Top Lake Tahoe Bus Tours

Travel the full circumference of Lake Tahoe in comfort—and maximize your limited travel time—on this full-day bus tour. Look forward to exploring the lake's highlight sights and vistas. Admire viewpoints at Emerald Bay and Truckee River Dam, see where the 1960 Winter Olympics were held at Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort, and stop at Tahoe City for lunch (own expense). As you go, your guide provides rich historical context for the beautiful landscapes.

Travel back to the old Wild West—and see a side of the region many other visitors miss—on this tour from South Lake Tahoe to Virginia City, Nevada. Start your day trip by minibus, driving part of the old Pony Express route. When you reach Virginia City, a National Historic Landmark District, take a round-trip ride aboard the historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad before enjoying free time in town.

Discover the unparalleled beauty of Lake Tahoe with Shaka Guide's audio tour. Immerse yourself in stunning views and rich history as you explore both the California and Nevada sides of the lake. Let the knowledgeable narrator be your guide, providing fascinating insights and highlighting the best spots. From Vikingsholm Castle to Emerald Bay, you'll uncover hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Enjoy the flexibility to explore at your own pace, with the freedom to pause or skip ahead. Experience the magic of Lake Tahoe with Shaka Guide, creating unforgettable memories along the way. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

Download the GuideAlong self-guided audio tour and you'll discover more on your Lake Tahoe road trip. Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions play automatically along the route, all based on your location. You'll be guided to all of the area's famous highlights as well as lessor known gems including one of the most photographed places on earth, historical estates from the turn of the 20th century, and a famous mountain pass that has witnessed some epic moments in American history. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you, and bypass any that don’t. ✅ Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location ✅ Travel at your own pace ✅ Tour offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed ✅ Suggested itineraries for half, full or multi day use ✅ Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates. ✅ Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.

Lake Tahoe is famed for its natural scenery, and makes for a great road trip—but driving yourself around the lake usually means fighting crowds in a hunt for parking. Let someone else handle the details during this small-group sightseeing tour, which covers highlights such as Frank Sinatra’s Cal Neva and “Godfather” and “Bonanza” filming sites. Listen to stories from a pair of brothers and Tahoe locals while you ride.

Experience Lake Tahoe's breathtaking fall colors on a scenic journey to some of the region's most iconic destinations. This seasonal tour features Emerald Bay, Eagle Falls, Meeks Bay, Tahoe City, Taylor Creek, Valhalla Tahoe, and the Tallac Historic Site, showcasing the very best of Tahoe during autumn. Travel in comfort with a knowledgeable local guide as you discover vibrant golden aspens, crystal-clear waters, historic landmarks, and spectacular lake views. Along the way, enjoy fascinating stories about Lake Tahoe's history, geology, wildlife, and culture while visiting both famous attractions and hidden gems. With multiple scenic stops, photo opportunities, complimentary refreshments, and a relaxed pace, this small-group experience is perfect for visitors seeking more than a typical sightseeing tour. Available for a limited time each fall, this adventure combines stunning landscapes, local history, and seasonal charm into one memorable Lake Tahoe experience.

Immerse yourself in Yosemite National Park's natural landscape on this full-day, small-group guided trip. Capture images of soaring rock walls and craggy peaks, then hike to Yosemite Falls or Bridalveil Falls. Spot rock climbers on El Capitan, watch for deer in alpine meadows, and enjoy the timeless beauty of California’s High Sierra mountains. Perfect for nature lovers and those who want to spend time exploring one of the US's most notable national parks.

Drive the road to Nevada’s Silver Rush with a GPS-triggered audio guide that plays automatically as you go. From South Lake Tahoe, climb the Kingsbury Grade for sweeping views over the Carson Valley, then follow prospectors, gunslingers and a young Mark Twain through Genoa (Nevada’s first settlement), Carson City, Silver City and Gold Hill to the boardwalks of Virginia City, the boomtown built on the Comstock Lode. Voice actors play a frontier lawyer, a desperado, a judge and Mark Twain himself. Hear how the Comstock got its name, how miners worked deep underground and why the Sutro Tunnel came too late. Great value: a guided day trip to Virginia City usually costs $70-80 per person. This tour is one low price for your whole car (up to 15 people). Download the VoiceMap app the night before so it works offline. Daytime is best and you can pause any time. Do the Stops if you like (admission is separate) or simply drive past. It’s your choice!

Follow the Donner Party pioneers' trail as you hear their ill-fated saga unfold on this self-guided driving tour. Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive self-guided driving tour from Tahoe City to Donner Summit. When the Reed family became trapped and snowbound in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, their lives would never be the same. On this driving tour, you’ll hear Virginia Reed’s firsthand account of the challenges and victories that these members of the Donner Party pioneer group experienced while stranded for almost four months, through the 12-year-old’s journal. On the drive, you'll visit the Donner Memorial State Park, take in the spectacular view from the top of the Donner Summit, and contemplate the difficulties the Donner Party experienced in the winter of 1846–47.  You may stop where you want, when you want, and for as long as you want. It’s up to you!

Travel beyond Lake Tahoe and experience the rich history, scenic beauty, and authentic character of Nevada's mining country in a single day. Unlike tours that focus on just one destination, this experience combines historic Genoa, Carson City, the legendary Comstock Mining District, a ride aboard the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, and free time in Virginia City. With small-group transportation, a knowledgeable local guide, and a carefully curated itinerary, guests enjoy a deeper connection to the stories, landscapes, and communities that helped shape the American West.

Explore the south and west shores of Lake Tahoe, from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoe City, at your own pace with this flexible, self-guided driving tour. Pass by attractions like the Tallac Historic Site, Emerald Bay, D.L. Bliss State Park, and learn about historic points like Tahoe’s historic homes, gaming, and the trees of Tahoe’s forests. Includes convenient offline access to audio commentary, maps, and geodata.

Explore the east shore of Lake Tahoe, from Incline Village to South Lake Tahoe, at your own pace with this flexible, self-guided driving tour. Pass by attractions like the East Shore Trail, Sand Harbor, Spooner Lake, Cave Rock, and Zephyr Cove, and learn about historic points like Millionaire’s Row, the Thunderbird Lodge, and the Pony Express. Includes convenient offline access to audio commentary, maps, and geodata.

Visit the small towns along Lake Tahoe's northwestern shore on this scenic self-guided driving tour. The 20-mile (32-kilometer) drive begins at the Gatekeepers Museum and ends at the Mount Rose Scenic Overlook in Incline Village. As you drive, listen to stories about early Native American history in the Tahoe Basin, learn about the quaint communities of northwestern Lake Tahoe, hear how John Steinbeck and Mark Twain are connected to the area, and more.

Explore Northern California with the ultimate self-guided driving and walking tour bundle! Visit the serene beauty of Lake Tahoe, the geothermal wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park, and the towering trees at Muir Woods and Redwood National Park. Explore Point Reyes’ rugged coastlines, the vibrant city of San Francisco, the innovation of Silicon Valley, and Napa & Sonoma’s famous wine country. This bundle offers the quintessential Northern California adventure! Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, entering your unique password, and accessing your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour in South Lake Tahoe with your own local guide. Experience the beauty of Lake Tahoe on a journey that combines spectacular scenery with fascinating local history. Travel in comfort along scenic mountain roads that reveal dramatic overlooks and peaceful lakeshores throughout the day. Visit elevated viewpoints with sweeping views of crystal clear water and towering granite peaks. Learn about the Washoe people who first called this region home. Discover how explorers, pioneers and conservation efforts shaped the landscape seen today. Enjoy plenty of opportunities for photographs while taking in some of the finest panoramic views in the Sierra Nevada. Your guide shares engaging stories and local insights that bring each destination to life. Please note: The availability and accessibility of attractions may vary based on time of day and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Go back in time to the American Wild West on this private tour from South Lake Tahoe to Virginia City, Nevada. Follow part of the old Pony Express to reach the area of the Comstock Lode, founded in 1859 during the Gold Rush, and hear about the days when Mark Twain walked the dusty streets. In Virginia City, a National Historic Landmark District, you have free time to explore on your own before stopping in Carson City on the way back to South Lake Tahoe.