Overview

Lake Tahoe is a mesmerizing shimmering topaz lake surrounded by majestic peaks straddling the California-Nevada border in northeastern California. It is the largest alpine lake in the US, measuring 22 miles long, it is the 10th deepest lake in the world, the second deepest in the states, and boasts 72 miles of sparkling shoreline dotted with endless activities and entertainment. Lake Tahoe is one of the purest lakes in the entire world, with 99.99% purity, roughly the same as distilled water. This stunning scenic area is a spectacular sight to take in with the deepest of blue waters, soaring mountains, pine-scented air, a rocky shoreline, and clear blue skies for most of the year, it's an adventurer's dream vacation destination. 

The lake sits at 6,225 feet above sea level making it one of the highest elevated lakes in the country. There are a few different lakeside towns that are well worth checking out and each has its own unique draws. In general, the North Shore is quiet and upscale, the West Shore is rugged and old-timey, the East Shore is more undeveloped, and the South Shore is busy and tacky, and nearby Reno is the biggest little city in the region. In the summertime, Lake Tahoe is filled with vacationers who hit up the many beaches for sunbathing, swimming, and boating as well as an abundance of watersport activities. The winter months are filled with outdoor enthusiasts and snow lovers who head to the stunning ski resorts in teh area and hit the slopes. The spring and autumn months are popular for those seeking opportunities for hiking, biking, nature walks, and wildlife viewing. 

Lake Tahoe is a remarkable destination to visit as well as the massive and impressive 440 miles of Sierra Nevada mountains that encircle the lake. Not only is the lake and its surroundings a picturesque natural wonder, but the area is a regional hub of activities and relaxation that suit a variety of people with a variety of interests. It is the perfect place for a peaceful getaway with luxurious resort accommodations to bask in and great spa opportunities to enjoy, there are endless shopping options and diverse dining options. It's also a great place to take your four-legged friends with many places that accommodate pet owners, and so many pet-friendly places, so your favorite companies can join in on the fun. 

Things to see and do

Incline Village is one of the best places to visit in Lake Tahoe, nestled on the northeastern shores of the lake, on the Nevada side. The village is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise allowing you to access a wide range of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, golfing, skiing, and abundant water sports. There is a public bike path that runs from Incline Village down to the shoreline, it passes through Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, there are options to rent bikes in Incline Village. Diamond Peak Ski Resort is located nearby and is a busy place in the wintertime. Spa options are available, as well as gambling at Grand Lodge Casino, where there is also shopping and several well-rated restaurants. 

Emerald Bay State Park is located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, a popular place to visit with attractions like the Eagle Lake Trail, that offers magnificent mountain views. The park is filled with some fantastic trails, many of Lake Tahoe’s trails lead to Emerland Bay. It is a designated National Natural Landmark and Underwater State Park due to its outstanding natural beauty. Emerald Bay Beach features a wide-open sandy beach area with a pier, and picnic tables. Kayaks and paddleboards can be rented from the beach and it's possible to paddle out to Fannette Island, as well as numerous secluded coves dotted around the bay. The southwest shoreline is surrounded by towering trees, it is known for its monumental granite cliffs and stunning vistas. 

Vikingsholm is a 38-room mansion nestled on the shores, at the head of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island, in El Dorado County, California. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been called “one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America. It was built as a summer home in 1929 and sits on 232 acres, there are six buildings on the property; the main house, the workshop, the duplex, the teahouse, the transformer building, and the gardener’s cottage. The home offers daily tours in the summer months from June through September, they are conducted by guides employed by the Sierra State Parks Foundation. 

The Tallac Historic Site is the former site of the 100-year-old Tallac Resort located around 3 miles northwest of the City of South Lake Tahoe on the lake side of Highway 89. Over a century ago this site held the title of “Grandest Resort in the World” and was the summer retreat for three of the San Francisco Bay Area’s socially elite families. In its glory days, the resort included two large hotels, a casino, and numerous annexes, and outbuildings. Today the site is home to the Valhalla community events calendar and its annual Valhalla Festival of Arts and Music. The Tallac (Baldwin) Museum is located within the site. Mount Tallac is one of the highest mountain peaks located around Lake Tahoe and soars to 9,735 feet above sea level. At the top, there are epic views across the lake along with a breathtaking panorama of Granite Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake, and Desolation Wilderness. 

