Things to do in South Lake Tahoe

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Emerald Bay State Park
D. L. Bliss State Park
Pope Beach
South Lake Tahoe
Eagle Falls Trail featuring a river or creek
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Most popular activities in South Lake Tahoe

Tours & day trips

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Heavenly Premium Ski Rental Including Delivery

Heavenly Premium Ski Rental Including Delivery

Activity duration is 5 days
8.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥18,252 per adult
Heavenly Premium Ski Rental Including DeliveryOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 12 activities
Emerald Bay Helicopter Tour of Lake Tahoe

Emerald Bay Helicopter Tour of Lake Tahoe

Activity duration is 12 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥21,781 per adult
Emerald Bay Helicopter Tour of Lake TahoeOpens in new tab

Winter activities

See all 7 activities
Heavenly Premium Ski Rental Including Delivery

Heavenly Premium Ski Rental Including Delivery

Activity duration is 5 days
8.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥18,252 per adult
Heavenly Premium Ski Rental Including DeliveryOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 4 activities
South Lake Tahoe: Sightseeing Cruise of Emerald Bay

South Lake Tahoe: Sightseeing Cruise of Emerald Bay

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 61 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥19,588 per adult
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Wildlife & nature

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Lake Tahoe Luxury Pontoon Experience

Lake Tahoe Luxury Pontoon Experience

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥266,390 per traveler*
Lake Tahoe Luxury Pontoon ExperienceOpens in new tab

What to do in South Lake Tahoe

Discover the most popular places to visit in South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Mountain Gondola showing tranquil scenes, a lake or waterhole and a bay or harbor

Heavenly Gondola

Glide across the sky and appreciate breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tahoe on this scenic gondola ride to a summit where exciting adventure activities await.

Heavenly Gondola
Amazing sunset

Lakeside Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Lakeside Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to South Lake Tahoe. In the area, take in the entertainment choices and mountain views.

Lakeside Beach
Fallen Leaf Lake is a smaller lake in South Lake Tahoe surrounded by beautiful landscape scenery that reflects so clearly off the water, you feel like you can walk right over it. The roads are a bit narrow to get here but if you come during off peak season, it's definitely a sight to see! Stop by the public beach Visitor Center and read about the famous Legend of this place. Also check out Glen Alpine Falls which is right by Fallen Leaf Lake in the Spring or early Summer when there is plenty of snow melt! This lake is a great place to kayak or paddle board. #discoveries #fallenleaflake #eldorado #laketahoe #landscape #scenery #travel #lakes #sierranevada #alpineforest #scenicviews #adventure #activelifestyle #outdoors #paddleboarding #kayaking #calm #peaceful #destinations

Fallen Leaf Lake

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Fallen Leaf Lake during your travels in South Lake Tahoe. Discover the area's casinos, or seek out its ski slopes.

Fallen Leaf Lake
Pope Beach which includes tranquil scenes, a beach and a lake or waterhole

Pope Beach

Take the family to this well-equipped long strip of soft white sand, where the clean, clear waters of southern Lake Tahoe gently lap the shore.

Pope Beach
Great walk around the lake - south lake Tahoe- dog park to the left.

Regan Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Regan Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to South Lake Tahoe. Stroll along the area's lakeside or experience its entertainment choices.

Regan Beach
Inspiration Point Vista showing tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole

Inspiration Point

Gaze across the vast expanse of Lake Tahoe and pine-tree-studded Fannette Island from one of the lake’s most spectacular viewpoints.

Inspiration Point
Taylor Creek Visitor Center showing a bridge, a river or creek and forests

Taylor Creek Visitor Center

Learn about the nature of Taylor Creek Stream through self-guided trails and an interpretive look at the stream from below the surface.

Taylor Creek Visitor Center

The Shops at Heavenly Village

You can enjoy retail therapy at The Shops at Heavenly Village during your stay in South Lake Tahoe. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this quaint area, or seek out the ski slopes.

The Shops at Heavenly Village

South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena

Catch an event at South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena, and enjoy other activities in Bijou Park such as skiing. Visit the area's casinos or amble around its lakeside.

South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in South Lake Tahoe

I took this at South Lake Tahoe, California on August 29th. Taken high above the lake, at Heavenly Gondola Vista Point :). This is one of the most iconic views of Lake Tahoe, a lake very popular among Americans. I loved seeing the gorgeous, colorful lake. And the vast landscape surrounding it. The lush, green forest seemed to go on forever. And the mountains were epic! You can even see some snow still atop the mountains. But best of all was the deep, serene lake! I was also at Tahoe for a family wedding. A perfect place for such an occasion!

Heavenly Valley

While visiting Heavenly Valley, you might make a stop by sights like Heavenly Ski Resort and Aerial Tramway.

Heavenly Valley
Heavenly Gondola

Heavenly Village

If you're spending some time in Heavenly Village, The Shops at Heavenly Village and Heavenly Gondola are top sights worth seeing.

Heavenly Village
Awe...the Sierra Nevada. 🌲

Tahoe Paradise

5/5(4 area reviews)

While Tahoe Paradise might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Lake Tahoe Golf Course and Adventure Mountain.

Tahoe Paradise
South Lake Tahoe

Lakeside Park

4/5(665 area reviews)

Lakeside Park might not have many top sights, but Heavenly Gondola and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino 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, Lakeside Beach and Ski Run Marina are some notable places to visit nearby.

Tahoe Meadows
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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 Tahoe Mountain Wedding Chapel.

Montgomery Estates

Popular day trips from South Lake Tahoe

Photo by Kayla Templin

Markleeville

Emerald Bay State Park which includes a lake or waterhole, forests and landscape views

Tahoma

Photo by Laurie Smith

Echo Lake

Taylor Creek Visitor Center featuring signage, views and tranquil scenes

Camp Richardson

Frequently asked questions

Is South Lake Tahoe worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in South Lake Tahoe is visit Emerald Bay State Park. Check this leading sight off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's hiking and skiing.
How do I spend a day in South Lake Tahoe?
Once you've visited leading attractions like Zephyr Cove Beach and El Dorado Beach, spend some time enjoying South Lake Tahoe's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in South Lake Tahoe?
You can't go home without visiting Emerald Bay State Park, rated the top tourist attraction in South Lake Tahoe.
Is three days enough to stay in South Lake Tahoe?
Three days will give you enough time to check out some popular city highlights, like Heavenly Gondola, Zephyr Cove Beach and Heavenly Valley. The average stay in South Lake Tahoe is two days. If you have the urge to extend your break, Stateline isn't far away.
Is South Lake Tahoe a walkable city?
That depends on what you want to see and do in South Lake Tahoe. Several sights, including Heavenly Gondola and Heavenly Valley, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of South Lake Tahoe's best neighborhoods, Lakeside Park is 3 kilometers away from downtown, while Bijou Park is 0.80 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in South Lake Tahoe with kids?
If you're searching for activities and sights for all of your group, here are some fabulous ideas for what to do in South Lake Tahoe with kids.

What to do in South Lake Tahoe for adults?
Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe Casino and South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena are just a few of the things to do in South Lake Tahoe. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in South Lake Tahoe?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in South Lake Tahoe. If you need new ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Heavenly Valley is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing activities.

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