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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Heavenly Valley

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

Heavenly Valley
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Tahoe Paradise

While Tahoe Paradise isn't home to many top sights, Lake Tahoe Golf Course and Adventure Mountain are some notable places to visit nearby.

Tahoe Paradise
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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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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 Tahoe Mountain Wedding Chapel.

Montgomery Estates
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Lakeside Park

5/5(2 area reviews)

Lakeside Park might not have many top sights, but Heavenly Gondola and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino 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
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is AU$214 per night from 17 Dec to 18 Dec
AU$214
17 Dec - 18 Dec
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,176 reviews)
the vibe

Reviewed on 2 Dec 2025

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Station House Inn - Near Heavenly Gondola

Station House Inn - Near Heavenly Gondola

3 out of 5
South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is AU$217 per night from 4 Jan to 5 Jan
AU$217
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,074 reviews)
Great little hidden gem. Just a few minutes walk from the beach or to the main strip with access to restaurants, casinos and heavenly village. Rooms are retro, but offer all the modern amenities. Staff was great, friendly. Quick check in AND even offered complimentary wine and beer upon arrival! ...

Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025

Station House Inn - Near Heavenly Gondola
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$200 per night from 17 Dec to 18 Dec
AU$200
17 Dec - 18 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,027 reviews)
In general clean environment. Extra resort fee. Too large to walk to the room. Valet parking is less convenient.

Reviewed on 2 Dec 2025

Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort South
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 Americana Village

The Americana Village

2 out of 5
3845 Pioneer Trl South Lake Tahoe CA
Stay at this beach aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,499 reviews)
Everything was good and wife really liked the amenities. I felt the breakfast could have been better. It is just a basic breakfast - bread, donuts, hard boiled eggs.

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2025

The Americana Village
Stardust Lodge

Stardust Lodge

2.5 out of 5
4061 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
Stay at this beach aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (765 reviews)
Very good location, courteous staff and clean rooms. The standard room has good amenities for a comfortable stay

Reviewed on 4 Dec 2025

Stardust 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 holiday home 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! (1,840 reviews)
Plentiful amenities, and a warm receivable from hotel staff.

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2025

Marriott Grand Residence Club, 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.

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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