Location: South Lake Tahoe
Top Things to do in South Lake Tahoe
Countries
Top 8 Hidden Gems Things to do in South Lake Tahoe, California (CA)
South Lake Tahoe is the only destination in the country that combines two
strikingly different worlds: The spectacular beauty of a national park, and all the desirable amenities of a world-class resort. Here you can enjoy a full range of exhilarating outdoor activities – from skiing and snowmobiling,
snowshoeing, sleigh rides and sledding to hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, and golf - alongside the excitement of 24-hour nightclubs, fine dining, gaming and entertainment.
Restaurants in South Lake Tahoe
1. Tahoe Photographic Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 611 reviews
Tahoe Photographic Tours is the first and most experienced personalized Scenic Guide and Photographic Service in Lake Tahoe. Our tours concentrate on showing you the very best of Tahoe. We take you to not only must-see Tahoe locations, but off the beaten path as well. We know the best spots, and when to be there. Whether you are a skilled photographer seeking out the most Photographic locations, an aspiring photographer, or just starting out; Tahoe Photographic Tours will help optimize your vacation time. Showcasing some of the best locations, you will see beautiful waterfalls, pristine forests, back country lakes, wildlife, high mountain vistas, and of course Lake Tahoe. Stunning photo opportunities abound. Since our tours are semi-private, we believe in letting you experience Tahoe at your pace. We allow plenty of time at each stop for you to relax and immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape around you and capture memorable images if you desire. From your first contact with us, you can expect excellence in service, photographs you will cherish for a lifetime and down-to-earth Tahoe hospitality.
2. Tahoe Amore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 121 reviews
Venetian Gondola cruises through the Tahoe Keys Marina. Great for date nights, girls night out, families, friends, loved ones marriage proposals, anniversaries, and even just time on the lake!
3. Sky Combat Ace
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
At Sky Combat Ace you’re not just a passenger on a joy ride, You are a steely-eyed fighter pilot at the controls of your very own “fighter jet”. With a qualified Certified Flight Instructor in back, wingmen are taught the art of aerobatics and/or aerial combat. Complete with high-g maneuvering, all the aerobatics you can handle, military style training maneuvers, and actual dog-fighting.
4. Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By trueblue2usa - Fallbrook, United States
My friend and I wanted to fish for trout while visiting S Lake Tahoe with our wives. I am a fly fishing wanna be while my friend is well versed. We visited the outfitters and asked them for information on stream locations, flies or bait and best times. Not being an accomplished fly fisherman, I surveyed the store for spin casting options while another employee helped my friend select flies. I explained to one of the employees my predicament and he told me of several places where we could each use our expertise. He recommended the Little Truckee River for both types of fishing and showed me some spinners and spoons that he had used to catch trout during the warm weather due to the cold water of the river. The Little Truckee is a “wild”, catch and release non-live bait stream that runs out of Stampede Res., North of I-80 East, easily reached off the Hirschdale exit N., about 2 miles east of the town of Truckee. Unlike several of the rivers we fished, we caught trout both times during the day, it was warm in 80’s. We went during the week (twice) and found no crowds and a beautiful 7 mile road adjacent to Boca Res. These 2 reservoirs have multiple parking and camping areas and no crowds. You can fish from shore or launch your boat easily if you like lake fishing for all ages. We followed the narrow road to the last parking lot just below Stampede Reservoir. We arrived one day at 1:30PM and the next Day at 9:00 AM, both equally not crowded with 4-5 cars. After flattening our bards on the hooks, we exited the southwest corner of the lot and found a good trail along the stream. The river “screams” trout with its fast water, deep holes and twisting route through low brush, lightly wooded areas which provided easy open casting. Absolutely beautiful even if you don’t catch a rainbow or brookie, however we did catch trout! We caught and released 10 fish from 8” to a monster 23” fat rainbow I caught while sitting on old fallen tree by a deep hole (east side of the stream about 1/2 mile south of the parking area, can’t miss it) I caught it on a small orange spotted spinner recommenced by the Outfitter’s employee. I also caught fish on silver and black spinners. My buddy who, was fly fishing, caught fish on very small floaters. We saw maybe 10 fishermen, along the 3-4 miles we fished. Trout were rising all along the stream and we had a blast! I cannot guarantee you will catch fish but they are there and BIG! Good fishing and we might see you there!
5. Glen Alpine Falls
6. 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.
7. Tallac Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 573 reviews
A Historic Site made up of 3 Estates built between 1894 and 1930. Each Estate has something different and exciting for visitors to do and see! Learn the amazing history of this area in the free museum, then stroll through the former summer homes and gardens of four wealthy gilded-age families. Guided, self-guided, and private tours are available.
Reviewed By Allfunallthetime - Twin Falls, United States
My wife and i used to live in this area so we always like to bring newbies here for some exploring. Parking is easy to find, right off 89. Typically the lot is packed in the summer but not so much in the fall. A short, flat walk towards the beach will get you to the old "estates" which are fun to photograph and peruse. I've never taken the tour not have I ever been inside any of them, but it is doable. Depending on water level, the beach could be very small or nicely large. It is always beautiful though. This part will take you about an hour at most. One thing we like to do is hike from the parking lot towards 89, cross the highway, and head towards Fallen Leaf Lake. The trail starts at 89 where Taylor Creek crosses under. There is a road sign for a Sno-Park where the trail starts. Stay on the dirt road to the right, about a half mile of walking will take you to a small parking area. At this point, go through the cutout in the fence and you are on your way to the lake. The trail pretty much stays next to Taylor Creek most of the way. It is fairly flat and easy to navigate. On this trip we did see a mother bear with her Cubs, so be advised. Great family hike. About 30 minutes at most from Tallac Historical.
