10 Places to Visit Near Lake Tahoe Ideas (2023)

Written by Lisa Alexander
Updated October 14, 2022

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Lake Tahoe is a place of sublime beauty that inspires awe in even the most jaded traveler. Mark Twain described the dazzling expanse of sparkling sapphire water as "the loveliest sight the whole earth offers."

Surrounded by virgin pine forests and snow-capped mountain peaks, the lake is a brilliant cobalt color attributed to its depth of nearly 1,640 feet. The water owes its crystalline quality to the purity of the source: melted snow.

Lake Tahoe straddles the California-Nevada border, stretching 22 miles from north to south and 12 miles in diameter. In good weather, it would take at least three hours to circle the entire lake. However, plan a lot more if you want to stop and see the sights or hike the trails.

Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Popular summer activities include nature walks, hiking, biking, camping, and water sports.

From December through April, Lake Tahoe is a winter wonderland with opportunities for downhill and cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. The Lake Tahoe area is known for itsfirst class alpine ski areas.

Learn about the top attractions and plan your activities with our list of things to do in Lake Tahoe.

See also: Where to stay in Lake Tahoe: best areas and hotels

1. Explore Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay State Park is a small protected section on the west shore of Lake Tahoe and is one of the main attractions in the area. It is surrounded by forested slopes of granite carved by glaciers and dotted with a small island in the center. Because the bay is slightly shallower than the rest of Lake Tahoe, the water takes on a striking aquamarine hue.

A striking Scandinavian-style castle dominates the crystal clear waters of Emerald Bay. in this idyllic placeWikingerholm Palacio(built 1929) is a unique example of a Lake Tahoe summer vacation home and is listed asnational historic monument.

Access to Vikingsholm is via a 1.6 km long steep path. (The path leads to the castle, and it's a hike back.) To see inside the castle, visitors can take a 30-minute guided tour. Guided tours are offered every day during the summer season from early June to September and take place every half hour from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

It is also possible to skip the walk and go to Vikingsholm by boat. a local company,action water sports, operates cruises from the Camp Richardson Marina to Vikingsholm Castle and includes a guided tour of the castle.Cruiser Tahoealso offers an Emerald Bay Cruise and Vikingsholm Castle Tour Package; The cruise departs from Round Hill Pines Beach Resort.

Outdoor enthusiasts visit Emerald Bay State Park for recreational activities: hiking, swimming, boating and camping. CalledNatural National Monument, Emerald Bay State Park has two campgrounds: theBoot-In-Camp, only accessible by boat or on foot, and theCampamento Eagle Point, which is just steps from the lake and has a secluded beach. The park also features a lakeside picnic area overlooking Fannette Island in Emerald Bay.

A must-see attraction in the area ispoint of inspiration, prized for its bird's-eye view of Emerald Bay from 600 feet, perfect for photo ops.

To learn about other beautiful natural spots in Lake Tahoe and how to capture them on camera, tourists can sign up for Lake Tahoe Small Group Photography.Route, which takes participants to the most photogenic spots in Lake Tahoe, including Emerald Bay.

2. Hike near South Lake Tahoe

Outdoor enthusiasts love Lake Tahoe for its natural splendor. Some of the best areas for hiking are the trails near South Lake Tahoe. These lakefront and lakeside trails offer rejuvenating alpine scenery and invigorating (or more gentle) exercise.

A scenic and family hike thatCascade Falls Trailit's an easy two-mile loop from Bayview Campground to Cascade Falls with sensational views of Lake Tahoe along the way.

DieFallen-Leaf-Lake-Trailit's a leisurely drive from Fallen Leaf Campground to a quiet spot on the lake (at Fallen Leaf Lake instead of Lake Tahoe) and then a walk along the lakefront (total trip is 2.5 miles round trip).

A popular Lake Tahoe hike can be found along the rugged shoreline of Emerald Bay. theRubicon-Trailfollow the shoreline of D.L. Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay State Park and past Vikingsholm Castle. This 4.5-mile trail has a slight incline as it winds around a ridge overlooking Emerald Bay. This elevated vantage point offers a wide panoramic view.

3. Go skiing

During the winter and spring, Lake Tahoe is a world-renowned downhill ski destination. The Sierra Nevada mountains are prized for their vast terrain, sunny climate, and dusty slopes.

The most popular ski areas in Lake Tahoe arepalisades tahoe,where the 1960 Winter Olympics were held, andCelestial, offering 4,800 acres of beautiful ski area with stunning lake views.

Even those who don't ski will enjoy taking the scenic 2.4 milesheavenly gondolaRide that stops at an observation deck at 9,123 feet for panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley, and the Desolation Wilderness.

For a day trip from San Francisco it is the closest and most accessible resortsugar bowl. This historic ski resort has a European-style village with a cozy old farmhouse. The complex has 12 lifts (including a gondola) that provide access to hiking trails for all levels, from beginner to advanced.

Advanced skiers love the slopesnorth stern, while more advanced skiers prefer itKirkwoodybergrosafor the demanding Black Diamond races.

