Insider’s Guide To South Lake Tahoe
“As it lay there with the shadows of the mountains brilliantly photographed upon its still surface, I thought it must surely be the fairest picture the whole earth affords.”
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History
The Washoe Tribe called this territory home. The name 'Lake Tahoe' comes from a Washoe word mispronounced by newcomers to the area. With the discovery of gold and silver, a considerable influx of people arrived to strike it rich. The California Gold Rush was in full swing in the 1850s. With the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, the wealthy came to Tahoe as a retreat.
Where Lake Tahoe is Located
Lake Tahoe is a freshwater lake in the middle of the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the California-Nevada border. This isn't just any lake in the mountains. Lake Tahoe is arguably one of the most iconic, beautiful, and extraordinary areas in the United States. The lake is the largest alpine lake in North America. Situated at an elevation of roughly 6,237 feet, it has no comparison in terms of beauty. To help with perspective, New York and Los Angeles have an altitude of around 33 feet, and the mile-high city of Denver's elevation is approximately 5,200.
South Lake Tahoe is one of those rare destinations with stunning natural beauty and world-class resorts. The sheer beauty of this alpine lake nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains calls to travel and adventure enthusiasts. If you love the outdoors, then this is your spot. If you prefer to sit back and relax, then this is your spot as well. There is year-round fun to experience here in the breathtaking ambiance of one of the most picturesque lakes in the world.
The lake straddles the California and Nevada Stateline, which makes for a unique combination. California has not legalized gambling establishments (unless they are on tribal land); however, Nevada does. Therefore, you can literally cross the road and be in Nevada and enter one of the casinos for your entertainment (more on that in a bit).
Tips On How To Handle The Elevation
Altitude sickness is real! The air is thinner, and it does take time to adjust to the higher elevation. Here are a few tips for enjoying your trip.
Go easy on yourself and give yourself time to acclimate.
Drink plenty of water. It will help your body to adjust.
Alcohol can affect you more intensely at higher elevations-pace yourself.
Add some extra carbs to your diet. At higher altitudes, your body burns carbs faster, so you may need more of them.
Why Visit Lake Tahoe
It's easy to see why Lake Tahoe has been chosen by Forbes and US News Travel as one of the best places to visit. The lake and surrounding area provide a wonderland for nature and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. In addition, Lake Tahoe has a wide variety of things to do in the summer and winter.
I've lived in California for quite a while, and one of the best things about where I call home is that I live close enough to visit Tahoe as a day trip whenever I want. There are so many things to do and see in the Lake Tahoe area that I will break it up into two posts: South Lake Tahoe and North Lake Tahoe (coming soon!). With 72 miles of shoreline, there are so many must-see places to visit and experience it will be hard to list them all! This post covers mainly South Lake Tahoe. Check my site for my next post on North Lake Tahoe.
Getting to South Lake Tahoe
By Air
In Lake Tahoe, there is not an airport with commercial flights. However, there are multiple airports within driving distance to fly into. There are three international airports within driving distance to the lake. The closest one is the Reno-Tahoe International Airport which is approximately a 45-minute drive. Next, the Sacramento International Airport is about a 2-hour drive. Finally, if you are flying into San Francisco, the drive from there is about a 3-hour drive. Truckee-Tahoe Airport, which is the closest to the lake, is a 15-minute drive to Lake Tahoe. However, it is geared toward private and charter flights.
By Shuttle or Car Service
Shuttle and private car services are available from Reno-Tahoe International Airport to Lake Tahoe. There are multiple businesses available depending on the mode of transport, cost, and the number of people in your group
By Train
Amtrak's daily trains to Truckee provide another means to reach the area. From the Truckee stop, Lake Tahoe is a short drive or shuttle away.
By Car
Car rentals are available at all airports. Book ahead to ensure a vehicle is waiting for you when you arrive at the car rental kiosk. Also, if you are headed there in the wintertime, 4 wheel drive is a must! It snows and rains here (sometimes blizzard-like conditions), and the winding roads can get slippery.
