Top Lake Tahoe How to Get Around in 2026

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 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.

Get out on the water and enjoy Lake Tahoe your way with a private boat charter. Cruise around and visit Emerald Bay, Fannette Island, Vikingsholm, D.L. Bliss State Park, and more, or spend your time water skiing, wakeboarding, or tubing. With a US Coast Guard licensed captain to navigate and customize your private tour, you can relax and enjoy your day on the lake.

You don't need your own boat to enjoy the wonders of Emerald Bay on Lake Tahoe. Sit back on a private boat tour where your captain will point out landmarks such as the Vikingsholm mansion, Fannette Island, and more as you relax. Bottled water and water-sports equipment are included for your convenience.

Cruise in style and see the best of Lake Tahoe with this private half-day luxury yacht charter on a Sea Ray. Enjoy views of South Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay State Park, D.L. Bliss State Park, and the estates of Rubicon Estates, and go for a swim in the clear waters of Lake Tahoe at a hidden cove. A cooler with ice and water is provided.

Group tours that involve exercise can either go way too slow or end up leaving you in the dust. Don’t settle to explore a new area uncomfortably. Instead, prebook this Lake Tahoe Self-Guided Bike Tour of North Shore, and ride at your own pace. Pedal along bike paths away from heavy car traffic, and see stunningly beautiful areas like San Harbor, Hidden Beach, Memorial Beach, and Kings Beach.

Explore the scenic coastline of Emerald Bay on a private cruise aboard a boat that accommodates six passengers in comfort. With an experienced captain to steer the boat, you’ll get views you won’t find on land—and the private format means you set the pace. Multiple daily start times make it easy to tailor the outing to your schedule, too.

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.

Get delivery of your ski and snowboard rental with this premium service in South Tahoe. Avoid waiting in the long lines at rental shops to get your boots, helmets, skis and snowboards. Order your gear ahead of time and get your equipment delivered to your home or vacation rental at a time of your choosing. Enjoy a custom in-home fitting by the expert technician to ensure you get the right fit. After you've shredded the slopes, schedule pickup at a time that's convenient for you.

Camp Richardson offers a unique and compelling experience for visitors to Lake Tahoe for several reasons: 1. Historic Charm and "Old Tahoe" Ambiance: Established in 1924, Camp Richardson retains a nostalgic and rustic "Old Tahoe" feel. Many families have been returning for generations, creating a sense of tradition and community. The historic hotel, built in 1926, features a grand hall with log beams and a stone fireplace, evoking a sense of stepping back in time. Even the cabins have historical significance, named after automobiles and bus equipment from the Richardson family's early days.

Flown by local, experienced mountain pilots. North Tahoe Aviation is owned & operated by a 20+ year local ski/mountain guide, bringing over a decade of mountain flying experience and local knowledge. Highlights: Emerald Bay and a full lap around Lake Tahoe. Including: Mt. Tallac, Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake, Desolation Wilderness, Heavenly Valley, The Godfather House, Thunderbird Lodge, Whale Beach, Sand Harbor & Incline Village. Description: This flight is about 45 minutes long and can accommodate 1 - 3 passengers. You will fly to Emerald Bay while tracing the complete Lake Tahoe shoreline with beautiful panoramic mountain and lake views. - 45-minute scenic flight over Lake Tahoe's highlights - Explore Emerald Bay, Mt. Tallac, and Desolation Wilderness - Ideal for 1-3 passengers with customizable flight paths - Depart from Truckee Tahoe Airport with stunning aerial views

Lake Tahoe has some of the most beautiful beaches, but they can be packed with people any time of the year. See one of Tahoe’s most popular areas, Sand Harbor, away from crowds during this private helicopter tour. See spots such as Glenbrook Bay, Secret Harbor, Skunk Harbor, and Chimney Beach all from the sky.

Charters are custom to fit your desires! You will find the true beauty of Lake Tahoe on your tour. Whether that be through sightseeing or fishing, Discover Tahoe Chartered Cruises will take you there! Out premium party pontoon comes with Bluetooth sound, a large Bimini top, swim ladder and water lights. Fishing equipment on the boat includes a Garmin fish finder, pole holders and two downriggers. Sightseeing, party cruising, pier hoping, and fishing are all great options to get your piece of Tahoe on our pontoon. Feel free to bring food, drinks, and alcohol (just no red wine).

