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.
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.
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.
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.
Kristin and her husband made the move to the Lake Tahoe area after visiting for their honeymoon and they head to the lake whenever they get a chance—summer or winter.
take a cruise on the MS Dixie II paddleboat. The 2-hour tour gives you an overview of the area and feel for the scale of the lake.
involves bikes and ice cream. Rent a bike from Anderson's Bicycle Rental, cruise along the bike path, and finish with an ice cream from the Camp Richardson Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor.
Virginia City. Travel back in time to the Wild West, ride the steam train, and get a bloody mary from the Bucket of Blood Saloon.
head to the north and west side of the lake. The towns there have a more local feel. I always like to stop at the Spoon in Tahoe City.
go to Inspiration Point. You’ll get a clear shot of Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm Castle, but get there early as parking can be a bit difficult later in the day.
is thinking Lake Tahoe is just a winter skiing destination. I actually think summer is the best season to visit—the weather is perfect and there’s lots to do, from hiking to water sports.
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America and is famous for its beauty: Located on the Nevada-California border high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, its azure waters are ringed with snow-capped mountains. Lake Tahoe is also renowned for its ski resorts, and it hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics.
...MoreLake Tahoe offers dozens of warm-weather activities for outdoorsy types in the summer months, from kayaking, parasailing, paddleboarding, and fishing to hiking and biking. Once the sun sets, South Lake Tahoe's bars, restaurants, and craft breweries are a popular destination for visitors looking to kick back and relax.
...MoreAs one of the country's most popular ski destinations, Lake Tahoe is host to 15 different resorts, each of which promises thrilling slopes, alternative winter sports like snowboarding and snowshoeing, and a lively après-ski scene. You don't have to be intrepid to take in soaring views from the Heavenly Gondola.
...MoreTo make the most of your time in Lake Tahoe, head to the lively Tahoe South, where the bulk of the lake's casinos, restaurants, bars, and other attractions are found. The resort city of South Lake Tahoe is near many in-demand resorts and beaches, so it is a convenient base.
...MoreYes, Lake Tahoe has a bustling nightlife scene, much of which is concentrated along the southern half of the lake. The city of South Lake Tahoe offers a lively array of bars, restaurants, casinos, shops, and resorts, and during the winter season, the après-ski scene is its own attraction.
...MoreDon't miss Emerald Bay State Park, which is known for its unspoiled beauty and the historical Vikingsholm mansion. Summer boat trips on Lake Tahoe are essential, and in winter, its ski resorts are a must. Visit Palisades Tahoe, which hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics, and ascend the famed Heavenly Gondola.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 17 |
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Number of Tours | 63 |
Number of Reviews | 2,277 |
Currency | USD |
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