Lake Tahoe is the pride and joy of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain towns. It‘ s home to the largest alpine lake in North America, with rustic resort towns dotting the lake’s edges. Between hipster cafes, outdoor adventure, and water sports, the amount of things to do in Lake Tahoe is endless.
We’re two California locals who love Lake Tahoe — Laura goes there every summer with her family, and McKenna has a lifetime of experience exploring California’s mountain towns. We teamed up to bring you this epic list of the best outdoor activities and other things you cannot miss in the Lake Tahoe greater area.
Read on for our top picks!
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25 Things to Do in Lake Tahoe
Emerald Bay State Park
Explore the most scenic area of Lake Tahoe with a boat ride around the park island or a swim through the alpine waters.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (530) 541-3030 | Website | Hours: 7 am-7 pm daily | Entrance: $5 daily per vehicle or $2 per hour
Emerald Bay State Park is the quintessential postcard view of Lake Tahoe. Rent a boat and hang out all day lounging on the lakeside beaches or jumping off Emerald Bay State Park’s center island.
Also known as the crown jewel of Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay State Park displays vibrant blue waters surrounded by strikingly green forest foliage. The state park has many hiking trails with lookout points of the giant alpine lake. The most popular attraction in Emerald Bay is Vikingsholm Castle, a 38-room mansion known for its Scandinavian architecture and public beach.
Emerald Bay can be accessed via Highway 89 from South Lake Tahoe. Vehicles cannot drive down to the beach — instead, visitors need to hike down a short, steep trail to reach the lakeshore.
Fallen Leaf Lake
Escape busy Lake Tahoe weekend crowds with a calm outing on this lesser-known lake.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (530) 544-2628 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free
Fallen Leaf Lake is a great alternative to the busy Lake Tahoe. This alpine lake is a hidden oasis just one mile from Tahoe’s south shore. It has the same smooth, clear blue water as Tahoe with a quarter of the crowds.
Fallen Leaf Campground is one of the best campgrounds in California, with over 206 campsites accommodating tents, RVs, and rental yurts. The sites are nestled among native pine and cedar trees and allow eager fishers or swimmers easy sunrise access to Fallen Leaf Lake.
I recommend hiking the challenging Angora Ridge Loop trail during the summertime. This hike offers spectacular views of both Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe. Work up a sweat on this 4.7-mile hike then go for a dip in the chilled alpine lake waters.
Sand Harbor State Park
Relax on the sandy white beaches of this pristine lakeside beach.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (775) 831-0494 | Website | Hours: 8 am to 1 hour after sunset | Entrance: $10 per vehicle, $15 for non-Nevada vehicles
Sand Harbor State Park is a great place to begin when visiting the huge Lake Tahoe. This state park is located on the Nevada side of the lake, and it’s a prime example of Tahoe’s famously blue water.
With water so clear you can see your toes at the bottom, Sand Harbor is one of the best places to get in the lake. Most lake-goers go swimming and kayaking in this area, but it is also the ideal place to scuba dive in Lake Tahoe.
There are two boat ramps in the state park, along with a kayak and SUP rental shop. Picnic areas shaded by Jeffrey Pines come complete with grills and tables. Visitors can also walk the Sand Point Nature Trail, a short, ADA-accessible path with stunning views of the lake.
👉 Pro Tip: If you find yourself in Sand Harbor State Park during the summer, be sure to check out the annual Shakespeare Festival! The festival puts on outdoor plays at the park’s amphitheater, with gorgeous views of the lake behind the stage.
Tahoe Rim Trail
Put your fitness to the test by thru-hiking 165 miles around the circumference of Lake Tahoe.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free
The Tahoe Rim Trail is perfect for brave-at-heart adventurers who want to visit Lake Tahoe with an endeavoring feat in mind. This 165-mile thru-hike is one of the best hikes in California, taking hikers around the entirety of Lake Tahoe.
Although only experienced hikers should attempt to hike the complete trail, beginner hikers can enjoy sections of the hike. The Tahoe Rim Trail is the perfect way to experience the amazing vistas, meadows, high alpine lakes, and granitic peaks in Tahoe’s Sierra Nevada mountains.
