lake tahoe area guide

Hike 7.2 miles along the Tahoe Rim Trail from the Big Meadow Trailhead to Dardanelles Lake. Cross the highway carefully, then enjoy forests, meadows and wildflowers on the way. Moderate difficulty. Restrooms and parking at trailhead.

The Flume Trail is a Tahoe classic, with stunning views of Lake Tahoe's Eastern Shore. This moderate difficulty trail is great for intermediate riders, and even beginners ready for a strenuous ride. Shuttle services are available, or consider a loop ride back to your car from Spooner Lake State Park, or an out and back on the Flume Trail.

Chimney Beach, situated near Sand Harbor State Park on Tahoe's eastern shore, is accessible via a 1-mile downhill trail from a parking lot off Hwy 28. This popular destination features a sandy beach and a historic stone chimney, offering visitors easy access and breathtaking views of the lake.

Gunbarrel Tavern & Eatery is a woodsy-chic American eatery with a full bar serving comfort food & pub grub in a casual environment. Located in South Lake Tahoe, CA, it's the perfect spot for a delicious meal.

The Truckee River Whitewater Park in Reno, NV offers a kayaking experience with a moderate difficulty level. Featuring a 1st St & N Arlington Ave location, the park provides a great place for thrill-seekers eager to test their skills.

Monument Pass Trail near South Lake Tahoe is a moderate 3 mile ride with an elevation gain of 1000ft. It offers both a challenging climb and flowy descent, passing through old growth Jupiter trees and rock outcroppings. Take a lollipop route with Cold Creek Trail, Star Lake Trail, and Rim Trail for the ultimate adventure!

Shedcat Distillery & Kitchen is a South Lake Tahoe eatery offering fresh and flavorful brunch, dinner, and late-night food and drinks with a happy hour. Enjoy modern farm-to-table cuisine with a range of options to suit every taste.

Tahoe Bowl is a family-friendly bowling alley located in South Lake Tahoe, CA. It features 16 lanes, a retro diner & bar, a small arcade & a pro shop. Perfect for a fun day out.

Lake Aloha Hike is a 12.3-mile trail in Desolation Wilderness, with an elevation gain of 1860 ft. Average completion time is 5 h 28 min. Best times to explore are June through October. Dogs allowed on leash. Difficulty level: Hard.

Heavenly Mountain is a Moderate resort in South Lake Tahoe, CA offering skiing, snowboarding, biking, lodging, and dining. Enjoy beautiful Lake Tahoe views while partaking in these activities.

Angora Lakes Trail is a 1.2-mile easy out-and-back route near South Lake Tahoe, CA. With an average time of 34 minutes, this area is popular with hikers, paddlers, and runners. Best visited Mar-Sept, dog friendly on leashes.

Vikingsholm Trail is a 1.7 mi dirt & paved hike in Emerald Bay, CA, leading down 400ft to the bay. Moderate difficulty, parking fills up early so arrive early. Enjoy the stone observation area above Emerald Bay & the bay view further down the trail.

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort offers skiers and snowboarders a diverse terrain of steeps, trees, bowls and freestyle terrain, plus an average of 480 inches of snow per year, its no wonder the resort has earned itself a reputation as one of the top destinations for winter sports in North America.

Regan Beach is South Lake Tahoe's oldest beach with stunning views of the lake. Facilities include free parking, a playground, restaurant (Memorial Day-Labor Day), restroom, and 1 volleyball court. Dogs are allowed off-leash in the water park. Enjoy a picnic, launch a kayak, or let kids run around on the grass.

Tahoe Paddle Sports offers paddleboards and lessons, with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe, make it the ideal spot to relax and enjoy the outdoor life.

Jimmy's Restaurant offers Wood-fired California cuisine in a cozy yet chic space with an onyx bar and multiple fireplaces & fire pits. Enjoy local & seasonal ingredients, freshly-caught seafood & an extensive wine list.

Tahoe Meadows is an 8-mile point-to-point mountain bike section of the Tahoe Rim Trail near Carson City. Starting at an elevation of 9,000ft, the ride gradually drops before reaching Tunnel Creek Road, then turns more challenging with some climbing to Snow Peak.

Kayak Tahoe Paddleboard offers a fun, easy adventure on the lake. Expect great views, fresh air and smooth waters during your time on the lake. Suitable for beginners, this outdoor experience is ideal for the whole family.

Lake Tahoe Wake Tubing Boat Rentals offers all-inclusive luxury speed boat rentals with captained tours in South Lake Tahoe, California. Services include wake tubing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, waterskiing, paddle boarding, swimming and sightseeing.

El Dorado Beach is a bustling beach with stunning views of Lake Tahoe and amenities like boat launch, food concession, restrooms, BBQs, picnic tables and rentals (kayaks, paddle boats, and standup paddle boards). Located on Hwy 50 and Lakeview Ave, South Lake Tahoe, it is an easy access point for the Lake Tahoe Water Trail. Parking is free.

