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 Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe and Heavenly Gondola 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, Regan Beach and El Dorado Beach 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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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
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Tahoe Keys

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Tahoe Keys and surrounding area, you can visit Lake Tahoe Balloons and Pope Beach.

Tahoe Keys
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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
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is AU$257 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
AU$257
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
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! (1,920 reviews)
Clean and comfortable
"Comfy beds, very clean and well taken care of property. Oversized towels and great bath products."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2025

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe
Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe
3.5 out of 5
3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is AU$209 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$209
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Book a stay at this beach resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Friendly staff and the little fireplace in the room is a nice bonus."

Reviewed on 18 Mar. 2025

Beach Retreat & Lodge at 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$151 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$151
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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! (1,538 reviews)
"Good location. Breakfast was good"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2025

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.
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! (1,321 reviews)
"Customer service was great, super friendly and helful. Rooms were clean and equipped with everything you could need. Saves you some money. Nice property close to heavenly center and conveniently located next to grocery. Breakfast was very limited i was expecting a little more but overall it was a ..."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2025

The Americana Village
The Lodge at Lake Tahoe
The Lodge at Lake Tahoe
3 out of 5
3840 Pioneer Trail, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly apartment in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Casino at Harrah's ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (163 reviews)
"Close to ski resort and clean"

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2025

The Lodge at Lake Tahoe
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! (1,787 reviews)
"Difficult to get around in the building, layout was confusing"

Reviewed on 13 Mar. 2025

Marriott Grand Residence Club, 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.

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