Lower Eagle Falls are a set of waterfalls that cascade down into the creek that runs into Emerald Bay. It is a 140-foot waterfall that can be reached via a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail near South Lake Tahoe. The Lower Eagle Falls Trail begins at the junction with the Rubicon Trail just north of the bridge across Eagle Creek. It quickly turns into stairs and leads to a small platform at the bottom of the spectacular Lower Eagle Falls. The area is extremely popular for hiking and the best times to visit for a hike are April through October. Lower Eagle Falls is easily accessible, the Eagle Falls Picnic Area and Trailhead are located here and visitors can enjoy the beauty of the falls and unparalleled views. 

Heavenly is a jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring, invigorating spot overlooking the sapphire blue waters of Lake Tahoe. It is one of the most unique year round outdoor recreate destinations in the world. Home to Heavenly Mountain Resortis a ski resort located on the California-Nevada border in southwestern Lake Tahoe, nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. It opened for business on December 15th, 1955, it sits on 4,800 acres of off-the-grid terrain with 97 runs, and 30 lifts, spread between California and Nevada, and four base facilities. It features 1,600-foot plunges in double-black-diamond canyons, with some of the most outrageous tree skiing in North America. The mountain boasts the highest elevation in Lake Tahoe with a peak elevation of 10,067 feet and peak lift service elevation of 10,040 feet. 

Van Sickle Bi-State Park is a public recreation area that straddles the California and Nevada border overlooking Lake Tahoe. The park is open all year to pedestrians from sunrise to sunset, and open to vehicle traffic from May 1st until October 31st. The park which sits on 542 acres is also open to equestrians, the land was donated by the Van Sickle Family, who up until the 1990s operated a stable here with dozens of horses. The popular Stateline casinos are just a short walk from the park. 

Pope Beach is located on National Forest land on the South Shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe, 3 miles northwest of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89. The beach runs for ¾ mile and is a great location to spend the day with opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and picnics. There are some incredible views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. There are kayaks available for rent and food concessions available on site. The beach is accessible by bicycle via the Pope/Baldwin Bike Path. The beach is also a great destination for hikers and bikers.

Shopping

When it comes to shopping in Lake Tahoe there are several locations to choose from. Taking in the sheer size of the lake and its charming, scenic towns that sit on its shores there are endless possibilities for a shopping trip. Each of the Lake Tahoe resorts and towns offers its own unique selection of local boutiques, shops, and markets to choose from. Some of the shopping hotspots in Lake Tahoe include South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City, Incline Village, Truckee, King’s Beach, Olympic Valley, and Northstar California to name a few. This region is very vast, shopping here can be a sport in itself,  you will be unlikely to experience all the shopping it has to offer in one trip. There are a multitude of shopping opportunities to check out including several large shopping malls, plenty of ski resort shops, as well as independent boutiques, and even some unique artisan marketplaces. There are some uniquely crafted, one-of-a-kind, Lake Tahoe pieces made by local Lake Tahoe artists, which make for the perfect gift to take home for you, or your family and friends. Some popular things to purchase include outdoor gear like hiking and skiing equipment, boating and watersport equipment, whimsical sculptures, fossils, local artwork, photography, jewelry, and clothing. 

Here are a few popular shopping destinations in Lake Tahoe to choose from. Heavenly Village is located a the base of the Heavenly Mountain Resort Gondola boasting over 40 shops featuring local and national brands. It is also home to some of the top-rated, most popular restaurants in Lake Tahoe. Shoppers can stroll along teh cobblestone sidewalks and enjoy the unique collection of shops, eateries, and entertainment options right in the heart of South Lake Tahoe. There is an 8-plex movie theater, live theatre, an outdoor ice skating rink, miniature golf, and live music daily. 

The Village at Northstar features a plethora of stores such as The North Face, Patagonia, Oakley, Lululemon, Burton, and Lole. There are shops selling everything from ski and snowboarding equipment, to designer clothing and shoes, handmade jewelry, and children’s toys. There are other great opportunities such as spa services and a wide variety of dining options. In the heart of this shopping area, there is a large ice rink offering ice skating in the winter, and roller skating in the summer. There is an outdoor area with couches, gas fire pits, and two bars, so there is plenty of entertainment when you need a break from shopping. 

