Top 11 Things to do in Lake Tahoe

If you’re planning a trip to Lake Tahoe and wondering what to do, I’ve got you covered! Lake Tahoe has been my go-to mountain escape for years. As a Northern California local living just a few hours away, I’ve made countless trips here with family and friends, and the beauty of this alpine lake still mesmerizes me every time.

In summer, we enjoy hiking, water activities, and the beaches, and in winter, it’s all about snow. What I love most is that Tahoe has something for everyone, whether you’re here for a quick weekend or a longer stay.

In this guide, I’ve rounded up the top things to do in Lake Tahoe from iconic spots like Emerald Bay and Sand Harbor Beach to activities that keep me coming back year after year. Make sure to add a few of these to your Tahoe itinerary.

1. Visit Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay is my favorite spot in Lake Tahoe, and honestly, one of the most beautiful spots on the lake. The deep emerald green water, surrounding peaks, and small Fannette Island in the middle always make it look like a postcard. I always stop at either Inspiration Point or Emerald Bay State Park Lookout, where the panoramic view of the bay is breathtaking.

The only way to go down to Emerald Bay is by hiking or by boat. On one of our trips, we hiked down the Vikingsholm Trail to see the castle up close. The walk is less than a mile each way, but it feels longer on the climb back up! This is one of the most scenic hikes in Lake Tahoe.

At the bottom, you’ll find Vikingsholm Castle, a 38-room Scandinavian-style mansion built in 1929. In summer, you can tour the inside, but even just seeing it from the outside is impressive.

The castle sits right next to a small beach, Emerald Bay Beach, where we’ve stopped to rest and take in the lake views. If you have time, you can take the short trail to Lower Eagle Falls. In summer, the waterfall gushes, while in fall it is reduced to just a trickle, but it is still worth the walk.

Tip: Parking here is tough in summer. On one visit in August, we arrived just before 9 AM and barely got a spot. By the time we finished the hike, the lot was already full.

2. Take a Cruise on Lake Tahoe

My favorite way to experience Lake Tahoe is from the water. On one of our trips, we did a daytime sightseeing cruise from Zephyr Cove to Emerald Bay, and the views were stunning.

➡️ We booked this Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay sightseeing cruise on the MS Dixie II

The cruise passes right by Vikingsholm Castle and Fannette Island, which is the only island on the lake. I loved getting that close-up view and hearing the history from the narration on board.

The boat itself is a large paddle wheeler with multiple levels. The lower two decks are enclosed with small decks, while the top deck is open with the best views. There’s also a café and bar on board, which made it easy to relax and enjoy the ride. We went as a group of ten family members, and everyone enjoyed it.

If you’re looking for something different, there’s also an evening dinner cruise option with live music and sunset views.

Tip: I recommend booking your cruise tickets in advance. In summer, departure times sell out quickly, and this is one experience you don’t want to miss. The cruise has a free shuttle pickup, and paid parking is also available at the Zephyr Cove Resort.

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

3. Go Hiking

Lake Tahoe is surrounded by mountain peaks, pine forests, and crystal-clear water, which makes hiking here especially rewarding. Almost every trail comes with exceptional views of the lake or leads to something memorable like a waterfall, castle, or alpine lake.

Some of my favorite hikes on the south shore are the Vikingsholm Trail down to Emerald Bay, which ends at the castle and beach, and the Eagle Falls to Eagle Lake Trail, a short but scenic hike that rewards you with a waterfall and a beautiful alpine lake. The Rubicon Trail is a longer shoreline hike that connects DL Bliss and Emerald Bay, with nonstop lake views along the way.

On the north shore, I like the quick Monkey Rock Trail, which has a fun rock formation shaped like a monkey’s head and sweeping views over the lake. Another favorite is the Stateline Fire Lookout Trail, a short paved walk with panoramic views that are especially stunning at sunset.

For something family-friendly, the Tahoe East Shore Trail is a paved path running three miles from Incline Village to Sand Harbor. We’ve biked and walked sections of it, and it’s one of the best ways to see the east shore’s turquoise water and granite boulders up close. Another easy option is the Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Nature Trail, a mostly flat forest loop at the base of Mount Rose.

If you’re up for a challenge, the Mount Tallac Trail is the bucket-list hike in Tahoe. It’s strenuous, but from the summit, you get some of the best views of the entire lake.

