Top Lake Tahoe Day Trips

Get to know Lake Tahoe while keeping your eyes on the road and the magnificent scenery with a self-guided audio tour designed for listening in your own car. Many of Tahoe's natural and historic treasures are tucked away, but this downloadable smartphone app will take you to must-see locations and hidden gems. Start and stop the tour whenever you like, and explore Tahoe at your own pace.

Go back in time to the old Wild West on this tour from South Lake Tahoe to Virginia City, Nevada, including a train ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. With a guide, you’ll start your day trip by minibus, driving along part of the Pony Express. When you reach Virginia City, a National Historic Landmark District, take a 6.5-mile round-trip train ride before enjoying free time in town to explore at your leisure, perhaps visiting museums or a historical saloon.

Travel all the way around scenic Lake Tahoe in a comfortable shuttle on this 7-hour tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll cover close to 70 miles (110km), making stops at the beautiful vistas of Sand Harbor and Emerald Bay. You’ll also visit a charming village at Squaw Valley Ski Resort, and explore Tahoe City on the lake’s north shore, stopping to purchase lunch. As you go, your guide will provide rich historical context for the beautiful landscape surrounding you.

Tahoe photographic tours offer a unique way to enjoy Lake Tahoe’s natural wonders and receive photography tips as you are led by an experienced photo guide who provides tips and shares information about the area. Whether you’re looking to snap a poster-worthy shot of snow-covered mountains, towering trees, wild flowers or the glassy lake itself, you’ll learn how to shoot in the great outdoors and see some of Lake Tahoe’s most beautiful natural sights, including Emerald Bay.

Go back in time to the American Wild West on this private tour from South Lake Tahoe to Virginia City, Nevada. Follow part of the old Pony Express to reach the area of the Comstock Lode, founded in 1859 during the Gold Rush, and hear about the days when Mark Twain walked the dusty streets. In Virginia City, a National Historic Landmark District, you have free time to explore on your own before stopping in Carson City on the way back to South Lake Tahoe.

Group tours of any kind can either go too fast or too slow, making for a less than ideal experience. Explore Lake Tahoe at your own pace with this self-guided electric bike tour on East Shore Trail and make stops when you choose to. Your journey along the trail ends at Sand Harbor, a popular area for swimming and boating.

Weight limits apply: Maximum per-passenger weight is 250lbs. Maximum weight of all passengers combined must not exceed 500lbs. Passenger weights must be accurately provided at time of booking. Groups reaching a combined weight of 500 lbs will be subject to a weight check upon arrival for their flight. Any individual weighing 300 lbs or more will not be permitted to fly per the limitations of the aircraft. Any cancellation of a planned flight due to weights exceeding the maximum allowable aircraft weight (individual or combined) will be charged at full price. Starting at South Tahoe Airport, this 30 minute tour first embarks to Emerald Bay, then south past Mount Tallac, and over the shoreline of Fallen Leaf lake. Head west over Glen Alpine Falls below, climbing towards Pyramid Peak. The area is scattered with myriad lakes and waterfalls. Fly over Lake Aloha and past Horsetail Falls, dropping nearly 500 feet.

Sail Tahoe Blue is the premier sailing charter in South Lake Tahoe. We offer a unique sailing adventure and include complementary local beer and wine, as well as non-alcoholic beverages on all of our daily cruises. Unlike other tour boats which take 50+ passengers, our sailing yacht, "Blue", limits our capacity to 18 passengers. If you care to enjoy the beauty of propulsion by Mother Nature without the sound and smell of an engine, come sail with us!

Weight limits apply: Maximum per-passenger weight is 250lbs. Maximum weight of all passengers combined must not exceed 500lbs. Passenger weights must be accurately provided at time of booking. Groups reaching a combined weight of 500 lbs will be subject to a weight check upon arrival for their flight. Any individual weighing 300 lbs or more will not be permitted to fly per the limitations of the aircraft. Any cancellation of a planned flight due to weights exceeding the maximum allowable aircraft weight (individual or combined) will be charged at full price. Showcasing beautiful Fallen Leaf lake, Cascade Lake, Taylor Creek, and Pope Beach, this tour heads to breathtaking Emerald Bay. Surrounded by granite cathedrals and fed by Eagle falls, the lake's only true bay is named for its emerald green waters.

