PEAK SEASONS
Summer (June to August) is the peak season. Lake Tahoe is built around tourism, so it might be wise to visit during the other seasons to minimize costs and crowds.
Lake Tahoe is, in essence, a glorious representation of nature’s grandeur, making it a perfect adventure and vacation destination.
Surrounded by beaches, ski resorts, stunning scenery, and miles of shoreline, this freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is known all over the world for its gorgeous crystal clear waters and diverse range of entertainment options year-round.
When you visit, make sure to follow this Lake Tahoe Adventure Guide to maximize your time here.
Recommended Duration of Visit
3 days (ideal), 2 days (doable), 1 day (difficult)
Important: Near the lake, there are TWO cities with “Tahoe” in their name. Tahoe City is on the center left of the shoreline while South Lake Tahoe is at the bottom shoreline.
Recommendations: Before Arriving
- Decide on the duration of the stay and the method of transportation because Lake Tahoe is several hours from most major cities.
- Finalize all lodging for the entire duration of stay and ideally make reservations at least 1 month in advance.
- Check the weather, because rainy or cloudy days will obviously ruin your experience.
Recommendations: Adventure Gear
- Sun protection, sunglasses, hats, and swimwear, among others.
Click for some interesting facts about Lake Tahoe
- The average depth of Lake Tahoe is 1000 feet (304.8 meters).
- The lake is approximately 22 miles (35.4 kilometers) long and 12 miles (19.3 kilometers) wide.
- Lake Tahoe contains approximately 29 trillion gallons (110 trillion liters) of water.
- The water is so clear that, in some places, objects can be seen more than 50 feet (15.2 meters) below the surface.
- The water in Lake Tahoe is about as pure as commercially distilled water.
- Lake Tahoe is in two states (California and Nevada). Most of Lake Tahoe is in California, however.
LAKE TAHOE’S STORY
Created through millions of years of faulting (movement of the Earth’s crust), volcanism, and glaciation.
ATTRACTIONS
Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm, and Monkey Rock, among others.
LANDSCAPE
191.6 miles2 (496.2 kilometers2) of a gorgeous lake surrounded by mountains, forests, and hills.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Lake Tahoe IS the special event.
PLANNING
Realistically speaking, South Lake Tahoe—a city near the bottom shore—is pretty much the best place to find affordable lodging. This is also where most of the festivities are.
Visiting during any season is going to be somewhat expensive, but the summers will be the most expensive. Ideally, plan to visit during the offseasons or early summer.
LAKE TAHOE’S STORY
Created through millions of years of faulting (movement of the Earth’s crust), volcanism, and glaciation.
PEAK SEASONS
Summer (June to August) is the peak season. Lake Tahoe is built around tourism, so it might be wise to visit during the other seasons to minimize costs and crowds.
LANDSCAPE
191.6 miles2 (496.2 kilometers2) of a gorgeous lake surrounded by mountains, forests, and hills.
ATTRACTIONS
Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm, and Monkey Rock, among others.
PLANNING
Realistically speaking, South Lake Tahoe—a city near the bottom shore—is pretty much the best place to find affordable lodging. This is also where most of the festivities are.
Visiting during any season is going to be somewhat expensive, but the summers will be the most expensive. Ideally, plan to visit during the offseasons or early summer.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Lake Tahoe IS the special event.
Attractions Overview
- Photography: To save you some time, note that the best photography spots are at Eagle Rock, Emerald Bay, and Monkey Rock. In general, it is quite difficult to take a bad photo.
- Environmental Responsibility: The water visibility in Lake Tahoe decreases gradually year after year, so exercising environmental responsibility (i.e. leave the place the way you found it or better) goes a long way toward helping preserve Lake Tahoe’s majesty.
Attractions Overview
- Photography: To save you some time, note that the best photography spots are at Eagle Rock, Emerald Bay, and Monkey Rock. In general, it is quite difficult to take a bad photo.
- Environmental Responsibility: The water visibility in Lake Tahoe decreases gradually year after year, so exercising environmental responsibility (i.e. leave the place the way you found it or better) goes a long way toward helping preserve Lake Tahoe’s majesty.
Historic Downtown Truckee & Visitor Center: If entering from the northern side of Lake Tahoe, this visitor center will be one of the first major points of interest. It also doubles as the California Welcome Center.
Truckee is also a fun, simple, and historic town with ties to the tragic story of the Donner Party.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 30 minutes.
Tahoe City: Situated along the western shore of Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City offers lovely views and a selection of great restaurants.
