Curator’s statement
South Lake Tahoe is one of those places that everyone raves about, and I used to wonder if it was really as amazing as people said. After visiting, I realized it truly is that incredible. As someone who loves traveling and showing my kids the world, sometimes we just need to reconnect with nature and the beauty of the Earth. South Lake Tahoe offers just that. Plus, when your kids keep asking to go back months later, you know it’s a special place.
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Things to do in South Lake Tahoe
With fresh mountain air, crystal-clear waters and the largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe is stunning year-round and captivates all ages. Nestled in the Sierra Nevadas and straddling both California and Nevada, this destination is perfect for nature lovers.
Hiking
All hikes are leave-no-trace, meaning what you pack in, you must pack out. Do not remove anything you find and dispose of all waste properly.
Rubicon Hiking Trail: Start at either the North trailhead in D.L. Bliss State Park or South trailhead in Emerald Bay State Park. Hike out and back, or set destinations like Eagle Falls or Vikingsholm. Create your own adventure!
Van Sickle Bi-State Park: Walk between California and Nevada on this hike. Be sure to keep an eye out for the special birdhouse. Easily accessible, starting a short walk from the casinos in Stateline, Nevada.
Eagle Lake and Eagle Falls: Located in Desolation Wilderness, this hike offers stunning views of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island. Enjoy a dip in Eagle Lake or pack a picnic to take in the scenery. I recommend either coming early for a sunrise hike, or at sunset.
Eagle Rock: A moderate, very short hike with panoramic views of almost all of Lake Tahoe from the west.
Taylor Creek: An easy trail perfect for spotting bears, especially during salmon spawning season.
On the lake
Kayak: Explore the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe, which had an average clarity of 72 feet in 2023. Rent kayaks at Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor or Zephyr Cove (paid parking at Zephyr Cove).
Paddle Board: Ideal spots include Kiva, El Dorado and Baldwin beaches.
Boat Cruise
If physical activity isn’t your thing, a boat cruise is a perfect alternative. Enjoy Lake Tahoe from the middle of the lake, and if you book a lunch or dinner cruise, you’ll get to enjoy a meal too. I recommend a sunset cruise to fully appreciate Tahoe's beauty.
Mountains
Gondola at Heavenly: Ride to the top of Heavenly Resort to enjoy panoramic views from atop the mountain. Open seasonally, this is a must-do.
Snowboard or ski Heavenly, Sierra-at Tahoe or Kirkwood Mountain.
Places to eat & drink in South Lake Tahoe
Drink
South Lake Tahoe Brewing: Enjoy a beer brewed on-site and eat from one of the rotating food trucks. Alternatively, visit their Libations Lodge for beer, wine and a food menu.
Cuppa Tahoe: A bookstore, co-working space and coffee shop all in one. Enjoy a seasonally changing menu, beautiful and delicious pastries and a perfect spot for coffee and work or light reading.
Noel's Coffee & Apothecary: Coffee during the day, cocktails at night.
Eat
Artemis: Lakefront dining with fresh Greek and Mediterranean food. I recommend the Chicken Souvlaki Plate or Lamb Souvlaki Plate. For kids, try the homemade chicken nuggets.
Red Hut Cafe: A tried-and-true breakfast spot with multiple locations, serving traditional breakfasts.
Brooks' Bar and Deck at Edgewood: Casual dining with views of the lake and mountains, offering elevated pub fare.
Sprouts Natural Cafe: Healthy options with sandwiches, salads, and wraps made from mostly organic ingredients, plus fresh juices. Open from breakfast through dinner.
Travel Advisor
Jaclyn Hulburt
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Lake Tahoe. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Explore Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo.