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Lake Tahoe
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Lake Tahoe Overview
Lake Tahoe is California's premier year-round playground. With camping, fishing and boating in the summer, and snow skiing, ice skating and gambling in the winter, there is always plenty of fun to be had at Lake Tahoe. At 22-miles in length and 12-miles across, Lake Tahoe is California's largest Alpine lake. But it doesn't belong to California alone because the California Nevada state line runs right through the middle. On the Nevada side of the borders you will find several large-scale casinos offering gambling, dining and entertainment. World-renowned ski resorts like Heavenly and Squaw Valley are among over twenty downhill & cross-country ski resorts in the region. Visitors enjoy activities such as whitewater rafting, mountain biking, snowshoeing, water skiing, hiking, swimming and so much more at lake Tahoe.
TIP: Summer is the On-Season at Tahoe and can be quite crowded. Even driving around the lake can be a bumper-to-bumper experience. Winter is often deserted and with so many ski resorts, deals are easily found and slopes are relatively empty. Consider a day at one of Tahoe's lesser known, but just as fun, resorts like Mt.Rose, Homewood or Diamond Peak.
 Check out our Blog on some of Tahoe's ski resorts for additional details.
USEFUL TAHOE SITES:
Tahoe Visitors Bureau
Tahoe Visitors Map
Tahoe Ski Report
Tahoe Avalanche Report
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D. L. Bliss hugs the edge of Lake Tahoe's southwest shores and features hiking trails and vistas of the lake. Enjoy a hike on Balancing Rock Nature Trail wiht its precariously perched, 130 ton granite boulder. Activities include camping, fishing, hiking and swimming. MORE DETAILS
Emerald Bay was once a separate lake from Lake Tahoe and contains some of the clearest water on the lake. A featured attraction is the Vikingsholm, which is a small stone castle-like home of Scandinavian architecture and is now manage by the park. Activities include swimming boating, camping and hiking. MORE DETAILS
Sugarpine Point offers a pristine forest at lakes edge. A featured attraction is a mansion built in 1903 known as Pine Lodge. Activities include fishing, swimming, hiking and cross-country skiing on groomed trails. MORE DETAILS
Sand Harbor is one of Lake Tahoe's most popular beaches offering swimming, picnicking and unparalleled beauty. Enjoy sunbathing or swimming from the sandy beach or photographing the boulder-laden turqoise shoreline that Tahoe is known for worldwide. Sand Harbor is undoubtedly the most photographed location in all of Lake Tahoe's 71-miles of shoreline. MORE DETAILS
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Taylor Creek Visitor Center is a nature center on the edge of Lake Tahoe offering short paved walking trails through wetlands and along Taylor Creek. Rainbow Trail has a Stream Profile Chamber where a portion of Taylor Creek is diverted along side a below-ground viewing chamber for salmon and rainbow trout viewing. Souvenirs and reference materials such as nature books and maps are available at the visitor center. MORE DETAILS
Vikingsholm was constructed in the late 1920's of a castle-like Scandinavian design. It features stone walls, intricately carved wood framing, a sod roof and period furnishings. Tours of the interior are held during summer months. The Tea House portion of Vikingsholm is situated atop a small island in the middle of Emerald Bay. MORE DETAILS
Winter Olymics Museum can be found mid-mountain at the Squaw Valley ski resort. Squaw Valley hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and all kinds of memorabilia from the event can be found in the museum. Take time to rent ice skates and skim across the olympic-sized ice arena with astounding panoramic views of the Lake Tahoe region. Other amenities found at High Camp include a huge heated swimming lagoon, jacuzzis, restaurants and shops. MORE DETAILS
Tallac Historic Site features several wooden structures built in the late 1800's to the early 1900's that once comprised an elite, lakeside resort community. Today the property is maintained and managed by the U.S. Forest Service and offers a glimpse into the luxury living of a bygone era's aristocracy. Also offered is a museum, tours and concert & theatre events through the summer. MORE DETAILS
