to the clarity of the lake and the shallowness of the bay. Emerald Bay is also home to the lake’s only islet, Fannette Island. This scenic patch of land surrounded by water is what gives the bay its jewel-like shape and name. Visitors flock to the area in summer for boating, swimming, and hiking opportunities.

You can view Emerald Bay from overlooks and hiking trails on land, by air on a helicopter tour, or by water on a Lake Tahoe cruise. All offer different perspectives to take in breathtaking views of the picturesque spot. Sunset is a particularly beautiful time to visit, so book sunset dinner cruises and sunset helicopter tours in advance. Other not-to-be-missed sights include Vikingsholm, a 38-room mansion that is one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the United States, and Eagle Falls, a beautiful waterfall accessible by short hike.

Lake Tahoe lies on the border of California and Nevada. Emerald Bay is on the California side of the lake, on the western edge of the south shore. To get to the park, take Highway 89 to the southwest shore of the lake. It is about a 4-hour drive from San Francisco, and eight hours from Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Emerald Bay is stunning in all seasons. Summer is the best time to visit, as temperatures are fairly mild. In winter, however, temperatures often remain below freezing and access to hiking trails is limited. You can pick up trail maps from the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center in summer or from the park’s headquarters in South Lake Tahoe year-round.

Many visitors come to beautiful Lake Tahoe for the scenery alone, but there’s plenty of outdoor adventure to be had as well. In the summer, hiking, biking, and water sports are widely available, while the winter opens world-class ski runs at the many nearby resorts. Photographers will appreciate the landscape photo opportunities, including the surrounding, often-snow-capped Sierra mountain range.

With its pristine waters, long stretches of sandy beach, rocky coves with giant boulders, and stunning panoramic views, Sand Harbor is one of the most popular beaches at Lake Tahoe. It’s the ideal place for the whole family to enjoy a day of fun in the sun surrounded by some of Lake Tahoe’s most spectacular scenery.

 

With 55 acres (22.2 hectares) of beach and forested areas, there’s plenty to do at Sand Harbor. Multiple beaches offer sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and even scuba diving. Don’t miss the many giant boulders here, great for climbing or jumping off. Hire kayaks or stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) from the on-site rental shop and paddle to nearby hidden coves and beaches. Or take a break from the water and hike into the woods or have a barbecue or picnic under the shade of pine and cedar trees. Part of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, the beach has extensive amenities.

 

Visitors can easily spend a few hours or even a full day at Sand Harbor. Those short on time should book a Lake Tahoe circle tour. For a different perspective, take a hot-air balloon ride or helicopter tour.

 

 

Sand Harbor is located on the east side of the north shore of Lake Tahoe, about 3 miles (4.6 kilometers) south of Incline Village on NV 28. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, regular buses run from Incline Village.

 

During the peak summer season, arrive early to get a parking spot. Stay for the amazing sunsets. The annual Shakespeare Festival runs during July and August—a wonderful opportunity to see performances against a stunning natural backdrop. For fewer crowds, visit during the week in the shoulder seasons.

 

Mountain bikers should check out nearby Flume Trail, one of the most scenic rides in Lake Tahoe. An exciting, mostly single track 1,600 feet (488 meters) above Lake Tahoe, there are stretches of uninterrupted views of the lake and sheer drop-offs for added excitement. Most riders start at Spooner Lake, also part of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park; a shuttle also runs from Tunnel Creek Café.

Vikingsholm Castle is a historic mansion and architectural highlight of Lake Tahoe. Located in beautiful Emerald Bay State Park, the majestic home overlooks the lake’s scenic Emerald Bay and Fannette Island. Blending seamlessly with its surrounding natural environment, Vikingsholm is considered to be one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere.