It is also one of the crucial rest stops in the Tahoe region.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| Truckee is a short drive away from the incredible Donner Lake Overlook, so I strongly consider driving slightly west to see it. |
| Tahoe City offers one of the best views of Lake Tahoe from a pier. If you visit Moe’s Original BBQ, the pier is a very short walk away. |
Eagle Rock: Offering a challenging and moderately trafficked hiking trail, sweeping panoramic views, birdwatching opportunities, snowshoeing fun (during the winter, of course), and a semi-decent parking spot, Eagle Rock is one of the best introductory hikes in the Lake Tahoe region.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.
Eagle Falls: This dramatic cascading waterfall is accompanied by pine-studded granite cliffs, a relatively easy 1.9-mile (3.1-kilometer) hiking trail, and, of course, fantastic views.
With granite peaks, lush vegetation, and picturesque bodies of water, Eagle Falls and its namesake trail offers a near-complete overview of Tahoe’s landscape.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1.5 – 2.5 hours.
| The .7-mile (1.1-kilometer) hike is quite steep and challenging. And, in order to ensure a parking spot and limited crowds, early mornings would be the best time to visit. |
| Parking in this area can be quite a colossal pain. This is a heavily-trafficked attraction, so it would be ideal to visit early in the morning in order to find a parking spot. |
Emerald Bay: For thousands of years, the legendary Emerald Bay has drawn visitors from all over the world. Its recognizable gem-like green-blue water and lone central island (Fannette Island) have captivated traders, adventurers, and vacationers alike.
At approximately 3 miles long and 1 mile wide, Emerald Bay is arguably the most beautiful aspect of Lake Tahoe, especially on a nice day.
I honestly could spend the whole day here. The entire area is incredibly fun to explore, and you can get quite far down the hill by climbing around rocks
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
Vikingsholm: Vikingsholm, designed to resemble Scandinavian castles and churches, sits majestically and forlornly on the shores of Emerald Bay. The 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) roundtrip hike, although scenic, is mostly blocked by trees and slopes downward.
Since Emerald Bay reminded her of a fjord in Norway, Lora Knight wanted her vacation home to resemble Scandinavian architecture. Naturally, the interior features Scandinavian furnishings as well.
In fact, Mrs. Knight’s teahouse sits atop Fannette Island. This begs the question: who the hell builds a teahouse on the top of an island?!
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1.5 – 2.5 hours.
| Similar to Eagle Falls, the parking is extremely crowded, especially since both attractions share the same parking. Your best bet is to arrive early or schedule transportation and get dropped off. |
| No dogs or bicycles are allowed on this trail. It would also be best to keep your parking (if you found a spot) for Eagle Falls and/or Emerald Bay and just hike from Emerald Bay. |
Tallac Historic Site: Between 1880 and 1909, Elias Baldwin created the “luxury” complex known as the Tallac Resort. In the late 1920s, his daughter had many of the structures removed due to environmental concerns. All that remains is some old-ass cabins and plenty of history.
As a bonus, the cabins are situated next to the amazing coastline with numerous hiking options nearby.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.
South Lake Tahoe: South Lake Tahoe is a resort town near the bottom shoreline of Lake Tahoe. It is mostly known for ski resorts (the most famous being the Heavenly Resort), beaches, and, of course, the stunning surrounding scenery.
As the central hub of the Lake Tahoe region, it features a variety of restaurants, bars, and casinos. Heavenly Village, a major component of South Lake Tahoe, is one of the best parts of South Lake Tahoe because much of the festivities center around this area.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 4 hours.
| The Taylor Creek Visitor Center nearby presents another opportunity to learn as much as possible about the Lake Tahoe region. There are also numerous hiking trails nearby. |
| Lodging in South Lake Tahoe is arguably the most expensive in the Lake Tahoe region. Tahoe City (top left) and Incline Village (top right) offer slightly cheaper alternatives. |
Cave Rock: Cave Rock, located within Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, is a rock formation that is millions of years old. It is often referred to as the “Lady of the Lake” due to its side profile resembling the face of a woman.
The trail (slightly south of the actual rock) is a short hike that culminates in a spectacular view. The hike itself is around 15 – 20 minutes. In fact, Cave Rock is arguably the best place to watch the sunset.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park: Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is a large stunning park that features numerous hiking trails and popular attractions such as Monkey Rock, Cave Rock, and Sand Harbor.
