After living in Lake Tahoe for over ten years, the only way I can describe it is there’s nowhere quite like it. From skiing with the crystal clear lake as your backdrop to hiking through wildflower filled meadows with incredible views, Lake Tahoe offers unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re visiting for summer lake activities or winter skiing, this guide covers the best things to do in Lake Tahoe that highlight why this mountain town is a popular vacation destination.
Best Things to Do in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe offers activities year round! Summer is great for getting outdoors and on the lake. Hiking is a great year round activity with incredible views of the lake. Lake Tahoe is a popular ski and snowboard destination in the winter. And the shoulder seasons offer beautiful experiences with less crowds and lower rates. Spring offers a multi season experience skiing in the morning and lake activities in the afternoon. And the fall foliage is absolutely beautiful!
Keep reading to see the best things to do in Lake Tahoe!
Emerald Bay State Park
One of the best things you can do in Lake Tahoe is spend some time in Emerald Bay State Park. It is one of the most photographed spots in Lake Tahoe and it’s beautiful to visit any time of year! It’s probably my favorite place to watch the sunrise on the lake.
There are several trailheads that leave from Emerald Bay, and it’s a gateway to Desolation Wilderness. Hike down to the beach and spend a beautiful day at the water. Bring a kayak or paddleboard to get on the water and check out Fannette Island (Lake Tahoe’s only island). Admire Vikingsholm Castle and check out Eagle Falls from below. But if you start your hike from the back of the campground, there are a variety of trails for all skill levels. There are easy, family friendly hikes to waterfalls and as the gateway to Desolation Wilderness there are some longer hikes that require a free day permit. For more information on hikes in Lake Tahoe, read my full Lake Tahoe Hiking Guide here.
Parking: There are two small parking lots that fills up quickly, so you want to get to Emerald Bay early (before 9am). Parking is $10 for the day in the Vikingsholm Lot. You will probably see cars parked on the side of the road, but don’t do this! Parking is heavily enforced and cars do get towed.
Important to Know: The road to Emerald Bay closes frequently in the winter due to avalanche risk.
Sand Harbor
Sand Harbor is one of my favorite places to spend a day at the lake. In the summer it’s a gorgeous place to spend the day enjoying the crystal clear turquoise water at one of the best beaches on Lake Tahoe. Take a kayak tour, go swimming, or lounge on the beach. On summer evenings, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival runs shows Tuesday through Sunday nights at 7:30pm.
In the winter, it’s a quiet place to walk around and admire the beauty of the snow covered scenery without the summer crowds. I’ve been several times in the winter and been the only person walking around. Bring a camera as you walk around the nature trails to capture the breathtaking contrast of snow covered landscapes against the turquoise water of the lake.
Local Tip: This beach is extremely popular! The parking lot fills up so quickly and causes backups on East Shore Drive that they’ve implemented a new reservation system.
Cost: $15 parking for nonresidents and $10 for residents
Kayaking/Paddleboarding
You can’t visit Lake Tahoe without getting on the water. And one of the best ways to get on the water is to kayak or paddleboard. You can rent kayaks or paddleboards at multiple locations around the lake. Emerald Bay and Sand Harbor are popular spots to rent kayaks. There are several companies that offer guided tours in clear kayaks so you can admire the crystal clear water.
Kayaking and paddleboarding is also a great winter activity (if it’s not actively storming). Enjoy calm water and views of the snow covered landscape without the crowds on the beaches or the boat traffic in the water. Most of the kayak rental companies close for the winter, so you will have to bring your own kayak.
Hiking
My favorite part of living in Lake Tahoe and one of the best things to do is head out hiking. Lake Tahoe is surrounded by mountains so there are a ton of trails to explore. And many of them offer stunning views of Lake Tahoe. There are hikes for every skill level, plenty of easier ones perfect for families and several multi-day backpacking opportunities. For more in depth information on hiking trails in Lake Tahoe, check out my Lake Tahoe Hiking Guide here.
In early summer, you will be treated to beautiful wildflowers around the lake. In the fall, head out to see the beautiful Quaking Aspens and fall foliage.