Gatekeeper's Cabin / Indian Basket Museum feature a reconstruction of an early Tahoe cabin and a Native American basket collection. The cabin was originally used by the Gatekeeper who controlled the flow of water out of Lake Tahoe. The Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum houses a phenominal collection of baskets, pottery, jewelry, clothing and tools from Indian tribes throughout California and North America. MORE DETAILS
Watson Cabin Living Museum is a pioneer home built in 1908 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Watson's were one of the first year-round residents of Lake Tahoe. Period furnishings and decor offer a glimpse into the lives of these early pioneers. MORE DETAILS
Hellman-Ehrman Mansion was once considered one of the finest lodges in the Sierras and featured the most modern utilities of the day. Today the home stands as one of Tahoe's finest examples of opulent living along the lake. Tours are held July through Labor Day in September. MORE DETAILS
Emigrant Trail Museum features exhibits on Native Americans, early pioneers, the Donner Party and more. Thousands of people migrated to California during the gold rush including the ill fated Donner Party. Pioneer Monument is a short distance from the museum and marks the location of one of the Donner Party's camps. MORE DETAILS
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Snow Skiing/Boarding is offered at more than a dozen of some of California's most premier ski resorts. Whether it be Heavenly where you can ski in both California and Nevada on the same run with expansive lake views, Mt. Rose for its high altitude peak where the snow is always the deepest and best, or Squaw Valley for its huge bowls and Olympic history, Tahoe has something for every level of skier or boarder. MORE DETAILS
Cross-Country Skiing/Snowshoeing trails are available at several locations throughout the Tahoe region. Choose from Royal Gorge, one of the largest cross-country resorts in the nation, or one of the many lakeside locations offering everything from groomed trails along access roads to steep mountain traverses. MORE DETAILS
Ice Skating is offered at many resorts in Tahoe including Northstar, Squaw Valley, Kirkwood and Heavenly. The skating rink at Squaw is and outdoor arena situated at the top of the mountain and was used during the 1966 Winter Olympics. It has been rated one of the top locations for ice skating in the nation. MORE DETAILS
Snowmobiling is possible at state run Snow Parks or through one of several companies that offer rentals, lessons and group excursions. MORE DETAILS
Dog Sledding is offered south of Lake Tahoe in Hope Valley and at Sugar Bowl & Squaw Valley ski resorts. Bundle up with your loved one and wisk through forest trails without disturbing the environment. MORE DETAILS
Fishing in Lake Tahoe can yield some huge lunkers. Kokanee Salmon and 3 different species of trout including Lake, Raibow and Brown populate the lake. It is not uncommon to haul in a trout more than 3-feet in length upwards of 30 pounds. MORE DETAILS
Boating is the best on Lake Tahoe. Jetskiis, Seadoos, speedboats, ski boats, sailboats, fishing charters and Cris Craft cruisers all have room to play on Tahoe's 12 by 24 mile surface. Choose to put-in your own vessel, rent from one of many harbors along the shoreline, or join a charter for sailing, fishing or a dinner cruise. MORE DETAILS
Mountain Biking is available in many varieties throughout the Tahoe region. Choose from mountain bike parks that offer a ski lift up and all downhill ride, cranking through State Park wilderness to remote Alpine lakes, or traversing the renowned 'Flume Trail'. MORE DETAILS
Parasailing over Lake Tahoe from one of several beaches around the lake. View the Mediterranean blue waters of Lake Tahoe like few others have seen. Take off and land from the deck of a parasail boat. MORE DETAILS
Hot Air Ballooning over Lake Tahoe from a specially modified boat that functions like a mini-aircraft carrier. Take off from the lake and land on the lake. MORE DETAILS
