Lake Tahoe Travelers Recommend

Lake Tahoe is an outdoor lover’s paradise in the summer, with prime opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, beaches, and watersports from North Lake Tahoe down the west shore to South Lake Tahoe, home to Heavenly Mountain Resort. Here are our favorite ways to enjoy this alpine environment in the warmer months. 

• Cruise from South Lake Tahoe to Emerald Bay State Park by jet ski or boat. You’ll see Fannette Island and Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian-style castle, along the way. 

• For an active, yet peaceful, mode of water transit, rent a stand-up paddleboard. 

• Go rafting from Tahoe City down the Truckee River.

• Ride the Squaw Valley Aerial Tram to the top of the ski resort, where you’ll catch panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains of the Sierra range.

• Enjoy one of the many hiking trails; Eagle Falls is a favorite on the south shore.

• Drive or take a tour around the circumference of the lake, which straddles Nevada and California. Just be sure to allot the whole day if you plan to stop for photo opps.  

• Visit the old mining town of Virginia City, Nevada, to learn about the region’s Wild West history and take a ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad.

A 3-day trip to Lake Tahoe lets you experience area highlights with time for a day trip to nearby attractions. Prebooking tours and tickets ensures you won’t be shut out from popular spots, whether your trip is a snowy adventure or or a warm-weather bask in the Sierra sunshine. Get started with these trip-planning tips.

Day 1: Snowy Sierras or High-Altitude Beach time

In winter, hit the slopes for a day of skiing or snowboarding, making your turns with views of Tahoe’s frozen lakeshore. Booking lift tickets in advance can be a money- and time-saving alternative to lining up to buy them on the spot, and if you need to rent skis or a snowboard, look for packages that bundle tickets, gear, and even a lesson for ease.

In warmer weather, head straight for Lake Tahoe itself. Active explorers choose from boat rentals, guided jet ski tours, and parasailing, with the option to go on your own or with a guide. For something more relaxed, board a roomy cruise boat for a laid-back trip along the lakeshore. After lunch at a lakeside cafe or a sunny waterfront picnic, rent a bike to pedal along the Lake Tahoe bike path, which winds past colorful coves and evergreen forests.

Day 2: Go Farther Afield

A central location in the Sierras means you can use Lake Tahoe as a jumping-off point for trips to Yosemite National Park, Truckee River, California wine country, and more. Coordinating transport, entry fees, and tours cuts into valuable sightseeing time, making inclusive day trips a convenient option—and someone else will do the driving.

When summer months bring long days, it’s often possible to coordinate a day trip with an early-evening activity. Favorite ways to enjoy dusk in the Sierra mountains include boarding a sunset dinner cruise across Lake Tahoe, or taking a sunset helicopter flight that’s timed to catch evening light on the high peaks.

Day 3: Off-Mountain Exploring

After experiencing some of Tahoe’s starring attractions, ditch the crowds for a day of exploring quieter spots. In winter, a snowshoe tour or cross-country ski trip is a great way to take in the peaceful woods far away from lift lines. A nostalgic option is to bundle up for a horse-drawn sleigh ride that jingles over snowy paths, sliding you right into some of Lake Tahoe’s prettiest terrain.

In summer, try exploring Lake Tahoe on a maneuverable kayak or stand-up paddle board—the smaller craft allows you to navigate into corners of the lake that larger tours and cruise boats seldom reach. If trawling for lake trout is more your style, a fishing tour is a great alternative: Head to the best Lake Tahoe fishing spots and away from busier beaches and noisy power boats. 

With two days to explore Lake Tahoe’s mountain landscape, you can take in alpine summits, discover the lakeshore, and dive into South Lake’s energetic nightlife. Since most of this Sierra hot spot’s action is outside, plans could go from snowy adventures to lake time. Here are some tips for enjoying Lake Tahoe in any season.

Day 1: Sierra Slopes

**Morning:**In winter, snag first chair for a day at one of the alpine resorts surrounding Lake Tahoe, including Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood; to save money, book lift tickets, gear, and a lesson all in one. In summer, get your mountain time on a gondola ride to the summit at Heavenly, with views towards the lakeshore.

**Afternoon:**After a day on—or above—the slopes, soar over the mountains with a sunset helicopter tour timed to catch the last light on the Sierra peaks. Watch for the distinctive pink “alpenglow” that sometimes illuminates the summits, and keep your camera ready from takeoff to landing. 

**Night:**Head to South Lake for a taste of Tahoe nightlife. Booking a spot in advance ensures you won’t spend the evening waiting in line as tables can fill up fast at popular venues.

