28 Best Things to Do in Lake Tahoe in 2023

Lake Tahoe is a year-round paradise for nature lovers, journey seekers, and people on the lookout for a serene getaway. It may also be an important 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 assist you to plan your subsequent journey.

Top Things to Do When Visiting Lake Tahoe

The finest approach to get round Lake Tahoe is by driving. Compare automotive rental costs right here. You may obtain this audio-guided tour to comply with as you drive by 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 a neighborhood information stopping at high Lake Tahoe points of interest together with Resort at Palisades Tahoe (previously Squaw Valley Resort), Sand Harbor, and Emerald Bay.

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 crammed with casinos, nightlife, and loads of leisure.

Whether you might be visiting Lake Tahoe in summer season or winter, you’ll discover limitless choices for outside adventures, advantageous delicacies, and excellent viewpoints. So, are you prepared to see all the perfect 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 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 provides 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 possibly can 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 akin to kayaking and paddleboarding.

You can lease 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 different climbing choices for all ranges. For a extra relaxed exercise, get pleasure from a picnic on the seaside or go to the park’s customer heart to deepen your understanding of the world’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 proper 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 personal boat constitution to discover at your individual tempo. Book this personal constitution for up to six company who can get pleasure from a personal tour of Lake Tahoe in Style in type with their personal captain driving them by 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 journey takes up to the Tamarack Lodge at 9,123 ft (2,781 meters) above sea stage.

This scenic journey provides breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The gondola ascends to an commentary deck, the place you possibly can get pleasure from a panoramic vista of the world.

At the highest, discover the unbelievable climbing trails or go to the Tamarack Lodge for a meal with a view. In winter, benefit from the ski and snowboard runs. Regardless of the season, the journey is a fascinating approach to admire the great 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 residence to 12 ski resorts with six predominant 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 a whole lot of crowds, however as a result of it’s so large, you may get away from all of it.

Kirkwood ski resort is one other common 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 possibly can nonetheless go up the mountain of Heavenly. The 2.5-mile gondola journey will take you to an commentary 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, get pleasure from a different 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 pictures 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 carry 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 possibly can be part of in on guided walks. In the winter, it’s a common 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 possibly can lease snowshoes from Camp Richardson Mountain Sports Center and get all the data you want. Camp Richardson can be a winter cross-country ski resort with cabins for lease, a historic lodge, 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 different works, starting from work and pictures to sculpture and ceramics. The shows rotate repeatedly, 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 trying to faucet into their artistic aspect. 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 journey. 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 approach to create lasting reminiscences 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 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, akin 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 corporations provide particular sundown flights for an much more magical expertise. Be positive to carry 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 season or winter, helicopter excursions are a fantastic approach 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 number of the most interesting seashores in Lake Tahoe, it’s an important location for swimming in Lake Tahoe in the summer season. The park can be identified for its outstanding granite formations, such because the Rubicon Point Lighthouse.

Beyond the seaside, the park provides a community of climbing 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 find it irresistible.

There’s Bally’s and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino to title a number of. Of all of the issues to do in Lake Tahoe South that is in all probability one of the crucial common. South Lake Tahoe is crammed with pleasure and nightlife and many eating decisions.

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 change into common 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 residence 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 strive all of the actions. There Cafe Zenon is situated 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 season. This calm, sandy seaside is the proper spot to study or follow stand-up paddleboarding. With leases obtainable close by, it’s a simple exercise to decide up even when you’re a novice.

Apart from paddleboarding, Kings Beach provides a wide range of water-based actions like kayaking and jet snowboarding. Or, you possibly can merely calm down on the shore and take in the solar. The seaside’s westward-facing location makes it a great spot to watch the sundown over the lake.

17. Lake Tahoe Spas

After all that outside 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 therapy 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 heart provides a spread of remedies designed to rejuvenate physique and thoughts, together with massages, facials, and physique therapies.

The resort’s amenities 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 proper backdrop for leisure.

Most accommodations 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 practically 100 emigrants en route to California between 1846 to 1847. Only half of them survived after their wagon practice ran right into a snowstorm. it tells a grotesque story.

Aside from its historic enchantment, the park provides a wide range of outside actions. In summer season, get pleasure from 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 inside adventurer at Treetop Adventure Park. This thrilling outside expertise incorporates a sequence of programs set excessive in the bushes, together with rope swings, bridges, and zip traces. It’s a enjoyable and difficult exercise for adults and kids alike.

Courses fluctuate 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 on the lookout for a enjoyable household exercise, Treetop Adventure Park is a novel approach 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’s an intro bike park for inexperienced persons.

At the resort, there are climbing trails, enjoyable summer season actions for the entire household, and a child’s camp. You may 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 just a little 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 scenic meadows and mountains views as you navigate straightforward rapids to River Ranch.

If you need a extra adrenaline-fueled rafting expertise, you possibly can e-book the Boca Floriston Run on the Truckee River with intermediate rapids by the Tahoe National Forest.

Book this tour in advance – The Truckee River Boca to Floriston run is nice for households to get pleasure from 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, stay music, and outside 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 stay leisure. All round Lake Tahoe, there are festivals and occasions. The summer season live performance sequence 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 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 beneath 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 in opposition to the gorgeous backdrop of Lake Tahoe.

Alongside the Shakespearean performs, the competition consists of a wide range of different leisure, akin to stay music and dance. Enhance your theater expertise with a pre-ordered meal or carry your individual picnic to get pleasure from on the seaside. Be positive to e-book your tickets in advance for this common summer season 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 climbing trails. The Five Lakes Trail is without doubt one of the most lovely 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 possibly can 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 need 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 residence to 12 ski resorts with six predominant 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 light slopes for inexperienced persons 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 if you are there, go to the Olympic Museum showcasing memorabilia from the 1960 Winter Olympics.

North Star has a number 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 received’t be disillusioned.

Northstar, Alpine Meadows, and Homewood Mountain are different advisable resorts.

Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe 

When on the lookout for the place to keep in Lake Tahoe, all of it relies on what outside 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 propose north lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe North

Cedar Crest Cottages – Great for big households or {couples}. It has its personal kitchen and outside firepit. It’s just a little far-off from every thing, however that’s precisely what most individuals are on the lookout for when coming to Lake Tahoe.

Sunnyside Resort – Located immediately on Lake Tahoe, Sunnyside Resort is a wonderful central location that appears 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 probably the most handy location proper subsequent to the Heavenly Gondola. It’s a busy lodge with plenty of households and I believe it might positively use an improve. But you possibly can’t go flawed with the situation or worth. Search Booking.com for Accommodation in Lake Tahoe.

We have a complete 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 will have to do is go for a stroll down the road and discover the place you might be on the lookout for.

But a number of locations we sampled and might advocate are:

Riva Grill – is a lakefront eatery that could be a native favourite. It provides up to date American meals and there’s loads of parking. Outpost Brewing Company – is a superb 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 thrill and power of South Tahoe’s nightlife and casinos.

Have you been to Lake Tahoe in the winter? What are your favourite issues to do?