The thru-hike typically takes 10-15 days. It is recommended to pick up supplies every 50-100 miles so you don’t hike with an excruciatingly heavy pack. Hikers can resupply in Tahoe City, Kings Beach, and Incline Village, or mail resupply food ahead of time and pick up a package at any of the town’s post offices.
Heavenly Ski Resort
Ski down gnarly slopes at one of the top resorts on the west coast.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (775) 586-7000 | Website | Hours: 9 am-4 pm Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4 pm Saturday & Sunday | Entrance: weekdays $189 adults, $104 children under 13, weekends $225 adult, $124 children under 13
Heavenly Ski Resort is one of the coolest ski resorts in California. It offers the best views of Lake Tahoe from its powdery slopes. There aren’t many places where you can ski while overlooking a gorgeous blue alpine lake, but well — that’s Heavenly.
There are 4,800 skiable acres at Heavenly Ski Resort. Heavenly has beginner and advanced slopes, as well as plenty of backcountry skiing terrain. Straddling the California-Nevada border, some slopes even intersect the two states. If you find yourself in Tahoe outside of ski season, you can still enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery from the Heavenly gondola ride.
Lakeland Village Resort at Heavenly is one of the closest accommodation options to the ski resort. I stay here every time I hit the slopes at Heavenly and love the private beach area and hot tub.
Angora Lakes
Hike or drive to these small lakes famous for cliff jumping, rowboating, and the best fresh-squeezed lemonade in Tahoe.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: free
Angora Lakes are tiny in comparison to huge Lake Tahoe, but they’re one of my favorite areas of Tahoe’s south shore. These mesmerizing lakes are surrounded by huge granite cliffs, where many adventurous visitors decide to cliff jump into the waters below.
Most of the action happens at Upper Angora Lake, where a small resort offers accommodation, rowboat rentals, and a cafe. The cafe has lemonade, ice cream, and takeaway meals, which you can enjoy while lounging by the water.
To get to Angora Lakes, you can either hike the steep Angora Ridge Loop beginning at Fallen Leaf Lake or opt for the easier version and simply drive up. Personally, I think hiking makes the lemonade at the end taste even sweeter!
Rubicon Trail
Trek 16 miles through high-altitude pines, stopping to dip in the glaciated lake along the way.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free
The Rubicon Trail is located in southwest Lake Tahoe and cuts through multiple state parks and beautiful overlooks. This 16.4-mile trail can be done in one long, grueling day or as an overnight backpacking trip.
Most hikers choose to hike only sections of the Rubicon Trail, a better option for those with a short Tahoe itinerary. The hike starts at Vikingsholm Castle and takes hikers through dense pine forests throughout Bliss State Park.
Take a dip in the sandy coves along the way or hop from rock to rock along the untamed shoreline. Hiking the entirety of the Rubicon Trail is sure to be one of the coolest activities in California during your trip to the Golden State.
🎒 Don’t forget to bring: No one wants a blister while trying to hike a long mountain trail. Hiking boots are a part of the essential California packing list, so make sure to pack a pair if you’re planning to hit the Lake Tahoe trails.
Kings Beach
Meander through the local shops of this quirky beach town.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am-10 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Kings Beach is located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe and is known as the “funky beach town” of the north Lake Tahoe area. The downtown area is lined with mini golf courses in the trees, vintage shops, small cafes, and old-timey lakeside lodges. It’s one of the best places to stay in Lake Tahoe for families.
This is one of the warmest swimming areas in Lake Tahoe, making the wide stretch of sand a local beach favorite. There’s also a playground right on the beach for children to enjoy, along with volleyball courts and picnic areas. Kings Beach also has a ton of water gear rental shops — it’s where I’ve tried sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding.
Because Kings Beach is one of the most popular public beaches in Tahoe, it receives many visitors per year. Do your part by leaving no trace and packing out all of your trash with you.
Kayaking
Rent a kayak to explore secluded coves and beaches.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am – 6 pm | Entrance: $10-20 hourly rentals
One of the best ways to see Lake Tahoe is from the water. Imagine gliding over the glassy alpine waters in your kayak, with the Sierra Nevada mountains looming in the distance. It doesn’t get much better than this!
Although Tahoe is known for its adventure sports, like jet skiing or wakeboarding, these high-speed boats usually stick to the middle of the lake. This leaves the edges of the lake perfect territory for kayakers who want to explore Tahoe’s hidden coves and beaches.
