9 Best and Fun Things To Do At Lake Tahoe, CA (California)

Lake Tahoe is a place of breathtaking beauty that will leave even the most jaded traveler speechless. Things To Do At Lake Tahoe, CA the dazzling expanse of shimmering sapphire-blue waters was described by Mark Twain as “the fairest picture the whole earth affords.”

The lake’s brilliant topaz color is attributed to its depth of nearly 1,640 feet, which is surrounded by pristine pine forests and snow-capped mountain peaks. The crystalline quality of the water is due to the purity of the source: melted snow.

Lake Tahoe City spans 22 miles north to south and 12 miles across the border between California and Nevada. In good weather, driving around the entire lake would take at least three hours. Plan on spending much more if you want to visit the attractions or hike the trails.

Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Nature walks, hiking, cycling, and water sports are among the most popular summer activities.

List Of 9 Things To Do At Lake Tahoe CA Today

1. Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay State Park, located on Lake Tahoe’s western shore, is surrounded by forested hillsides of glacier-carved granite and is dotted with a tiny islet in the center. The bay’s waters are a striking blue-green color because it is slightly shallower than the rest of Lake Tahoe rim trail.

A surprising Scandinavian-style castle overlooks Emerald Bay’s glistening waters. Vikingsholm is a one-of-a-kind example of a historic Lake Tahoe summer vacation home in this idyllic setting. A steep one-mile pedestrian trail leads to Vikingsholm. During the summer season, from Memorial Day weekend to September, visitors can take a tour of the castle’s interior at palisades tahoe south.

Emerald Bay State Park, a National Natural Landmark, has two campgrounds: the Boat-In Camp, which can only be reached by boat or foot, and the Eagle Point Campground, which is steps from the lake and has a secluded beach.

Inspiration Point is a must-see attraction in the area, known for its bird’s-eye views of Emerald Bay from 600 feet above, ideal for photo ops.

Tourists can sign up for the Lake Tahoe Semi-Private Photography Tour, which takes participants to Lake Tahoe’s most photogenic spots, including Emerald Bay, to learn about other beautiful nature sights in Lake Tahoe and how to capture them with a camera at taylor creek.

2. Hiking at South Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is popular among outdoor enthusiasts because of its natural beauty. The trails near South Lake Tahoe have some of the most beautiful hiking spots. These lakeside and lake-view trails provide rejuvenating alpine scenery as well as energizing (or more gentle) workouts.

The Cascade Falls Trail is a scenic and family-friendly two-mile loop from Bayview Campground to Cascade Falls, with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe along the way of heavenly mountain resort.

The Fallen Leaf Lake Trail is a gentle stroll from the Fallen Leaf Campground to a peaceful lakeside spot (on Fallen Leaf Lake, not Lake Tahoe), followed by a stroll along the lake’s shoreline (the complete journey is 2.5 miles round trip).

A popular Lake Tahoe hike follows the rugged shoreline of Emerald Bay. The Rubicon Trail connects D.L. Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay State Park and passes by Vikingsholm Castle. This 4.5-mile trail winds around a ridge above Emerald Bay and has a slight incline. This elevated vantage point provides expansive panoramic views at North America.

3. Alpine Skiing

Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel is a world-renowned alpine skiing destination in the winter and early spring. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are well-known for their vast terrain, sunny weather, and powdery slopes.

Squaw Valley, where the 1960 Winter Olympics were held, and Heavenly, with 4,800 acres of gorgeous ski terrain and stunning lake views, are the most popular of Lake Tahoe’s ski resorts secret cove.

Even non-skiers will enjoy the scenic 2.4-mile Heavenly Gondola ride, which ends at a 9,123-foot Observation Deck with commanding views of Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley, and the Desolation Wilderness.

Sugar Bowl is the closest and most easily accessible resort for a day trip from San Francisco. This historic ski resort features a European-style village as well as a cozy old-fashioned lodge. The resort has 12 lifts (including a gondola) and trails for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.