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

4. Relax on the Beaches

One of the best ways to enjoy Tahoe is simply to spend time on its beaches. I like the beaches at Lake Tahoe more than the ocean beaches because of the clear, calm water and mountain backdrop, which makes them feel so much more relaxing.

The most popular beaches are Sand Harbor on the east shore, with its turquoise water and giant boulders, Zephyr Cove on the south shore, which has a lively marina and lots of water activities, and Kings Beach on the north shore, known for its vast sandy stretch and family-friendly atmosphere. These three are the most well-known and are always buzzing in summer.

Sand Harbor and Zephyr Cove are usually our go-to beaches on any trip. Sand Harbor has several beach areas and parking lots, so more chances of spreading out. Plus, the boulders are always fun to climb. Zephyr Cove is our favorite for water activities like kayaking and parasailing, and it’s also where the cruises depart.

For something quieter, I love Nevada Beach, which feels more laid back and has a long sandy stretch and beautiful views of the lake and mountains. Pope Beach is another good option with calm water and picnic tables. And if you are lucky enough to get parking, Hidden Beach on the east shore is a tucked-away gem with crystal-clear water and a more secluded feel.

5. Try Water Activities

Lake Tahoe is one of the clearest alpine lakes in the world, and getting out on the water is the best way to experience it. We’ve tried everything from kayaking to parasailing to rafting over the years, and the water activities at the lake are always fun.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are easy favorites, and you’ll find rentals at places like Sand Harbor, Kings Beach, and Zephyr Cove. I especially love kayaking at Sand Harbor, where the shallow turquoise water and giant boulders make it feel like you’re floating in an alpine postcard.

➡️ I recommend this Sand Harbor Clear Kayak Tour of Lake Tahoe, which is beginner-friendly.

If you’re up for something more thrilling, Zephyr Cove is where we went parasailing, and it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime view of the lake and mountains from above. Jet skis are also available there if you want speed. For something more relaxed, we’ve taken out pedal boats and even just lounged on the sand watching all the activity out on the water.

On one summer trip, we also went rafting on the Truckee River near Lake Tahoe. It’s a fun half-day adventure with mostly calm stretches and a few class 1 to 3 rapids along the way. We went as a family group and had a blast paddling, stopping at sandy banks for breaks, and even some excitement with our raft occasionally getting stuck on the rocks.

➡️ I recommend this Whitewater rafting class III on the Truckee River

6. Drive around the lake

One of my favorite ways to take in Lake Tahoe is by driving the full loop around the lake. Without stops, it takes about three to five hours, but I always plan for a full day because there are so many scenic pullouts, beaches, and small towns worth exploring. The road climbs and dips with the shoreline, so some stretches have elevation and curves, which is another reason to take it slow and enjoy the ride.

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

Classic stops include Inspiration Point and the Emerald Bay Lookout on the south shore, both offering postcard views of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island. Along the west shore, I like stopping at DL Bliss State Park to check out the Rubicon Point Lighthouse and lakefront views, and Sugar Pine Point State Park, where you can walk the grounds of the historic Ehrman Mansion.

Further north, Tahoe City makes a good lunch break before continuing along the lake. Near Crystal Bay, the Stateline Fire Lookout is a quick uphill walk with panoramic views. If you want to stretch your legs more, the paved Tahoe East Shore Trail between Incline Village and Sand Harbor is one of the most beautiful sections to walk or bike.

On the east shore, the drive feels especially scenic. Logan Shoals Vista Point is an easy pullout for a sweeping view, and Cave Rock has a short trail to one of the best sunset spots around.

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

7. Ride the Heavenly Gondola in Summer

If you are visiting Lake Tahoe in the summer months between June and September, I highly recommend you ride the Heavenly Gondola in South Lake Tahoe to the observation deck. You will see sweeping views of the entire lake from above. In my opinion, it’s one of the best views of Lake Tahoe (tied only with the aerial view I saw while parasailing).

We’ve gone up the gondola many times, especially when bringing visiting family or friends, and the view from the deck never fails to impress. On a clear day, you can see the entire lake framed by the Sierra Nevada and even into Nevada.