Golfing is available at several public courses throughout the Tahoe region. From the historic, 9-hole, Old Brockway to the incredibly scenic Edgewood, find the course to suit your game. MORE DETAILS
Whitewater Rafting is possible in the Truckee and Carson Rivers. Several professional outfitters offer guided tours through class II & III rapids, or rent a raft and do it on your own. MORE DETAILS
Hiking trails are located all around Lake Tahoe. Choose from the wheelchair accessible Rainbow Trail that parallels Taylor Creek to the more difficult and widely known Flume Trail on Tahoe's east side. Many trails lead to high peaks, cascading waterfalls and isolated Alpine lakes. MORE DETAILS
Horseback Riding is available at a half dozen stables throughout the Tahoe region. Choose from lakeside treks to mountain trails leading to waterfalls and panoramic views. MORE DETAILS
Camping is at its best in Tahoe. Choose from secluded backcountry sites, lakeside Tahoe, or one of the all-inclusive resorts like Camp Richardson or Zephyr Cove. We provide you with details and links to maps, campgrounds and reservations for all of the Tahoe area campgrounds. MORE DETAILS
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Miscellaneous Recommendations
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Truckee River Bike Path follows the astoundingly picturesque Truckee River. Choose to walk, bike, rollerblade, jog or fish this popular Tahoe attraction. MORE DETAILS
Paddlewheel Cruise across Lake Tahoe aboard the M.S.Dixie II or Tahoe Queen. Enjoy panoramic views from anywhere inside, the outdoor upper deck, or follow the bottom of Emerald Bay through a glass-bottom viewing table. Catch an informative, narrated sailing from Zephyr Cove to Emerald Bay several times daily. MORE DETAILS
Paddlewheel Dinner Cruise along the shores of Lake Tahoe aboard the M.S.Dixie or Tahoe Queen paddlewheel boats. Sip champagne, sample hors d'oeuvres and dine on entrees like Alaskan salmon medallions, roast turkey breast, Angus beef top sirloin, macadamia-crusted mahi-mahi and more. Cruises depart at dusk each night from Zephyr Cove. MORE DETAILS
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Gold Country is a large stretch of territory along the western foothills of the Sierras, west of Tahoe on Highways 50 & 80. Back in 1849, James Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's Mill, which sparked a massive migration to the West and funded the expansion of cities like Sacramento and San Francisco. The towns of Nevada City, Grass Valley, Auburn, Placerville, Angels Camp and more were boomtowns bustling with settlers trying to find their fortune in gold. Today, this region retains and preserves its historic past for visitors to enjoy. MORE DETAILS
Virginia City is located east of Tahoe off Highway 50, in Nevada. As the production of gold slowed in California, the Comstock Lode of silver was discovered in 1859. Virginia City quickly became known as the 'Queen of the Comstock'. Today, it is a bustling tourist attraction with multiple hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, Old West shows, train rides and much more. WEBSITE
Genoa is located east of Lake Tahoe on Highway 207 (Kingsbury Grade). Genoa was Nevada's first settlement back in 1850. Here you will find a replica of the first fort that burned down in 1910 and Nevada's first bar, still in operation. The Genoa bar has been patronized by Mark Twain, Teddy Roosevelt, Johnny Cash and may have even served the Earp brothers on one of there west coast visits. It has been featured in Westerns including John Wayne and Clint Eastwood movies. They claim to have the bra of Raquel Welch hanging on the wall from the One Million Years B. C. movie era. WEBSITE
Apple Hill is located west of Tahoe on Highway 50 in the town of Camino. Here you will find a plethora of farms, ranches and wineries eager to please with fresh fruit, berries, pies, wines, cider and more. Take the Snows Road exit off Highway 50 and follow the signs to the Apple Hill Information Center to get a map and find out what crop is in season. MORE DETAILS