Intermediate skiers enjoy the runs at Northstar, while advanced skiers prefer the challenging runs at Kirkwood and Mount Rose olympic valley.

4. Lake Tahoe Boat Cruise

A boat cruise on Lake Tahoe is both beautiful and relaxing. Passengers will enjoy spectacular scenery of refreshing pine forests and snow capped Sierra Nevada mountain peaks while gliding through the glistening azure waters.

Many local businesses provide scenic cruises and boat tours of Lake Tahoe’s North Shore, South Shore, West Shore, and Emerald Bay. 

South Lake Tahoe cruises and boat rides depart from Zephyr Cove, Camp Richardson, Timber Cove Marina, and Round Hill Pines Marina, while North Lake Tahoe cruises and boat rides depart from Incline Village and North Tahoe Marina.

The M.S. Dixie II cruise around Emerald Bay is highly recommended. This sightseeing cruise includes up-close views of the waterfalls, Fannette Island, and Vikingsholm Castle, as well as commentary. Snacks and lunch are available at South Tahoe.

5. Tallac Historic Site

The Tallac Historic Site, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, includes the Pope, Baldwin, and Valhalla estates. From Memorial Day to September, the entire site is open to the public, and visitors are welcome to explore the grounds for free. There are also guided tours and special events available at the site.

Every August, the historic estates host a two-day Gatsby Festival, attracting crowds for elegant Roaring Twenties parties, jazz concerts, and other 1920s theme events that recall the estates’ heyday at donner memorial state park.

Visitors can take a docent-led tour of the Pope House to learn more about how Tahoe’s wealthy residents lived at the turn of the century.

The Tallac Museum, which focuses on local history and includes exhibits about the native Washoe people, has been converted from the Baldwin Estate. The house’s original elements, such as the 1930s-era kitchen, have been preserved by the museum.

The Valhalla Estate, once a grand summer retreat for San Francisco’s upper crust, is now a popular venue for private events and lakefront weddings.

From June to September, the Valhalla Estate hosts a Summer Concert Series as well as theater performances at various locations on the estate, including the Valhalla Boathouse Theatre (with eagle lake views), the Grand Hall, and the Grand Lawn overlooking Lake Tahoe.

Camp Richardson is a great option for those who want to stay overnight in the area. This historic donner lake side resort has a small beach, a marina with boat rentals, a “Old Tahoe”-style hotel, a beachside inn, cabins, and campsites, and a beachside inn. 

Summertime activities at the resort include boating, hiking, and biking. Cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing are popular winter activities.

6. Kings Beach

This sun-drenched sandy beach, backed by a forest of Jeffrey pine trees, is ideal for lounging, swimming, and boating during the summer. Kings Beach is located on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore and receives direct sunlight from early morning until late afternoon.

The Kings Beach or Harbor Beach State Recreation Area is well-designed for visitors, with plenty of parking, public restrooms, picnic tables in a shaded area, barbecue pits, a playground, and places to rent kayaks and paddleboards. Fishing is permitted, but a license is required.

Many motels, restaurants, casual eateries, trendy retail shops, and street vendors cater to tourists in Kings Beach.

7. Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park

The Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park stretches for nearly two miles along Lake Tahoe, with densely forested forests of aspen, fir, pine, and juniper trees. In 1903, wealthy financier Isaias W. Hellman constructed the property. Florence Hellman Ehrman, his daughter, inherited the estate.

The Hellman-Ehrman Mansion at Sugar Pine Point State Park is surrounded by 2,000 acres of woodlands and offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe National Forest. 

The mansion was designed as a summer vacation home and was outfitted with the most modern conveniences of the time. The dining rooms have redwood paneling, and the guest rooms have Navajo rugs.

From Memorial Day to the end of September, the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion is open to the public for tours. The grounds (free and open all year) include a flower garden with a gazebo, which is frequently used as a wedding venue. 

