The 10 Best Free Things to do in Lake Tahoe (Nevada), Lake Tahoe (Nevada)

February 15, 2022 Stefan Strunk

With the bluest of blue water and the greenest of green surrounding forest, Lake Tahoe, quite simply, transfixes. From the early Indians to authors such as Mark Twain, folks have tried to capture the beauty and mystique of the lake with nicknames like "Big Blue" and "Grasshopper Soup." Others maintain that it's impossible to describe the magnificence in words. At 6,225 feet above sea level, Tahoe is the highest alpine lake in the United States and has long attracted vacationers from around the world. In the summer, hiking, windsurfing, golfing, fishing and swimming (usually in wet suits due to the lake's brisk year-round temperature) are all the rage. The winter season, which actually starts around Thanksgiving, brings throngs of skiers to area resorts. Located between California and Nevada, different sides of the lake tend to attract different types of visitors. The California side draws families and outdoor enthusiasts while the Nevada side beckons those looking for big name entertainment and casinos. No matter which side you choose, a getaway to stunning Lake Tahoe will not soon be forgotten.
Restaurants in Lake Tahoe (Nevada)

1. Tahoe Meadows Trail

Incline Village, NV +1 530-543-2600 http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ltbmu/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5112247
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 44 reviews

Tahoe Meadows Trail

This 165-mile, twenty-four inch, single-track trail is open to hiking, equestrians, and mountain biking (in most areas). The trail encompasses the ridge tops of the Lake Tahoe Basin, crossing six counties, and two states. The Tahoe Rim Trail overlaps with approximately fifty miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.

2. Eagle Lake

NV
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 42 reviews

Eagle Lake

Nevada lake named for its large amount of eagles.

Reviewed By 116lynnej - Vancouver, Canada

Totally credit a blogger I read who said get there by 9 AM - we drive back about noon past miles and miles of bumper to bumper cars. I’m not fit and have chronic headaches so I found the grade a bit tough a couple times but with good shoes and a few rests - we all made it. Fill out the permit at the base of the walk - there was no cost but there is a point past the falls that you are required to have it. The lake is well worth the effort and we walked around to the backside of the lake and enjoyed a spectacular view.

3. Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park

Incline Village, NV 89452 +1 775-831-0494 http://parks.nv.gov/parks/marlette-hobart-backcountry
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 228 reviews

Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park

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. UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center

291 Country Club Dr, Incline Village, NV 89451-9333 +1 775-881-7566 [email protected] http://www.tahoesciencecenter.com
Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 67 reviews

UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center

This property is temporarily closed. The UC Davis Tahoe Science Center has science exhibits including a various hands-on activities, 3-D theater, research vessel, virtual laboratory, "Shaping Watersheds" Interactive Sandbox, and more.

5. Secret Cove Beach

Incline Village, NV 89451 http://www.secretcovenevada.com/beaches.html
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 39 reviews

Secret Cove Beach

Reviewed By CoachDaddy85 - Ocean City, United States

Fairly easy hike from road parking. Alternative parking in chimney cove - easy walk from there along access road then a well defined path to the cove. People were discreet and cool. Will return.

6. Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau

969 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451-9500 +1 775-832-1606 https://www.gotahoenorth.com/lake-tahoe/business-community/incline-village-crystal-bay-visitors-bureau/
Excellent
73%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 33 reviews

Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau

Reviewed By 791patsys - San Jose, United States

I stopped at this Visitors Center prior to boarding a shuttle to the Thunderbird Lodge tour. The center has LOADS of information about the Tahoe area, and both of the employees were very pleasant and willing to share detailed information about what is in in the area, based on my questions. They were able to offer suggestions about several area hikes, natural sights, and even some shopping tips! The center also has lovely grounds surrounding it, and there is even a little room of Ponderosa memorabilia in the main building. This center really exceeded my expectation of a ‘visitors center!!’

7. Nevada Beach

Elks Point Road 1/2 mile West of Highway 50, NV 89449
Excellent
71%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 72 reviews

Nevada Beach

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. South Lake Tahoe Bike Path

NV http://www.tahoebike.org/where-to-ride/bike-map
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28 reviews

South Lake Tahoe Bike Path

Paved bike path with views of Lake Tahoe.

Reviewed By SjGello - Gello, Italy

What a fabulous trail .. the awesome woods and lake .. Emerald Bay ..wow.. it was breathtaking..been there summer and in the winter

9. Cascade Falls Trail

NV
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 84 reviews

Cascade Falls Trail

This easy to moderate hiking trail offers a scenic view of Cascade Lake and Cascade Falls.

10. Stateline Fire Lookout

Crystal Bay, NV +1 530-573-2600 http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5176364.pdf
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 55 reviews

Stateline Fire Lookout

This much-overlooked point provides one of the best views of Lake Tahoe.

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