Vikingsholm dates back to 1929, when it served as the summer home of Lora Josephine Knight. After visiting Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden for design inspiration, Knight had the 38-room house constructed using only natural materials from the area—no nails, pegs, or spikes. She also built a small teahouse on Fannette Island in the middle of the bay, accessible by boat, kayak, and canoe. Lake Tahoe boat tours often pass by the Vikingsholm, and cruises that visit Emerald Bay share history of the house and the area. You can also spy Vikingsholm from the air by helicopter tour. To see the interior of the house, you must be on a guided tour led by an official state park guide.

Vikingsholm is located in South Lake Tahoe on the California (western) side of the lake. To get to the mansion, take Highway 89 to the lake’s southwest shore. The house is a short, 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) hike away from the Emerald Bay State Park lookout parking lot, which is worth stopping at for views of the bay and Fannette Island. Public bus service is available from both the north and south shores. Private boats can also pick up and drop off from a dock near the home.

Visitors can see the house exterior at any time of year. House tours are available only during the summer, from late May to late September. Guided tours last 30 minutes and are conducted on the half hour from 10:30am to 3:30pm.

As you enter the castle, take a look at the sod roof, which covers both wings of the house. It sprouts wildflowers each spring. Once inside, be sure to notice the level of exquisite detail, from the delicate paintings on the ceilings and walls to the antique furnishings and Nordic fireplaces. 

Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States with a depth of 1,645 ft (501 m). It calls two states home. Two thirds of the lake is in California, the remaining third in Nevada.

Much of the world discovered Lake Tahoe and the neighborhoods that surround it when it hosted the 1960 winter Olympics. (That’s the same year hockey fans and non-hockey fans alike watched the United States Olympic hockey team defeat the Russians to win the Gold medal.) Snow and any activities you can do on it or with it is popular in Lake Tahoe. At the lake level, annual snowfall averages 125 inches, but at alpine skiing elevations, the snowfall averages 600 inches. Winter turns the area into a much loved snow covered playground with numerous ski resorts that cater to visitors’ every need.

Spring, summer and fall is when the lake itself, really gets to shine. With 72 miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of places to launch kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards. Ski runs thaw and become great hiking and biking trails. A combination of sandy and rocky beaches attracts sun seekers and swimmers. But don’t forget, all that winter snow helps make the lake the scenic and chilly spot it is. At the surface, Lake Tahoe’s water temperature varies from 41 to 68 degrees F. So be in the right frame of mind before you take the plunge. 

Whereas both states’ portion of Lake Tahoe enjoy mountain scenery, the Nevada, South Lake stretch includes casinos and has a reputation for being a bit more touristy than traditionally quiet North Lake Tahoe. 

To truly experience Lake Tahoe, take a trip aboard the M.S. Dixie II, a paddle-wheel boat that plies the lake’s stunning, cobalt-blue waters. From its vantage point on the lake, take in views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Emerald Bay, charming Fannette Island, and Vikingsholm Castle.

 

The 500-passenger M.S. Dixie II is South Lake Tahoe’s largest cruising vessel. Passengers can choose between daytime or sunset dinner cruises, each lasting about 2 hours. Daytime cruisers learn about the underwater world of Lake Tahoe during a “Sunken Treasures of Lake Tahoe” video presentation, while dinner cruisers enjoy live music, dancing, a sit-down dinner, and views of the sunset over the Sierra Nevada mountains.

 

 

The M.S. Dixie II departs from Zephyr Cove Resort Marina, 20 minutes northeast from South Lake Tahoe. Zephyr Cove offers complimentary shuttle pickup and drop-off service to select areas of Lake Tahoe. The closest airport is Reno-Lake Tahoe International Airport, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) away.

 

Passengers can cruise aboard the M.S. Dixie II throughout the year. Due to shorter daylight hours, dinner cruises depart after sunset during the winter season. Additional departures are available during the summer.

 

The Zephyr Cove Marina itself is also worth checking out before or after a cruise. Experience the thrill of parasailing; polish up on your wakeboarding or water skiing skills; relax on a mile-long sandy beach; or rent a boat, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or WaveRunner for your own lake adventure.