4. Take a boat ride on Lake Tahoe

A boat trip on Lake Tahoe is an awesome and relaxing experience. As they glide through the brilliant blue waters, passengers have the opportunity to admire the magnificent scenery of refreshing pine forests and the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada.

Many local companies offer scenic cruises or boat tours of Lake Tahoe's North Shore, South Shore, West Shore, or Emerald Bay. Cruises and boat trips depart from Zephyr Cove, Camp Richardson, Timber Cove Marina, and Round Hill Pines Marina in South Lake Tahoe, and Incline Village and North Tahoe Marina in North Lake Tahoe.

A recommended boat trip is theFRAUD I said yo-yoCruise Emerald Bay departing from Zephyr Cove Marina. Aboard an old steamboat, guests enjoy the fascinating seascape with up-close views of Fannette Island and Vikingsholm Castle. MS Dixie II offers two types of cruises: daytime sightseeing cruises with commentary and sunset dinner cruises with dancing and live entertainment.

5. Visit the historical site of Tallac

Listed in theNational Register of Historic Places, the Tallac Historic Site includes the lands of Pope, Baldwin, and Valhalla. From Memorial Day through September, the entire site is open to the public, and visitors are free to explore the site. The site also offers tours and special events.

Every year in August, a two-day event is held at the historic estates.Festival de Gatsby, which draws crowds for posh Roaring Twenties parties, jazz concerts, and other 1920s-themed events reminiscent of social gatherings during the property's heyday.

To learn more about how wealthy Tahoe residents lived in the early 20th century,dad's house. Available from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the hour-long tour allows you to see the living room, dining room, servants' quarters, butler's pantry, and landscaped gardens of the Casa of the Popes

DieCasa Baldwinbecame theTallac-Museo(free to the public Thursday through Sunday during the summer months), which focuses on local history, including exhibits on the Washoe people. The museum has preserved original elements of the house, such as the kitchen from the 1930s.

Once a grand summer retreat for San Francisco's upper class, theValhalla Estateit is a popular venue for private events and lakefront weddings.

Every summer, from mid-June to mid-September, Valhalla Estate hosts asummer concert series, as well as theater performances at various locations on the property: the Valhalla Boathouse Theater (with lake views), the Grand Hall, and on the Grand Lawn overlooking Lake Tahoe.

For those looking to spend the night in the area, Camp RichardsoncomplexIt is a good choice. This historic lakeside resort has a small beach; a marina with boat rentals; an "Old Tahoe" style hotel; and an oceanfront inn, cabins, and campsites. The community is a great place for boating, hiking, and biking in the summer. In winter, cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing are popular activities.

6. Spend a day at Kings Beach

Surrounded by a forest of Jeffrey Pine, this sun-drenched sandy beach is an ideal place to lounge, swim, and sail in the summer. Located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, Kings Beach enjoys direct sun from morning until late afternoon.

Kings Beach State Recreation Area is well designed for visitors with ample parking, public restrooms, picnic tables in a shaded area, barbecue areas, a playground, and places to rent kayaks and paddleboards. Fishing is allowed but requires a license.

The town of Kings Beach has many motels, restaurants, casual dining, trendy retail stores, and street vendors that cater to tourists.

7. Stop at Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park

Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park stretches nearly two miles along Lake Tahoe with dense forests of aspen, fir, pine, and juniper. The property was built in 1903 by wealthy financier Isaias W. Hellman. His daughter, Florence Hellman Ehrman, inherited the property.

Surrounded by 2,000 acres of forest in Sugar Pine Point State Park, theHellman-Ehrman-VillaIt offers a magnificent view of Lake Tahoe. The casually elegant and rustic manor house was designed as a summer vacation home and equipped with the most modern conveniences of the time. The dining rooms are paneled in redwood and the bedrooms are decorated with Navajo rugs.

The Hellman-Ehrman Mansion is open for tours from late May through September. The grounds (open year-round, free) include a flower garden with a gazebo, often used as a wedding venue.

There is one near the mansion.nature centerwith interesting exhibits on birds, lake ecology, wildflowers, trees, and other environmental topics.

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

In winter, cross-country skiers can enjoy the park's 20-kilometer network of trails. The ski season usually lasts from December to March.

Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park has campgrounds, picnic areas, and barbecue grills, and the facilities are available year-round (although a limited number of campgrounds are open during the winter). In winter it is recommended to check the weather conditions in advance.

8. Enjoy the beaches and hiking trails in D.L. bliss state park

Duane L. Bliss was a lumber magnate who made his fortune in banking, logging, and railroads in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1929, the Bliss family donated 744 acres of private land to the California State Park System.

Today, visitors can absorb the beauty of this public park with its attractive picnic areas, pleasant lakefront areas, and beautiful sandy beaches. The beaches have a secluded feel because they are tucked away in densely forested groves and can be reached via a steep two-mile hike.

die parksLester Strandycalawee bayThey are among the most beautiful beaches in Tahoe. Swimmers enjoy the crystal clear water; Bathers enjoy sunbathing under the warm summer rays; and water sports enthusiasts enjoy the perfect conditions for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddling.

