- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe's history is rooted in the Washoe Tribe's heritage and the Pony Express trail. The area boomed with the 1960s casino era. See this legacy at the Tallac Historic Site's rustic estates and Vikingsholm Castle's unique Scandinavian design.
This South Lake Tahoe travel guide must highlight the lake itself, the deepest in North America at 1,645 feet. Beyond its shores, hike through the Desolation Wilderness or ski at Heavenly. In fall, visit Taylor Creek's Stream Profile Chamber for an underwater view of spawning Kokanee salmon.
The local lifestyle is defined by a deep respect for nature, embodied by the 'Keep Tahoe Blue' movement. This year-round mountain culture thrives in local breweries and gear shops. Visitors can even join community beach clean-ups, engaging directly with the area's core environmental ethos.
- South Lake TahoeUnited States
- South Lake TahoeUnited States
- South Lake TahoeUnited States
- South Lake TahoeUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- SpringMild, blooming wildflowers
- SummerWarm, ideal for outdoor activities, busy
- FallCooler, beautiful foliage, fewer crowds
- WinterCold, snow, great for skiing
- #Layers
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #WaterBottle
- #SkiGear
- #Swimsuit
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 days with beach visits & outdoor activities
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language.
- #HeavenlyMountainResort
- #EmeraldBayStatePark
- #SouthLakeTahoeBeaches
- #StatelineLookout
- #MountTallac
- #TallacHistoricalSite
- Hike to Eagle Lake
- Ski at Heavenly Resort
- Boat tour of Emerald Bay
- Relax at Kiva Beach
- Try local craft beer
Recommended Hotels in South Lake Tahoe by Experience
Things to do in South Lake Tahoe
Discover
Exploring South Lake Tahoe reveals stunning vistas from the Heavenly Gondola, the historical Vikingsholm Castle within Emerald Bay State Park, and breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains surrounding the crystal-clear alpine lake.
Experience
Hike the Tahoe Rim Trail, ski at Heavenly Mountain Resort, or boat on the pristine waters. Enjoy summer concerts at Harveys Outdoor Arena, browse local art galleries, or join the annual American Century Championship golf tournament.
Emerald Bay State Park
Glacially carved bay with panoramic views and hiking trails.
Heavenly Gondola Ride
Scenic 2.4-mile ride with panoramic lake and mountain views.
Vikingsholm Castle
Scandinavian-style mansion on the shore of Emerald Bay.
M.S. Dixie II Paddlewheeler
Sightseeing cruise on a classic paddlewheel boat.
Pope Beach
Expansive sandy beach with shallow water and pine trees.
Tahoe Rim Trail Hike
Section of a 165-mile trail with incredible lake vistas.
Tallac Historic Site
Collection of historic estates from the Gilded Age.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to South Lake Tahoe, fly into Reno-Tahoe Int'l Airport (RNO). The South Tahoe Airporter shuttle bus provides direct service from the airport to city center hotels in ~90 min. Booking a car rental in South Lake Tahoe from RNO is another popular option.
Getting Around
Use public transport in South Lake Tahoe via the TTD bus system to navigate the area. Ride-sharing is available. For scenic views, the Heavenly Gondola offers a unique ride. In summer, consider water taxis or renting a bike for lakeside paths.
Local Essentials
When driving in South Lake Tahoe during winter, carry tire chains or use a 4WD vehicle. To acclimate to high altitude, hydrate well. Be bear-aware and secure all food and trash. Book popular activities and lodging well in advance.
Where to Stay in South Lake Tahoe
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
South Lake Tahoe's dining is shaped by the mountains. Taste fresh wild-caught trout and local craft beers. The après-ski happy hour is a cherished ritual, where locals and visitors gather after a day on the slopes to eat and relax.
Enjoy
Explore this South Lake Tahoe food and drink guide. Eat at Riva Grill for upscale lakeside dining, reserve window. Brooks' Bar & Deck has a relaxed vibe, sunset views. Driftwood Cafe is a cozy breakfast spot, expect waits.
Friday's Station Steak & Seafood Grill
Upscale dining with panoramic lake views. Reservations a must.
Riva Grill
Classic Californian fare on the waterfront. Known for its lively deck.
Base Camp Pizza Co
Gourmet pizzas and live music in Heavenly. Often very crowded.
Azul Latin Kitchen
Modern tacos and tequila in a vibrant setting. Heats up at night.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore South Lake Tahoe's heritage through events honoring the Washoe Tribe, the region's original stewards. Discover local history at the Valhalla Renaissance Faire and the Genoa Candy Dance, a tradition since 1919 to fund community amenities.
Enjoy
Experience South Lake Tahoe's creative pulse at must-see events. Enjoy the Live at Lakeview Summer Music Series for rock and reggae. Or explore the Valhalla Art, Music, and Theatre Festival for diverse artistic performances.
Lights on the Lake Fireworks
July 4th fireworks display over the lake.
Sample the Sierra
A September farm-to-fork festival with local food and wine.
Camp Richardson Oktoberfest
Annual October festival with Bavarian food, beer, and music.
Tahoe Brewfest
August festival with craft beer tastings and live music.
Valhalla Renaissance Faire
Travel to 16th-century England in this August festival.
Genoa Candy Dance Arts & Crafts Faire
September fair with over 400 arts, crafts, and food vendors.
Multicultural Celebration
Free September festival showcasing diverse cultural traditions.
Simply beautiful
South Lake Tahoe is a fantastic place where huge mountains meet this incredibly blue lake. It's relaxed but there's plenty to do. Heavenly Village is fun for walking around, with lots of shops and food. Just a great spot for a getaway.
Great end-of-season trip
Hit the slopes for some amazing spring skiing; the snow was still great up high. The town itself is easy to get around. Found a great brewery, Sidellis, for a post-ski beer. It's a good balance of outdoor action and town comforts.
Perfect snow conditions
South Lake Tahoe has some of the best skiing I've done. The views from the top of Heavenly are unbeatable, looking down on the lake. The runs are long and varied, and the lifts are pretty quick. A true winter paradise for skiers.
So peaceful and scenic
The scenery here is just stunning, especially with a fresh coat of snow. We spent our time doing easy hikes around Emerald Bay. It was so quiet and beautiful. Perfect for anyone wanting to unplug and just enjoy some crisp mountain air.
Fun weekend on the state line
Came for a weekend with friends and had a great time. The casinos on the Nevada side are lively and offer a lot of action. It's cool how you can ski all day and then hit the tables at Harrah's at night. Good food options inside the casinos too.
Great for the whole family
What a wonderful place for a family trip. The kids loved the gondola ride up the mountain. We found plenty of easy trails for snowshoeing. The main town area is very walkable, and it was easy to find restaurants that everyone enjoyed.