Scenic Lake Tahoe Itinerary for 1-3 days

Lake Tahoe has been our go-to getaway for years. Living in Northern California, I’ve been here many times with family and friends, and each trip reminds me why it’s such a special place. The mix of alpine scenery, beaches, hiking trails, and lake views makes it easy to fill a weekend or longer.

In this post, I’ve put together a 1 to 3-day Tahoe itinerary with the best things to do based on my own visits. From hiking down to Vikingsholm Castle at Emerald Bay, cruising across the lake, relaxing at beaches like Zephyr Cove and Sand Harbor, to exploring lively Heavenly Village, this plan covers the main Tahoe highlights.

Whether you have just one day or a long weekend, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe Itinerary: Quick Overview

Here’s a quick look at how to spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Lake Tahoe.

• Day 1 (South Shore): Hike the Vikingsholm Trail to Emerald Bay, take a cruise to Emerald Bay, and relax at Zephyr Cove Beach.
• Day 2 (Full Lake Loop): Drive all the way around Lake Tahoe with stops at Inspiration Point, DL Bliss, Tahoe City, Kings Beach, Stateline Fire Lookout, Hidden Beach, Sand Harbor, Logan Shoals, Cave Rock, and finish in Heavenly Village.
• Day 3 (South Lake Tahoe): Hike the Eagle Lake Trail, ride the Heavenly Gondola, and spend the evening in Heavenly Village.

Day 1: Vikingsholm Trail, Emerald Bay Cruise, Zephyr Cove Beach

I think the best things to do in Lake Tahoe are enjoying the views, hikes, and beaches. And on Day 1, we will get our fill of all of these. If you have only one day in Lake Tahoe, I highly recommend you do this. Our first day is focused on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, since that’s where many of the most iconic sights are.

Emerald Bay is the most beautiful part of Lake Tahoe, and on the first day we will experience it by hiking and by boat. Finally, wrap up the day by relaxing at Zephyr Cove Beach and doing some water activities.

Vikingsholm Trail to Emerald Bay

The only way to visit Emerald Bay is by hiking or by boat. Vikingsholm Trail is a moderate hike down to Emerald Bay, and I would say most folks can do it. The only challenging part is the climb up on a steep road (8% grade), but it’s less than a mile. The views really are worth it for this short effort.

We have done this hike with our kids on one of our visits. To reach the trailhead, drive to Emerald Bay State Park lookout. There’s a viewpoint right by the parking area that’s perfect for a quick photo stop before you head down the trail.

The hike is about a mile downhill on a wide, paved path, with scenic views of the lake. Of course, it’s all uphill on the way back, but with a few stops to catch your breath, it is doable. I am not an advanced hiker by any means, and will totally do it again!

At the bottom, you’ll reach Vikingsholm Castle, a 38-room Scandinavian-style mansion built in 1929. It looks like something straight out of a storybook. In summer, you can join a guided tour of the interior, which I’ve yet to do.

The castle sits right on the shore of Emerald Bay Beach, where you can take a break, enjoy the lake views, or even dip your toes in the water. We packed a breakfast picnic to enjoy by the lake.

If you have extra time, take the short walk to Lower Eagle Falls nearby. In late spring or early summer, the water flow is impressive. During our fall season visit, the waterfall was barely a trickle, but the area was still worth seeing.

Tip: The parking lot at Emerald Bay State Park lookout fills up quickly, especially in summer. We arrived just before 9 AM and snagged a spot, but by the time we hiked back up, the lot was full. Roadside parking is an option, but it also fills up quickly, so the earlier you arrive, the better.

➡️ Check my complete list here for the best Lake Tahoe hikes.

Cruise to Emerald Bay

One of my favorite ways to experience Lake Tahoe is from the water. On our recent trip, we did a daytime sightseeing cruise from Zephyr Cove to Emerald Bay on the beautiful MS Dixie II boat. The views of Emerald Bay are stunning.

➡️ We booked this Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay sightseeing cruise

The 2.5-hour cruise also goes past Vikingsholm Castle and Fannette Island, which is the only island in Lake Tahoe. It was neat to get that close-up view and learn a little about the history from the narration on board.