Grover Hot Springs is located south of Lake Tahoe on Highway 89, just outside the town of Markleeville. The highlight of Grover Hot Springs are several heated mineral pools that are enjoyed by visitors as well as locals from the area. A large campground is within walking distance of the pools. The nearby town of Markleeville offers a restaurant, bar, groceries and fuel. MORE DETAILS
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Tahoe Biltmore is a full-scale casino & hotel located in the north shore community of Crystal Bay. This stateline casino also offers a restaurant, cafe and live entertainment. MORE DETAILS
Cal-Neva is a small-scale casino with a large-scale hotel. The Cal-Neva is actually split by the California Nevada border. It has a rich Hollywood history and was owned by Frank Sinatra for a short period of time. MORE DETAILS
Crystal Bay Club is a small-scale casino with extras like a steak & lobster house, patio grill and live entertainment. MORE DETAILS
Hyatt Regencyis a full-service resort located in the upscale north shore community of Incline Village. They feature a casino, hotel, multiple bars and restaurants including lakeside dining, private beach, swim-out pool and more. MORE DETAILS
Montbleu is a luxury, stateline resort found in south Tahoe. They feature a casino, high-rise hotel, spa services, lagoon-style indoor pool and multiple restaurants, cafes, bars and lounges. Formerly Ceasars Tahoe. MORE DETAILS
Harveys features a casino, high-rise hotel, restaurants and entertainment in south Tahoe. Restaurant choices include a Hard Rock Cafe and Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo Cantina and The Improv delivers plenty of uplifting entertainment from top comedians. MORE DETAILS
Harrah's features a casino, high-rise hotel, restaurants and entertainment in south Tahoe. Have a 'Baby Fat' & 'Fat Fries' at Fatburger or dine at the "Best Buffet in Tahoe". For entertainment, find big name entertainers at the South Shore Room, or dance the night away at the popular Vex nightclub. MORE DETAILS
Bill's is a smaller South Tahoe casino featuring slots, table games, bar & grill, sandwich shop and nightclub. MORE DETAILS
Lakeside features an Inn, restaurant & bar and a smaller South Lake Tahoe casino with slots, table games, keno and sportsbook. MORE DETAILS
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Hyatt Regency - North Lake Tahoe is the only hotel we will mention on this site that is in Nevada. The resort offers a large hotel, multiple pools and jacuzzis, full spa services, multiple restaurants and bars and a casino.&MORE DETAILS
Sunnyside Lodge - Tahoe City is situated on the shore of Lake Tahoe and offers dock and boat access. The very popular Sunnyside Restaurant has indoor and outdoor sundeck seating with expansive lake views. Many rooms feature stone fireplaces.&MORE DETAILS
Best Western Timbercove Lodge - South Lake Tahoe lakefront lodge features rooms with gas fireplaces and small balconies. Amenities include a pool, jacuzzi, gym and on-site Italian restaurant. MORE DETAILS
Black Bear Inn - South Lake Tahoe has earned many awards and accolades over the years. Upscale lodge with 5 rooms, one duplex cabin and two detached cabins. MORE DETAILS
Marriott Timber Lodge - South Lake Tahoe Location... location... location. Situated at the base of the Heavenly Ski Resort gondola, you can walk from your room to the ticket booth and gondola. MORE DETAILS
Camp Richardson Resort - South Lake Tahoe has everything including a historic hotel, lakefront cabins, an Inn, camping with RV accessibility and more. Activities include a full service marina with boat, kayak and pedal boat rentals, stables for horseback riding and mountain bike rentals for the paved bike trail that passes through the resort. MORE DETAILS
Sorensen's - Hope Valley offer bed & breakfast cottages to fully outfitted log cabins and contemporary mountain homes nestled in a forest of Aspen trees and trout-filled rivers. MORE DETAILS
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Sunnyside Resort Restaurant is situated lakeside on Tahoe's West Shore and just a short distance from several ski resorts. They feature an upscale lodge setting with fireplaces and huge lakeview windows. A large outdoor deck is open in summer months. Steak and seafood menu includes Pacific Lump Crab Cakes, Blackened Ribeye Steak, Angus Burger and Seafood Pasta. MORE DETAILS
