South Lake Tahoe Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled amidst the picturesque Sierra Nevada Mountains in California lies the stunning city of South Lake Tahoe. This breathtaking destination offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and vibrant city life, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts and urban explorers alike.

South Lake Tahoe is renowned for its pristine blue waters, which are a result of the melting snow from the surrounding mountains. This makes it a haven for water sports enthusiasts, with activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing readily available. The lake also offers excellent fishing opportunities, attracting anglers from far and wide in search of the perfect catch.

For those seeking a more adrenaline-fueled experience, South Lake Tahoe boasts an extensive network of hiking and biking trails. Explore the stunning Emerald Bay State Park, where the iconic Fannette Island sits amidst crystal-clear waters. The park offers numerous trails that wind through dense forests, leading to panoramic vistas of the lake and its surrounding mountains.

During the winter months, South Lake Tahoe transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting avid skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. Heavenly Mountain Resort, one of the largest ski resorts in the United States, offers a vast array of slopes catering to all skill levels. Glide down the powdery slopes while enjoying breathtaking views of the lake below.

Beyond its outdoor adventures, South Lake Tahoe offers a vibrant city scene filled with entertainment and relaxation. The city is dotted with a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering a diverse culinary experience. Indulge in fresh seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, or savor a delicious cocktail while enjoying live music in one of the many waterfront establishments.

For those seeking a touch of culture, South Lake Tahoe is home to a thriving arts scene. The city hosts numerous art galleries and theaters, showcasing the works of local and international artists. Don't miss the Valhalla Tahoe Art, Music, and Theatre Festival, a summer-long celebration that brings together artists, musicians, and performers from various disciplines.

Alternative names: Population: 21.7 thous.Area: 16.6 mi²Elevation: 6263 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°56'10"N, 119°58'48"W

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CaliforniaUnited States

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South Lake Tahoe Top Attractions

South Lake Tahoe Attractions - What to See and Explore

South Lake Tahoe offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Vikingsholm, Eagle Falls trailhead, Maggies Peaks, Lake Tahoe Historical Society. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Forts and castles • Historical place
Vikingsholm
Vikingsholm is a 38-room mansion on the shore of Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe, in El Dorado County, California, U.S. and on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hiking trail • Hiking • Trail
Eagle Falls trailhead
The Eagle Falls trailhead or Eagle Lake trailhead is located in the El Dorado National Forest, in the Sierra Nevada, within Emerald Bay State Park, on the western shore of Lake Tahoe, California.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Maggies Peaks
Maggies Peaks refers to a mountain in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, southwest of Lake Tahoe. There are two peaks on the mountain about 0.7 miles apart.

38°56'23"N • 119°58'37"W
Lake Tahoe Historical Society
Museum • Specialty museum
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Echo Peak
Echo Peak is a mountain in the Sierra Nevada range to the west of Lake Tahoe on the border of the Desolation Wilderness in El Dorado County, California.
Natural attraction • Mountain • Park
Jobs Peak
Jobs Peak located in Alpine County, California, is the most prominent peak visible from the Carson Valley in Douglas County, Nevada. The peak offers hiking and backcountry skiing with the view of Lake Tahoe. It is in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
38°56'17"N • 119°58'34"W
St. Theresa Catholic Church
Church
38°56'6"N • 120°0'7"W
Lake Tahoe Boat Rides
Nature • Natural attraction • Speed boats tours
38°56'46"N • 119°57'18"W
The Ski Renter at South Lake Tahoe
Nature • Natural attraction • Gear rental
38°56'4"N • 120°0'4"W
Lake Tahoe Balloons
Nature • Natural attraction • Balloon rides
Neighbourhood
Bijou
Bijou is a former unincorporated community now incorporated in South Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, California. It lies at an elevation of 6243 feet. The place was founded in 1864 by Almon M. Taylor, after whom it was named. The name was changed to Bijou with the arrival of the post office in 1888. The post office operated until 1967.
Neighbourhood
Al Tahoe
Al Tahoe is a former unincorporated community now incorporated in South Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, California. It lies at an elevation of 6253 feet. The community was named for the Al Tahoe Hotel, which was built in 1907 by Almerin R. Sprague. In the 1800s, the community used to be called Rowlands.
Neighbourhood
Tahoe Keys
Tahoe Keys is a waterfront gated community within the city of South Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, California. It lies at an elevation of 6,240 feet.
Neighbourhood
Bijou Park
Bijou Park is a former unincorporated community now incorporated in South Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, California. It is located east of Bijou, at an elevation of 6237 feet.
Neighbourhood
Tahoe Valley
Tahoe Valley is a former unincorporated community in El Dorado County, California, now incorporated into South Lake Tahoe. It lies at an elevation of 6270 feet. Tahoe Valley is about the junction of U.S. Route 50 and State Route 89.
Universities and schools
Lake Tahoe Community College
Lake Tahoe Community College is a community college in South Lake Tahoe, California. It was established in 1975. At an altitude of 6,229 feet, it is at the highest elevation of any college in the state.

Day trips

South Lake Tahoe – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of South Lake Tahoe, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum (Reno), Wild Island (Sparks), Sierra-at-Tahoe (Eldorado National Forest).

41 milesN
Museum, Science museum
Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, Reno
The Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, nestled in the heart of Reno, United States, is a vibrant hub of learning and creativity designed for children and families. This interactive museum, opened in September 2011, spans over 67,000 square feet and offers an...
44 milesN
Theme park, Water park, Amusement park
Wild Island, Sparks
Wild Island is a water park located off I-80 in the city of Sparks, Nevada. The park is the only one in the vicinity of the double city. Wild Island opened in June 1989 and has grown and expanded throughout its history. The park originally opened with only five attractions and...
11 milesSW
Winter sport, Outdoor activities, Ski area
Sierra-at-Tahoe, Eldorado National Forest
Sierra-at-Tahoe is a ski and snowboard resort in Twin Bridges, California south of Lake Tahoe. Sierra-at-Tahoe is approximately 16 miles south of Stateline, Nevada and 12 miles south of South Lake Tahoe on U.S. Route 50 and is contained within the Eldorado National Forest.
19 milesNE
Historic government offices
Nevada State Capitol, Carson City
The Nevada State Capitol is the capitol building of the U.S. state of Nevada located in the state capital of Carson City at 101 North Carson Street. The building was constructed in the Neoclassical Italianate style between 1869 and 1871. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
31 milesNE
Museum
Comstock Lode, Virginia City
The Comstock Lode is a lode of silver ore located under the eastern slope of Mount Davidson, a peak in the Virginia Range in Virginia City, Nevada, which was the first major discovery of silver ore in the United States and named after American miner Henry Comstock.

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Best Time To Visit South Lake Tahoe

Learn when is the best time to travel to South Lake Tahoe weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in August.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February, March and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in July. Most of it rains in January.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in South Lake Tahoe?

The top attractions to visit in South Lake Tahoe are:

What is the best time to visit South Lake Tahoe?

June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in August. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February, March and December.