10 Bus Tours in Lake Tahoe (California) That You Shouldn't Miss

August 5, 2021 Fernanda Pittenger

Basking in its 300 days of sunshine, Lake Tahoe is a haven for outdoor fun in every season. Swimming, kayaking and windsurfing are popular in the summer months, while epic snowfall makes for spectacular skiing in winter. For those who prefer indoor fun, there's plenty of that in Tahoe, too. With 24-hour casinos and a flashy nightlife scene, the area has a tangible Vegas vibe. A sprinkle of bling, if you will. Not surprising, since Lake Tahoe straddles the border between California and Nevada.
Restaurants in Lake Tahoe (California)

1. Small-Group Day Trip to Yosemite from Lake Tahoe

Discover Lake Tahoe - Scenic Bus Tours
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4.9 based on 39 reviews

Join us on this exclusive fully narrated journey to Yosemite National Park from Lake Tahoe by a professional tour guide. This is an opportunity to experience the vast array of unique and beautiful features of the High Sierra. See why this jewel of America is a memory of a lifetime which has inspired all who were touched by it. This tour includes morning snacks, picnic lunch and drinks such as beer and wine. Depending on time of the year and weather, you'll walk to either Yosemite Falls or Bridalvail Falls

Inclusions: National Park fees, Fuel surcharge, Buffet lunch, Snacks, Driver/guide, Guided nature walk - optional

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By jimnlindav

My wife and I took this tour on Thursday, October 1, 2020. The train was not running that day and they offered us $10 each refund or a full refund if we wanted to cancel. We went on the tour anyway without the train and had a great time. I apologize for not knowing the guides name, but he was terrific. Knowledgeable and funny. Took us through Genoa Nevada and the state capital. Saw the Governor's mansion, the mint museum and several wildlife... mustangs, mule deer, and more. Virginia City is somewhat typical of a tourist destination town from the old west, but done well. We enjoyed our shopping and eating there. We'll go back when we have more time. I would recommend this tour and maybe the train ride would make it even more enjoyable. Nevertheless, they did a good job.

2. Lake Tahoe Ultimate Photography Scenic Half-Day Tour in Small-Group

T.J. Maxx, 2015 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA Tahoe Photographic Tours
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4.9 based on 559 reviews

We are the only company that includes your guide taking pictures of you and your party at each location and the scenery as well. Post processing of the pictures taken by your guide is included and the pictures turn out absolutely stunning. Of course you are welcome to snap away as many pictures as you would like. Between the great pictures that you will take and the pictures taken by your guide ensures you leave Lake Tahoe with treasured memories and images you will cherish forever! Whether it's wildflowers, fall colors, raging waterfalls, or pure back country beauty, this Lake Tahoe photography tour will take you there!

Inclusions: Guided Photographic Tours of the South and West Shores. , CDC Corona Virus Precautions , Professional Guides that provide Photographic tips, Photos taken of your party and the scenery by your guide, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities, Camera, Children's car seat, Private transportation

Reviewed By arrrforehar

Ah. Ma. Zing. I gotta admit, the husband and I talked back and forth about doing this because of the price. But now I am SO GLAD we did!!! The locations are amazing and unique. We got taken to places that were off the beaten path—things we would never have seen otherwise. But, seriously, if you do this tour (and you should) request Keith (who also happens to be the owner, so bonus points!) And I know, you read all about “oh, request this person” but you’re never gonna really do it. But for this kind of tour, I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend Keith. In fact, I think I’ll only do this tour with him now. Seriously, he was that good. And we passed by another guide and I was like “Yeah, I think we got the best of the best.” AND BOY DID WE. Keith is extraordinary kind and courteous. Asked if we wanted water, snack, how we were doing. And he helped me with my camera settings! Like, there’s a HUGE difference now in the photos I took before this tour vs after. Don’t have a fancy camera? That’s fine! Phone cameras work great, too! He’s gonna take you to the best spots and help you get those good angles. Of course, we happened to visit during the 2020 wildfires, so it was very smokey. Despite that, we still got some stellar photographs. And learned about the history of the area! So that was cool. It was also great having photos taken of us because, you know, as a photographer you don’t get many pictures of yourself. So that was awesome! Keith went absolutely above and beyond the call of tour guide duty (and I myself am a tour guide, so I know). CanNOT recommend Keith highly enough. Can’t recommend this tour highly enough!!! Absolutely phenomenal. THANK YOU, KEITH AND ROBIN!!!!