The boat itself is an impressive paddle wheeler with three levels. The lower two levels feature enclosed seating areas, while the top level has an open deck. There is a cafe and bar on board. My entire family group of 10 enjoyed the cruise.

There is also an evening dinner cruise option with live music and sunset views.

Tip: I recommend booking tickets in advance, especially if you’re going in the summer. Departure times can sell out, and this is one activity you don’t want to miss.

➡️ Read my experience about taking Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Cruise.

Zephyr Cove Beach

After our cruise, we spent some time at Zephyr Cove Beach, which is right by the marina. It’s a wide sandy beach that’s great for just relaxing by the water.

We saw kayak and jet ski rentals right next to the marina, and it looked like a fun spot for water activities if you want to get out on the lake. Parasailing and paddleboarding are also offered here, so there are lots of options besides just lounging on the sand.

My family has rented kayaks here once, and on a different visit, we tried parasailing. Parasailing on Lake Tahoe is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The view of the entire lake and the mountains from above is just out of this world. I don’t think I have experienced anything more amazing than this!

The beach is family-friendly, with restrooms, picnic tables, and a restaurant if you want food and drinks without packing your own. Parking is available right by the beach, but it’s a paid lot. Give yourself enough time to find parking before the cruise.

Day 2: Drive around Lake Tahoe

One of my favorite ways to see Lake Tahoe is to drive the entire perimeter around the lake. It can take about three to five hours without stops, depending on traffic, but I like to set aside a full day to enjoy the viewpoints, beaches, and towns along the way.

👉 I recommend using this self-guided audio tour to make the drive even more interesting with history and stories as you go.

I am listing the most popular stops on the drive, starting from the South Lake Tahoe Heavenly Village area and going clockwise around the lake.

But you can really start this drive from anywhere you are staying in Lake Tahoe. If you are using this audio tour app on your phone, it will track your location via GPS and let you know about the upcoming stops from your starting point.

You might not be able to fit all of these stops in one day, as traffic and finding parking will eat away at your time, so pick around four or five that you are most interested in.

Parking can be a challenge at any of these stops, so you will just have to try your luck. Also, most state parks have a per-vehicle day-use fee.

Inspiration Point (South Shore)

This is one of the best viewpoints in South Lake Tahoe, with wide panoramic views of Emerald Bay, Fannette Island, and the surrounding mountains.

It’s a quick stop with a small parking area. The road leading up to Emerald Way from the east has quite an elevation and is windy with no guardrails, so make sure to drive slowly.

Just a half mile west is Emerald Bay Lookout, the trailhead for Vikingsholm, which you may have already visited on Day 1. If not, then there is an Emerald Bay viewpoint here.

DL Bliss State Park (West Shore)

DL Bliss is a beautiful stop if you want to stretch your legs. From here, you can access the Rubicon Trail, one of the most scenic hikes along the shoreline, which connects to the historic Rubicon Point Lighthouse. The views of Tahoe’s deep blue water from this area are incredible.

Sugar Pine Point State Park (West Shore)

Sugar Pine Point has a long stretch of shoreline with a pier, tall pine trees, and lake views. It’s also home to the historic Ehrman Mansion, which you can tour in the summer. I like it as a peaceful stop on the west shore that feels less crowded than some of the other parks.

Tahoe City (North Shore)

Tahoe City is a good place to take a break from the drive. Commons Beach has a grassy park right on the lake, and it’s a nice spot to relax. The town also has plenty of restaurants and coffee shops, so it’s a convenient stop for lunch.

Kings Beach (North Shore)

Kings Beach is a large sandy beach in North Lake Tahoe, with plenty of space to spread out. It’s popular in summer for swimming, picnics, and paddleboard rentals. The town around the beach has a casual vibe with small shops and eateries.

Stateline Fire Lookout (North Shore)

Just past Crystal Bay, right near the California–Nevada border, there’s a short hike up to the Stateline Fire Lookout. The trail is about a mile round-trip on a paved road, and at the top, you get panoramic views over Crystal Bay and Lake Tahoe. It’s a great quick stop, especially if you’re driving later in the day, since the views at sunset are beautiful.

