South Lake Tahoe, CA

Travel 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 center 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 center 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 center to Heavenly Mountain Resort. Admire the views from the observation deck perched on a 9,123-foot (2,780-meter) 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-meter) 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 center. Alternatively, make the short walk into Nevada for a night out at the casinos and entertainment centers. 

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 centers, including Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe.

Where to stay in South Lake Tahoe

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Montgomery Estates

5/5(2 area reviews)

Though Montgomery Estates might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Heavenly Valley Creek and Bijou Community Park.

Montgomery Estates
South Lake Tahoe

Lakeside Park

4/5(665 area reviews)

Lakeside Park might not have many top sights, but Casino at Harveys Lake Tahoe and Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lakeside Park
Beautiful morning before going fishing. 

#adventure

Tahoe Meadows

While Tahoe Meadows isn't home to many top sights, Casino at Harveys Lake Tahoe and Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe are some notable places to visit nearby.

Tahoe Meadows
Sugar Bowl showing mountains, landscape views and snow

Al Tahoe

4.5/5(80 area reviews)

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

Al Tahoe
Up by #fallenleaflake in #southlaketahoe got some sweet #waterfall action shots!

Christmas Valley

Christmas Valley might not have many top sights, but Adventure Mountain and Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Christmas Valley
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Tahoe Keys

Though Tahoe Keys might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Lake Tahoe Balloons and Pope Beach.

Tahoe Keys
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is ¥23,426 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
¥23,426
¥35,686 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star 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! (2,364 reviews)
"I recommend this place, it is family focused. It is worth every single dollar that you spend to be there."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 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 ¥56,883 per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
¥56,883
¥70,026 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Wonderful experience, will be staying here everytime."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe
Station House Inn - Near Heavenly Gondola
Station House Inn - Near Heavenly Gondola
3 out of 5
South Lake Tahoe
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,047 reviews)
"My family and I enjoyed our one night at this hotel we will definitely return if possible n the future."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Station House Inn - Near Heavenly Gondola
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! (1,393 reviews)
"Overall, we had a great stay and experience."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 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! (193 reviews)
Pleasant stay at the Lodge!
"Very good locations !! The nicest people at the front desk !Nice interior and comfortable bed !Problem with temperature inside because The Lodge doesn’t have Air conditioner !"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 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! (1,807 reviews)
"We happen to be here July 4, so it is noisy, but a great place. We’ll come back on a non-holiday."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 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

Things to do

Reviews of South Lake Tahoe

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1927
5 - Excellent 64%
4 - Good
921
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
127
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
24
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
12
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

one of the most beautiful places you can visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Overal it's an awesome place to visit if you're looking to get away from the city life, and if you miss the city you can just cross the state line and you got casinos.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Great place to visit. Lots to do, gambling, shows, excellent skiing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing. And of course there is Lake Tahoe which makes this are unique.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

South lake Tahoe is starting to lose that friendly welcoming feeling that it used to have. I lived there for several years late 90's through 2012 and can really see the changes not good one's

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I loved all the snow it was beautiful.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Close to Heavenly ski resort California main lodge.

Cities near South Lake Tahoe