South Lake Tahoe Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Emerald Bay State Park
D. L. Bliss State Park
Pope Beach
South Lake Tahoe
Eagle Falls Trail featuring a river or creek

Come to this Lake Tahoe destination in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada to ski in winter, swim in summer and enjoy a lively nightlife year-round.

South Lake Tahoe is the adventure capital of the spectacular Lake Tahoe region. Enjoy sandy beaches, ski resorts, hiking trails and year-round nightlife amid breathtaking natural scenery. South Lake Tahoe lies between the south banks of Lake Tahoe and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

South Lake Tahoe’s commercial centre is at one end of the town adjacent to the California/Nevada stateline, home to restaurants, hotels and retail outlets. Learn about the region’s history at the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum. See wildlife and landscape photography displays at the Jon Paul Gallery and rotating exhibitions by local artists at the Tahoe Art League.

The beaches of South Lake Tahoe are ideal for relaxation and watersports. Rent a paddleboat or kayak from Ski Run Marina to explore the lake’s calm water. Try water skiing and wakeboarding or relax on the shore with a picnic while enjoying the scenery and sunsets. Just a 20-minute drive from the town centre is Emerald Bay State Park. Discover secluded beaches lined with pine forests. Take a guided tour of the Scandinavian-style castle, Vikingsholm.

Ride the Heavenly Gondola cable car from South Lake Tahoe town centre toHeavenly Mountain Resort. Admire the views from the observation deck perched on a 9,123-foot (2,780-metre) high peak. Come in the winter to ski and snowboard on almost 100 runs. When the snow melts the resort transforms into a summer sports hub. Travel on a 3,300-foot (1,000-metre) long zip line or enjoy a hot air balloon ride. Hike or bike along trails to enjoy panoramas of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Go out after dark to experience South Lake Tahoe’s nightlife. Find bars and nightclubs situated in the town centre. Alternatively, make the short walk into Nevada for a night out at the casinos and entertainment centres.

South Lake Tahoe is a popular destination offering a mix of culture, entertainment and natural beauty. Get here by flying to Tahoe-Reno International Airport, which is a 1-hour drive away. Rent a car to visit other Lake Tahoe outdoor recreation centres, including Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe.

Where to stay in South Lake Tahoe

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Lakeside Park

5/5(2 area reviews)

Lakeside Park might not have many top sights, but Heavenly Gondola and The Shops at Heavenly are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lakeside Park
Sugar Bowl which includes landscape views, mountains and snow

Al Tahoe

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Al Tahoe, El Dorado Beach and Heavenly Valley are top sights worth seeing.

Al Tahoe
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Tahoe Meadows

When in Tahoe Meadows, you can plan a visit to Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe and Lakeside Marina, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Tahoe Meadows
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Montgomery Estates

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Montgomery Estates and surrounding area, you can visit Heavenly Valley Creek and Bijou Community Park.

Montgomery Estates
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Tahoe Paradise

While Tahoe Paradise isn't home to many top sights, Lake Tahoe Golf Course and Adventure Mountain are some notable places to visit nearby.

Tahoe Paradise
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Christmas Valley

When in Christmas Valley, you can plan a visit to Adventure Mountain and Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Christmas Valley
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is AU$290 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
AU$290
includes taxes & fees
2 Dec - 3 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,397 reviews)
"Great atmosphere!"

Reviewed on 21 Nov. 2024

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Basecamp South Lake Tahoe
Basecamp South Lake Tahoe
3.5 out of 5
4143 Cedar Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is AU$211 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
AU$211
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Great location to the casinos. Reasonably priced coffee co on site. Outdoor hottubs"

Reviewed on 20 Nov. 2024

Basecamp South Lake Tahoe
Quality Inn South Lake Tahoe
Quality Inn South Lake Tahoe
2.5 out of 5
4127 Pine Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is AU$117 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
AU$117
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Book a stay at this beach hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,435 reviews)
"good location and good restaurant options and it was only 2 min drive to harveys where hells kitchen restaurant is"

Reviewed on 22 Nov. 2024

Quality Inn South Lake Tahoe
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
4 out of 5
1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified vacation home in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, a health club, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,744 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 20 Nov. 2024

Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
Tahoe Beach & Ski Club
Tahoe Beach & Ski Club
3 out of 5
3601 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA
Book a stay at this beach condo in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (855 reviews)
"The hot tube next to swimming pool wasn’t working."

Reviewed on 17 Nov. 2024

Tahoe Beach & Ski Club
The Americana Village
The Americana Village
2 out of 5
3845 Pioneer Trl, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,264 reviews)
"Nice place for family"

Reviewed on 18 Nov. 2024

The Americana Village
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of South Lake Tahoe

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
12
" "5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 32%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great location would love to return again.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great area for outgoing people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very scenic and summer programmes everywhere.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

GREAT PLACE PLENTY TO DO AND SEE

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely place to visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Spring skiing ⛷ on fresh powder...love it!!

Cities near South Lake Tahoe