Day 2: Off-the-Slopes Playtime

**Morning:**Start your second winter day by escaping the crowded slopes and exploring the frozen landscape on snowshoes, cross-country skis, or bundled into a horse-drawn sleigh. In summer, make a beeline for the lake where you can hit the water in a cruise boat, jet ski, or stand-up paddleboard.

**Afternoon:**Recover from an active morning with a hearty lunch in town, where prebooking a table can be a time-saving alternative that lets you get back into action more quickly. A warm-weather alternative is to pack a picnic, rent a bike, and ride along the path that follows the lake.

**Night:**For your last night in Tahoe, check for tickets to local shows. The casinos draw big names—making them a worthwhile stop even if you’re not a gambler—but you should book in advance to snag good seats.

From forested peaks to the lakeshore, Lake Tahoe is all about nature. In summer, that means cruising the lake on a boat, stand-up paddleboard, or kayak. In winter, grab skis or a board to carve turns on slopes, or bundle up for a cozy sleigh ride through the woods. Here’s how to enjoy one day in Tahoe.

Morning: Get Cruisy

Get an early start on the day to catch morning light on the Sierra peaks—the wide-open landscape makes for expansive views. If it’s summer in Lake Tahoe, head out on the water, choosing from options that include boat cruises, kayak rentals, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboards.

When snow blankets the mountains, pre-book lift tickets for a morning of skiing and riding; one money-saving option is to book tickets, rentals, and a ski or snowboard lesson all in one. To experience the mountains without the crowds (and steep descents), consider renting cross-country skis or opting for a guided snowshoe tour.

Afternoon: Sierra Mountains Slow Travel

After going into town for lunch, head back outside for more activities. In the winter, sleigh rides are an old fashioned way to see the lakeshore to the sound of jingling bells. For a leisurely summer afternoon, rent a bike to ride on the paved bike path that wraps around the lake. In any season, a helicopter tour means spectacular views of the lake and mountains— whether you’re looking down at towering snow drifts or sails on Emerald Bay.

Night: Sunset and South Lake

Make the day count by adding one more outing to your Lake Tahoe adventure. In warm weather, sunset cruises catch the last rays of light as the lake quiets down, with some tours combining dinner with time on the water. No matter the season, the South Lake Tahoe casino scene heats up after dark, or you can snag a coveted spot at Hard Rock Cafe Lake Tahoe, where the rock-and-roll vibe meets woodsy chic.

While skiing and snowboarding are the main events of most wintertime trips to Lake Tahoe, there are a variety of snow-centric activities to keep your kids entertained outdoors. Here are a few top ways to experience this alpine destination on the California–Nevada border.

• Discover a network of snowy trails with a snowshoeing tour or rental from South Lake Tahoe.
• Prepare for a day of skiing at one of Lake Tahoe’s many ski resorts with a convenient ski or snowboard rental package.
• Take a scenic ride on the Heavenly Mountain Resort gondola for a panoramic view of Lake Tahoe on the way up to the Tamarack Lodge for hot chocolate.
• Enjoy a beginner horseback ride through a winter wonderland.
• Head to Northstar California ski resort for ice skating.
• Cozy up with the family on a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Sand Harbor Nevada State Park.

Choosing where to ski or snowboard at Lake Tahoe, home to more than a dozen resorts, can be overwhelming. For some, size matters, while for others, it’s location or whether a mountain participates in a certain season pass. Here, we’ve summarized the top six Lake Tahoe ski resorts to help you decide.

Heavenly Mountain Resort

With nearly 97 trails, 4,800 skiable acres (1942 hectares), 28 chairlifts (including a scenic gondola), and 3,500 vertical feet (1067 meters), Heavenly is one of Lake Tahoe’s biggest resorts. It sits on the Nevada–California border, meaning you to ski two states in one day. Heavenly is in South Lake Tahoe, a main tourist destination near the casinos of Stateline, Nev. It's part of Vail Resorts, along with neighboring Kirkwood and Northstar resorts, also in Lake Tahoe; you can ski all three with Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass. For big groups with varying ages and skill levels, this is a top choice.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Known for getting more annual snowfall than most Tahoe resorts, Kirkwood is 35 miles (55 kilometers) south of South Lake Tahoe and features 86 runs and 15 lifts across its 2,300 skiable acres (930 hectares), with a vertical drop of 2,000 feet (610 meters). It’s a member of Vail Resorts and can be skied on the Epic Pass. Its isolated location off the shores of the lake make it a favorite with advanced skiers.