Hidden Beach (East Shore)

Just south of Incline Village, Hidden Beach is a small cove with clear water and big granite boulders along the shoreline. Parking is very limited, but if you’re lucky enough to find a spot, it’s worth a quick stop.

Sand Harbor Overlook and Beach (East Shore)

Sand Harbor is one of my favorite spots on the entire lake. It is also the most photographed view of Lake Tahoe. The overlook gives you postcard-perfect views of turquoise water and the big granite boulders Tahoe is known for.

There are multiple sides to the beach here, so make sure to walk around and explore a bit. Down at the beach, you’ll find kayak and paddleboard rentals, and it’s one of the best places to get out on the water. The shallow, clear water here makes it especially scenic for photos. My kids love to climb the boulders here.

The Tahoe East Shore Trail also runs right by here, stretching three miles from Incline Village to Sand Harbor Beach. It’s a scenic paved trail along the lake that’s great for biking or walking, with plenty of spots to stop and take in the views.

Logan Shoals Vista Point (East Shore)

Logan Shoals is an easy roadside pullout with panoramic views of the lake. It doesn’t take long to stop, but the scenery is stunning, especially if you catch it in the late afternoon light.

Cave Rock (East Shore)

Cave Rock is a quick but rewarding stop on the east shore. A short, steep trail leads up to the top of a rocky outcrop, where you get sweeping views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. There’s also a small beach and picnic area here if you’d rather stay by the water instead of hiking up the rock.

Heavenly Village (South Shore)

After I finish the drive around the lake, I like to end the day in Heavenly Village. This area at the base of the Heavenly Gondola has lots of restaurants and shops, making it an easy place to grab dinner after a long day. It’s a lively spot in the evening and a nice way to wrap up the drive before heading back to our hotel.

Note: Some parts of the drive have steep and winding sections with elevation, so take your time, especially if you’re not used to mountain roads. If you’d rather skip the driving, there’s also a guided bus tour that takes you around the lake with built-in stops along the way.

➡️ I recommend this Full-Day Lake Tahoe Circle Tourif you want to skip driving yourself around the lake.

Day 3: Eagle Lake Trail, Heavenly Gondola, South Lake Tahoe

I think the best way to wrap up a Lake Tahoe trip is by spending more time in South Lake Tahoe, since this area has some of the best hikes and activities.

On Day 3, we’ll start the morning with a short hike to Eagle Lake, which is my favorite hike in Lake Tahoe. Then take the Heavenly Gondola for panoramic views of the lake and mountains. Finally, we’ll spend the rest of the day exploring South Lake Tahoe and enjoying the lively atmosphere around Heavenly Village.

Eagle Lake Trail

The hike to Eagle Lake is one of my favorite hikes in South Lake Tahoe (the other is the Vikingsholm Trail down to Emerald Bay, which we covered on Day 1). This short trail has it all — a waterfall, a bridge, a rushing stream, scenic views, and a stunning alpine lake at the end.

The trail starts with a steep climb on stone steps, and at about the half-mile mark, you’ll reach Eagle Falls, a good spot to catch your breath and enjoy the view. From there, it’s another half mile uphill with more stone steps and a pretty vista point along the way.

At the end of the hike, you’re rewarded with Eagle Lake, which is absolutely beautiful. On summer visits, I’ve seen people swimming in the clear water, and it’s a refreshing way to cool down before heading back.

The trail is very popular, so I recommend going early in the morning or later in the evening to find parking at the small Eagle Falls Trailhead lot or across the street at Emerald Bay State Park.

Heavenly Gondola

The Heavenly Gondola isn’t just for skiing in the winter. It’s our favorite thing to do in Tahoe in the summer. We’ve taken the gondola ride up many times, often with visiting family and friends, and the views never disappoint.

It starts right in Heavenly Village, and there’s an observation deck along the way where you can get off and take in views of the entire lake from above. Words cannot describe how incredible the view of the lake from up here is. You have to see this!

