Top Things to do in Lake Tahoe (California)
Top Hotels in Lake Tahoe (California)
- 1. Forest Suites Resort at Heavenly Village
- 2. Stardust Lodge
- 3. Resort at Squaw Creek
- 4. Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
- 5. Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe
- 6. The Landing Lake Tahoe Resort & Spa
- 7. Tahoe Star Hotel
- 8. Heavenly Valley Lodge
- 9. Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort
- 10. Postmarc Hotel and Spa Suites
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Things to do in Lake Tahoe (California), Lake Tahoe (California): The Best Nature & Parks
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. Tahoe Rim Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
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. 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. 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
4. Glen Alpine Falls
5. Truckee River Bike Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By 33colettef
Not too challenging, and good for the entire family. Great way to bike from Squaw into town, have lunch, visit Commons beach and bike back again.
6. 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.
7. Rainbow Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
For an easier hike, this handicapped-accessible paved trail provides signs for a self-guided tour.
Reviewed By Christina1119 - New Orleans, United States
The short 1/2 mile walk takes you through different areas & sights. In parts you see the fish spawning & beaver damns. The Aspen Grove were in their foliage change. It leads you into an under ground area where you can view fish & Information about the habitats of the animals in the area. It connects to Taylor Creek which had many viewing areas to see lots of fish. Great walk and a nice area.
8. Eagle Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
This moderate to difficult trail goes to Upper and Lower Eagle Falls and offers spectacular scenery.
Reviewed By Christina1119 - New Orleans, United States
The hike itself isn’t overly long. Maybe 1/2 mile total or a little less. With that said it’s straight up Natural rock stairs all the way. Once to the top you work yourself around to get the the bridge. We made the loop so came back down the other stairs which were even more steeper. Best advice when you come to the split go right. It’s still tough, but a little easier. Then take the path on the right to leave. Once at the top there’s several spot you can see the waterfall from besides the bridge. Water was low, but still pretty. It was a beautiful day for a hike. I pushed my luck to get a better view & I have fear of height issues LOL Thankful my husband helped me down from one ledge because my fear kicked in & I couldn’t stand if I wanted to. I had kinda crawled there when the height issue took over. Slid down on my backside until he could reach me. After seeing where I was it probably was the best decision I made. Also back by the pine tree along the edge was a great spot to see it the full waterfall. I love waterfalls !!
9. D.L. Bliss State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
This state park in the Lake Tahoe region features one of the finest beaches in the area and several popular hiking trails.
Reviewed By JillClardy - Redwood City, United States
We did not camp here, but visited Lester Beach, and were glad that we arrived before 11:00 a.m. because they stopped letting people in once the parking lot was full. This was the most beautiful of the north and west coast Lake Tahoe beaches that we visited, with clean, fine white sand, a fairly sheltered cove, shallow clear water, clean restrooms and convenient parking lot. It was well worth the $10 per car day use fee!
10. Alpine Meadows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Intermediate and advanced skiers and riders will most enjoy this resort, known for its especially long season.
Reviewed By Kaydfw888 - Dallas, United States
Beautiful ski area. Designed for the more advanced skier - lots of blues and black runs. Only 2-3 green runs. This is not a large resort - much smaller than neighboring Squaw Valley but really nice. We enjoyed our day here a lot. Great views of Lake Tahoe from the top of the Lakeview lift.
