Things to do in Lake Tahoe
Welcome to Lake Tahoe
Set high in the Sierra Nevada range, spanning the California/Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the US and one of the deepest in the world. Surrounded by pine forest and steep, alpine peaks, Tahoe is famous for its dazzlingly clear, blue-green water and epic winter snows. With easy access from the Bay Area and Sacramento, Lake Tahoe National Recreation Area attracts roughly three million visitors year-round. Lake Tahoe's many activities are divided by weather and season. In winter, powder-hounds flock to its numerous ski resorts and snowboarding trails. Summer season is great for watersports of all sorts—swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking—as well as hiking, camping, and mountain biking. With just one narrow, winding road along the 72-mile (116-kilometer) shoreline, a chauffeured "circle-the-lake" tour is the best way to take in the scenery. South Shore, home of Heavenly Mountain Resort, Emerald Bay State Park, and Eagle Falls, makes a popular base. Start in Zephyr Cove and capture those famous views from the deck of an old-fashioned paddleboat or even from the cockpit of a helicopter—the choice is yours. Many day trips begin in South Shore, from wine tasting in El Dorado to a Wild West adventure, complete with steam train ride. It also offers nightlife, casinos (on the Nevada side), and easy access from Reno airport. North Shore's Tahoe City and Squaw Valley are generally quieter and more upscale. A few good restaurants are found here, with many more options in nearby Truckee.
Top 15 attractions in Lake Tahoe
Emerald Bay State Park
Lake Tahoe
Sand Harbor
Vikingsholm Castle
Heavenly Gondola
Squaw Valley
Virginia City
Virginia and Truckee Railroad
Eagle Falls
South Lake Tahoe
M.S. Dixie II
Tahoe City
El Dorado Wine Region
Tahoe National Forest
Northstar
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All about Lake Tahoe
When to visit
Lake Tahoe is a popular outdoorsy destination, with beaches and slopes enticing visitors in summer and winter. Whether you’re packing a swimsuit or ski gear, these are the best times to visit. Summer hosts a bevy of festivals, including the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, the Brews, Jazz, and Funk Fest, and the Lake Tahoe Music Festival—all in July and August. To avoid crowds, plan months in advance, snag beach spots and ski lifts early, and skip holiday weekends.
Getting around
Straddling the Nevada-California border some 6,245 feet (1,900 meters) above sea level, Lake Tahoe is well-connected transportation wise. Public buses move travelers (and their bikes) between North and South Lake Tahoe. Seasonal resort shuttles, rideshares, and bike lanes round out transport options. Travelers with cars may have to deal with bumper-to-bumper traffic, but a car is a good way to see destinations such as the Emerald Cove lookout and take in the entire Lake Tahoe Loop scenic drive.
Traveler tips
California Sno-Parks, operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, offer affordable access to snow play areas (think sledding and snow angels) and cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails. Permits are easily obtained online for a small fee—much less than the hundreds of dollars spent on downhill skiing. Blackwood Canyon, Taylor Creek, and Echo Lake sites are on the lake’s west side; 15 other sites are farther out as far as Sierra City and Pinecrest.