A Nature Center near the mansion has interesting exhibits about birds, lake ecology, wildflowers, trees, and other environmental topics.

During the summer, visitors flock to Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park to hike the park’s extensive trails and to swim or sunbathe on the small lakeside beach. Fishing is permitted in the park’s stream from mid-July to mid-September.

During the winter, cross-country skiers enjoy the park’s 20-kilometer trail system. The ski season typically lasts from December to March at chimney beach.

Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park has campsites, picnic areas, and barbecue pits that are open year round (although only a limited number of campsites are open in the winter). It is best to check the weather forecast ahead of time during the winter.

8. D.L. Bliss State Park

Duane L. Bliss was a lumber baron who made a fortune in banking, logging, and railroads in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Bliss family donated 744 acres of private land to the California State Park system in 1929.

Visitors can now enjoy the beauty of this public park, which includes appealing picnic areas, pleasant lakeside areas, and lovely sandy beaches. The beaches have a secluded feel because they are hidden away in densely wooded groves and can only be reached via a two-mile steep hike.

Lester Beach and Calawee Cove in the park are two of Tahoe’s most beautiful beaches. Swimmers love the clear waters, sunbathers love basking in the warm summer sun, and water sports enthusiasts love the ideal conditions for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.

D.L. Bliss State Park is also popular for hiking, particularly the Rubicon Trail, which provides spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. This 4.5-mile trail leads to Emerald Bay State Park; a two-mile extension trail past Vikingsholm Castle is also available at hope valley.

Other hikes include the Lighthouse Trail, which leads to a historic lighthouse, and the Balancing Rock Nature Trail, which includes the 130-ton granite “Balancing Rock,” which rests magnificently on a narrow stone base.

D.L. Bliss State Park campground has 150 campsites with restrooms and hot showers during the summer. Reservations are strongly advised for this family-friendly camping area. From May to September, the campground is open.

9. Sand Harbor State Park

Sand Harbor State Park on the Nevada side of North Lake Tahoe has miles of sandy beaches as well as hidden coves and shady pine forests. The breathtaking scenery serves as an inspiring backdrop for summertime outdoor activities.

The 55-acre park provides opportunities for swimming, scuba diving, and kayaking in Lake Tahoe’s clear waters. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, lifeguards are on duty. The docks at the boat launch are popular with sailors, kayakers, and boaters.

Visitors can enjoy scenic walks along the Sand Point Nature Trail, a short hike with excellent lake views, and the Sand Harbor to Memorial Point Trail, a half-mile trail with access to secluded beaches and cave rock coves.

There are also shaded picnic areas under the fragrant Jeffrey pines at Sand Harbor State Park. The Sand Harbor Visitor Center and Gift Shop, as well as a casual restaurant, are also available.

The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is a must-see for literary types (held from mid-July through mid-August). The festival features a series of performances that highlight some of Shakespeare’s most well-known works. 

The entertaining performances will take place in an exquisite outdoor theater set among a grove of towering pine trees. The tranquil scenery and starry night skies add to the unique experience.

Where To Stay For Sightseeing Near Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe offers a wide range of accommodations, from upscale resorts and rustic-chic lodges to family-friendly hotels and more affordable motels. We recommend the following highly rated hotels and resorts with easy access to the top Lake Tahoe attractions:

• The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe: 5-star luxury accommodations with ski-in/ski-out access to Northstar California, a slope-side spa, a children’s program, a lake club, and a cabana-lined pool.
• Deerfield Lodge at Heavenly: 4-star boutique hotel with sleek modern decor, gas fireplaces, and in-room coffee makers.
• The 7 Seas Inn at Tahoe is a charming boutique hotel located a short walk from Heavenly Village and Lake Tahoe, with a private beach, complimentary breakfast, and a hot tub.

FAQs Things To Do At Lake Tahoe