The specific location of State Park (as shown on Google Maps) has a fantastic walking path, perfectly paved along the length of the shore for miles.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.
| Toward the evening, there are thousands of gnats around, so you might have to keep walking back and forth to prevent being swarmed. |
| While the park itself encompasses a large and comprehensive region, my recommendation is the specific location shown by Google Maps. |
Sand Harbor: Offering stunning panoramic views, numerous hiking trails, and a beach nearly a half-mile (.8 km) long, Sand Harbor is arguably the most popular attraction in the Lake Tahoe region.
Cost: Parking is $10 per vehicle. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 3 hours.
Memorial Point Scenic Overlook: The Memorial Point Scenic Overlook provides another stunning view of Lake Tahoe. More importantly, it has sizable rocks nearby perfect for climbing and gallivanting. It is generally a great hangout or picnic spot.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.
| To avoid crowds, arrive early in the morning or later in the evening. |
| The walkway also connects to Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. |
Monkey Rock: Essentially a hidden gem (rock?), Monkey Rock is easily one of the most underrated attractions in the Lake Tahoe region.
Despite being deceptively simple in name, the view near the actual Monkey Rock is one of the best in the entire Lake Tahoe region.
Even if there was no Monkey Rock business, the view is worth it. And, of course, the hike itself is extremely scenic and relatively devoid of crowds.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1.5 – 2 hours.
Lake Tahoe Scenic Overlook: Offering perhaps the best reward to effort ratio in all of Lake Tahoe (if you are in the area), Lake Tahoe Scenic Overlook provides stunning panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding nature.
Expending very minimal effort, visitors can simply drop by, take some incredible photos, and go on their merry way toward some more cumbersome and effort-intensive attractions.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 10 – 20 minutes.
| The trail is approximately 20-30 minutes one way and gets relatively steep toward the end. The Monkey Rock itself (shown in the photo) is not the highest point. |
| While easy to visit, the overlook itself lies all the way to the northeastern part of Lake Tahoe, near Incline Village (and the Diamond Peak Ski Resort). |
Historic Downtown Truckee & Visitor Center: If entering from the northern side of Lake Tahoe, this visitor center will be one of the first major points of interest. It also doubles as the California Welcome Center.
Truckee is also a fun, simple, and historic town with ties to the tragic story of the Donner Party.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 30 minutes.
| Truckee is a short drive away from the incredible Donner Lake Overlook, so I strongly consider driving slightly west to see it. |
Tahoe City: Situated along the western shore of Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City offers lovely views and a selection of great restaurants.
It is also one of the crucial rest stops in the Tahoe region.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| Tahoe City offers one of the best views of Lake Tahoe from a pier. If you visit Moe’s Original BBQ, the pier is a very short walk away. |
Eagle Rock: Offering a challenging and moderately trafficked hiking trail, sweeping panoramic views, birdwatching opportunities, snowshoeing fun (during the winter, of course), and a semi-decent parking spot, Eagle Rock is one of the best introductory hikes in the Lake Tahoe region.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.
| The .7-mile (1.1-kilometer) hike is quite steep and challenging. And, in order to ensure a parking spot and limited crowds, early mornings would be the best time to visit. |
Eagle Falls: This dramatic cascading waterfall is accompanied by pine-studded granite cliffs, a relatively easy 1.9-mile (3.1-kilometer) hiking trail, and, of course, fantastic views.
With granite peaks, lush vegetation, and picturesque bodies of water, Eagle Falls and its namesake trail offers a near-complete overview of Tahoe’s landscape.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1.5 – 2.5 hours.
| Parking in this area can be quite a colossal pain. This is a heavily-trafficked attraction, so it would be ideal to visit early in the morning in order to find a parking spot. |
Emerald Bay: For thousands of years, the legendary Emerald Bay has drawn visitors from all over the world. Its recognizable gem-like green-blue water and lone central island (Fannette Island) have captivated traders, adventurers, and vacationers alike.
At approximately 3 miles long and 1 mile wide, Emerald Bay is arguably the most beautiful aspect of Lake Tahoe, especially on a nice day.
I honestly could spend the whole day here. The entire area is incredibly fun to explore, and you can get quite far down the hill by climbing around rocks
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| Similar to Eagle Falls, the parking is extremely crowded, especially since both attractions share the same parking. Your best bet is to arrive early or schedule transportation and get dropped off. |
Vikingsholm: Vikingsholm, designed to resemble Scandinavian castles and churches, sits majestically and forlornly on the shores of Emerald Bay. The 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) roundtrip hike, although scenic, is mostly blocked by trees and slopes downward.
