12 of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe
From kayaking to skiing, here are the best experiences in Lake Tahoe through the year. Jonas Jungblut/Getty Images
The shimmering beauty of Lake Tahoe stops you in your tracks and is the reason people keep coming back for more at this haven away from hectic city life.
But to fully appreciate this alpine beauty spot, you need to get active. From crystal clear waters that beckon you to paddle to bike paths that wind through stunning forests, these are the best things to do in and around Lake Tahoe. And for days when you don’t want to break a sweat, there are cruises, history and culture galore. Dive in.
1. Kayak or paddleboard the Lake Tahoe Water Trail
What better way to experience North America’s largest freshwater lake than by bobbing along its glassy surface? Whether you prefer to SUP or kayak, the Lake Tahoe Water Trail has 72 miles of marked and mapped water routes to explore, including 20 “trailhead” signs for put-in and take-out. You can plot out a day trip from numerous starting points, including Emerald Bay State Park and Cave Rock. Sunscreen essential, serenity guaranteed.
Planning tip: Kayak Tahoe can set you up with gear at locations in Pope Beach, Nevada Beach, Emerald Bay and Baldwin Beach.
2. Peddle the bike paths of Tahoe East Shore Trail
Though there are four paved bike trails that run parallel to the lake’s shores, Tahoe East Shore Trail is a favorite because it’s an all-in-one Tahoe summer day of bike-riding and beach-hopping easily orchestrated on a budget. There is plenty of parking, and the Tunnel Creek Cafe and Flume Trail Bike rentals are conveniently located at the trailhead so you can get a protein-packed breakfast and essential gear, respectively. The trailhead is located near Incline Village on State Route 28.
3. Challenge yourself on the Flume Trail
The popular Flume Trail, a point-to-point 10-14 miler (depending on where you choose to start and stop), is a favorite with mountain bikers since its moderate ascents earn spectacular views of the east side of the lake and its crystal-clear waters.
The 3-mile trail begins with an 8% incline (and decline), but after that, it gently undulates over rocky coves and past 16 viewpoints with interpretive signs. The southern terminus is Sand Harbor State Park, Nevada’s most popular.
Planning tip: There is a $2 fee per bike to access the lake from Sand Harbor, but there’s no need to pay if you find one of a handful of free lake access footpaths along the way.
4. Explore the endless miles of the Tahoe Rim Trail
For those seeking a more adventurous outing, the mixed-use Tahoe Rim Trail offers 165 miles of backcountry exploration around the full circumference of the lake. Hiking and mountain biking are among the most popular options for exploring this rugged stretch of wilderness, but you can also enjoy backpacking or horseback riding.
5. Catch a festival or local event
With venues as varied as breweries, beaches and casinos, Tahoe attracts world-class as well as home-grown entertainment. Thespians and literary buffs will be hard-pressed to find a finer setting for theater than the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival at Sand Harbor. This summer festival draws crowds of over 33,000 each year to enjoy the lakeside atmosphere with performances under the stars. Costumed revelry continues in late August at the Valhalla Renaissance Faire, which brings jousting and live music to the Tahoe Valley Campground. Winter brings Snowfest, complete with live music, a parade, competitions and ice sculptures in late February or early March.
Planning tip: If you’re visiting in late spring, keep an eye on ski resort websites for end-of-season hijinks. One of the best is the annual pond skimming contest at Palisades, where costumed skiers attempt to launch themselves across a pool.
6. Spend a sunny day at Pope Beach
The golden sands and crystalline waters of Pope Beach wouldn’t be out of place in SoCal. With the dreamy backdrop of the snow-streaked Sierra Mountains, its appeal is increased by its accessibility, with concessions, shade and bathrooms. Three miles west of South Lake Tahoe, the parking lot ($10 per vehicle) stretches the length of the beach, so no matter where you park, you'll be close to a short wooded trail that leads to nearly a mile of sandy beach. The beach is accessible via the mixed-use paved Pope-Baldwin Bike Path.
Planning tip: The beach has picnic tables and barbecues at regular intervals. But if you don’t want to pack a meal, there are food trucks nearby.
7. Cruise to Emerald Bay at sunset
Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm Castle top many must-see-in-Tahoe lists. The dramatically curved bay secludes the lake’s only island (Fannette), atop of which sits a surprising stone teahouse that seems to rise out of the granite itself. In the nook of that bending shoreline sits another surprising stone structure that's Scandinavian in style – an heiress’ mansion known as Vikingsholm Castle.