MS Dixie Cruise
Take a cruise on the MS Dixie, Lake Tahoe’s largest paddlewheeler. The Daytime Scenic Cruise and the Sunset Dinner Cruise both cross the lake to Emerald Bay, circle around Fannette Island, and then head back towards Zephyr Cove. You’ll learn about the history of the lake and see various lakefront estates along the way. There are multiple decks so you never feel cramped.
The sunset dinner cruise is a romantic way to spend the evening. Enjoy a delicious dinner, a beautiful sunset, and then live music and dancing as you head back to Zephyr Cove.
When you purchase your ticket, you can choose for a first or second dining option. This means that second diners go to the upper decks to enjoy the views while the first diners eat. Then you trade places and the first diners go upstairs while the second diners go down to eat. Both dinner times are the same, the only difference is where you are on the lake. If seeing sunset is important to you, check the sunset time before choosing, but keep in mind that the sun will dip below the mountains quicker as you cross the lake.
For more information and to book your cruise, head to the MS Dixie site here.
Camping
Camping in Lake Tahoe is a popular activity, with campgrounds selling out early in the year. I joined my best friends and their family every summer and they booked their campsites almost a year out! There are many campgrounds around the lake with opportunities for backcountry camping in Desolation Wilderness.
Please remember the principles of Leave No Trace while camping, and practice bear safety by keeping a clean campsite, locking all scented items, and taking rubbish to the bins. Also remember to lock your car! Bears have a habit of closing themselves inside the car and destroying the interior because they are unable to get out.
Skiing/Snowboarding
You really just can’t beat skiing with Lake Tahoe as your backdrop. It is one of the best winter activities in Lake Tahoe as it is home to 15 ski resorts and is considered one of the best skiing/snowboarding locations. The winter olympics were previously held in Squaw Valley (now known as Palisades) in 1960.
With so many ski resorts to choose from, here’s some of my favorites:
- Heavenly: The BEST views! Enjoy panoramic lake views while skiing. You also get access to both California and Nevada sides of the mountain
- Northstar: The best resort for families with excellent grooming, kids programs, and a charming village with a variety of activities for the whole family
- Kirkwood: My favorite ski resort! It’s the best for backcountry access and powder! Kirkwood typically gets more snow than Lake Tahoe. It’s often less crowded and has more challenging terrain. Keep in mind that the roads to Kirkwood often close due to snowfall and avalanche risk.
Snowshoeing
It’s so incredibly peaceful being out in the mountains when they’re covered in snow. And just because the trails are covered in snow doesn’t mean we can’t continue to explore them. As winter arrives and blankets Lake Tahoe with snow, the mountains seem quieter, less people are out on the trails, and the landscape is so beautiful. Snowshoeing is a breathtaking and quiet way to experience Lake Tahoe.
Snowshoeing is easier than skiing, it’s pretty much as easy as walking or hiking. Snowshoes distribute your weight over a larger area, keeping you on top of the snow rather than sinking into it.
Probably my all time favorite trail is Chickadee Ridge because you get to live out your best Disney Princess life with the chickadee birds eating from your hand! But for all of my favorite trails, read my Guide to Snowshoeing in Lake Tahoe.
Sledding/Tubing
Going sledding is an “American institution” as Clark Griswold calls it in Christmas Vacation, and he’s absolutely correct. It’s a classic winter activity that is wholesome, fun, makes you feel like a kid, and often free (or low cost)! Grab your sled, find a good hill, and go be a kid again. Sledding is a perfect winter activity for the whole family.
There are plenty of great sledding spots around Lake Tahoe. Some spots are free which likely won’t have amenities and you’ll have to bring your own sled. But there are some sledding hills at resorts where a sled is included and you can warm up afterwards.
Lake Tahoe has also put a fun twist on sledding with mountain tubing. Head to Palisades for the disco tubing with bright lights, lasers, and a DJ.
Waterfalls
As the snow starts to melt in late spring, the waterfalls start flowing! There are beautiful waterfalls around the lake. Some you can view right from the road, but the best ones you have to hike to. Make sure you check out my guide to the best waterfalls in Lake Tahoe here for more information and pictures.
