30 Best Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Water Sports | Hiking & Outdoors | Sites & Attractions | Food & Drink | Snow Sports

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 absolute best things to do in  Lake Tahoe.

Our list includes the best ski resorts, hiking trails, restaurants, and more in the Tahoe area. And if you’re staying for a while (which you should), be sure to check out our guide to where to stay in Tahoe. 

Let’s dive in!

Best 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’s island.

📍 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. Hang out all day lounging on the lakeside beaches, rent a boat to explore the park’s picturesque island, or go hiking in the mountains above for the best view of the lake. 

Known as the crown jewel of Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay displays vibrant blue waters surrounded by strikingly green forest foliage. 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: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Fallen Leaf Lake is a great alternative to 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 just 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 with easy 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 chilly alpine 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 – 1 hour after sunset | Entrance: $10 per vehicle, $15 for non-Nevada vehicles

With water so clear you can see your toes at the bottom, Sand Harbor is one of the best places to go swimming in Lake Tahoe. It’s also the ideal place to scuba dive, thanks to the extraordinary visibility. 

There are two boat ramps in Sand Harbor 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.

👉 Local 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.

Rubicon Trail

Trek 16 miles along Tahoe’s southwest shore with beach access 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 round-trip trail can be done in one long, grueling day or as an overnight backpacking trip. 

The hike connects Emerald Bay State Park with D.L. Bliss State Park, two of the most scenic sections of Tahoe’s shore. If you don’t want to do an out-and-back hike, you can park a car at the end of the trail so you’re only doing the 8-mile one-way hike.

🎒 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.

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!

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. 

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. Do your part by leaving no trace and packing out all of your trash with you.

Water Sports

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.

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. 

Truckee River

Go river rafting down the curving river for the perfect summer outing.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

The Truckee River flows for an impressive 121 miles, beginning high in the Sierra 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 tour companies in Tahoe City offering rafting or floating tours. You can also bring your own flotation device and go without a tour company, but make sure to check river flow levels. There have been years when 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.

Hiking & Outdoors

Tahoe Rim Trail

Put your fitness to the test by thru-hiking 165 miles around the circumference of Lake Tahoe — or just day-hiking a section of it.

📍 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 the 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.

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 a great place to start if you want a trail suitable for all skill levels.

The 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.

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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 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. 

Sugar Pine Point State Park

This park on the west shore has lake access, sandy beaches, grassy meadows, a pier, and a nice campground. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone: (530) 525-7982 | Hours: 8 am – 7:30 pm daily | Entrance: $10 per vehicle 

Sugar Pine Point has one of my favorite beaches in Tahoe. It’s quite expansive and is surrounded by pine trees and meadows. Plus, the limited parking means it never feels too crowded. 

Because of its forested surroundings, this is also a great place to spot black bears meandering through the woods or along the beach. Keep a wide distance from wildlife, and they usually will not bother you. 

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. 

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. 

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, so 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.

Sites & Attractions

Donner Memorial State Park

Learn essential California history with a visit to this historic memorial on the shores of Donner Lake.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (530) 582-7892 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 5 pm Mon, Tue, Sat; 7 am – 12 am Wed; 12 am – 5 pm Thu; 7 am – 7 pm Fri; 8 am – 5 pm Sun | 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 that was trapped in a snowstorm in the Tahoe mountains from 1846 to 1847. 

Visit the Donor Memorial State Museum for informative exhibits about the doomed westward-headed emigrants. The museum is located in the state park just a short walk from the shores of Donner Lake. 

You will also find hiking trails, campsites, and picnic areas in this alpine park.

Carson Valley

Explore the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe with a visit to these historic cities.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (775) 782-8145 | Website | 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.

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 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.

Tallac Historic Site

Learn about the history behind Lake Tahoe and its cultural beginnings.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (530) 541-5227 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4:30 pm Wed; 10 am – 4:30 pm Thu-Sun | Entrance: $18.98 adults, $9.53 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 on Tahoe’s east shore.

This site is much less crowded than resorts in South Lake Tahoe. I usually camp in my RV here, but there are also private cabins on the lake for visitors who appreciate the finer things in life. Zephyr Cove Resort also has an 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!