A pleasant alternative to the hassle of parking at Emerald Bay Park is to take a motorized boat tour, like the 1½-hour Rum Runner cruise from the Camp Richardson Marina in South Lake Tahoe ($84.80 per adult/$47.70 for kids). Drinks and snacks are available for purchase during the cruise. Less intimate and at the higher end of the cost spectrum are dinner and dance cruises with live entertainment aboard the 500-passenger red and white MS Dixie II paddle wheeler. It operates out of Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina just over the southern lake border in Nevada.
8. Experience elite living at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
Walk the manicured grounds surrounding the 1902 Ehrman Mansion at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park for a taste of the serenity enjoyed by the Ehrmans and their guests over a hundred years ago.
With a tour of the Ehrman mansion (adult tickets start at $15), visitors learn how Isaias Hellman built his wealth and acclaim, and how his daughter, Florence Ehrman, ran her summer estate with precision and grace. Stroll the paved, quarter-mile interpretive trail that meanders the shoreline between the North and South Boathouses, and wade through General Creek.
Planning tip: With 2000 acres of forested paths and 2 miles of shoreline, it is easy to find a private stretch of beach.
9. Marvel at fall foliage and wildlife
Fall is a sweet spot in Tahoe’s calendar. Hotels are cheaper than during summer or winter, you can find blissful solitude on hiking trails and beaches, and it’s leaf-peeping season. The whole of September is ideal for hiking and cycling, but late September to mid-October is prime time for colorful leaves. There are plenty of spots to admire aspens and willows blushing gold, but the aptly named Fallen Leaf Lake is one of the best. Visions of autumn splendor aside, pack for all weather: snowy squalls can start as early as October.
Fall is also when Kokanee salmon return to the river to spawn. Go watch them amass in silvery shoals and take part in eco-conscious educational activities at Fall Fish Fest.
Detour: For the most photogenic scenery, Hope Valley, 22 miles south of South Lake Tahoe, is awash in orange and yellow each fall. Lace up your hiking boots for the colorful but moderately tough 12-mile out-and-back Burnside Lake Trail.
10. Hop on a gondola in the Heavenly Village
A gondola ride at Heavenly ski resort isn’t cheap (adult tickets start at $79 per person), but the views are so expansive and blue that even wilting toddlers and bored teens will be impressed. Each gondola lifts eight passengers in a four-sided glass cabin, granting bird’s-eye views along the way. The observation deck at the top, an incredibly scenic 9136ft, is ideal for a group photo.
After a ride on the gondola, head to Heavenly Village, where you’ll find shops, dining and even an outdoor ice skating rink, available from the end of October through April.
Planning tip: The temperature can be very different at the top of the gondola. Even if it’s warm when you hop on, dressing in layers will help you stay comfortable in the air.
11. Delight in snow sports at alpine resorts
With an average snowfall of over 400 inches, Tahoe undergoes a powdery facelift that converts it into a winter terrain park from December to March (though with enough snow, ski season can extend well into May). Proximity to several modern alpine resorts such as Heavenly, Palisades, Kirkwood, Sierra-at-Tahoe and Mt Rose thrills visitors with over 11,000 acres of groomed and powder downhill runs. Trouble deciding? Heavenly has great views with an easy-access gondola. The 1960 Winter Olympics venue Palisades has runs at a variety of difficulty levels. Isolated Kirkwood, away from the lake, also collects epic snowfall. This last resort is the place for devoted snowheads.
For a slower pace than downhill skiing, Kirkwood and Hope Valley have groomed cross-country skiing trails. Make sure to limber up though, as it’s a more challenging workout than downhill skiing. Five of California’s SNO-Parks are located around Lake Tahoe, and numerous state parks offer snowshoe trails, sledding hills and trailhead access for snowmobiling and dog-sledding. Snowball fights are encouraged.
Planning tip: If you’re visiting Lake Tahoe on a budget and plan to spend a lot of time on the slopes, the IKON Session Pass can help you save on lift tickets.
12. Take a tour of Thunderbird Lodge
Thunderbird Lodge National Historic Site in north Tahoe, once the home of George Whittell Jr, now offers a menu of tours and experiences. From the lion that rode alongside him in his Murphy convertible roadster to a stint in Barnum and Bailey Circus (and a possible role in the stock market crash in 1929), George Whittell Jr, otherwise known as “Captain,” was no ordinary heir to the family fortune. However, in the same shrewd fashion of his San Francisco patriarchs who amassed the family's wealth before him, he knew how to strike when an opportunity arose, and acquired 25 miles of Lake Tahoe shoreline from landowners still recovering from stock market losses.
The Lodge, constructed in 1936, is the opulent expression of his playboy lifestyle. Now a National Historic Site, there are multiple tours through the Lodge, including estate tours (from $75) and wine tasting (from $125).