South Lake Tahoe Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Bay State Park
D. L. Bliss State Park
Pope Beach
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.

Where to stay in South Lake Tahoe

I took this at South Lake Tahoe, California on August 29th. Taken high above the lake, at Heavenly Gondola Vista Point :). This is one of the most iconic views of Lake Tahoe, a lake very popular among Americans. I loved seeing the gorgeous, colorful lake. And the vast landscape surrounding it. The lush, green forest seemed to go on forever. And the mountains were epic! You can even see some snow still atop the mountains. But best of all was the deep, serene lake! I was also at Tahoe for a family wedding. A perfect place for such an occasion!

Heavenly Valley

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

Heavenly Valley
Ride the gondola cable car 2.4 miles up to the observation point 9000ft in the sky in order to see this spectacular view of Lake Tahoe. #LifeAtExpedia

Heavenly Village

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

Heavenly Village
Lakeside Park

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
Tahoe Paradise

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
#southlaketahoe
#longdrivingUSA
#california
#travels
#happinessis
#gratefulheart
#jayat50

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
Beautiful morning before going fishing. 

#adventure

Tahoe Meadows

When in Tahoe Meadows, you can plan a visit to Lakeside Beach and Ski Run Marina, 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$253 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
AU$253
1 Feb - 2 Feb
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! (3,372 reviews)
From the moment we checked in everything was excellent!

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Station House Inn - Near Heavenly Gondola

Station House Inn - Near Heavenly Gondola

3 out of 5
South Lake Tahoe CA
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! (1,125 reviews)
Staff great customer service, friendly, courteous and very efficient. {Tito, I don’t remember the names of the other two girls sorry)

Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026

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$255 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
AU$255
23 Feb - 24 Feb
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Great

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

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! (1,537 reviews)
The rooms are clean and staff is courteous. Especially Randy who works in the activities room Thurs-Sun. He is great to talk to and has a lot of information! Some rooms appear to be updated while others are outdated, but clean!

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

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! (787 reviews)
Excellent place for convenience to walk to Heavenly, Shopping, Casinos, Restaurants and clean:)

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Stardust Lodge
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! (988 reviews)
Room is clean. Service is very decent. Check-in time is too late (4pm).

Reviewed on 20 Jan 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.

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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