Heavenly Gondola
Take a scenic ride on the Heavenly Gondola for panoramic lake views as you ride up to 9,123 feet. There is a restaurant and observation deck at the top as well as a variety of activities like the ridge rider mountain coaster.
The gondola operates year round, but does close occasionally for brief periods. Make sure you check their website!
Casinos (South Lake Tahoe)
If you’re looking for an active nightlife scene, head to South Lake Tahoe to the casinos. Besides gambling, there are shows, concerts, and amazing dining options. There are additional bars in the neighborhood that have silent discos, DJs, and the same fun energy.
Shopping in Lakeside Towns
Head to some of the charming lakeside towns for shopping, dining, local art galleries, and quaint mountain town vibes. Tahoe City and Kings Beach are great places to walk around and check out shops. In the summer there are various farmers markets.
Sunset Watching
The sunsets in Lake Tahoe are absolutely breathtaking. The skies come alive with colors that reflect off the lake, making for beautiful photo opportunities. And the best part? Watching the sunset is free!
Head to the east shore for some of the best sunset views. Cave Rock, Sand Harbor, Zephyr Cove, and the Mt. Rose Overlook are some of my favorite spots to watch the sunset.
Soak in nearby Hot Springs
One of the best adventures is to check out some of the nearby hot springs. There are some great resorts within a short driving distance of Lake Tahoe, but the best ones are the natural hot springs. They are a little bit farther of a drive, but they’re absolutely worth the adventure driving through the beautiful Sierra Nevadas. Make sure to check out my guide to the best hot springs near Lake Tahoe here!
Be sure to check road conditions before you go – CA road conditions + NV road conditions.
Additional Activities
There are so many amazing outdoor activities I simply can’t cover them all. Some of the following activities I haven’t personally experienced and some are best saved for a return visit. But they still deserve consideration!
- Rock climbing
- Fishing
- Horseback riding
- Ziplining
- Ice skating
- Dog sledding
- Horse drawn sleigh ride
Planning A Trip to Lake Tahoe?
For more information on planning your trip to Lake Tahoe, check out my Ultimate Lake Tahoe Travel Guide here. It’s full of travel tips, pictures, and information to help you plan your best trip! But here’s a quick breakdown:
Best Time to Visit:
Summer: Water activities, hiking, warm weather
Winter: Skiing, snow activities
Shoulder seasons: Fewer crowds, lower prices
Where to Stay:
South Lake Tahoe: Casinos, bustling nightlife, Heavenly access
North Shore: Quieter, family-friendly
West Shore: Secluded, scenic
Find the best places to stay in Lake Tahoe on Booking.com!
FAQ SECTION
What are the best things to do in Lake Tahoe in summer?
Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor, kayaking, hiking, boat tours, and beach days top the list for summer visitors.
What are the best things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter?
Skiing/snowboarding at world-class resorts, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, and enjoying cozy mountain lodges.
Is Lake Tahoe worth visiting?
Absolutely. Lake Tahoe offers stunning natural beauty, year-round outdoor activities, and something for every type of traveler.
How many days do you need in Lake Tahoe?
Minimum 3 days to see highlights, 5-7 days ideal for a comprehensive visit.
Can you swim in Lake Tahoe?
Yes! The water is cold (60-68°F in summer) but swimmable. Sand Harbor and Kings Beach are popular swimming spots.
What is Lake Tahoe known for?
Crystal-clear alpine lake, world-class skiing, hiking, stunning scenery, and year-round outdoor recreation.
Is Lake Tahoe better in summer or winter?
Depends on your interests! Summer for lake activities and hiking, winter for skiing. Both seasons are spectacular.
Do you need a car in Lake Tahoe?
Yes, highly recommended. Activities and areas are spread out around the 72-mile shoreline.
What should I not miss in Lake Tahoe?
Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor, skiing (winter), a boat tour, Heavenly Gondola, and watching sunset over the lake.
Are there free things to do in Lake Tahoe?
Yes! Hiking, beach days (some with parking fees), sunset watching, exploring towns, and scenic drives.
Final Thoughts
Lake Tahoe offers endless activities year round and has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or a backcountry adventure, Lake Tahoe has it all. It really is worth visiting more than once to experience everything Lake Tahoe has to offer.