Explore Fallen Leaf Lake, a 6.1 mile moderate loop trail in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy cross-country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking with your pup (on a leash!). Beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere year-round. Average time 2 hrs, 8 mins.

Tahoe Sports Ski Run Boat Company Boating offers 130 rental boats and 50 jet skis between two locations, as well as parasailing rides. Open daily from May to October, weather permitting.

Explore the scenic trails at 400 Squaw Creek Road, CA! With an easy difficulty level, this outdoor activity is perfect for the novice explorer. Enjoy the natural beauty of the area without the challenge of a difficult hike.

Eagle Falls Vista is an easy 0.7 mile hike to a beautiful vantage point over Emerald Bay. The trail offers panoramic views of the lake, plus an opportunity to see the famous Eagle Falls.

Visit the Heavenly Village Ice Rink for a fun ice-skating experience. Located in the Heavenly Village, the challenging rink boasts a cozy atmosphere and convenient location. Bring your family and enjoy a great day out!

Spend a fun day at Pope Beach, Lake Tahoe! XC ski or snowshoe along the uncleared road to a snowy beach and enjoy the easy difficulty of the terrain. Cover as much distance as you'd like and admire the scenic woods.

Magic Carpet Golf, located in South Lake Tahoe, California, has been a family-run mini-golf course since 1971. It features a snack bar and game arcade as well as an easy difficulty level. A great place for a fun day out!

Powerline Trail is a smooth single track trail located in South Lake Tahoe, suitable for beginners to intermediates. It connects to other trails like Corral, Cedar and Cold Creek. Accessible from Ski Run Blvd and High Meadow Road. Difficulty is Easy.

Discover the Fallen Leaf Lake Trail, a 3.6-mile out-and-back route near South Lake Tahoe, CA, offering a moderate challenge and approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes of hiking time. This popular area is perfect for backpacking, camping, and fishing year-round, with some areas allowing dogs to roam off-leash, enhancing the outdoor experience for all.

Middle Velma Lake Hike is a 9-mile challenging trail in Desolation Wilderness near South Lake Tahoe, California, with an elevation gain of over 2,000 ft. It takes an average of 4 hrs 52 min to complete. Best visited May-October, dogs are welcome, and it's popular for backpacking, camping, and hiking.

The Tahoe Rim Trail's Bench Mountain Bike is a great trail for Intermediate and Advanced riders. It starts high above tree line, with amazing views of Lake Tahoe along the way. It has just enough rocks to make it amidst and rideable

Ski Run Marina is the perfect spot to enjoy some “Tahoe Time”! With a variety of activities such as boating, fishing, shopping and great food, it has become an inviting spot for people of all ages to relax and create memories. With the support of the South Lake Tahoe community, Ski Run Marina is quickly becoming one of the gems of the lake.

Riva Grill On the Lake is a lakeside eatery in South Lake Tahoe, California. This spot has American cuisine, rum cocktails, and mahogany décor inspired by Riva boats, plus stunning views of the lake.

Snowshoe around College Trail near South Lake Tahoe for a peaceful 1.7 mile (averaging 31 min) out and back route with easy difficulty. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Perfect for cross-country skiing, hiking, or snowshoeing.

Pope Beach is a 3/4 mile long sandy stretch located in Lake Tahoe, US. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, kayaking and breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada. Concession stands and bike rental available, no pets allowed. Managed by California Land Management.

Kiva Shoreline at Lake Tahoe offers 200 yards of narrow sandy shoreline and a fragile marsh-zone nearby. Facilities include a visitor center, portable toilets and an unmaintained shoreline trail to Tallac Historic Site. Enjoy panoramic views of the lake, mountains and surrounding shoreline from its southern spot.

Visit Baldwin Beach in Lake Tahoe! Snowshoe or cross country ski along the snowy beach, with a difficulty of Easy. Explore the vast white landscape, with the option to make the trip short or long. Enjoy the peacefulness of the woods, as you make your way to the beach.

An easy-moderate 5.3 mile hike along the scenic Echo Lake, with boat taxis available. Perfect for snowshoeing in winter, views along the way are beautiful. Dog-friendly. Ideal for a day-long outdoor adventure.

Lakeside Beach offers a daily gateway to beach-goers from sunrise to sunset. Enjoy a classic day out in nature!

Star Lake Connector Trail is a 4 mile (1400ft) climb in South Lake Tahoe, CA. It connects High Meadow and Star Lake via the TRT trail. You can descend Cold Creek trail for a longer loop. Difficulty level is Moderate.

Christmas Valley Trail in South Lake Tahoe, CA is a moderately technical ride that links part of the TRT with rocky terrain. The loop features a challenging climb and descent, plus 3 out and back options to scenic alpine lakes. Start at Big Meadow TRT trailhead on Highway 89 or at parking area on South Upper Truckee Road.

Naked Fish is a sushi and Japanese spot in South Lake Tahoe, California. With a Hawaiian influence, the restaurant is known for its sushi and inviting atmosphere. A must-try!