Northstar California Resort

One of Tahoe’s top family resorts, Northstar has a convenient location between Interstate 80 and the north shore of the lake, 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from Truckee and 17 miles (27 kilometers) from Tahoe City. Skiers and riders get plenty of variety on Northstar’s 100 runs across 3,170 skiable acres (1283 hectares), with 20 lifts and 2,280 vertical feet (695 meters). With its village amenities such as outdoor ice skating, restaurants, and shops, plus a Ritz-Carlton hotel, Northstar is an ideal choice if your group includes those who aren’t skiing.

Squaw Valley–Alpine Meadows

Made up of two separate mountains, Squaw Valley–Alpine Meadows boasts a combined 230 runs, 42 lifts, 6,000 skiable acres (2428 hectares), and 2,850 vertical feet (869 meters). While Alpine Meadows is a local favorite for its laid-back atmosphere, Squaw Valley is Tahoe’s legendary mountain that hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and features dramatic, challenging terrain. Together, they have something for everyone, but often with traffic and long lift lines. The two mountains sit next to each other off Highway 89, between Truckee and Tahoe City in North Lake Tahoe. A complimentary shuttle makes regular trips between them. Squaw–Alpine is often included in multiresort passes such as Mountain Collective and IKON Pass, which allow you to ski at top resorts around the country.

Sugar Bowl

With its location just off Interstate 80, 15 miles (25 kilometers) west of Truckee, Sugar Bowl Resort is the closest major resort to San Francisco and Sacramento, and it’s popular with visitors and locals who don’t want to deal with the crowds and traffic that often accompany the resorts closer to the lake. Its 1,650 skiable acres (668 hectares) feature 100 runs, 12 lifts, and 1,500 vertical feet (457 meters). It’s also one of Tahoe’s oldest ski resorts, giving it a classic vibe that many longtime skiers love.

Diamond Peak Ski Resort

The smallest resort on this list and the only one fully in Nevada, Diamond Peak Ski Resort is known for its family-friendly features and great views of the lake. Its 655 skiable acres (265 hectares) are home to 30 runs, seven lifts, and 1,840 vertical feet (560 meters). With its interchangeable parents’ pass—where two parents can share one lift ticket—Diamond Peak is ideal for families with small children. The Incline Village resort is particularly convenient for those staying at Hyatt Regency, one of Tahoe’s most popular lakefront hotels.

There is no shortage of hiking trails in the Lake Tahoe area, but it's nice to know how “easy” or “hard” they'll be before you set out. Here are some of the most popular and easy-to-access hikes from the main towns, where most visitors stay. These four can be reached via Highway 89, which runs from Truckee down the west side of the lake.

Vikingsholm: 2 miles (3.2 kilometers)

If you’re driving to Emerald Bay, one of the lake’s most popular destinations, known for its tiny Fannette Island, the hike down to Vikingsholm Castle is a must. You can take in the view of the bay from the observation area on Highway 89, but most visitors walk down the mountain to the water to see the 1929 mansion and get another perspective on the bay. It’s a wide, out-and-back trail that doesn’t take long, but the change in elevation is almost 500 feet (152 meters), and you do have to hike back up to return to your car. Vikingsholm Castle is open for tours on select days. To continue hiking, join the Rubicon Trail or Eagle Falls trail once you’re on the lakeshore.

Five Lakes: 5 miles (8 kilometers)

Climb about 1,000 feet (305 meters) in elevation to reach a series of five small, pristine mountain lakes in the Granite Chief Wilderness. The trailhead sits on the road to Alpine Meadows ski resort, six miles (10 kilometers) from Tahoe City and 13 miles (21 kilometers) from Truckee. Most of the steep climbing is at the beginning, and then the trail flattens out a bit, rewarding you as as you meander to the lakes, where you can rest and refuel.

Shirley Canyon: 3.6 miles (5.7 kilometers)

Also known as Shirley Lake, this trail starts at the base of Squaw Valley ski resort and takes you up to the top of the mountain, known as High Camp, where you can hop on the aerial tram to ride back down. The trail is a favorite for its scenery of waterfalls, granite boulders, wildflowers, and Shirley Lake, which some hikers use as a turnaround point instead of hiking all the way to the top. If you do reach High Camp, you can toast your hard work with a drink while you admire the expansive view of the lake and surrounding peaks.

Eagle Rock: 0.7 miles (1.1 kilometers)

Not to be confused with Eagle Falls or Eagle Lake, which sit near Emerald Bay in the South Lake area, Eagle Rock viewpoint provides a quick way to get a panoramic view of the lake from its west shore. Just under five miles (seven kilometers) south of Tahoe City, before Homewood, the trailhead is off the west side of Highway 89. This is not a hike you’ll need to plan your whole day around, making it a great choice for families with younger kids.