Top Things to do in Lake Tahoe Area
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Lake Tahoe Area That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Lake Tahoe Area, Lake Tahoe Area including Echo Lakes Hiking Trail, Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Rubicon Trail, Glen Alpine Falls, Sand Harbor, Nevada Beach, Vikingsholm, Inspiration Point Vista, Eagle Falls Trail.
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1. Echo Lakes Hiking Trail
2. Emerald Bay State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 883 reviews
This spectacular bay in Lake Tahoe is best approached by hiking trails.
Reviewed By Alacrout - Los Angeles, United States
You really can’t go wrong with any part of Lake Tahoe, as the whole thing is surrounded by stunning mountain views. The views can get a little hazy during bad fire seasons, but still a beautiful area. Hard to pick a definitive “best” part of the Lake, but Emerald Bay is certainly up there as one of the best parts. The color of the water lives up to the name of “Emerald.” In the middle of the Bay, there’s a cute little island that is the ONLY island in Lake Tahoe. You can kayak, canoe, or boat to the island (NOT swim) and see the ruins of “Tea House,” where a quirky captain lived in the 1800s. Inspiration Point is a necessary stop on your way through the park—it gives you one of the best views of the entire Bay. Be sure to check out Vikingsholm too! :)
3. Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 228 reviews
A number of areas for visitors along Lake Tahoe, with the most popular being Sand Harbor.
Reviewed By G2055DWpatriciah - Denver, United States
We planned the tour at the beginning of our trip so we would have an idea of where we might want to return. The tour was more fun and informative than we ever imagined. It was literally one of the best parts of our trip! Jim was an amazing guide.
4. Rubicon Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By TravellingJan - San Carlos, United States
This is the most beautiful trail with gorgeous views of the turquoise water and interesting rocks, etc...We have to do this hike every time we come up to Tahoe. So incredible! And an easy hike too
5. Glen Alpine Falls
6. Sand Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 757 reviews
Rocky coves and boulders to jump off of are the primary features of this beach.
Reviewed By RevfromCA - Sacramento, United States
This is a beautiful state park well worth the $10 entrance fee along the east shoreline of Lake Tahoe. You can use the entrance fee the same day to visit Cave Rock state park as well which is closer to South Lake Tahoe. The walking paths along the shore of Sand Harbor are very nice and the scenery is excellent. Check out the visitors center as well.
7. Nevada Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Wide sandy beach, which offers escape from the bustle of other beaches.
Reviewed By VacationsRWanderful
This is a family and dog friendly beach. It’s near the campground and at the end of an easy 1 mile walk through Rabe Meadows. Parking is $10 per car, with limited space. If you choose to park in the lot, get there early.
8. Vikingsholm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 778 reviews
Built as a summer home in 1929, this grand castle on Emerald Bay is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the Western Hemisphere.
Reviewed By 8-drank-was-merry - Naples, United States
Vikingsholm is a Scandinavian styled mansion/castle nestled down in the trees below highway 89, lakefront at the tip of Emerald Bay. Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight had it built in 1928/1929 with inspiration of ancient buildings she saw on a trip to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. The Mansion is open for tours late May to late September, from 10:30 am - 3:30 pm on the half hour. The tour costs $15 for adults and $12 for students, kids under 7 are free. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center building on the trail just past the mansion/castle. In the center of Emerald Bay there is a small island, currently known as Fannette Island. Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight reportedly took guests out to the island for high tea. If you would like to visit the island, you can rent kayaks at the lake shore (for 1 or 2 hours). The tour of the mansion is short, but informative and supports a good cause - renovation and revitalization of the structure. The hike down to the park is gorgeous and it is recommended to make a day long experience in the area. A hike up to Eagle Falls and Lake is wonderful with gorgeous views. Or just relaxing and hanging out around Emerald Bay.
9. Inspiration Point Vista
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
Look out over Emerald Bay.
Reviewed By MaryLynnD_13 - Laguna Vista, United States
Breathtaking scenery! Don’t miss it. Be careful driving up the winding road. Not a lot of guardrails!
10. Eagle Falls Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
A beautiful and well-marked trail.
Reviewed By MelissaG832 - Santa Barbara, United States
This hike is about 2 miles if you just go to the lake and back, which is what I did with my 10-year-old lab. Good dog-friendly hike where other dog-owners mostly kept their dogs on leashes as well. Some of the stone steps are a little high so you might need to pick your dog up if you have a small one but otherwise pretty straightforward. Weekends are impossible to park and we had to come back during the week and early in the morning to get a spot. Beautiful hike with great views, interesting terrain, and a amazing lake at the end.
