Lake Tahoe, North America’s biggest alpine lake, attracts visitors year round with its natural beauty and variety of activities. Hikers, campers, and boaters are drawn to the perfect blue lake and snowcapped peaks. Numerous people visit in the winter to ski at one of the many well-known ski resorts. Lake Tahoe is a one-of-a-kind destination that guarantees a memorable trip.
Lake Tahoe
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The ideal months to visit Lake Tahoe are March to May and September to November, although the area welcomes tourists all year due to its diverse attractions and activities. During the fall, there is a slight decrease in tourist activity, but when the temperatures drop, skiing warms up.
TOP TIPS
— Visit during the week for better deals on hotels and activities.
— The water is quite cold. If you’re swimming, make sure to warm up frequently.
— South Lake Tahoe is bustling with low-cost hotels and restaurants. There are also complimentary shuttles between the casinos and the ski resorts.
WHAT TO SEE
EMERALD BAY STATE PARK
Tucked in the lake’s southwest corner, the bay opens inside the small mouth at Emerald and Eagle Points, and its beautiful emerald to sapphire water attracts a crowd.
TREETOP ADVENTURE PARK
This multi-course treetop adventure course has 97 tree-top platforms spread across ten courses, 27 ziplines, and suspension bridges of varying heights.
ALPINE MOUNTAINS
Heavenly is the largest ski resort in Lake Tahoe, with 4,630 acres of ski terrain. Non-skiers can enjoy the 2.4-mile gondola ride, which rises to 9,123 feet and offers breathtaking views.
VIKINGSHOLM
Vikingsholm pays homage to great Scandinavian architecture while merging in with the trees. Excursions are only available in summer, so it’s one of the top summer activities.
DID YOU KNOW…?
Lake Tahoe has been around for almost 2 million years. Tahoe is considered an ancient lake and is one of the world’s 20 oldest.
WHERE TO STAY
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
- The Landing Resort & Spa (see on Trip Advisor)
- Marriott’s Timber Lodge (see on Trip Advisor)
INCLINE VILLAGE
- Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort (see on Trip Advisor)
- High Sierra Lodge (see on Trip Advisor)
TAHOE CITY
- Northstar Lodge (see on Trip Advisor)
- Basecamp Tahoe City (see on Trip Advisor)
TOURS TO BOOK
5 Free things to do in Lake Tahoe
- Truckee’s Thursday Night Street Fair – Truckee Thursdays, a weekly street festival with local and regional merchants, live performers, and a beer garden, delivers the best night adventure.
- Sand Harbor State Park – The 55-acre park provides chances for swimming, scuba diving, and kayaking in Lake Tahoe’s clear waters. There are also miles of sandy beaches.
- Eagle Rock Hiking Trail – Eagle Rock is a spectacular volcanic outcrop located at a height of almost 6,000 feet, just a few hundred feet above Lake Tahoe. This short, simple trek is approximately a half-mile long and takes around 20 minutes to accomplish, but it rewards with spectacular vistas.
- Tallac Historic Site – The Tallac Historic Site, managed by the Tahoe Heritage Foundation, comprises the Pope-Baldwin Estates, which are available for visits during the summer. This also includes the gardens, the Tallac Museum, and a Vintage Clothing Exhibit.
- Tahoe National Forest – The National Forest is brimming with well-planned trails that will allow you to participate and immerse yourself in this natural beauty.
what to eat in Lake Tahoe
Beef Brisket
Choose from a variety of meats, including chicken wings, ribs, and beef brisket, all of which are smoked on-site and served with house-made BBQ sauces.
Where: Kirkwood Inn and Saloon
Fish Tacos
Sunnyside’s fish tacos are fantastic; get them Cajun-style for an extra burst of flavor.
Where: Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge
Beef Wellington
It’s only natural to choose British staples like Beef Wellington and Sticky Toffee Pudding when dining at a Ramsay restaurant.
Where: Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen Lake Tahoe
