Top 10 Things To Do and See in Lake Tahoe
1. Explore the Majesty of Emerald Bay State Park
No trip to Tahoe is complete without visiting Emerald Bay State Park. This National Natural Landmark on the west shore is arguably the most photographed spot in the region—and for good reason. The bay's stunning green-blue water, enclosed by granite cliffs and forests, is home to Fannette Island, Tahoe's only island. Hike down from the lookout point for an up-close view, or better yet, rent a kayak from Kayak Tahoe and paddle the serene shoreline. During the summer, you can tour Vikingsholm, a unique 38-room mansion built to resemble a Scandinavian castle. For history buffs, the nearby Tallac Historic Site hosts summer events like the Gatsby Festival, transporting you back to the Roaring Twenties.
2. Soak Up the Sun at Kings Beach
Located on the northern shores, Kings Beach is the quintessential Tahoe beach town. Its south-facing beach enjoys sunshine all day long, making it a perfect spot to relax. The Kings Beach State Recreation Area offers picnic spots and rentals for paddleboards and kayaks. For a bit of exploration, wander through the town's independent boutiques and grab a bite at a local eatery. If you're up for a short but steep hike, the trail to the Historic Stateline Fire Lookout rewards you with panoramic views of the entire basin.
3. Find Tranquility at Echo Lake
Just a 25-minute drive from the main lake, Echo Lake offers a quieter, more intimate alpine experience. A popular spot in the warmer months for boating and hiking, it’s an ideal escape from the main crowds. Pack a lunch for the picnic site at Lower Echo Lake or tackle the stunning Lake Aloha Trail for incredible wilderness views. In winter, this area transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, with the Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort just five miles away for world-class skiing and snowboarding.
4. Unwind in D.L. Bliss State Park
Adjacent to Emerald Bay, D.L. Bliss State Park feels wonderfully remote and undeveloped. It’s the perfect place to truly disconnect. The park’s main attractions are its beautiful beaches, including Lester Beach and Calawee Cove Beach. For hikers, the famous Rubicon Trail starts here, offering a scenic path along the cliffs to the historic Rubicon Point Light, one of the highest-elevation lighthouses in the world.
5. Conquer a Piece of the Tahoe Rim Trail
The legendary Tahoe Rim Trail is a 165-mile loop that circumnavigates the lake. While completing the entire trek is a serious undertaking, hiking a section is a must-do for any avid adventurer. The trail winds through dense forests, past pristine alpine lakes, and up to ridges with jaw-dropping panoramas of the basin. Pick a day hike in areas like the Desolation Wilderness or the Carson Range to experience the epic scale of the Sierras. Remember to wear proper hiking boots and be bear-aware.
6. Summit Mt. Tallac
For the experienced hiker seeking a serious challenge, the hike up Mt. Tallac is an unforgettable achievement. At 9,735 feet, it's one of the highest peaks in the immediate Tahoe area. The trail is demanding, with steep sections and loose rock, but the reward is unparalleled. From the summit, you're treated to 360-degree views of Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake, and the vast expanse of the Desolation Wilderness. It’s a strenuous day, but the bragging rights and photos are worth every step.
7. Discover the Coves of Sand Harbor State Park
On the Nevada side, Sand Harbor State Park boasts over fifty acres of sandy beaches, hidden coves with crystal-clear water, and dramatic granite boulders. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxed day of swimming and sunbathing. For more activity, rent a kayak from Sand Harbor Rentals to explore the unique shoreline. The short and easy Sand Point Nature Trail and Memorial Point Trail offer some of the most stunning and accessible views in all of Tahoe. During summer, the park also hosts the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival in an incredible outdoor setting.
8. Take the Short Hike to Eagle Rock
If you want maximum reward for minimum effort, the Eagle Rock Hiking Trail is for you. This short, 20-minute hike up a volcanic outcrop on the west shore delivers some of the most sweeping, panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. Because of its accessibility, it can get crowded. For a more peaceful experience, aim for an early morning visit to watch the sunrise or go on a weekday.
9. Step Back in Time at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
This park offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and history. Its main feature is the opulent Hellman-Ehrman Mansion, a stunning summer home from the early 20th century. Take a tour to see its impressive redwood paneling and authentic period furnishings. Beyond the mansion, the park has miles of hiking trails that meander through one of the finest remaining sugar pine forests on the lake. In winter, the nearby Homewood Mountain Resort offers ski slopes with arguably the best lake views of any resort.
10. Get Your Adrenaline Fix at Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park
For those craving a different kind of thrill, the Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park in Tahoe City offers an exhilarating aerial adventure. Navigate a series of treetop platforms, wobbly bridges, and thrilling ziplines suspended up to 50 feet in the air. It’s a fun and physically demanding activity that provides a unique perspective of the forest canopy—a perfect way to break up days of hiking and beach-going.