Christy Hill is situated lakeside in North Shore Tahoe They offer a fine dining experience with both indoor and outdoor deck seating. This award-winning restaurant has been voted the most romantic on the lake. Menu choices include Smoked Chicken Chili Relleno, Hudson Valley Fois Gras, Baked Eggplant, Roasted King Salmon and Filet Mignon. MORE DETAILS
Tomaato's is located in Incline Village on Tahoe's north shore. They serve gourmet pizza, pasta and salads with a great selection of wines and microbrews. MORE DETAILS
Le Bistro is located in Incline Village on Tahoe's north shore. This fine dining experence offers French cuisine served in courses. Choices include Baked Fresh Black Truffle Soup en Croûte, Terrine of Fresh Duck Foie Gras served with a Rhubarb Chutney and Warm Brioche, Fresh Hearts of Palm Salad served with a Pistachio Vinaigrette and Tournedos of Beef Tenderloin with a Pinot Noir Réduction and Maytag Blue Cheese. MORE DETAILS
Evan's American Gourmet Cafe is situated in a classic Tahoe cabin in South Lake Tahoe and features some of the finest cuisine found in Tahoe. Menu includes Dungeness Crab Salad, Stuffed Quail, Roast Venison Loin and Leg of Duck. MORE DETAILS
Cafe Fiore is situated in a cabin setting below Heavenly Ski Resort. Only seven available tables offering indoor or deck seating by candlelight gives reason why this Italian restaurant is considered one of Tahoe's most romantic dining experiences. MORE DETAILS
Blue Water Bistro is situated on the Boardwalk Pier at Timber Cove Marina in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy unimpeded views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains while enjoying dishes like Hummus Platter, Goat Cheese & Roasted Beets Salad, Wild Halibut Fish & Chips, Roasted Red Peppers Stuffed with a Tofu Sweet Potato Curry and Braised Duck. MORE DETAILS
Nepheles is situated in a cabin setting below Heavenly Ski Resort in South Lake Tahoe. Nepheles is part restaurant and part spa with several hot tubs for relaxing after a day of hiking or skiing. Menu items include Crab and Fontina Cheese Quesadillas, House Smoked Chicken and Fettuccine, Broiled Elk and Escargot Au Natural. MORE DETAILS
The Beacon Bar & Grill is situated within the Camp Richardson Resort in South Lake Tahoe. They feature lakeside views and an outdoor summer deck. Menu choices include Steamed Clams, Clam Chowder, Exotic Mushroom Swiss Cheese Sandwich, Macadamia Nut Prawns, Seafood Linguini and Apple Sausage Stuffed Pork. MORE DETAILS
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RNO - Reno, Nevada is located approximately 1-hour east of Lake Tahoe off Interstate 80. MORE DETAILS
SMA - Sacramento is located approximately 2.5-hours west of Lake Tahoe off Highway 80 for north lake access and Highway 50 for south lake. MORE DETAILS
Other options to consider would be
Lake Tahoe Airport is a smaller airport located only 15-minutes south of South Lake Tahoe.
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Traffic & Transportation
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Interstate 80 is a major highway connecting Sacramento to Reno, Nevada. It is located approximately 20-miles north of Lake Tahoe with lake access available using highways 89 or 267. During heavy snow storms, Interstate 80 is usually the only highway offering access to Tahoe. Interstate 80 can be subject to closure but is usually the last to close. Ski resorts accessible from Interstate 80 include Soda Springs, Royal Gorge, Donner Ski Ranch, Sugar Bowl, Boreal and Tahoe Donner.
Highway 50 is the second largest highway connecting Sacramento to Tahoe. It runs through South Lake Tahoe and up its eastern shoreline past Zephyr Cove, before veering east to Carson City, Nevada. Ski resorts accessible from Highway 50 include Sierra-at-Tahoe, Heavenly and Spooner Lake.
Highway 431 is also known as the 'Mount Rose Highway' and connects Incline Village in North Lake Tahoe with south Reno, Nevada. The Mount Rose Ski Resort is accessed along this highway, making it the closest ski resort to Reno. Ski resorts accessible from Highway 431 include Mt.Rose and Diamond Peak.