You’ll find most kayaking rentals in South Lake Tahoe, but I actually prefer Kings Beach because it’s less crowded.
Eagle Rock Hiking Trail
Hike to one of the best viewpoints in Lake Tahoe without pushing your limits.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free
The easy, 0.7-mile Eagle Rock Trail is the perfect trail to catch the sunrise if hiking is the main prerogative on your California road trip itinerary. Lake Tahoe is a true outdoor adventure haven with no shortage of hiking trails. The Eagle Rock Trail is a great place to start if you want a trail suitable for all skill levels.
Eagle Rock Trail is easily accessed from Tahoe City, on Tahoe’s west shore, and offers a quick way to one of the best vantage points of Lake Tahoe. The incredible views extend all the way to North Lake Tahoe and the California and Nevada border.
Lake Tahoe typically receives snow from late fall until late spring, and sometimes even early summer. Be sure to bring the proper hiking equipment and winter hiking gear if you wish to hike in Tahoe from October to April. This includes good hiking poles, microspikes, and in extreme cases, an ice axe and crampons.
👉 Need help planning your trip to California? Get a free, printable California road trip itinerary here!
Northstar California Resort
Shred down steep slopes in the resort’s 3,000 acres on Tahoe’s north shore.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (530) 562-1010 | Website | Hours: 24 hours, resort | Entrance: $154, adult, $91, children under 13
Northstar California Resort is another famous Lake Tahoe ski resort. It’s surrounded by lush evergreen trees and offers variability in its ski slopes, suitable for beginners to experts.
The resort slopes are situated on Mount Pluto, an extinct volcano that last erupted 2 million years ago. With over 3,170 skiable acres at Northstar California Ski Resort, snow sport lovers tend to buy a multi-day pass to explore the best of the park.
Most slopes are intermediate-rated, but there is a mixed variety of beginner and advanced slopes as well. This is also a great place to go snowshoeing or to take the gondola to a high-altitude ski restaurant.
Donner Memorial State Park
Pay tribute to California history with a visit to this high-altitude Donner Party memorial.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (530) 582-7892 | Website | Hours: Sunrise to sunset | Entrance: $10 per vehicle per day
If you’re up-to-date with your California history, odds are you’re familiar with the ill-fated Donner Party. The Donner Memorial State Park commemorates the history of the group, who got trapped in a snowstorm in the Tahoe mountains from 1846-1847.
Visit the Pioneer Monument that pays homage to the doomed westward-headed emigrants at 6,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. You won’t want to miss the Emigrant Trail Museum located inside the visitor center. It is open from 10 am-5 pm daily and charges $10 per vehicle per day for parking from May-September, and $5 from October-April.
You will also find hiking trails, campsites, and picnicking in this alpine park. Head to nearby Donner Lake for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Echo Lakes
Smaller, family-friendly lakes with plenty of hiking and swimming, minus the crowds.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: free
Echo Lakes is only 20 minutes from South Lake Tahoe but has a very different vibe. These small lakes are much quieter and rarely crowded. You won’t see jetskis or large motorboats here. Instead, you’ll see people swimming, fishing, or hiking the trails.
Echo Lakes comprises two lakes: Lower Echo Lake and Upper Echo Lake. You can see both lakes in a short day hike along a section of the Tahoe Rim Trail. Echo Lake is also the starting point for hiking into Desolation Wilderness, a popular overnight backpacking trip into the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains.
Carson Valley
Explore the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe with a visit to these historic cities.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (775) 782-8145 | Website | Hours: 8 am-5 pm daily, Closed Saturday & Sunday | Entrance: Free
Carson Valley is a great place to stay when visiting Lake Tahoe for more accommodation availability and affordable gas prices. It’s located just across the border on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. Carson Valley is made up of the cities of Genoa, Gardnerville, Minden, and Topaz Lake.
Some top activities to do in Carson Valley include sport shooting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, snow sports, and golfing. There are also some fun annual events, like a grand-scale bird-watching event in January, Western Heritage Days in April/May, and the Douglas County Rodeo in September.
Mt. Tallac
This grueling climb is one of Tahoe’s best hikes and takes hikers up to 9,700 ft.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: free
Hiking Mt. Tallac is a feat to be proud of. Mt. Tallac is the tallest mountain on Lake Tahoe’s shoreline, and the views from the summit are some of Tahoe’s best.