3. Guided Tour of Historic Virginia City and Carson City from South Lake Tahoe

Discover Lake Tahoe - Scenic Bus Tours
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4.8 based on 5 reviews

Step back in time on this narrated tour following the Pony Express Trail to America’s largest historic landmark Virginia City – the Comstock Lode founded in 1859, where Mark Twain roamed the streets and everybody wanted a piece of the “Richest place on Earth “. Driver tour guide narrates about history, geography, geology, flora and fauna of the region on the way to Virginia City ( 40 miles or 1 hour 20 min. ) Tour includes a visit to The Way it was museum

Inclusions: Professional guide

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By Suzanne D

5 stars. Great tour guide, Joe. Showed videos, explained our adventure all along the way. Great libations and food, breakfast lunch and snacks. COVID conscientious. Lively and knowledgeable and very likable guide. Nice buss too! However Type of visit, does not work.

4. Full-Day Lake Tahoe Circle Tour including Squaw Valley

Discover Lake Tahoe - Scenic Bus Tours
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4.8 based on 53 reviews

Admire Lake Tahoe from every angle on this scenic tour that takes you all the way around the lake with a local insider guide. As you travel a total of about 80 miles (130 km), you’ll stop at Emerald Bay, Truckee River Dam and Logan Shoals — three of the lake’s best viewpoints — and visit Tahoe City, a bustling small town on the north shore. Plus, explore the mountain village at Squaw Valley ski resort. During the trip, listen to your guide’s stories and interesting facts about the lake’s history and highlights.

Inclusions: Transport by air-conditioned shuttle bus, Hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels only), Driver/guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Suzanne D

5 stars. Great tour guide, Joe. Showed videos, explained our adventure all along the way. Great libations and food, breakfast lunch and snacks. COVID conscientious. Lively and knowledgeable and very likable guide. Nice buss too! However Type of visit, does not work.

5. El Dorado Wine Country Tour from South Lake Tahoe

Discover Lake Tahoe Wine and Harvest Tour
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4.7 based on 54 reviews

Discover more of the Lake Tahoe region than the lake itself on this day trip to El Dorado wine region, just west of South Lake Tahoe in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. With a knowledgeable wine guide, you’ll visit six area wineries, known for their welcoming and rustic atmospheres. Plus, stop by Boa Vista, one of the region’s many fruit orchards, and enjoy an alfresco lunch amid towering oak trees. Round-trip transportation from South Lake Tahoe is included.

Inclusions: Transport by air-conditioned shuttle bus or coach, Wine tasting fees at first 3 wineries, Picnic lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Exclusions: Tasting fees at additional winery or microbrewery, waived with purchase, Gratuities

Reviewed By Sunshine35507

This is worth the price for just the scenic tour and picnic lunch with the wine tasting as a bonus. We would have preferred more time at Apple Hill and have skipped the last stop which was a waste of time. Snowshoe John was both informative and entertaining. The fall colors were amazing. Well worth your time and money.

6. Wild West Day Trip from Lake Tahoe with Train Ride

Discover Lake Tahoe - Scenic Bus Tours
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4.2 based on 54 reviews

Delve into Nevada’s Wild West mining history on this tour from South Lake Tahoe to Virginia City, a mining boomtown listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. With a knowledgeable guide, travel along part of the Pony Express on the drive to Virginia City, where you’ll take a ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. Then explore the town however you wish, checking out museums and visiting the saloon.

Inclusions: Transport by air-conditioned shuttle bus, Train ride, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Exclusions: Lunch, Admission to attractions (optional), Gratuities

Reviewed By Suzanne D

5 stars. Great tour guide, Joe. Showed videos, explained our adventure all along the way. Great libations and food, breakfast lunch and snacks. COVID conscientious. Lively and knowledgeable and very likable guide. Nice buss too! However Type of visit, does not work.