Highway 89 Runs north to south from Truckee to South Lake Tahoe, Markleeville and eventually Highway 395 at Topaz Lake. A portion of Highway 89 is always closed through Winter at Emerald Bay along Lake Tahoe's southwest shore. Highway 89 from Truckee to Tahoe City is one of Tahoe's most beautiful drives as you follow the Truckee River up to the lake. Ski resorts accessible from Highway 89 include Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Lakeview, Camp Richardson Resort, Hope Valley and Kirkwood.
Highway 28 follows the entire northern shore of Lake Tahoe from Tahoe City & Highway 89 in the west to Highway 50 in the east. Ski resorts accessible from Highway 28 include Lakeview, Diamond Peak and Spooner Lake
Highway 267 is also known as North Shore Boulevard and runs north to south from Truckee to Kings Beach in North Lake Tahoe. Northstar ski resort is accessible from Highway 267.
Highway 207 is also known as the 'Kingsbury Grade' and connects South Lake Tahoe with Minden & Gardnerville, Nevada at Highway 395. This highway has a steep grade and is not advisable for travel in the winter during icy conditions. No ski resorts are situated off this highway but it does offer access to the cool town of Genoa, Nevada.
Highway 395 runs north to south from the Oregon border to the Inland Empire in Southern California. It offers access to the Eastern Sierras and connects with Lake Tahoe via Highways 431, 50, 207 and 89. Winter closures are common from Topaz Lake at the Nevada border to Lee Vining at Mono Lake, but usually only last a few hours. Although located much further south, June and Mammoth Mountain ski resorts are accessible from Highway 395.
Public transportation is available by bus and shuttle van throughout Tahoe and Truckee. North shore and Truckee are serviced by TART - Tahoe Area Rapid Transit and south shore is serviced by BlueGO - South Tahoe Transit. Many ski resorts and hotels offer free transportation to and from ski resorts. rental car. Fill in content here.Amtrak Fill in content here.Greyhound.
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Winter brings lows in the 10's and highs in the 50's. Heavy snow is common causing road closures.
Spring brings average lows in the 30's and highs in the 60's. Rain showers are likely and occassional snow storms.
Summer brings average lows in the 60's and highs in the 80's. Occassional thunderstorms with immediate clearing.
Fall brings lows in the 30's and highs in the 60's. Thunderstorms increasing to snow flurries.
NOTE: See our TIPS page for mountain precautions.
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Mar 5-14, 2010 - North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival is a 10-day event featuring concerts, parades, competitions, food and other festivities. All of the regions ski resorts help in hosting events. Wacky events include the Dummy Downhill, Polar Bear Swim, I-Dida-Run Dog Pull, Snow Sculpture Contest and more. WEBSITE
Jul 09 - Aug 22, 2010 - Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival offers over a month of Shakespearian perfomances 7-nights a week. Bring your wine, cheese and blankets to Sand Harbor Resort for a night with Shakespeare under the stars. WEBSITE
Aug 28, 2010 - Lake in the Sky Air Show takes place at the Lake Tahoe Airport and features top aerobatic performers, modern military warbirds like the F-18, Harrier and Blackhawk, water drop demonstrations, helicopter rides and more.. WEBSITE
Aug 4-8, 2010 - Hot Tahoe Cruizin' car cruise and show is hosted at the Biltmore Hotel on Tahoe's North Shore. Open to all cars & trucks, festivities include live music, drag races, poker runs and more. WEBSITE
Sep 10-12, 2010 - Great Reno Balloon Race is a 3-day event where Balloonists from around the nation converge on Reno to paint the sky with color. Multiple hot air-balloons rise thousands of feet above Carson Valley and compete in piloting competitions. WEBSITE
Oct 2-3, 2010 - Kokanee Salmon Festival is a 2-day event held at the Vistor Center at Taylor Creek. This event is centered around the return of Kokanee Salmon to their spawning grounds in the creek. Nature walks lead visitors to the salmon-filled Taylor Creek to view this natural wonder. Festivities include a barbequed-salmon feed, coloring and painting activities, wildlife displays and an interactive childrens play. WEBSITE
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