Since Emerald Bay reminded her of a fjord in Norway, Lora Knight wanted her vacation home to resemble Scandinavian architecture. Naturally, the interior features Scandinavian furnishings as well.
In fact, Mrs. Knight’s teahouse sits atop Fannette Island. This begs the question: who the hell builds a teahouse on the top of an island?!
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1.5 – 2.5 hours.
| No dogs or bicycles are allowed on this trail. It would also be best to keep your parking (if you found a spot) for Eagle Falls and/or Emerald Bay and just hike from Emerald Bay. |
Tallac Historic Site: Between 1880 and 1909, Elias Baldwin created the “luxury” complex known as the Tallac Resort. In the late 1920s, his daughter had many of the structures removed due to environmental concerns. All that remains is some old-ass cabins and plenty of history.
As a bonus, the cabins are situated next to the amazing coastline with numerous hiking options nearby.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.
| The Taylor Creek Visitor Center nearby presents another opportunity to learn as much as possible about the Lake Tahoe region. There are also numerous hiking trails nearby. |
South Lake Tahoe: South Lake Tahoe is a resort town near the bottom shoreline of Lake Tahoe. It is mostly known for ski resorts (the most famous being the Heavenly Resort), beaches, and, of course, the stunning surrounding scenery.
As the central hub of the Lake Tahoe region, it features a variety of restaurants, bars, and casinos. Heavenly Village, a major component of South Lake Tahoe, is one of the best parts of South Lake Tahoe because much of the festivities center around this area.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 4 hours.
| Lodging in South Lake Tahoe is arguably the most expensive in the Lake Tahoe region. Tahoe City (top left) and Incline Village (top right) offer slightly cheaper alternatives. |
Cave Rock: Cave Rock, located within Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, is a rock formation that is millions of years old. It is often referred to as the “Lady of the Lake” due to its side profile resembling the face of a woman.
The trail (slightly south of the actual rock) is a short hike that culminates in a spectacular view. The hike itself is around 15 – 20 minutes. In fact, Cave Rock is arguably the best place to watch the sunset.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.
| Toward the evening, there are thousands of gnats around, so you might have to keep walking back and forth to prevent being swarmed. |
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park: Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is a large stunning park that features numerous hiking trails and popular attractions such as Monkey Rock, Cave Rock, and Sand Harbor.
The specific location of State Park (as shown on Google Maps) has a fantastic walking path, perfectly paved along the length of the shore for miles.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.
| While the park itself encompasses a large and comprehensive region, my recommendation is the specific location shown by Google Maps. |
Sand Harbor: Offering stunning panoramic views, numerous hiking trails, and a beach nearly a half-mile (.8 km) long, Sand Harbor is arguably the most popular attraction in the Lake Tahoe region.
Cost: Parking is $10 per vehicle. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 3 hours.
| To avoid crowds, arrive early in the morning or later in the evening. |
Memorial Point Scenic Overlook: The Memorial Point Scenic Overlook provides another stunning view of Lake Tahoe. More importantly, it has sizable rocks nearby perfect for climbing and gallivanting. It is generally a great hangout or picnic spot.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.
| The walkway also connects to Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. |
Monkey Rock: Essentially a hidden gem (rock?), Monkey Rock is easily one of the most underrated attractions in the Lake Tahoe region.
Despite being deceptively simple in name, the view near the actual Monkey Rock is one of the best in the entire Lake Tahoe region.
Even if there was no Monkey Rock business, the view is worth it. And, of course, the hike itself is extremely scenic and relatively devoid of crowds.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1.5 – 2 hours.
| The trail is approximately 20-30 minutes one way and gets relatively steep toward the end. The Monkey Rock itself (shown in the photo) is not the highest point. |
Lake Tahoe Scenic Overlook: Offering perhaps the best reward to effort ratio in all of Lake Tahoe (if you are in the area), Lake Tahoe Scenic Overlook provides stunning panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding nature.
