The Perfect Lake Tahoe Itinerary for Summer (2–3 Days)

Mark Twain was definitely on to something when he said, “to breathe the same air as the angels, you must go to Tahoe.” With its snow-capped mountains, majestic pine trees, and crystal clear waters, Lake Tahoe is one of the most stunning year-round tourist destinations in the USA, and aren’t we lucky to have it right here in California!

A trip to Lake Tahoe in summer will definitely bring you closer to nature. There are incredible amounts of outdoor activities to do, from water sports, abundant hiking and walking opportunities, even relaxing beaches and casinos.

If you’re planning on taking a trip to the Jewel of the Sierra in the summertime, we’ve got you covered. To help you connect with nature and cross all these activities off your bucket list, we’ve put together a fun Lake Tahoe itinerary that will keep you busy for 2–3 days.

Of course we realize that you might not want to do a lot of driving, or you might want to spend more time exploring beaches then hiking. That’s okay too. This itinerary can just be a guide to help you plan your own. Here’s our list of the best summer activities in South Lake Tahoe, if you’d rather start there.

How to Get There

There are three ways you can get to Lake Tahoe: by car, by air, or by train. Here are all the details you need to know to start planning.

By Car

The most popular way to arrive in Lake Tahoe is by car. You’ll need a car to get around the lake anyways, so it’s typically best to arrive at the lake in a car, whether that’s driving long distance, or driving in from the airport.

If you’re coming from the San Francisco area, you’d take I-80 east to Sacramento, then get on I-50 to South Lake Tahoe. If you’re going to North Lake Tahoe, in Sacramento you continue on I-80 up, then take exit 185 for CA-89 S to Tahoe City. The drive is about 3:30 either way.

If you’re coming from Los Angeles, you can drive I-5 up to Sacramento then follow the directions above, or you can go on I-395 to South Lake Tahoe. The trip takes just about 8 hours.

By Air

There are 5 airports near Lake Tahoe:

• Reno-Tahoe International Airport: 45 minutes away
• Sacramento International Airport: 2 hours away
• San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland Airports: 3.5 hours away

You can take a shuttle bus or a rental car from any of these airports to get to your destination.

By Train

You can take the Amtrak train on the California Zephyr line to the Truckee Amtrak Station. This is the closest train station to Lake Tahoe.

To get to the lake, you can rent a car, use a ride-sharing service, or take a bus from the train station. The trip takes around an hour and 10 minutes to get to South Lake Tahoe, or only about 20 minutes to get to Tahoe City on the northwest side of the lake.

Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe

There are so many beautiful locations in Lake Tahoe that it might be challenging to pick one. To make things easier, we split the lake into four sections: north, south, east, and west shores. Most people choose to base themselves in one of these areas, then drive around the lake to see and do all the things. Just remember there will be driving in this itinerary.

In case you’re still not sure, I would recommend staying in South Lake Tahoe because it’s closest to the most stuff and has the most accommodation choices.

North Lake Tahoe – Best for Outdoor Lovers

Surrounded by vast greenery and crystal clear waters, northern Lake Tahoe is the go-to for those who want to unwind in nature and don’t mind spending the extra money.

Here are the best places in north Lake Tahoe:

• Luxury: Hyatt Residence Club Lake Tahoe
• Budget: Cedar Glen Lodge

South Lake Tahoe – Perfect for First-timers

Home to busy streets and beautiful views, South Lake Tahoe is where all the fun is. This area is full of coffee shops, restaurants, gift shops, and much more! This makes it ideal for families and first-timers.

Best lodging in south Lake Tahoe:

• Luxury: Marriot Grand Residence Club
• Budget: Tahoe Mountain Inn

East Lake Tahoe – Ideal for Nightlife Lovers

Right on the border between Nevada and California, the western area of Lake Tahoe is densely packed with casinos, clubs, and luxurious resorts. This makes it ideal for party people and nightlife enthusiasts.

Best hotels in East Lake Tahoe:

• Luxury: Edgewood Tahoe Hotel
• Mid-range: Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Hotel

West Lake Tahoe – Perfect for Winter Lovers

The western region of Lake Tahoe is home to the greatest ski resorts, like Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley, making it an ideal winter getaway.

Best hotels in West Lake Tahoe:

• Luxury: Everline Resort & Spa near Alpine Meadows
• Budget: Americas Best Value Inn Lake Tahoe-Tahoe City

The Perfect Lake Tahoe Itinerary

On Arrival: It’s likely that you will be in Lake Tahoe late on the day of your arrive, because no matter what you’ve probably had to fly and/or drive a long ways. So use the first day to check in and unwind. Take it easy, get to know the area, and start exploring.

First Full Day

Hike the Eagle Falls Trail

South Lake Tahoe features over a hundred hiking paths, with the Eagle Falls trail being one of the best. It is a well developed trail, but steep and rocky in places, so wear good hiking shoes. There are also extreme changes in temperatures due to very shady or very sunny spots along the mountain. Dress in layers, bring a lot of water, and prepare for really amazing views.

