South Lake Tahoe Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe

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.

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Where to stay in South Lake Tahoe

A tourist man bathing sunrise at Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California

Lakeside Park

5/5(2 area reviews)

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

Lakeside Park
Heavenly Valley, Ski Resort at South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Valley

If you're spending some time in Heavenly Valley, Heavenly Ski Resort and Aerial Tramway are top sights worth seeing.

Heavenly Valley
Emerald Bay, lac Tahoe

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
Scenic view of Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, from the Alpine Meadows Ski Resort.

Tahoe Meadows

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

Tahoe Meadows
Lake Tahoe Panoramic Overlook in Winter from Heavenly

Heavenly Village

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

Heavenly Village
South Lake Tahoe After Winter Snow Storm - Tahoe Keys

Tahoe Keys

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Tahoe Keys and surrounding area, you can visit Lake Tahoe Balloons and Pope Beach.

Tahoe Keys
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is AU$247 per night from 31 May to 1 June
AU$247
31 May - 1 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,812 reviews)
"Graet"

Reviewed on 19 May 2026

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Basecamp South Lake Tahoe

Basecamp South Lake Tahoe

3.5 out of 5
4143 Cedar Ave South Lake Tahoe CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$181 per night from 1 June to 2 June
AU$181
1 June - 2 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,204 reviews)
"This is such a cool spot with a great Tahoe vibe. Some work could be done around the maintenance of this building… our smoke detector was going off upon arrival… it was “fixed” then started going off 3 hours later… and then again at 10:30 at night… fortunately staff was still there to assist. Our ..."

Reviewed on 17 May 2026

Basecamp South Lake Tahoe
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$294 per night from 27 May to 28 May
AU$294
27 May - 28 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free valet parking, a fitness centre and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 21 May 2026

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.
Marriott's Timber Lodge

Marriott's Timber Lodge

4 out of 5
4100 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
Stay at this aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 hot tubs and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,074 reviews)
"The room was perfect. The furniture, bed, and bathroom was in great shape and was clean. The only thing I would prefer is some kind of breakfast/dining room in the hotel."

Reviewed on 20 May 2026

Marriott's Timber Lodge
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 aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a health club and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,894 reviews)
"This is a great place"

Reviewed on 19 May 2026

Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
Tahoe Beach & Ski Club

Tahoe Beach & Ski Club

3 out of 5
3601 Lake Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe CA
Stay at this beach condo in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,077 reviews)
"We had a really nice stay at Tahoe Beach & Ski Club. The room was clean and surprisingly spacious — honestly bigger than we expected for a one-night stay. The appliances and furniture are a bit older, but everything worked perfectly fine. The room also had a fridge and two TVs, which made it feel ..."

Reviewed on 16 May 2026

Tahoe Beach & Ski Club
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.

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