Enjoy an intimate and entertaining evening with legendary Mark Twain brought to life by renowned impressionist McAvoy Layne during this exclusive small‑group experience at Twain Haven, McAvoy’s home in Incline Village. The evening begins at 5:00 PM with a guided tour of the Twain Gallery, where guests can explore exhibits dedicated to the life and legacy of Samuel Clemens. Guests are encouraged to bring their beverage of choice and relax in a warm, storytelling atmosphere. The highlight of the evening is a live Mark Twain performance by McAvoy Layne, whose 35 years of experience and acclaimed portrayal combine humor, insight, and classic storytelling. Limited to just 2–6 guests, this unique experience offers a personal, cultural, and memorable encounter with one of America’s most beloved literary figures.

Have fun and experience Lake Tahoe in a different way through this interactive and adventurous scavenger hunt. Drive around to different checkpoints and solve puzzles for points, while uncovering local secrets and hidden gems. Compete against other teams for a spot on the leaderboard. You can also get help via chat from a virtual guide if you need it.

Explore Lake Tahoe’s famous Emerald Bay aboard a restored 1958 Century Coronado wooden boat. This private charter for up to six passengers lets you cruise the lake on your own terms with a dedicated captain who knows the best vistas and shorelines. Cruise during the calmest and least-crowded times to experience the lake as it was meant to be.

Celebrate your bachelorette the Lake Tahoe way—on a private, captained boat with your crew and nobody else. This experience is built for effortless, photo-ready fun: iconic cruising, great vibes, and the freedom to customize the day to your style—classy, wild, or in between. Cruise Tahoe’s crystal-blue water with options to visit bucket-list spots like Emerald Bay, then anchor in a calm cove to swim, float, and relax. Bring your favorite playlist, snap stunning group photos with Sierra mountain backdrops, and let your captain handle the details so you can stay fully in celebration mode.

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.

Paddle your way through California's flora and fauna on a whitewater rafting tour down the Truckee River—with a guide on-hand to provide help throughout. Begin with easy rapids as you pass by the scenery of the Tahoe National Forest, then build up to intermediate-level, Class III rapids and an exhilarating finish in the Floriston Gorge. On hot days, you can enjoy a swimming break in natural pools along the way.

Celebrate your bachelorette the Lake Tahoe way—on a private, captained boat with your crew and nobody else. This experience is built for effortless, photo-ready fun: iconic cruising, great vibes, and the freedom to customize the day to your style—classy, wild, or in between. Cruise Tahoe’s crystal-blue water with options to visit bucket-list spots like Emerald Bay, then anchor in a calm cove to swim, float, and relax. Bring your favorite playlist, snap stunning group photos with Sierra mountain backdrops, and let your captain handle the details so you can stay fully in celebration mode.

Kayaking the lake at dusk is always a magical experience. Imagine yourself gliding across the clear waters of Lake Tahoe as they change from emerald blue to pink and purple. As you look up into the sky, you will see the sun slowly sinking behind the majestic peaks of Lake Tahoe’s West Shore, followed by the moon rising majestically over the East shore. This is one unforgettable experience you will not want to miss.

This is the perfect way for beginner paddlers to learn how to SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard). The water is usually smooth and glassy early in the morning, and that’s the best time to SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard). During this one hour session, you will receive introductory paddling instruction while enjoying the lake at its calmest. Learn techniques for entering and exiting the water, transitioning from kneeling to standing, body positioning, strokes, and tips for maximum efficiency, speed, safety and fun. This tour goes from 8:30 am to 9:30 am. Our instructors are highly qualified, with ACA instruction certifications and years of experience. We have a 2 person minimum, so if you're travelling solo, we may only be able to do this lesson if someone from another party has booked for the same day.

See spectacular Lake Tahoe from above on a memorable helicopter flight. An aerial view is simply the best way to appreciate Tahoe's deep blue and green hues ringed by mountains and forested shorelines. View Emerald Bay, marinas, villages, and ski resorts like never before on this thrilling adventure with live narration from the pilot.

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.