Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada of the United States. Lying at 6,225 ft, it straddles the state line between California and Nevada, west of Carson City.
20 pictures of Lake Tahoe from Ethan Dow, Justin W, Tim Mossholder and other travelers
To reach Lake Tahoe, you can fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) in Nevada or Sacramento International Airport (SMF) in California. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service like the South Tahoe Airporter or North Lake Tahoe Express, depending on which side of the lake you plan to visit.
When planning your trip, it is essential to book any necessary permits, guided tours, or equipment rentals in advance. For instance, if you plan to hike in Desolation Wilderness, you will need to secure a permit beforehand. During peak seasons, reservations for popular activities like boat rentals and guided tours can fill up quickly.
Costs can vary depending on the season and your preferred activities. Expect to pay around $100 to $200 per night for accommodations, and budget for food, activities, and transportation. Some popular activities include skiing or snowboarding during the winter months, which may cost around $100 to $150 for lift tickets and rentals, while water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding can range from $20 to $50 per hour.
There are countless things to do at Lake Tahoe. Some of the best activities include hiking the Rubicon Trail, mountain biking on the Flume Trail, exploring Emerald Bay State Park, or taking a scenic cruise around the lake. During the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Heavenly, Northstar, and Squaw Valley.
For dining options, consider the following suggestions. In South Lake Tahoe, try the popular Base Camp Pizza Co. for delicious gourmet pizzas or the Fresh Ketch for fresh seafood with a lakeside view. In North Lake Tahoe, visit Gar Woods Grill & Pier for mouth-watering steaks or Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge, which offers a great menu and beautiful lake views.
When it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of options to suit different budgets and preferences. For a luxurious stay, consider the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe or the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort. For more budget-friendly options, try the Basecamp Hotel or the Tahoe Beach & Ski Club.
Off the beaten path:
For an unusual and memorable experience, explore Lake Tahoe's hidden Castle in the Sky, also known as Vikingsholm. This stunning 38-room mansion is located at the head of Emerald Bay and is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the United States. Accessible only by boat or a steep one-mile hike, visiting Vikingsholm offers a unique adventure and a glimpse into Lake Tahoe's rich history. During the summer months, guided tours are available, providing an opportunity to learn more about the history and architecture of this fascinating landmark.
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Lake Tahoe
🌊 Ocean spots 🏖️ Shore spots ⛰️ Hill station spots 🌲 Nature reserve spots 🏞️ Reservoir spots 🌲 Tropical and subtropical coniferous forests spots 🏞️ Waterway spots 🚢 Pier spots 🏖️ Beach spots ❄️ Fjord spots 🚢 Dock spots 🏞️ Loch spots ⛰️ Mountain spots ⛰️ Mountain range spots 🏞️ Mountain river spots Stand up paddle surfing spots 🤿 Underwater spots 🏖️ Archipelago spots 🐾 Wildlife spots 🏖️ Bay spots 🌉 Bridge spots 🏖️ Coast spots 🏘️ Cottage spots Extreme sport spots Flipping spots 🌲 Forest spots ❄️ Glacial landform spots ⛰️ Highland spots 🏞️ Lake spotsSummer activities at Lake Tahoe :
Enjoy hiking, but also biking (several adapted routes including the famous Truckee River Bike Trail) or horseback riding.
Some companies also offer multi-day cruises on the waters of Tahoe.
Winter activities at Lake Tahoe :
Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowmobiling: winter sports fans can have a blast here with trails for all levels at nearly a dozen resorts including Heavenly Mountain, Northstar, Sugar Bowl, Homewood, Squaw Valley, etc.
Activities in all seasons
Don't forget to try out the many restaurants for a gourmet break around the lake, or indulge in a few hours of shopping in the various villages.
You will also find interesting museums and historical sites, such as the South Lake Tahoe Historical Society and Museum or the Tallac Historic Site.