Things To Do In The Area
There's no shortage of things to do and adventures to take! Whether it's spring, summer, fall, or winter, the Tahoe area has so much to offer year round. Here's a list of a few we reccomend.
Emerald Bay State Park
This idyllic bay in Lake Tahoe is a must-see. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, Emerald Bay State Park is known for its large granite peaks and hiking trails. For the best views we recommend taking either the Eagle Falls Vista Point Loop or Rubicon Trail. Be sure to tour the Vikingsholm Castle in the summer months—this landmark boasts fine Scandinavian architecture and has an interesting history. Those who prefer jumping into the cool waters can go kayaking or scuba diving too.
The Gondola At Heavenly
Few places fit their name better than Heavenly!
"There’s no better place to take it all in than on a gondola ride. Hop aboard a glass cabin and enjoy a 2.4-mile long journey over Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and stop at the Observation Deck on the way up for some photos. Your scenic gondola ticket grants access to hiking trails, climbing walls, and zip lines. In the winter, don’t miss out on a bundle deal where you can experience the thrill of riding an alpine coaster."
– Tripadvisor
Pope Beach
A beautiful white sand beach with incredible mountain views all the way around. A great place to go with family or friends!
Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort
Host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Palisades Tahoe is considered one of the world's finest ski resorts thanks to its nearly 6,000 acres of terrain and its advanced lift system. Plus, it sees about 400 inches of snow per year, meaning Palisades operates one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in Lake Tahoe. If you're with the family, take them snow-tubing at the SnoVentures Activity Zone or check out the Olympic Museum. The Village at Palisades Tahoe also offers ample dining options as well as nightlife venues. Or if you're visiting Lake Tahoe during the summer, you can tee off at the resort's championship golf course.
Vikingsholm
Visitors thoroughly recommend stopping by the mansion while visiting Emerald Bay. Built as a summer home in 1929, this grand castle on Emerald Bay is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the Western Hemisphere.Several praised the guided tours. Travelers noted that the hike is steep; wear appropriate shoes. There is an easier 1.5-mile hike from the Eagle Point Campground campfire center, or boat tours may run from Camp Richardson during the summer.
Sand Harbor
With a gorgeous cove and clear waters that are perfect for swimming, Sand Harbor is a must when visiting Lake Tahoe. There are plenty of boulders for cool photo ops, or for diving into the water. There are also loads of activities available: rent kayaks and paddleboards, go boating and fishing, or take a hike—you can walk the Memorial Point Trail to discover other beaches, or take the Sand Point Nature Trail for splendid views of the lake. Visit during summer for the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.
Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort
With its summit reaching 10,067 feet above sea level, this wildly popular resort truly is befitting of it's name. The only ski resort on Lake Tahoe's South Shore, Heavenly offers 4,800 skiable acres with runs appropriate for all levels, as well as a snowboard park, nearly 30 lifts and a 50-passenger aerial tram. The Heavenly Resort also offers daycare programs and children's ski lessons, so feel free to bring the kids along.
Harrah's Casino
Sitting just over the border from South Lake Tahoe in Stateline, Nevada, Harrah's Casino offers a lively counterpoint to Lake Tahoe's natural peacefulness. There are plenty of gambling options, including table games and hundreds of slot machines, as well as in-house concert venues and nightclubs. Harrah's is also home to a spa plus several upscale and casual dining options.