Visitors also come to D.L. Bliss State Park for hiking, especially theRubiconTlane, which offers a sensational view of Lake Tahoe. This 4.5-mile trail leads to Emerald Bay State Park; There is also a two-mile extension trail that runs past Vikingsholm Castle.

Other hikes include thelighthouse path, which leads to a historic lighthouse, and theEducational Path of Balancing Rock, with the 130-ton granite "Balance Rock" resting beautifully on a narrow stone plinth.

In summer D.L. Bliss State Park Campground has 150 campsites with restrooms and hot showers. This family campsite is very popular and reservations are recommended. The campsite is open from mid-June to mid-September.

9. Appreciate the scenery and activities at Sand Harbor State Park

Located in North Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side, Sand Harbor State Park offers miles of sandy beaches, as well as hidden coves and shady pine forests. The majestic landscape provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor summer activities.

The 55-acre park offers opportunities to swim, snorkel, and kayak in the translucent waters of Lake Tahoe. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Sailing, kayaking and boating enthusiasts will appreciate the jetty docks.

Visitors can take scenic hikes along theSendero natural de Sand Point, a short hike with great views of the lake and theDe Sand Harbor a Memorial Point Trail, an 800 m long hiking trail with access to secluded beaches and rocky coves.

Sand Harbor State Park also has shady picnic areas under fragrant Jeffrey pines. Other facilities include theSand Harbor Visitor Center(with a gift shop) and a casual restaurant.

10. Hike the Eagle Rock Trail

The Eagle Rock Hiking Trail is a spectacular hiking trail on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, just four miles from Tahoe City. Eagle Rock is a spectacular volcanic eruption located at over 6,000 feet, a few hundred feet above Lake Tahoe.

This short and easy hike is about a half mile and can be completed in 20 minutes, but it rewards with beautiful views.

11. Hit the trails or enjoy the lake at Donner Memorial State Park

The infamous Donner Party began its westward journey from Springfield, Illinois, in April 1846 as part of a wave of pioneers who immigrated to California in the mid-19th century. When the party reached Fort Bridger, they settled on a route that was considered a shortcut to California. Unfortunately this route had been recommended by an unreliable guide.

When the Donner Party reached the Sierra Nevada mountains in October 1846, heavy snowfall prevented the mountain pass on their route. The party was forced to camp by the lake with simple huts and inadequate provisions. Due to the extreme cold, malnutrition, and dangerous conditions, nearly half the group died in the winter.

Today, the mountain pass that blocked the advance of the Donner Party is called Donner Pass and is within theTahoe National Fort. Nearby, Donner Memorial State Park commemorates California pioneerspioneer monument.

Includes Donner Memorial State ParkDonnerseeand eight miles of trails, including aNature trail on the lake shore. In the summer, visitors can hike, mountain bike (guided mountain bike tours are offered on Saturdays from late May through September), picnic, fish, boat, and camp. In the snowy season, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing draw many winter sports enthusiasts to the park.

The park also has onevisitors Centerwhich features exhibits on the Donner Party, the emigrant (pioneer) experience, and other local history.

Address: 12593 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, California

12. Watch a performance at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

Literary types should plan to attendLake-Tahoe-Shakespeare-Festival(from mid-July to mid-August). The festival presents a series of performances highlighting some of Shakespeare's most celebrated works.

Audiences will enjoy entertaining performances in an exquisite open-air theater set amidst a forest of towering pine trees. The calm scenery and the starry night sky add to the special experience.

Lodging Options Near Lake Tahoe for Sightseeing

Visitors can choose from a wide variety of Lake Tahoe accommodations, from luxury resorts and rustic-chic lodgings to more affordable family hotels and motels. We recommend these highly-rated hotels and resorts with easy access to the top attractions around Lake Tahoe:

• The Ritz-Carlton Club, VerTahoe: 5-star luxury accommodations, ski-in/ski-out location in Northstar, CA, ski-in/ski-out spa, kids' program, lake club, cabana-surrounded pool.
• Deerfield Lodge unCelestial: 4-star boutique hotel, sleek contemporary decor, gas fireplaces, in-room coffeemakers.
• 7 stay stillTahoe: Charming boutique hotel, walking distance to Heavenly Village and Lake Tahoe, private beach, complimentary breakfast, jacuzzi.

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Sierra Nevada Highlights: Lake Tahoe is located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, which includes other spectacular national parks such as Yosemite with its spectacular waterfalls and glacier-carved valleys. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed national park (about a three-hour drive from Lake Tahoe) is one of California's top attractions. Mount Shasta (a five hour drive from Lake Tahoe) is another incredible sight and has some of the best hiking in California.

Interesting cities near Lake Tahoe: Just a 45-minute drive from Lake Tahoe in northwestern Nevada is the bustling city of Reno, known for its large resort hotels with a flashy Las Vegas-style vibe.

The Sierra Nevada foothills (an hour's drive away) are also worth a visit. From 1849 through the 1850s, this area along the American River was the thriving area of ​​the gold rush. Today, the Gold Country is one of the best places to visit in California. In the charming Old West towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley, visitors can explore art galleries and local boutiques, dine at fine-dining restaurants, and stay in Victorian-era hotels.