Just looking at the topaz-blue Lake Tahoe can send anyone into a state of relaxed bliss—but this is also a place to get your heart racing. Whether you are starting from South Lake Tahoe or the North Lake Tahoe towns, you can choose from mountain views, lake fun, or a combination of both. Here are seven ways to start.
Catch some bluebird ski days
California ski resorts are known for their combination of sunny days and big snows, with ski seasons that can last well into spring or even summer. Ski, snowboard, or just play in the snow at big resorts such as Palisades Tahoe, Northstar California, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, or Heavenly, or make the most of the smaller resorts including Homewood, Granlibakken, Sierra-at-Tahoe, and Donner Ski Ranch. If you love cross-country, explore the 100 groomed trails at Royal Gorge, North America’s largest cross-country ski resort.
Oooh and aaah at views from the trails
During warm weather, the hiking and mountain biking options near Lake Tahoe offer both easy jaunts and big challenges—as well as huge views of granite slopes, waterfalls, and one of the purest lakes on the planet. Consider stretches of the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, which circles the lake from above, or the challenging Mount Tallac Trail in Desolation Wilderness. Pro tip: during summer you can use the gondolas and chair lifts at the big ski resorts to reach more high-country trails, like the easy-but-scenic Loop Trail at Heavenly.
For your Instagram posts, don’t miss the pretty Rubicon Trail at Emerald Bay State Park (you might even see bald eagles) or the Vikingsholm Trail that takes you both to the lakeshore and to the eye-popping Scandinavian architecture of Vikingsholm Castle.
Make climbing easy
Scale an 800-foot vertical cliff using steel steps, ladder rungs, suspension bridges and—most reassuringly—a solid harness. Tahoe Via Ferrata is an assisted climbing activity that makes the very tricky terrain of Tram Face, above Olympic Valley, safe for both experts and first timers.
Take a beach day
Families will love the mellow beach scene at Kings Beach State Recreation Area on the North Shore, with easy access to casual restaurants and family-run motels. For more beachy playtime, check out Kiva Beach (known for being dog-friendly) and Vikingsholm Beach.
Paddle or pedal on the water
During warm weather, you have your choice of ways to explore the lake itself. Paddle on a guided kayak tour with Tahoe Adventure Company or Tahoe City Kayak, rent a jet ski from North Tahoe Watersports, or pedal an aqua tricycle at Kings Beach. For super-mellow water days, float on the Truckee River with rented inner tubes or rafts from Truckee River Rafting or Truckee River Raft Company.
Dive to see shipwrecks
If you’re a certified diver—and used to diving in high-altitude waters—a wonderland awaits below the surface of Lake Tahoe. The strikingly clear waters of Emerald Bay Underwater State Park are home to various sunken boats, barges, felled trees, and reportedly even a Model T car.
Taste your way through the craft beer and cocktail scene
One year-round activity in Lake Tahoe is the thriving craft beer scene. Start with the oak-bourbon-barrel-aged Eclipse Imperial Stout at the acclaimed FiftyFifty Brewing Company in Truckee, then try area standouts such as South Lake Brewing Company and Sidellis. Prefer cocktails? Chart your path along the Tahoe Rum Trail with five stops, including the legendary Gar Woods Grill & Pier.
Insider tip: Speaking of drinks, be sure to pack a reusable water bottle. As of spring 2024, the Lake Tahoe area has banned the sale of single-use water bottles, but you can easily fill up your own bottle with high-quality local tap at free water filling stations around the area.
