Tahoe has it all. In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe. We’ll also provide tips on when is the best time to visit and how to get around. Join in!
About Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains of the western United States. The lake is located along the border between California and Nevada, about two hours drive from Reno, NV and Sacramento, CA. It is the largest alpine lake in North America and one of the deepest lakes in the world. Lake Tahoe is a popular tourist destination for its scenic beauty, hiking and skiing opportunities, and casino resorts. The lake itself is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, with 72 miles of shoreline. So, time to have a walk around the lake?
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lake Tahoe or Tahoe City depends on what you’re looking to do while you’re here. The summer months of June through August are the busiest and most popular time to come. However, this also means that accommodation and activities will be more expensive and crowded. If you’re looking for a quieter vacation or want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of May and September or even December to February. While Tahoe does receive a lot of snow in the winter, it’s an incredibly beautiful place to visit with its snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes.
How Expensive Is Lake Tahoe?
While Lake Tahoe is definitely not the cheapest place to vacation, there are ways to visit on a budget. One of the best things about Tahoe is that there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy. Taking a hike in one of the many state parks, visiting a beach, or going for a bike ride are all great things to do that won’t cost you anything. And, if you’re planning on spending time in South Lake Tahoe, there are several casinos that offer free entertainment like live music and shows. Of course, if you want to do some of the more popular activities like skiing or golfing, it will cost you money.
Active Things to Do In Lake Tahoe
If you’re looking for a great hiking trail with stunning views, look no further than Eagle Rock. This popular trail is located in the Emerald Bay State Park and is about two miles long. The hike itself is relatively easy, but it does have some steep sections. However, the reward at the end is definitely worth it. Once you reach the top of Eagle Rock, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay, and the surrounding mountains. And, if you’re lucky, you might even spot some eagles!
Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay State Park is one of the most popular things to do in Lake Tahoe. And, it’s easy to see why. This stunning park is home to Emerald Bay, one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s also a great place to hike, bike, or just enjoy the scenery. If you’re looking for a place to relax and take in the views, Emerald Bay State Park is certainly worth a visit.
Tahoe Rim Trail
The Tahoe Rim Trail is a popular hiking trail that encircles Lake Tahoe. The trail is about 170 miles long and takes most hikers about two weeks to complete. However, there are several sections of the trail that can be completed as day hikes. And, no matter which section you choose to hike, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Skiing the Slopes
Lake Tahoe is one of the best places to go skiing in the country. There are several ski resorts to select from, but two of the most popular are Heavenly Ski Resort and Sugar Bowl Resort. Both resorts offer a variety of slopes for all skill levels, and stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. And, if you get tired of skiing, you can always enjoy other activities like snowboarding, sledding, or even just relaxing in a lodge by the fire.
Time to Relax
After a long day of hiking or skiing, there’s no better place to relax than at Kings Beach State Recreation Area. This beautiful beach is located on Tahoe’s North Shore and offers stunning views of the lake. It’s also a great place to swim, sunbathe, or just enjoy a picnic lunch at the side of the lake. And, if you’re looking for something to do in the evening, Kings Beach has several restaurants and bars that are perfect for unwinding.
Top Things to Do in Tahoe With Kids:
If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of things to keep them entertained in Lake Tahoe. In South Lake Tahoe, they can burn off some energy at the Magic Carpet Golf or Zip Line Nevada. Or, if they’re looking for something more low-key, they can try their hand at fishing or build sandcastles on one of the many beaches. And, of course, no trip to Lake Tahoe would be complete without a visit to one of the many ice cream shops!
Lake Tahoe Boat Cruise
One of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe is to take a boat cruise. There are many companies that offer cruises, and they all have their own unique itineraries. However, most of them include stops at some of Tahoe’s most popular attractions such as Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm Castle, and Cascade Falls. The cruises typically last for two to three hours and cost around $50. This is a great activity for families or groups of friends, as it’s a relaxing way to see some of Tahoe’s most beautiful sights.
You Can’t Miss South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is the most popular destination in Lake Tahoe. And, it’s not hard to see why. This vibrant city offers something for everyone, from casinos and live entertainment to shopping and dining. There are also plenty of things to do outdoors, like hiking, biking, and skiing. Plus, South Lake Tahoe is home to some of the best beaches in the area. So, whether you’re looking for a place to gamble or just want to relax by the water, South Lake Tahoe is the perfect destination.
So here you are! Top things to do in Lake Tahoe covered! We hope you found this guide helpful and that it gives you some ideas of things to do on your next trip to Lake Tahoe. Happy travels!
Similar Posts:
- Things to Do in South Lake Tahoe. Tourist Attractions for Every Season
- Things to Do in Northern California. We Created the Perfect Northern California Road Trip Bucket List
- Things to Do in Big Bear Lake – Top Attractions, from Fishing to Snow Tubing
- Things to Do in Big Sky, Montana – Skiing and Other Winter Activities to Try on Your Trip to Big Sky
- Best Things To Do In Aspen Colorado: Top Tourist Attractions And Interesting Things To See
- Things to Do in Lake Placid: 10 Attractions and Activities for an Awesome Vacation
- Best Things to Do in Vail. Top Vail, Colorado Travel Tips for Your Next Visit to the Rockies. Ski Resorts & More
- Things to Do in Park City, Utah. From Winter Activities in Ski Resorts to Park City in the Summer
