Things to do in Lake Tahoe
Two peak seasons: summer (Jul-Sep) for beaches, hiking, and the lake, and winter (Dec-Mar) for world-class skiing. The lake sits at 6,200 ft, so nights stay cool even in summer.
Best months: July, August, September, February
What is worth your time in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe Scenic Loop DriveDo not miss
The full 72-mile circle of the shoreline past Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor, and a dozen overlooks.
Day Trip · 7.5 hr4.9
Emerald Bay State ParkDo not miss
Tahoe's signature view: a glacial bay with the lake's only island and the Vikingsholm castle far below.
Nature · 2.5 hr4.8
Inspiration Point OverlookDo not miss
The classic pull-off above Emerald Bay for the postcard view of the bay and Fannette Island.
Viewpoint · 33 min4.8
Sand Harbor State ParkDo not miss
The east shore's crown jewel: turquoise water and smooth granite boulders, perfect for swimming and paddling.
Beach · 3 hr4.8
Tahoe East Shore TrailDo not miss
A paved 3-mile path from Incline Village to Sand Harbor with overlooks of the clearest Tahoe water.
Scenic Route · 1.8 hr4.8
Vikingsholm CastleDo not miss
A 1929 Scandinavian-style mansion reached by a steep mile trail to the shore of Emerald Bay.
Historic Site · 2.8 hr4.7
Lake Tahoe Skiing and SnowboardingDo not miss
A dozen resorts ring the basin, from Heavenly and Palisades to Northstar and Kirkwood.
Activity · 6.5 hr4.6
Lake Tahoe Paddlewheel CruiseDo not miss
A paddlewheel cruise from Zephyr Cove or Ski Run Marina across to Emerald Bay.
Activity · 2.5 hr4.4
Heavenly GondolaDo not miss
A gondola from South Lake Tahoe to a 9,100-ft observation deck with the whole lake spread below.
Viewpoint · 2.8 hr4.2
Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake TrailDo not miss
A short, steep climb past a waterfall to an alpine lake at the edge of Desolation Wilderness.
Activity · 2.3 hr
Tahoe Flume Trail
One of America's most scenic mountain-bike rides, a cliff-edge flume bench high above the east shore.
Activity · 4.5 hr5
Desolation Wilderness
A full day of granite-and-lake backcountry hiking to spots like Lake Aloha above the south shore.
Day Trip · 8.5 hr4.9
Lake Tahoe Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Glide over crystal-clear shallows at Sand Harbor or Kings Beach on calm mornings.
Activity · 2 hr4.9
Thunderbird Lodge
A 1930s stone lake estate with secret tunnels and a wooden speedboat, by guided tour only.
Historic Site · 2.5 hr4.9
And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- The lake straddles California and Nevada; the 72-mile shoreline loop is the classic way to see it all.
- Altitude is real at 6,200 ft and higher on the peaks: hydrate and pace the first day.
- Summer beach parking fills by mid-morning; arrive early or use the shuttle at Sand Harbor and Emerald Bay.
- Mountain weather changes fast and passes can close in winter: carry chains and check road conditions.