Explore the scenic highlights of Yosemite National Park on a full-day, small-group guided trip from Lake Tahoe with a lunchtime picnic beside Cascade Falls. Capture unforgettable images of the park’s soaring rock walls and craggy peaks then enjoy an invigorating hike to Yosemite Falls or Bridalveil Falls, where high-mountain rivers tumble from sheer granite cliffs. Spot rock climbers scaling the face of El Capitan, watch for deer in alpine meadows, and take in the timeless beauty of California’s High Sierra mountains.

Tahoe Luxury Charters offers the finest yachting options available on Lake Tahoe. Allow us to take you through the crystal clear waters of the “jewel of the Sierras” aboard our luxury fleet. Our vessels are fully equipped with top-of-the-line amenities and powered by performance engines that allow us to travel the length of the lake in just 30 minutes. Every Charter is designed for and by you. With our team of U.S. Coast Guard certified and licensed Captains, sit back and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, with your Captain at the helm. Whether it’s a sunset cruise to Emerald Bay and Fannette Island, stopping at a dockside restaurant or bar, a visit to one of our “secret” beaches, or just enjoying some water play with your family and friends, designing your dream cruise is our mission. With 72 miles of continuous shoreline, the possibilities are endless. Our goal is to ensure you create Memories of a Lifetime.

Discover the beauty of “Big Blue” aboard a luxury 33’ Formula where everything is tailored just for you. Check out Emerald Bay, go swimming in secret coves, stop at lakeside restaurants for cocktails, or whatever you wish! Meet your US Coast Guard licensed captain and hop aboard a luxury 33’ Formula. Enjoy ample deck and bow space, a half galley and salon cabin, restroom, an upgraded sound system, and more. A 12’ lily pad raft, paddle board, and towels are included. Coolers are stocked with ice and bottled waters are complimentary. Bring whatever food or drinks you like on the boat. You can also choose from a selection of local caterers and it will be on the boat for you arrival. Your captain can pickup and drop-off in both north and south shores. Private vehicle transport to and from hotel or lodging can also be arranged. If you would like to add extra hours to your charter, just let us know. Let us take care of all the details and enjoy a dream boat day!

Discover the beauty of “Big Blue” aboard one of the largest private yachts on the lake where everything is tailored just for you. Meet your US Coast Guard licensed captain and hop aboard a luxury 45' Formula. Enjoy ample deck and bow space, a full kitchen, multiple restrooms and bedrooms, an upgraded sound system, and more. Take advantage of the swim deck's hydraulic lift that can be lowered into the water for ease and comfort. Your captain can take you wherever you want to go, from cliff jumping to boat-in lakeside restaurants for apps and cocktails. Rafts, paddle boards, and towel service are included. Bring whatever food or drinks you like on the boat. You can also choose from a selection of local caterers and it will be on the boat for you arrival. The boat can pickup and drop-off in both north and south shores. Private vehicle transport to and from hotel or lodging can also be arranged. Let us take care of all the details and enjoy a boat day designed for you, by you!

Discover the beauty of “Big Blue” aboard one of the largest private yachts on the lake where everything is tailored just for you. Meet your US Coast Guard licensed captain and hop aboard a luxury 45' Formula. Enjoy ample deck and bow space, a full kitchen, multiple restrooms and bedrooms, an upgraded sound system, and more. Take advantage of the swim deck's hydraulic lift that can be lowered into the water for ease and comfort. Your captain can take you wherever you want to go, from cliff jumping to boat-in lakeside restaurants for apps and cocktails. Rafts, paddle boards, and towel service are included. Bring whatever food or drinks you like on the boat. You can also choose from a selection of local caterers and it will be on the boat for you arrival. The boat can pickup and drop-off in both north and south shores. Private vehicle transport to and from hotel or lodging can also be arranged. Let us take care of all the details and enjoy a boat day designed for you, by you!

Discover the beauty of “Big Blue” aboard a luxury 33’ Formula where everything is tailored just for you. Check out Emerald Bay, go swimming in secret coves, stop at lakeside restaurants for cocktails, or whatever you wish! Meet your US Coast Guard licensed captain and hop aboard a luxury 33’ Formula. Enjoy ample deck and bow space, a half galley and salon cabin, restroom, an upgraded sound system, and more. A 12’ lily pad raft, paddle board, and towels are included. Coolers are stocked with ice and bottled waters are complimentary. Bring whatever food or drinks you like on the boat. You can also choose from a selection of local caterers and it will be on the boat for you arrival. Your captain can pickup and drop-off in both north and south shores. Private vehicle transport to and from hotel or lodging can also be arranged. If you would like to add extra hours to your charter, just let us know. Let us take care of all the details and enjoy a dream boat day!