Lake Tahoe on the California-Nevada border makes a lot of lists of the most beautiful places in America. There’s also a lot to do there, with a wide range of outdoor recreation, great dining, resorts, nightlife, and more.
If it’s your first time going or if you’re going back, consider adding some of the following places to your itinerary.
Emerald Bay State Park, California
The ancient glaciers that shaped this area left behind a landscape now filled with massive cliffs and trees, clear waters, and stunning views. Try the easy-moderate Eagle Lake Trail for granite peaks, waterfalls, and chances to swim in the (cold) waters.
Sand Harbor State Park, Nevada
This is probably the most popular outdoor site on the Nevada side. In the summer, people flock here for swimming, boating, fishing, and scuba diving. Winter is very picturesque, and you should expect snow on the trails. The park is also the site of the annual Shakespeare Festival.
Incline Village, Nevada
Hiking, mountain biking, skiing, golf, and water sports are popular here depending on the season. There are also plenty of spas and excellent restaurants if you need to treat yourself to something nice.
The Heavenly Gondola, California
Ride a “glass cabin” over the lake and the mountains for some of the best views of the area you can get. Your ticket also provides access to ziplines, hiking trails, climbing walls, and more.
Tallac Historic Site, California
Between 1894 and 1930, wealthy families of the Gilded Age built three estates here. Today, you can tour their summer homes and gardens and learn about the history of the area at the free museum here.
Vikingsholm, California
This castle on Emerald Bay, built in 1929, was merely a summer home for its wealthy owners. Regardless, it’s among the best examples of Scandinavian architecture that you can find in the Western Hemisphere.
Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum, California
From school days, you might remember the ill-fated Donner Party, pioneers who got caught in severe winter weather in the Sierra Nevada and had to resort to cannibalism. Here, you’ll learn more about this tragedy and the fates of those who survived.
Kings Beach State Recreation Area, California
This is one of the area’s largest beaches, and it’s great for swimming, boating, and some lazy sunbathing in the California sun. You can rent boats, paddleboards, and kayaks. It’s also nice to know that in a state that isn’t cheap to live in or visit, getting in is free.
Palisades Tahoe, California
Hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics, this resort is considered to be one of the best ski areas in the world. Here’s something even cooler: if you stay at the Everline Resort, there’s a ski lift right outside, so you don’t have to mess with parking and lines.
Inspiration Point, California
America has a lot of places called “Inspiration Point.” Most live up to that name, and this one is no exception. The vista here takes in an unforgettable view of Emerald Bay, and all you have to do is drive up and walk a little.
Van Sickle Bi-State Park, California, and Nevada
Located close to Heavenly, the hike here is easy and has a big payoff. It mostly goes through woods but then ends at an incredible overlook of Lake Tahoe. If you google this place, you’ll likely learn it’s in South Lake Tahoe. However, there’s short foot access from the Nevada side as well.
The Loft Theatre, California
So far, the focus has mostly been on outdoor activities, so here’s a little something to mix it up. At the Loft, you get the only place in South Lake Tahoe that has a restaurant with award-winning wines from all over the world, a fully stocked bar, a high-end lounge, and a live performance theatre.
Lake Tahoe Balloons, California
There are a lot of clear days at Lake Tahoe, and one of the best ways to take in the scenery and the colors is from way up high. On this tour, you’ll launch from and land on the lake itself via the world’s only aircraft carrier certified by the U.S. Coast Guard for hot-air balloons.
Homewood Mountain Resort, California
If the crowds of Palisades and Heavenly are deal breakers for you, try Homewood. It’s not as beginner-friendly as those other two places, but lift tickets are quite a bit cheaper.
Lake Tahoe Boat Tours, California, and Nevada
Most people see the lake from the shores, slightly off it, or from viewpoints above it. Try taking a boat tour that gets you out in the middle of it and provides a completely different perspective.
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