Things to do in  Lake Tahoe

With bright turquoise waters owing to Lake Tahoe’s clarity, there’s no question where Emerald Bay got its name—but it’s a gem in other ways, too. It is also home to the lake’s only islet, Fanette Island, while the eponymous state park, centered on the bay, draws visitors in the summer to boat, swim, and hike down a forested trail to the sheltered cove.

Pristine waters, long stretches of sandy beach, and rocky coves with giant boulders make Sand Harbor one of the most popular places to swim in Lake Tahoe. There’s a lot to explore, whether you’re swimming and sunbathing at the 2,500-foot (762-meter) Main Beach, paddling a kayak offshore, or taking to the sheltered waters of Divers Cove. Threading through forests that roll to the water’s edge are hiking trails with sweeping views across Lake Tahoe.

With its improbable perch amid dense forest at the edge of turquoise-hued water, the 38-room, Scandinavian-style Vikingsholm Castle feels like a Lake Tahoe fairytale. It’s a fascinating glimpse of local history, and getting there is just as thrilling as exploring the castle’s interior. It’s possible to come via a scenic, 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) hiking trail—or even to arrive by boat.

Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular—and attractive—natural sights in the area. The second-deepest lake in the United States attracts people partly thanks to its turquoise, ultra-clear water, but its beauty is not its only draw. Celebrated for its ski resorts, beaches, and hiking trails, Lake Tahoe is a true year-round destination.

Step back in time to the Wild West at the historical mining town of Virginia City, once called the “richest place on Earth.” Enjoy 100-mile (160-kilometer) views across the high desert, ride the V&T railroad, shop, have a bite to eat or drink in an old saloon, and tour museums, mines, and mansions on a themed itinerary in one of the country’s largest National Historic Landmark Districts.

Experience the frontier days of the Wild West and take in the beautiful scenery of the Nevada high desert on a ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. One of the most famous of all American short-line railroads, the Virginia & Truckee Railroad operates three routes using century-old steam engines and heritage diesel locomotives.

One of the top ski resorts on the West Coast, Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley) was the host of the 1960 Winter Olympics. With 3,600 acres (1,457 hectares) of terrain, over 170 trails, and a village boasting over 50 restaurants and 40 shops, as well as a multitude of activities and festivals in the summer, there’s plenty to keep visitors occupied year-round.

Whether you’re into adventure travel or are just looking for a spot of relaxation, Heavenly Gondola—located at the Heavenly Ski Resort—is a must-visit Lake Tahoe attraction. As you ride the cable car, admire panoramic, shore-to-shore views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. Once at the top, you can also explore the area’s hiking trails or enjoy refreshments at the Tamarack Lodge.

The double-decker M.S. Dixie II plies Lake Tahoe’s cobalt-blue waters, offering spectacular views from open and closed decks. If scenery is the star of the show, the 500-passenger vessel is an icon in its own right—its old-fashioned paddlewheel and nostalgic red-and-white color scheme are beloved by locals and travelers alike. At night, things turn festive, with sunset dinner cruises featuring live entertainment.

One of the most popular hikes in the Lake Tahoe area, the Eagle Falls Trail is an easy to moderate hike featuring cascading waterfalls, lush forest scenery, and breathtaking views of Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, and the Sierra high country. Experience the best that Tahoe has to offer in this short but rewarding hike.

From the lakeside trails of Emerald Bay State Park to the year-round trails of Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe is an outdoor playground—one that comes with the region’s widest array of places to gamble, eat, and stay. In summer months, visitors flock to the sandy, swimmer-friendly shorefront at Pope Beach and Zephyr Cove, while winters draw skiers to slopes with sweeping views of the deep blue lake.

Tahoe City is situated on the shores of Lake Tahoe and serves as a fantastic base for wider exploration of the popular all-weather region, including both North and South Lake. Here, visitors enjoy warm-weather activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. In winter, skiing at nearby resorts is a favorite, followed by warming drinks and dinner in Tahoe City.

Located north of beautiful Lake Tahoe, ski resort Northstar has 3,170 acres (1,283 hectares) of terrain, 100 trails, and a base village with 35 shops and restaurants, a giant ice-skating rink, and a movie theater. With lift-accessed mountain biking and more in the summer, Northstar offers year-round fun for all ages.

Located in the northern Sierra Nevada mountains, Tahoe National Forest encompasses more than 800,000 acres (324,000 hectares) of dense forest, rivers, snowcapped mountains, canyons, and lakes, providing you ample opportunity for outdoor recreation in Northern California.

Glacier-carved Fallen Leaf Lake is a hidden oasis not far from Lake Tahoe. Tucked into the pines and offering scenic mountain views, this off-the-beaten-path destination features a network of hiking trails, pristine waters for swimming and fishing, and a campground that's typically less crowded than nearby South Lake Tahoe sites.