If making it to the summit isn’t on your itinerary, you can still see great views from lower down on the trail. The trail is fairly exposed the whole way, giving you a bird’s-eye view of Lake Tahoe’s southwest shore from most points on the trail.
The Mt. Tallac trail is almost 10 miles long round trip and encompasses over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. It’s best to attempt this hike from June to October when there is no snow on the ground.
Memorial Point Scenic Overlook
Enjoy a short walk to one of the best viewpoints of Lake Tahoe.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free
The Memorial Point Overlook Trail is a short, 0.3-mile trail in Incline Village. This flat, easy walk takes you past secluded coves and finishes at a beautiful overlook of the lake. It’s the perfect photo-op while on Tahoe’s northeast shore.
The Memorial Point Trail is one of the easiest walking trails in Lake Tahoe. It’s ADA-accessible and suited for all abilities. The views are great — here, you can really see Lake Tahoe’s various blue hues and the large granite peaks that frame the massive lake.
Palisades Tahoe
Hit the slopes, party at an après-ski, and explore the Olympic Museum at this charming ski village.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 403-0206 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $142 adult ski pass, $128 teen ski pass, $99 child ski pass
Palisades Tahoe is a famous ski resort that hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. With two mountains, an abundance of bars and restaurants, and a lively après-ski, this is one of the best places to experience Tahoe’s iconic ski culture.
The ski season from November to April brings most of the action to Palisades. Often renowned as one of the best ski mountains in California, Palisades is famed for its steep slopes and diverse terrain. For beginners, don’t fret — ski passes for Palisades are also valid at Alpine Meadows, the more beginner-friendly mountain next door.
Summer at Palisades Tahoe can be just as fun. Take an aerial tram ride up to 8,200 ft and marvel at panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Explore the Olympic Museum to see footage and memorabilia from the 1960 Winter Olympics.
Eagle Point Campground
Camp among the pines and enjoy easy lake access with your four-legged friends.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (530) 541-3030 | Website | Hours: Sunrise to sunset | Entrance: $35 a night
Eagle Point Campground is located in Emerald Bay State Park and is one of the best lakefront campsites in Tahoe. The campground offers 100 sites with faucets but no hookups. It’s best suited for tent campers and RVers who don’t mind dry camping.
Eagle Point Campground has distant views of the giant alpine lake through the surrounding campground pines. It typically opens in early June and allows dogs in the campground on a leash. They aren’t permitted on the beaches, however.
Timber Cove Marina
Enjoy the best spot for watersports in Lake Tahoe.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (530) 544-2942 | Website | Hours: 9 am-5 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Timber Cove Marina is located in South Lake Tahoe and is the best place to enjoy watersports. This convenient recreation destination offers boat, jet ski, and paddleboarding rentals as well as sailing and parasailing tours. Tours can be pricey, but they’re worth it!
Check out the many great restaurants near the Marina, or take a swim at one of South Lake Tahoe’s many public beaches. The Marina is best enjoyed in the summertime, when water activities around the lake are in full swing.
Truckee River
Go river rafting down the curving river for the perfect summer outing.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free
Truckee River is a river that flows for an impressive 121 miles, beginning high in the Nevada mountains and eventually dumping into Lake Tahoe. Bring your inner tube and float down a section of the Truckee River for a fun summer Tahoe experience!
There are several Truckee River tour companies in Tahoe City offering rafting or floating tours. You can also bring your own floating device and go without a tour company, but make sure to check river flow levels. There have been years where the river is too low to float.
Besides exhilarating river rafting, families can also enjoy fishing and swimming in the Truckee River. Or, take a bike ride along the Truckee River bike trail, beginning in Tahoe City.
Jet Ski
Rent a jet ski and enjoy the thrill of a high-speed ride on the lake.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm | Entrance: $50 – 80 hourly rental
Whether you’re a jet ski novice or an expert, Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to take one of these fun rides out for a spin. It’s like driving a motorcycle, except much safer and honestly way more fun. You don’t need any experience to drive a jet ski, and they’re super easy to get the hang of!
You’ll find jet ski rental companies at various points around the lake’s shoreline, but South Lake Tahoe or Kings Beach tend to have more options. Most jet ski rentals cost between $50 – 80 for an hour.
Tallac Historic Site
Learn about the history behind Lake Tahoe and its cultural beginnings.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (530) 541-5227 | Website | Hours: 9 am-4 pm Friday – Sunday | Entrance: $15 adults, $10 children, free for children under 11
Learn about the local heritage and natural history of the area with a trip to the Tallac Historic Site. Once a resort spot for the wealthiest families in the Bay Area, the Tallac Historic Site bears only the remains of the estate today.
There are heritage programs, guided walks, building tours, and demonstrations that take place at the site. The Tallac Historic Site buildings are only open in the non-winter months but the area is open year-round for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
👉 Pro Tip: Pets are allowed at the heritage site and on the trails, meaning you don’t have to leave your furry loved one in the hotel room!
Zephyr Cove Resort
Take a nap with some peace and quiet on the resort’s private cove.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 238-2463 | Website | Hours: Sunrise to sunset | Entrance: $10 per vehicle
Zephyr Cove Resort is a fun RV and cabin resort with private beach access. It’s located in Nevada, on Tahoe’s east shore. Although there is no cell service in the wooded area of the resort, WiFi is available so you can work remotely on the road.
This site is less crowded than resorts in South Lake Tahoe and is the ideal place to stay for quick access to Lake Tahoe’s sandy beaches. I usually camp in my RV at the resort but there are also private cabins on the lake for visitors who appreciate the finer things in life. Zephyr Cove Resort has its own diner-style on-site restaurant and is pet-friendly.
One of the most unique things about Zephyr Cove Resort is its 500-person paddle boat, known as the M.S. Dixie II. This award-winning historic boat takes passengers on daytime or dinnertime cruises around Lake Tahoe. There’s nothing else like it!
Glen Alpine Falls
Enjoy a huge waterfall during the springtime when its waters are rushing.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free
Switch up your lake hikes with the Glen Alpine Falls hike. This steep, layered, 65-foot waterfall is easy to get to. It’s located on Tahoe’s south shore, near Fallen Leaf Lake, and is just a quick walk from the road.
Get close enough to the falls to feel the cooling mist on your hot face. The Glen Alpine Falls are best viewed in the springtime, as summertime drought often means little to no flow.
The falls are visible from the road for those who require wheelchair access, but the short trail that leads to the foot of the falls is covered in gravel.
Cross Country Skiing
Ski through the Tahoe backcountry away from the crowds.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm | Entrance: $40 – 60 day ticket
Cross-country skiing is a must if you visit Lake Tahoe in the winter! The alpine forests transform into a blanketed winter wonderland with pristine, untouched snow beckoning you to make the first set of ski tracks.
North Lake Tahoe has the most cross-country ski terrain. Places like the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center and Tahoe XC in Tahoe City offer miles of wilderness terrain. The Royal Gorge off of Donner Summit is one of the largest areas of cross-country skiing terrain in North America, with nearly 90 miles of groomed trails.
Cross-country skiing is a great way to skip the ski resort crowds and ski to the beat of your own drum. It’s also much more affordable than downhill skiing, with day passes usually a quarter of the cost!
FAQs
What are the top things to do?
The best things to do in Lake Tahoe involve exploring the great outdoors. Go skiing, hiking, swimming, boating, kayaking, parasailing, and more during your trip to Tahoe!
What are some things to do with children?
Ice skating, sledding, swimming, and floating down the Truckee River are the best things to do in Lake Tahoe for children. There are also playgrounds on many beaches that kids can enjoy, like the Kings Beach public playground.
What are the best hikes around Lake Tahoe?
The Tahoe Rim Trail is the best hike in Lake Tahoe. Other popular trails include Mt. Tallac, Rubicon Trail,Eagle Rock, Crag Lake, and Bay View Trail.
What are the best summer activities?
Hit the hiking trails, kayak on Lake Tahoe, suntan on the sandy beaches, and go fishing in Lake Tahoe during the summer.
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Now that you’re well-versed in all activities in Lake Tahoe, leave a comment and let me know which is your favorite! If you can’t get enough of California’s mountain towns, you will want to also check out our guide to the best things to do in Idyllwild.
Enjoy all the fun things to do in Lake Tahoe!
Editor’s Note:Laura McFarland contributed to this article.
(Featured Image Credit: pierdest / Shutterstock)