The shops of Tahoe City are a treat as shoppers can take in some of the incredible lakeside views in this shopping haven. This walkable downtown area offers everything from boutiques, sports shops, seasonal goods, local artisan shops, and jewelry. Common’s Beach is set in the heart of downtown and decorated with picnic tables, and a play area for the kids, a great place to soak up the views. 

Truckee has many shopping opportunities to offer with art galleries, boutiques, sports stores, specialty shops, and more in this historic downtown area. Shoppers can watch the train go by, dine al fresco, or participate in a walking history tour. Truckee is rich in history and boasts a quaint downtown with authentic charm with many of its shops housed in the original historic buildings. 

The Village at Palisades Tahoe features over 17 different stores including fashion boutiques, art galleries, kids stores, specialty shops, and sporting goods stores. Shoppers can also enjoy outdoor dining at some of the best outdoor patios and sundecks around the lake. In the summertime, visitors can explore Palisades Tahoe’s most iconic rock face on Lake Tahoe’s only Via Ferrata. They can rent bikes and cruise the scenic bike path or take the scenic aerial tram up to High Camp and participate in rollerskating, hiking, or disc golf. 

Dining

There are a variety of great dining options that line the shores of Lake Tahoe and are sure to satisfy your tastebuds. There are restaurants to cater to everyone's needs including family-friendly restaurants, upscale dining, casual bistro-style restaurants, alpine comfort dining, laid-back ski lodges, long-standing fine dining options, fast food, rustic outdoor cafes, and more. Finding a restaurant that serves up a delicious meal is not hard to come by in Lake Tahoe, there are several different towns and communities dotted around the lake and a place to enjoy a meal is the least of your worries. You can dine at restaurants serving up classic American fare, Mediterranean, Asian, Italian, French, and more there's a variety of options to choose from. 

If you're staying at a resort while visiting Lake Tahoe then you have plenty of dining options right at your fingertips.Resorts and hotels offer on-site restaurants that make it simple to enjoy a meal without leaving the comfort of your accommodations. However, it is well worth it to get out and explore some of the fabulous lakeside restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, bakeries, and pubs for a meal or two.  There are options for a quick bite to eat before you hit the slopes or beaches, and fantastic options for a memorable fine dining experience with a five-course meal and stunning lakeside views for a more elevated experience, either way, your choices for fantastic eateries are plentiful. World-class flavors, expertly crafted fare, and signature service can be found all over the region. Many of the restaurants in Lake Tahoe use the freshest possible local ingredients produce, and meats to prepare their signature menus. 

Nightlife

Lake Tahoe has a wide array of bars and restaurants as well as a plethora of casinos and other nightlife options to suit your fancy. The bar scene in Lake Tahoe is full of fun options with sports bars, rustic mountain pubs, craft breweries, and chic clubs visitors have all the elements they need to enjoy a relaxing evening soaking up the local culture. The bars and restaurants on the shores of Lake Tahoe offer up some stunning craft cocktails, craft distilled gins and whiskey, and Tahoe beers that are actually brewed using water from the lake. There are also plenty of options for the wine lover with local winemakers serving up small-batch wines in a friendly, and welcoming atmosphere around the lake. 

The Lake Tahoe area also features its fair share of food, wine, and beer festivals throughout the year. The Tahoe Brewfest for example which takes place in the summer, and Brews, Jazz, and Funk Fest held in August are both worth checking out. The North Tahoe Lake Ale Trail is a craft beer lovers' dream with over a dozen places to quench your thirst along the way. The South Tahoe Beer Trail is another similar option to check out, get your exercise in, and reward yourself with food and beer breaks along the way.  

There are many wonderful places to relax after a busy day on the lake or the slopes when visiting Lake Tahoe. Many places offer happy hour specials, live music, delicious food to accompany your refreshing drinks and to top it all off many boast some of the best views of the lake as well as the perfect spot for a stunning sunset. 

Casinos are another popular option that can be found on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. The larger casinos are nestled close to each other along U.S. Highway 50 on the southern end of the lake. There are a variety of casinos to choose from such as Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Montbleu Resort Casino, and Harvey’s, which is one of the oldest casinos in the area. The casinos are open 24/7 where visitors can enjoy a wide variety of accommodations, live entertainment, concerts, swimming pools, spas, shopping, golfing, and ski packages. There are also some excellent restaurants serving up a variety of cuisines. Gaming includes slots, cards, craps, poker, blackjack, video poker, sports booking and more.