South Lake Tahoe, perched on the largest Alpine lake in North America on the California–Nevada border, is one of the region’s most popular hot spots. The city offers stellar water views and serviceable accommodations with easy access to the lake, plus casinos, great skiing, beaches, and bike trails.

South Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination with a particular appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. In summer, an extensive network of walking paths, bike trails, and campsites offer myriad ways to enjoy the lake and its surrounding forests, including Emerald Bay State Park (just a few miles north of town). In winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to the region to experience some of  California’s best ski resorts, including Heavenly and Squaw Valley. For something even more serene, strap on a pair of snowshoes and take an off-the-beaten-path winter hike through the fresh powder.

The nearest airport is Reno-Tahoe International, located 58 miles (93 kilometers) north. If you don’t have a car, catch the South Tahoe Express Bus from the airport to the Heavenly Gondola. Or, fly into San Francisco International Airport take the scenic 3.5-hour drive.

The best time to visit South Lake Tahoe? That depends on what you like to do. Non-skiers tend to enjoy the area in early fall and late spring, when the crowds are thinner, the prices are lower, and the weather is consistently beautiful.

Lake Tahoe has a large perimeter, and each shore offers something unique. The south shore, near South Lake Tahoe, shines for its gambling and entertainment,  easy access to ski resorts like Heavenly, and abundant, affordable accommodations. North Lake Tahoe, on the other hand, is dotted with vacation rentals and luxury resorts, and the eastern and western banks, which have less commercial activity, are good choices for a rugged wilderness escape. 

Though only one mile south of its much larger neighbor Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake holds its own, scenically surrounded by tall pine trees and mountains.  It was created centuries ago by a glacier from the Glen Alpine Valley, and a lack of commercial development here means a very high quality of water, the clarity of which means visibility up to 50 feet. The bottom is even often visible from the shore!

Boating and fishing are both popular activities, with a variety of small boats available for visitors to rent. There are also several fantastic hiking trails around the area, and though there are no designated areas the lake is great for swimming. The proximity to Lake Tahoe and remaining relatively unknown means fewer crowds and less bustling activity. There is also a campground for those seeking full immersion into the peace of nature here.

One of the top ski resorts on the West Coast, Squaw Valley was the host of the 1960 Winter Olympics. With 3,600 acres (1,457 hectares) of terrain, over 170 trails, and a village boasting over 50 restaurants and 40 shops, as well as a multitude of activities and festivals in the summer, there's plenty to keep visitors occupied year-round.

 

Most winter visitors come to Squaw for skiing and snowboarding, but it's possible to enjoy the snow in other ways, like snow tubing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling. During the summer, don't miss a ride on the Aerial Tram 2,000 feet (610 meters) to High Camp. Besides stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra, there's a pool, hot tub, roller rink, disc golf, bar, dining, and shopping available. Summer also sees popular festivals like Wanderlust, Brews, Jazz and Funk Fest, and Peaks and Paws.

 

To see more of the lake, book a Lake Tahoe circle tour, which will take you around the entire lake, stopping at key spots like Emerald Bay and Sand Harbor.

 

 

Squaw Valley is located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, about 12 miles (19 kilometers) south of Truckee and 7 miles (11 kilometers) from Tahoe City. The closest airport is Reno, Nevada, about 42 miles (68 kilometers) away. The resort is 196 miles (315 kilometers) from San Francisco.

 

When to visit Squaw Valley depends on what you want to do. The ski season generally runs from mid-November to mid-May, depending on snow conditions, with night skiing available on certain dates. The summer season typically runs from mid-May to mid-September.

 

Since 2011, a lift ticket to Squaw Valley has included access to nearby Alpine Meadows. The two resorts combined have over 240 trails, 43 lifts, and 6,200 acres (2,510 hectares) of terrain to explore. A shuttle bus connects the two resorts, and plans for a gondola between the two are in the works.