If you continue all the way to the top, there’s plenty to do in summer. On one trip, we got the all-activity pass with our kids, and they had a blast trying the Mountain Coaster, zip Line, summer tubing, and even gemstone panning.

There are also hiking trails and a climbing wall, so you can easily spend a whole day here enjoying the mountain air and the views.

8. Go Biking in Tahoe

Biking around Lake Tahoe is such a fun way to take in the scenery, and there are really nice bike trails here. The most scenic ride we’ve done is the Tahoe East Shore Trail, which runs three miles from Incline Village to Sand Harbor. We’ve biked and walked sections of it, and I love how the path hugs the shoreline with nonstop views of turquoise water and granite boulders.

For something more laid back, there are plenty of paved bike paths around South Lake Tahoe, including a trail that connects Pope Beach, Baldwin Beach, and Camp Richardson. It’s an easy ride with beautiful lake views and spots to stop for a picnic.

If you’re looking for mountain biking, Tahoe has tons of options, from forest trails to more advanced downhill routes. Mountain biking is not my thing, but it’s a huge draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Rentals are easy to find in both North and South Lake Tahoe if you don’t bring your own bike.

9. Camping

Although I have tried camping a few times in my life, it is definitely not my preferred style of accommodation or vacation. That said, camping is a popular activity in Lake Tahoe. There are plenty of campgrounds all around the lake, which are very popular in the summer and often sell out months in advance.

On the south shore, Camp Richardson is a classic choice with lake access, bike trails, and even an ice cream shop. Fallen Leaf Lake Campground is another good one, tucked into the forest but close to South Lake Tahoe. On the north shore, Nevada Beach Campground is especially popular since it’s right by the sand and has amazing lake views.

10. Hit the Ski Slopes in Winter

Tahoe is more renowned as a ski destination than a summer one, and for good reason. I’ve made a few trips here in winter when my kids were taking skiing lessons, and the snow-covered mountains completely change the scenery.

Even if skiing isn’t your thing, just being in Tahoe in winter feels magical with snowy pines and cozy lodges. Tahoe is where we California locals go to see snow in winter!

For skiing and snowboarding, there are plenty of choices. Heavenly Mountain Resort is the most famous, with runs that have some of the best lake views you’ll find anywhere. Northstar California Resort is another favorite, especially for families, with a village area at the base that’s fun to walk around after a day on the slopes. On the west shore, Homewood is smaller but has incredible panoramic views over the lake.

If you don’t ski, there are still winter activities like tubing, snowshoeing, and sledding. I’ve done Tahoe more often in summer, but winter here is absolutely worth experiencing, whether for the snow activities or simply the views.

11. Dining and Nightlife in Tahoe Towns

After a day of exploring outdoors, it’s fun to wind down in one of Tahoe’s lively towns. We’ve spent the most time in South Lake Tahoe, and the energy here is always great.

Heavenly Village is our go-to spot for dinner and a stroll. My family loves Base Camp Pizza Co. for its casual vibe and good food, and my kids never let us skip The Baked Bear, where you can build your own ice cream sandwich.

We’ve stayed at the Marriott Timber Lodge a few times, which makes it so easy to be right in the middle of it all. In summer, Heavenly Village sometimes hosts live concerts, and on one of our recent visits, we stumbled upon a show right in the middle of the village, which made the evening extra fun.

In North Lake Tahoe, the scene is a little more laid back. Incline Village has some nice dining options and is a good base if you want quieter evenings. Tahoe City is another fun town to stop in during a drive around the lake. It’s great for a meal by the water or just to wander through the shops.

Tahoe isn’t known for a wild nightlife like big cities, but there are a few casinos at Stateline on the Nevada side if you’re in the mood for late-night entertainment. Otherwise, most evenings here are about enjoying a good meal, catching some live music in the summer, soaking in the hotel hot tub, and relaxing after a day in the mountains.

Final Takeaways

Lake Tahoe is one of those places I never get tired of visiting. Whether it’s hiking to alpine lakes, relaxing on the beaches, getting out on the water, or simply taking in the views on a drive around the lake, there’s always something new to enjoy here. I’ve made countless trips with family and friends, and it will remain my go-to getaway destination for all seasons.

➡️ Up next, check out my Lake Tahoe Itinerary, where I share how to spend 1 to 3 days around the lake based on my own experiences.