7. Ultimate Lake Tahoe Self-Driving Audio Tour

Tahoe South Visitor Center - Nevada, 169 US-50, Stateline, NV 89449, USA 17 Mile Day Trips
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3.5 based on 2 reviews

Explore Lake Tahoe’s dazzlingly blue waters and stunning mountainous backdrop with this self-guided audio tour! Drive around the entirety of the lake as you learn about its origins, admire its breathtaking vistas, and dive into its Gilded Age history. Explore hikes, historic homes, and waterfall views along the way. This self-guided driving tour allows you to experience all of Lake Tahoe with maximum flexibility and value. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Within 30 min, we'll send you two things: a unique password and an app. Download the app onto your phone, enter password, and download the tour. When you arrive, go to the South Tahoe Visitor Center, launch the app, and follow the instructions! Stick to our recommended route for the best experience. No expiration — the tour is available from the minute you book until forever! This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check pandemic rules & opening hours before your visit.

Inclusions: GPS Map, Audios and Text, Online Support

Exclusions: Admission to paid attractions

Reviewed By BestTravelerDenver

Very informative, should have included more info on the plants and cacti! The historical stories were cute!

8. Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoe City

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe, 50 US-50, Stateline, NV 89449, USA VoiceMap Lake Tahoe
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3.0 based on 1 reviews

Take in the stunning state parks of Emerald Bay, Eagle Lake, D.L. Bliss and Sugar Pine, scattered along Lake Tahoe’s West shore, on a driving tour. On this tour, you’ll explore the early community of Al Tahoe, the Tallac Historic Site, and view three early Tahoe summer homes. The tour continues with optional hikes to Vikingsholm at Emerald Bay, Eagle Falls, and Eagle Rock. Enjoy the picturesque splendor of Lake Tahoe and its surrounding snow-capped mountains as you drive, along the way hearing stories about: • Some of Tahoe’s colorful characters • Early Native American history in the Tahoe Basin • Lake Tahoe’s early history • The trees of Tahoe’s pine forest • Historic homes dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s • The history of gaming in Lake Tahoe This driving tour can be completed in about two hours without any stops. Along the way, you’ll have the option of visiting a number of state parks. Parking fees are not included in the price of this tour.

Inclusions: Lifetime access to this tour in English, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata , VoiceMap App for Android and iOS

Exclusions: Food and drink, Smartphone and headphones, Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route, Transportation

9. 5-Day Northern California National Parks and Yosemite Tour from San Francisco

Extranomical Tours

The only small group tour to explore five National Parks in five incredible days! On this epic, bucket-list tour from San Francisco you’ll stockpile memories from the sandy beaches of the Pacific Coast to the breathtaking granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park. You’ll experience the emerald beauty of Lake Tahoe, savor the tastes from Napa and Sonoma Valley wineries and gaze at the grandeur of soaring redwood trees in Muir Woods. Experience the most the prized destinations in Northern Californiaover 5 days and 4 nights. Your tour includes hotel accommodations, some meals and admission fees at all national parks and attractions..

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Welcome reception in Monterey, 4 nights accommodation, National Park fees except Muir Woods entrance, Experienced, knowledgeable Expedition Leader, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Luxury transport along California’s Pacific Coast, Yosemite National Park entrance fee, Excursion to Emerald Bay & Vikingsholm Castle

Exclusions: Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By Brittany B

The tour was super fun! Met a lot of cool peeps and our tour guide Dustin was super funny! I don't even like wine and I would definitely go on the tour again just for the experience!

10. Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Audio Tour From Tahoe City to Incline Village

Gatekeeper's Museum, 130 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145, USA VoiceMap Lake Tahoe

Visit the small towns along Lake Tahoe's northwestern shore and take in unique views from Stateline Fire Lookout and Mount Rose Overlook on this scenic driving tour. This tour begins outside the Gatekeepers Museum and continues north to Carnelian Bay, Tahoe Vista, Kings Beach and Crystal Bay. Our 20-mile drive ends at the Mount Rose Scenic Overlook in Incline Village. As you drive, you’ll hear stories about: • Early Native American history in the Tahoe Basin • How John Steinbeck and Mark Twain are connected to Lake Tahoe • The lumber industry in Incline Village • Early modes of transport around Lake Tahoe • The quaint communities of northwestern Lake Tahoe This driving tour can be completed in about 90 minutes without any stops. Along the way, you’ll have the option of visiting two of Lake Tahoe’s popular beaches, hiking to one of Tahoe’s earliest fire lookouts, or enjoying a beverage or meal lakeside. Parking fees are not included in the price of this tour.

Inclusions: Lifetime access to this tour in English, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata , VoiceMap App for Android and iOS

Exclusions: Food and drink, Smartphone and headphones, Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route, Transportation

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