Food & Drink

Jake’s on the Lake

Experience lakeside dining with elevated California cuisine. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone: (530) 583-0188 | Hours: 5 pm – 9 pm daily 

Jake’s on the Lake is one of my favorite lakeside restaurants in Tahoe. It specializes in seafood and Hawaiian-inspired meals. The food and drinks here are always good, but the view makes this restaurant truly stand out. 

Spend a warm summer evening dining on the deck with panoramic views over the water. Check the website to see the live music calendar! 

Gar Woods Grill & Pier

This family-owned restaurant on the lake is famous for its signature frozen rum cocktail, the Wet Woody. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone: (530) 546-3366 | Hours: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm Mon-Thu; until 10 pm on Fri; 10:30 am – 10 pm Sat; 10:30 am – 9:30 pm Sun

Gar Woods is synonymous with one thing: the Wet Woody. This fruity, frozen rum cocktail is “world famous,” according to the Gar Woods menu — but that’s not a huge overexaggeration. The drink is known around the lake as the quintessential Tahoe drink, named after the wooden boats that used to define Tahoe’s shores.  

The drinks aren’t the only reason to come here. Gar Woods has some of the best food around the lake, with upscale California cuisine that always uses fresh ingredients. 

Because of its popularity, snagging a table at Gar Woods often involves a long wait. Make a reservation ahead of time to get a seat on the outdoor deck with lake views. 

Lanza’s Restaurant

This cult favorite Kings Beach restaurant serves huge portions of family-style Italian food. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone: (530) 546-2434 | Hours: 4:30 – 9 pm daily 

Lanza’s is a hearty, family-owned Italian restaurant on Tahoe’s north shore. 

I eat at Lanza’s every single summer, and it consistently ranks as one of my favorite meals of the year. The food is simple and predictable, but it’s delicious every single time. 

I highly recommend getting one of their specials, like the Lanza’s Sampler — huge pasta shells stuffed with cheese and meat, baked on a bed of penne with meat sauce and cheese layered on top. 

Riva Grill

Owned by the same family as Gar Woods, this restaurant in South Lake Tahoe is another great spot to try a Wet Woody. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone: (530) 542-2600 | Hours: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm Mon-Thu; 11:30 am – 10 pm Fri; 10:30 am – 10 pm Sat; 10:30 am – 9:30 pm Sun

Riva Grill is the south shore counterpart to Gar Woods. Owned by the same local family, Riva Grill is the only other place around the lake where you can try the Wet Woody. 

The food here is also excellent, and many tables come with a lake view. 

Personally, I think Gar Woods is just a bit better. But if you can’t make the drive all the way to the north shore, then Riva Grill is a great alternative! 

Snow Sports

Heavenly Ski Resort

This ski resort on the south shore has the best lake views.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (775) 586-7000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | 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.

Northstar California Resort

Shred down the slopes in this beginner-friendly resort on Tahoe’s north shore.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 466-6784 | Website | Hours: 24 hours, resort | Entrance: $154, adult, $91, children under 13

Northstar California Resort is another famous ski resort on Tahoe’s north shore. It’s great for skiers of all skill levels, with a good variety in beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain. 

Most slopes are intermediate-rated, but Northstar tends to be more beginner-friendly than other mountains in the area. 

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. You can also go snowshoeing or take the gondola to a high-altitude ski restaurant.

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 – 4 pm daily | Entrance: (varies daily) $289 adult ski pass, $260 teen ski pass, $202 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. 

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. 

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

This expert-level mountain doesn’t have lake views, but its challenging terrain makes it a local favorite. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone: (209) 258-6000 | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: (varies daily) $132 adult, $119 youth, $96 child 

What Kirkwood lacks in lake views, it more than makes up for in its blue and black runs. This mountain is known to have some of the most challenging terrain in Tahoe, making it a favorite amongst local ski bums. 

Plus, Kirkwood is a great deal. Where resorts around the lake often have extremely expensive lift tickets, Kirkwood keeps prices reasonable. 

You’ll want to stay in South Lake Tahoe if you’re planning on skiing Kirkwood. The mountain is about a 45-minute drive south from the lake. 

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!

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Enjoy all the fun things to do in Lake Tahoe! If you can’t get enough of California’s mountain towns, you will also want to check out our guide to the best things to do in Idyllwild.

Editor’s Note: Laura McFarland contributed to this article.

(Featured Image Credit: pierdest / Shutterstock)