14 of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe

The shimmering beauty of Lake Tahoe makes travelers stop and stare.

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, we’ve hand-picked 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.

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 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 gear and protein-packed breakfasts to start you off. 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. Disconnect with a family-friendly hike

Whether you’re a casual hiker or endurance athlete, the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe are laced with scenic trails – from short and leisurely to long and technical. Family-friendly hikes like Fallen Leaf Lake Trail are great for families of all ages. This trail is just 3.5 miles long and is flat throughout. Your family will enjoy views of the lake as you wind your way through the forest. Another family-friendly hike is the Cascade Falls Trail. At just 1.3 miles long, this short trail takes you to a beautiful waterfall on the West shore of Lake Tahoe.

5. Explore the endless miles of the Tahoe Rim Trail

For those seeking a longer dash of adventure, 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.

6. Earn the best view with a hike to the peak

For arguably the best view of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe, Maggie’s Peak is a must-see hike. This trail isn’t for the inexperienced, but if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the area’s stunning landscapes.

7. 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 live music performances taking place 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 hi-jinks. One of the best is the annual pond skimming contest at Palisades, where costumed skiers attempt to launch themselves across a pool.

8. Spend a sunny day at Pope Beach

Beaches are among the best free things to do in Lake Tahoe. 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.

9. Cruise to Emerald Bay at sunset

Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm Castle top many must-see-in-Tahoe lists. In fact, the latter has been named one of the best beaches in Lake Tahoe. 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 – 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 ($80 per adult or $45 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Hop a gondola in the Heavenly Village

From mid-June to early September, weather permitting, one of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe is take a gondola ride. A gondola ride at Heavenly ski resort isn’t cheap (adult tickets start at $59 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 (2785m), 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 at the top.

Ready to plan your trip to Lake Tahoe? Here's our seasonal guide to the best times to visit

13. 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 harder 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.

14. Tour 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 and cheese tasting (from $125).

Keep planning your trip to Lake Tahoe

Find the best beaches for accessibility.
Discover how to visit Lake Tahoe sustainably and on a budget.
Explore the best hiking and biking trails, along with the best road trips.