If you ride all the way to the top, there are plenty of activities like the Mountain Coaster, Zip Line, summer tubing, gemstone panning, and a climbing wall. We once did the all-activity pass, and it was enough fun for our family to fill an entire day. Even if you skip the activities, the gondola ride itself is worth it for the views.

Tip: Try to plan your ride on a clear day, since the views are the main draw and can be blocked if it’s smoky or foggy.

Heavenly Village

South Lake Tahoe is where we’ve stayed the most, and Heavenly Village is always a lively place to end the day. We’ve stayed at the Marriott Timber Lodge several times, and the spacious one or two-bedroom villas are perfect when visiting with family. Being right in the village makes it easy to walk to shops, restaurants, and the gondola.

The village is fun to wander around in the evenings. On one of our visits, we even caught a live concert happening right in the square. The mini golf is fun for the entire family. For food, Base Camp Pizza Co. is one of the most popular spots here, and for dessert, my kids love The Baked Bear, where you can build your own ice cream sandwich.

Where to stay in Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is more lively and has many more hotels and vacation rental options than North Lake Tahoe, while the north shore is quieter and has more of a laid-back vibe. We have stayed in both areas, and both are great, it just depends on what kind of experience you are looking for.

Best hotels in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is where we’ve stayed the most, and it’s great if you want to be close to Heavenly Village, restaurants, shops, and nightlife.

Marriott Timber Lodge – Upscale resort in the best location, next to Heavenly Gondola. We have stayed here a few times, and the one and two-bedroom villas are very spacious with full kitchens. The pool area is huge, and resort activities are fun for the whole family. Being right in Heavenly Village makes it so convenient to walk everywhere.

Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel – Mid-range resort in a great location, right at the Stateline. Walk to the casinos and restaurants in Heavenly Village.

Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort – Condos with full kitchens, a pool, and resort amenities, all within walking distance of Heavenly Village. Great for families who want more space than a standard hotel room.

Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge & Spa – A mid-range to affordable hotel right on the beach. Very popular with families for the easy lake access and beautiful sunsets.

Best hotels in North Lake Tahoe

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort – Upscale resort in Incline Village with a spa, casino, several restaurants, and a pool. You can walk to Incline Beach, and the golf course is nearby.

Cedar Glen Lodge – A charming, rustic-style resort with cabins and family rooms with kitchens. Just a few minutes from Kings Beach, with a cozy, laid-back vibe.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals – Lake Tahoe has plenty of vacation rentals for large families or groups of friends. Whenever we go with extended family, we always book vacation homes, as it’s nice to have a full kitchen and space to spread out. Many homes here have lake views, hot tubs, or are close to hiking trails. It’s a great option if you want to stay together under one roof.

How to get to Lake Tahoe?

The closest commercial airport to Lake Tahoe is the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, which serves 20+ destinations across the US. You can get a rental car at the airport, and Lake Tahoe is around a 45-minute drive from the airport.

Lake Tahoe is around a 3.5-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area and around a 2-hour drive from Sacramento.

If you are not local to Northern California, a visit to Lake Tahoe is often combined with a Northern California road trip or San Francisco itinerary.

How to get around Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe is best explored with a car or rental car if you are flying into Reno-Tahoe International Airport or driving from San Francisco.

➡️I recommend checking out rental cars at Expedia as they provide the best rates with top car rental brands.

Final Takeaways

Lake Tahoe is one of those places I keep coming back to, and each visit feels just as special as the first. Whether it’s hiking to hidden alpine lakes, taking in the views from a gondola or overlook, or simply relaxing on the beach, there’s something here for everyone.

If you only have one day, spend it around Emerald Bay for the classic Tahoe experience. With two or three days, you can drive the full loop around the lake, enjoy the lively atmosphere of Heavenly Village, and still have time to fit in a hike or water activity.

No matter how long you stay, I recommend planning enough time in your day for traffic and parking, and giving yourself time just to enjoy the scenery. Tahoe is my favorite getaway, and once you experience it, you’ll see why.

➡️ Up next, check my list of the top things to do in Lake Tahoe.