Expending very minimal effort, visitors can simply drop by, take some incredible photos, and go on their merry way toward some more cumbersome and effort-intensive attractions.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 10 – 20 minutes.
| While easy to visit, the overlook itself lies all the way to the northeastern part of Lake Tahoe, near Incline Village (and the Diamond Peak Ski Resort). |
Journey to Donner Lake Overlook
Go in search of stunning scenery
JOURNEY TO DONNER LAKE OVERLOOK: At an elevation of approximately 6840 feet (2085 meters), the Donner Lake Overlook provides a comprehensive, stunning, and panoramic view of the entire region and nearby mountains.
| PRO TIP: Since Donner Lake Overlook is easily one of the furthest destinations from the central Lake Tahoe region, consider visiting it when you are near Truckee or Tahoe City. And definitely visit it if you are heading toward Truckee from the west. | COST: Free to visit. | |
Donner Pass is named after the unfortunate Donner Party.
Itinerary
Below are a map and schedule—the same one I followed during my time at Lake Tahoe. All activities are in order and move counterclockwise along the border of Lake Tahoe.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
1
Truckee
2
Tahoe City
3
Eagle Rock
4
Emerald Bay
5
Eagle Falls
6
Vikingsholm
7
Tallac Historic Site
8
South Lake Tahoe
9
Cave Rock
10
Sand Harbor
11
Memorial Point Scenic Overlook
12
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
13
Monkey Rock
14
Lake Tahoe Scenic Overlook
BREAKFAST
A Cup of Cherries
- A Cup of Cherries, located in South Lake Tahoe, is accompanied by a nice hole-in-the-wall feel and delicious food.
- This place specializes in breakfast, delicious hoagies, and coffee.
What to order: I recommend the Hoagies.
More information on Heidi’s Pancake House
- This very warm and comfy cabin features old-school music and delicious breakfast assortments. It is, arguably, the best general breakfast restaurant in the Lake Tahoe region.
- The restaurant is usually open from 7 am to 2 pm. Ideally, try to arrive before 9 am if you prefer not to wait in long lines.
What to order: I recommend the Two Eggs With Meat (2 eggs + bacon, ham, link sausage, or a beef patty (only choose 1) + home fries or three pancakes).
GENERAL
More information on Moe’s Original BBQ
- Featuring the occasional live music, an excellent view near the marina, and a great assortment of barbecue, Moe’s Original BBQ is one of the best restaurants in Tahoe City.
- There is also plenty of parking nearby.
What to order: The Ribs were quite delicious, and the complementary Banana Pudding was excellent as well.
More information on Los Mexicanos
- Although this no-frills restaurant could use a more creative name than “the Mexicans,” it still offers delicious and authentic Mexican food.
- In fact, I am quite surprised that such inexpensive and delicious food can be found in a touristy town like South Lake Tahoe.
What to order: I recommend the Tacos because you can order multiple flavors such as asada, carnitas, pastor, and chorizo.
BREAKFAST
A Cup of Cherries
- A Cup of Cherries, located in South Lake Tahoe, is accompanied by a nice hole-in-the-wall feel and delicious food.
- This place specializes in breakfast, delicious hoagies, and coffee.
What to order: I recommend the Hoagies.
More information on Heidi’s Pancake House
- This very warm and comfy cabin features old-school music and delicious breakfast assortments. It is, arguably, the best general breakfast restaurant in the Lake Tahoe region.
- The restaurant is usually open from 7 am to 2 pm. Ideally, try to arrive before 9 am if you prefer not to wait in long lines.
What to order: I recommend the Two Eggs With Meat (2 eggs + bacon, ham, link sausage, or a beef patty (only choose 1) + home fries or three pancakes).
GENERAL
More information on Moe’s Original BBQ
- Featuring the occasional live music, an excellent view near the marina, and a great assortment of barbecue, Moe’s Original BBQ is one of the best restaurants in Tahoe City.
- There is also plenty of parking nearby.
What to order: The Ribs were quite delicious, and the complementary Banana Pudding was excellent as well.
More information on Los Mexicanos
- Although this no-frills restaurant could use a more creative name than “the Mexicans,” it still offers delicious and authentic Mexican food.
- In fact, I am quite surprised that such inexpensive and delicious food can be found in a touristy town like South Lake Tahoe.
What to order: I recommend the Tacos because you can order multiple flavors such as asada, carnitas, pastor, and chorizo.
Despite not being a national park, Lake Tahoe possesses all the great qualities worthy of such status. It offers stunning and picturesque scenery, a diverse range of entertainment options (for all seasons), an abundance of nature and hiking trails, and a special attraction (the magnificent Lake Tahoe itself).
It is a place that needs neither advertisement nor hype. Because it really is a phenomenal nature destination and one worth visiting at least once in a lifetime, regardless of where you are in the world.
On a final note, make sure to share this page so others will know more about Lake Tahoe!
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