South Lake Tahoe Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Emerald Bay State Park
D. L. Bliss State Park
Pope Beach
South Lake Tahoe
Eagle Falls Trail featuring a river or creek

Come to this Lake Tahoe destination in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada to ski in winter, swim in summer and enjoy a lively nightlife year-round.

South Lake Tahoe is the adventure capital of the spectacular Lake Tahoe region. Enjoy sandy beaches, ski resorts, hiking trails and year-round nightlife amid breathtaking natural scenery. South Lake Tahoe lies between the south banks of Lake Tahoe and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

South Lake Tahoe’s commercial centre is at one end of the town adjacent to the California/Nevada stateline, home to restaurants, hotels and retail outlets. Learn about the region’s history at the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum. See wildlife and landscape photography displays at the Jon Paul Gallery and rotating exhibitions by local artists at the Tahoe Art League.

The beaches of South Lake Tahoe are ideal for relaxation and watersports. Rent a paddleboat or kayak from Ski Run Marina to explore the lake’s calm water. Try water skiing and wakeboarding or relax on the shore with a picnic while enjoying the scenery and sunsets. Just a 20-minute drive from the town centre is Emerald Bay State Park. Discover secluded beaches lined with pine forests. Take a guided tour of the Scandinavian-style castle, Vikingsholm.

Ride the Heavenly Gondola cable car from South Lake Tahoe town centre toHeavenly Mountain Resort. Admire the views from the observation deck perched on a 9,123-foot (2,780-metre) high peak. Come in the winter to ski and snowboard on almost 100 runs. When the snow melts the resort transforms into a summer sports hub. Travel on a 3,300-foot (1,000-metre) long zip line or enjoy a hot air balloon ride. Hike or bike along trails to enjoy panoramas of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Go out after dark to experience South Lake Tahoe’s nightlife. Find bars and nightclubs situated in the town centre. Alternatively, make the short walk into Nevada for a night out at the casinos and entertainment centres.

South Lake Tahoe is a popular destination offering a mix of culture, entertainment and natural beauty. Get here by flying to Tahoe-Reno International Airport, which is a 1-hour drive away. Rent a car to visit other Lake Tahoe outdoor recreation centres, including Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe.

Where to stay in South Lake Tahoe

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Montgomery Estates

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Montgomery Estates and surrounding area, you can visit Heavenly Valley Creek and Bijou Community Park.

Montgomery Estates
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Lakeside Park

5/5(2 area reviews)

Lakeside Park might not have many top sights, but Casino at Harveys Lake Tahoe and Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lakeside Park
Sugar Bowl which includes snow, landscape views and mountains

Al Tahoe

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Al Tahoe, Regan Beach and El Dorado Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Al Tahoe
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Heavenly Village

While visiting Heavenly Village, you might make a stop by sights like The Shops at Heavenly Village and Heavenly Gondola.

Heavenly Village
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Tahoe Paradise

While Tahoe Paradise isn't home to many top sights, Lake Tahoe Golf Course and Washoe Meadows State Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Tahoe Paradise
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Tahoe Meadows

When in Tahoe Meadows, you can plan a visit to Casino at Harveys Lake Tahoe and Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Tahoe Meadows
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is AU$251 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$251
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,020 reviews)
Definitely Chill
"Room was large, clean, comfortable, and quiet. Note: turn the shower head away from you before you turn it on or expect chaos."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort South

Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort South

4 out of 5
901 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is AU$179 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
AU$179
21 Oct - 22 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,038 reviews)
"Nice facilities. Disappointed I didn’t know about required valet parking for $27/night!"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort South
Hilton Vacation Club Tahoe Seasons Lake Tahoe

Hilton Vacation Club Tahoe Seasons Lake Tahoe

3 out of 5
3901 Saddle Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is AU$209 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
AU$209
21 Oct - 22 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free valet parking, a rooftop terrace, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,031 reviews)
"We booked 2 king beds, it comes with two bedroom 2 bath. We only use half of them.After required by Hilton, the hotel is totally renovated, modern and cozy."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Hilton Vacation Club Tahoe Seasons Lake Tahoe
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Lodge at Lake Tahoe

The Lodge at Lake Tahoe

3 out of 5
3840 Pioneer Trail, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly apartment in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Casino at Harrah's ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (274 reviews)
"The property was well maintained and the heating system was highly effective. It was chilly around low 40’s at night when I stayed there, I was comfortable. They have a well equipped kitchen, including electric pot and utensils. I stayed at the quieter side of the building, and missed the famous ..."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

The Lodge at Lake Tahoe
Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe

Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, a health club, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,831 reviews)
"The hotel is wonderful from customer service to the presentation. Central convenience to shops and restaurants. The only minus was no fan in the bathroom and gets stuffy. Overall, I would stay again."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
The Americana Village

The Americana Village

2 out of 5
3845 Pioneer Trl, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,489 reviews)
"Clean room, spacious."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

The Americana Village
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of South Lake Tahoe

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
12
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
6
4 - Good 32%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great location would love to return again.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great area for outgoing people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very scenic and summer programmes everywhere.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

GREAT PLACE PLENTY TO DO AND SEE

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely place to visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Spring skiing ⛷ on fresh powder...love it!!

Cities near South Lake Tahoe

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