Take a moderate hike passes Eagle Falls, lush green forests, and massive rocky peaks. The 3.6-mile journey concludes at Eagle Lake, where you can take a refreshing dip in crystal clear water. Many hikers swim in this lake because the water is so clean and crystal clear, and it’s also usually warmer than the waters of Lake Tahoe.

How to Get There

Take Highway 89 North, approximately 8 miles from South Lake Tahoe to Eagle Falls Picnic Area. Note: There is a parking fee at this trailhead.

Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay, located on the lake’s western shore and surrounded by a stunning mountain backdrop, is considered Lake Tahoe’s crown jewel. This is an ideal location to just take in the scenery, feasting your eyes on the beautiful greens and blues against the mountain backdrop on the west shore of the lake. 

• Inspiration Point is one of the most well-known spots along Highway 89 to Emerald Bay. The spectacular backdrop and historic Fannette Island can be clearly seen from this drive-up overlook. 
• You really don’t want to miss seeing Mrs. Knight’s teahouse, which is located right in the middle of the bay on Fannette Island. The stone teahouse’s island location provides a surreal 360-degree view of the bay’s natural beauty.
• People usually take out a kayak for the best possible view of the lake or Emerald Bay and all of its brilliant colors. You can also hop on the well-known Ms. Dixie II cruise boat.
• There are many hikes to choose from, but the Rubicon Trail from Emerald Bay State Park enables you to view the entire bay from a high vantage point.
• Vikingsholm Castle – Built in 1929 by Mrs. Lora Knight, the castle has some of the original features indicative of the 11th century stone churches from southern Sweden. Scandinavian influences can be seen throughout the castle. It’s a one-mile walk to the summit and tours are available daily. Pack a picnic, your swim suit and enjoy the view from Emerald Bay Beach as well.
• Emerald Bay Beach is one of the “most photographed places on earth”. At Emerald Bay beach you can jump off the pier, bask in the sun, kayak, paddleboard, or just sitting and reading a book. The view is incredible and worth the effort to get there.

Enjoy Horseback Riding In Camp Richardson Corral 

The best horseback riding experience at the lake can be found in Camp Richardson Corral, where your ride will take you through the National forest and beautiful mountain meadows. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to horse riding and just want an easy trail ride or you’re after a longer ride, you can do it at Camp Richardson Resort. They even have pony rides for the kiddos.

Location: 4 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Sunset Hike and Photography Tour in South Lake Tahoe

See Lake Tahoe at it’s most spectacular- lit up by the setting sun! Leave the crowds of tourists behind as top-rated guide company,Tahoe Outdoor Adventures takes you off-the-beaten-path. Experienced guides combine hiking and photography into one jaw dropping adventure. Hike, climb, and explore giant boulders on top of this 360 degree view of Lake Tahoe during this golden hour.

Your creative guide will take photos of you!! Bring your camera or cell phone and take your own photos of the endless lake views as the setting sun illuminates the sky. This moderately challenging two hour trek will provide breathtaking sunset views that you will not find on your own.

Read more about it and book this tour

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

You’ll definitely be hungry after all of this, so we suggest heading to the Oyster Bar in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which is near many of the hotels in South Lake Tahoe. You can start out with a delicious seafood feast, then go explore the casino – maybe do a bit of gambling, hit up one of the bars, or listen to some live music. It’s a fun way to end the day.

Day 2

Heavenly Mountain Gondola Ride

Start your day by taking the Heavenly Mountain gondola ride. This 2.4-mile journey provides fantastic views of the Alpine forest, Lake Tahoe, and the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Be sure to grab a coffee from the observation deck’s coffee shop and take in the breathtaking view.

Chimney Beach & Secret Cove

You definitely want to stop off at Chimney Beach and Secret Cove. It’s a picturesque boulder-laden cove with spectacular views. You begin the 2.6-mile hike at the Chimney Beach Overlook parking lot. You follow a fire road that runs along the main road for about 3/4 mile, then you’ll reach some bathrooms and a sign for Secret Cove. Turn right and follow the path downhill until you reach the cove.

This is one of the most picturesque beaches in Lake Tahoe. Secret Cove is clothing-optional, so don’t be surprised when you get there.

Sand Harbor

A tiny state park with a huge beach and clear water. You can relax on the beach or take a kayak to Bonsai Rock. On the eastern shores of Sand Harbor, you can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, and kayaking, thanks to its clean water, gently sloping beaches, and rock formations.

The two hikes we recommend are the Sand Harbor to Memorial Point Trail, which is just a .5-mile trail that takes you to Memorial Point with secluded beaches and rocky areas to explore, and the Sand Point Nature Trail, which is even shorter, but is a handicap-accessible trail with interpretive signs and great views of Lake Tahoe.

There’s a $10 parking fee. The parking lot can be difficult during peak hours of 11am to 4pm during the summer, so it’s a good idea to have a backup plan for where you’ll go if it’s full, because you’re not allowed to park on the highway or walk into the park.