Lake Tahoe Boat Rides provides boat tours in South Lake Tahoe, California. They offer a variety of exciting excursions for all levels of difficulty, making sure that everyone can enjoy the beauty of the lake.

Grass Lake, California is a peaceful XC skiing destination atop Luther Pass. The two mile trail offers picturesque frozen meadows perfect for snowshoeing and XC skiing. Difficulty level is Easy. An ideal spot for a winter day trip.

Chimney Beach Trail is a short but fun easy descent from Marlett Lake, near the Flume Trail, to Highway 28 and Thunderbird Lodge. Pick up after riding the Flume or TRT and leave a car at the lot for a shuttle, or ride up and down.

Cold Creek Trail is a 5-mile ride in South Lake Tahoe, CA, with 1,400ft of vertical ascent and descent. It offers a mix of beginner to intermediate level technical riding, with rock features and scenery of aspens, ferns and waterfalls. Park at the water substation or the High Meadow Rd trailhead.

Mr Toad's Wild Ride in Lake Tahoe, CA is a 6 mile advanced downhill mountain biking trail with upper sections of towering forests and boulders as well as fast, banked turns on the lower sections. The 20 mile loop is achievable from the Fountain Place parking lot or make it shorter by taking a shuttle up Big Meadow. Expert level only.

Experience a unique era of Tahoe history at the Tallac Historic Site. Enjoy interpretative trails, beach walking, guided tours and special events. Built between 1894 and 1921, the site was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 and offers visitors a variety of recreational activities.

Corral Trail, South Lake Tahoe is the unofficial hub of mountain biking. The trails vary in difficulty and link to Armstrong Trail, Rim Trail, Powerline, and Railroad Grade for hours of riding. For access, take Pioneer Trail towards Meyers, turn left onto Oneidas Street, drive 0.5mi and park in dirt lot. Features include jumps, berms, rollers and hips. Perfect for riders of all levels.

Hansen's Snow Tube & Saucer Hill Snow Park in South Lake Tahoe is great for an adventure. Easy difficulty level and 1360ft of slopes, makes it a perfect winter destination. Facilities include a snow tube and saucer hill and even a cafe.

Located at the top of Luther Pass, Grass Lake and the surrounding meadows are a 2 mile flat, ungroomed snowshoe and XC skiing trail perfect for enjoying a beautiful frozen meadow. Easy difficulty level.

Beach House in South Lake Tahoe offers burgers, salads, local wines & craft beers with lake views. Relax and enjoy the scenery in a laid back atmosphere.

Explore the Echo Lake Trailhead in Echo Lake, CA, where adventure awaits on a scenic 14.3-mile moderate hike. This captivating trail showcases two of Tahoe's loveliest lakes: Angora and Echo. Immerse yourself in nature and treat yourself to breathtaking views along the way!

The Daggett Loop trail near Stateline, Nevada is a moderately challenging 7.5 mile loop. Explore the Tahoe Rim Trail and take in views of Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley from April to October. Enjoy birding, hiking, and running at this popular spot for a 3 h 45 min round trip.

Scusa Italian Ristorante in South Lake Tahoe, CA serves traditional Italian cuisine in a cozy dining room or heated outdoor patio. Dine in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy delicious Italian dishes.

Van Sickle Bi-State Park is an easy to moderate 2.6 mile trail hike near South Lake Tahoe. It offers spectacular views of the lake and mountains, plus it's connected to the famed Tahoe Rim Trail. It's open to hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians.

Azul-Latin Kitchen offers a festive atmosphere and a patio; authentic Latin American cuisine and drinks with locally-sourced ingredients. A must-visit in South Lake Tahoe, CA.

Timber Cove Marina Boating in El Dorado County, CA, offers a wide range of watersports and boat rental services. Located on 931 3rd St. in South Lake Tahoe, it provides family-friendly activities and is a great destination for all ages.

Hope Valley in Alpine County, CA, USA is a 4.1 mile cross-country ski/snowshoeing trail with rolling valleys and mountain peaks. This closed-off road offers beautiful views after a mile and is easy enough for all levels. Enjoy the winter route for a great outdoor experience.

Explorers in South Lake Tahoe, CA can enjoy top-notch gourmet burgers and whiskey at California Burger Company. Styled like a hip tavern, the venue also offers live bands, TVs, and outdoor seating. A perfect spot to unwind while enjoying a laid-back, yet exciting atmosphere.

Eagle Lake Trail is a 1.8 mile moderate out and back trail near South Lake Tahoe, California with a lake. It can be used from May to September and dogs must be kept on leash.

Explore the 6.8-mile out-and-back trail near South Lake Tahoe, CA. This moderately challenging hike takes around 3h23m and is best enjoyed between March-September. Dogs on leashes are welcome.

Timber Cove Marina is a great recreation spot located in South Lake Tahoe, offering accommodations, dining, camping and various water toys for both kids and adults. All these features make Timber Cove Marina the perfect Lake Tahoe marina.

Blue Dog Pizza offers build-your-own pizza and oven-toasted subs for late-night dining. Try this popular spot for delicious, freshly prepared pizzas.