After you’ve had your fun in the sun, watch the sunset along the eastern shore trail, which offers spectacular views of Incline Village and Sand Harbor.

Book This Tour: Clear Kayak Tour of Lake Tahoe

One of the deepest lakes in North America, Tahoe famously has very blue and clear waters. This kayak tour from Sand Harbor State Park takes advantage of the lake’s dreamy waters by traveling in completely transparent kayaks. Paddle along the lake while seeing up to 65 feet (20 meters) below the water’s surface.

Visit the Northern Shore Beaches

Public beaches in North Lake Tahoe include Kings Beach State Recreation Area, Coon Street Boat Launch, Kings Beach Plaza, Sandy Beach, Secline Beach, Moon Dunes Beach and North Tahoe Beach.

Currently, there’s no charge to use any of the beaches. There is a parking fee at the Kings Beach State Recreation Area and Tahoe Vista Recreation Area.

Kings Beach, which is situated in the North Lake Tahoe area, is one of the best spots to enjoy various water activities, shaded picnic areas, and kid’s playgrounds. It’s a cute beach town that has plenty of quirky shops, hotels, and restaurants. Because of it’s prime location on the lake, it gets quite packed in the summer months, as you might expect.

Out on the lake, you can go kayaking or paddleboarding, spread out your towel for a bit of sun in between dips in the water, or you can go for a hike along the shore. This small town will definitely capture your heart.

Dinner at Incline Village

After a full day of activity, treat yourself to one of the best burgers in the area at Inclined Burgers And Brews. It’s nothing fancy, just a casual hamburger joint, but they know how to make a burger!

It takes about 40 minutes to drive back to South Lake Tahoe from Incline Village.

Day 3

Today is all about exploring Truckee. Nearly everyone who visits Lake Tahoe stops there, even though it’s not quite on the lake.

Tahoe Coastal Self-Guided E-Bike Tour – a half day tour of the world famous East Shore Trail

We’ve gone on this bike tour and have really enjoyed it. You can go at your own pace on this self-guided electric bike tour on East Shore Trail and make stops whenever you choose to. It’s a safe trail that starts in South Lake Tahoe and ends at Sand Harbor.

All equipment is included, like a bike helmet, bike lock, and bike racks. This is a really great way to experience the trail, especially on a beautiful day. It’s absolutely gorgeous. And the e-bike assist makes it super easy too.

Read more about this tour and make a reservation

Baldwin Beach

On State Highway 89, you’ll find the magnificent Baldwin Beach, which is just 3 miles away from the city of South Lake Tahoe. Baldwin Beach is famous for its stunning half-mile-long sandy beach, which offers sweeping views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

This beach is a popular place to swim and have a picnic, plus you can launch your kayak (or rent one) to visit Emerald Bay. You can also rent bikes to ride along the tree-lined trails.

Nevada Beach

Nevada Beach is situated two miles north of Stateline, Nevada, on the southeast shore of Lake Tahoe. The beach, which is on land owned by the National Forest, has a half-mile stretch of lovely sand beach and gives sweeping views of Lake Tahoe.

We always do a family picnic on the beach here, because it’s one of the most beautiful stretches of sand. Popular activities include picnicking, swimming, and just soaking in the sun on a beautiful, sunny day! On-site food concessions and kayak rentals are also available at the beach.

As with other beaches in the area, the parking lot fills up early and it can be quite difficult to find somewhere to park. There’s also a $10 parking fee.

This itinerary can be easily adjusted to accommodate more or fewer days, depending on your schedule and preferences. Keep in mind that Lake Tahoe has many attractions and activities, so you can easily extend your trip to a week or more if you want to fully explore the area and enjoy everything it has to offer.

If You Have Extra Days

If you have extra days to spend, there are so many more activities! You could spend way more time hiking, you could go on one of these many day trips in the area, visit the town of Truckee, explore Sacramento, or book one of numerous great tours, such as a helicopter tour, bike tours, or sailing cruises.

Tours to Book

When is the Best Time to Visit Lake Tahoe?

The best time to visit Lake Tahoe depends on what activities you’re interested in. If you’re interested in skiing or snowboarding, the best time to visit is during the winter months, typically from December to March.

If you’re interested in hiking, biking, or water sports, the best time to visit is during the summer months, typically from June to September. However, keep in mind that Lake Tahoe is a popular tourist destination, so it can get crowded during peak seasons.

For me, the best choice is to go during the later summer months, August and September, because the weather is best at this time.

Before You Go

It looks like you’re pretty interested in Lake Tahoe. We love that for you! Here are a few more articles you might want to read about the area while you’re planning.

• 13 Great Activities in Lake Tahoe in Winter
• Best Things to Do in Lake Tahoe
• 15 Best Hikes in Lake Tahoe
• When is the Best Time to Visit Lake Tahoe

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July 18, 2023