Ann’s Advice
If you are looking for entertainment, nightlife, bars, and casinos, South Lake Tahoe is for you. Go to North Lake Tahoe if you want a more laid-back and quieter atmosphere.
Getting Around
Once you arrive in south shore there are numerous options to get around. With so many miles of shoreline, car rental is the easiest option. Some hotels and casinos offer shuttle service to areas within the town (check your hotel for more information). If you like to bike, the area has numerous bike rental shops and a great bike path system you can enjoy. If you are staying within the central area, walking and/or renting a scooter are additional options.
Now onto the important part of this article…
Things To Do In South Lake Tahoe
Casinos
If you are looking for 24/7 entertainment, then the casinos on the Nevada side are for you. Four major casinos in Stateline, Nevada offer hotel rooms, gambling, entertainment, and restaurants. As things get back to normal, there will be more live shows in the hotels. Check out their websites and events calendars:
Harrah's
Harveys,
Montbleu,
Hard Rock
Live Music
If you want a unique way to spend some time here, there is a fantastic Summer Concert Series at the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys each year. After a day on the lake or hiking, you can enjoy performers such as Lady Gaga, The Who, or Paul Simon. I have a thing for 80’s music, hence seeing Duran Duran a few years back. And yes, they were fantastic!
Gondola Ride To The Top of the Sierra Mountain Range
A must-see is a spectacular view from the top of the Heavenly Gondola! The 2.4 mile ride to the 10,067 feet summit will leave you speechless. On the way to the top, stop at the Observation Deck to get a coffee, check out the gift shop, use the bathroom, and take a selfie with astounding views as your backdrop. Next, head to the top of the mountain for panoramic views of the mountains and lake. Want more to do once you reach the top? A bonus-access a series of hiking trails from here. Check out the map of the trails and amenities here.
Ann’s Advice
Scenic Gondola tickets cannot be purchased online or over the phone. Tickets are only available on-site at the ticket window for use that day.
Go To A State Park
Emerald Bay State Park offers stunning panoramic views of the granite cliffs, mountains, and lake. Within the park, there are so many things to do to enjoy your time. While visiting Emerald Bay, a few of your options are hiking, going to the beach, camping, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and of course, touring a CASTLE (more on that in the next section). Parking fees are $10 per vehicle for the day.
Hiking trails within the park include:
Emerald Point Trail- a moderate 4.4 mile (roundtrip) trail. Offers plenty of opportunities to get views of the lake and mountains.
Eagle Falls vista Point Loop - an easy trail for those with kids. This .7 mile loop goes through the forest and features a beautiful waterfall.
Vikingsholm Trail - a moderate 1.7 mile round trip trail that leads to the castle. Be prepared to walk back up the path after visiting/touring the castle - it's almost a 400 ft. elevation gain in the return trip.
Visit A Castle
If you enjoy history and castles, visit the historic Vikingsholm located within the Emerald Bay State Park boundaries. The structure is a national and California landmark. The castle was built in 1929 and is a prime example of Scandinavian architecture. The estate can be reached by walking the Vikingsholm trail (listed in the previous section) or by boat. The estate is open for tours in the summer months. Tickets for the castle tour can be purchased at the visitor center past Vikingsholm. Cost is $15 for adults, $12 for students (7-17), and children under 7 years old are free.
Visit An Island
Fannette Island is the only island in Lake Tahoe. It is located in beautiful Emerald Bay (on the west shore of the lake). The island itself is thought to be created by glaciers thousands of years ago. The only structure on the island is a stone building called the "Tea House," and was built around the same time as Vikingsholm. Boat and sightseeing tours are available to take get you close to the island to explore. Prices vary depending on the tour operator.
Hike The Rubicon Trail
This gem of a trail has some of the best views of Lake Tahoe! There are over 16 miles of trail to explore. The trail goes between Emerald Bay State Park and D.L. Bliss State Park. A moderate trail with elevation gains, forested areas, and peaks into coves.
Dinner Cruise
Go back to a simpler time and board the M.S. Dixie II, which resembles a Mississippi paddlewheel boat. Enjoy a stunning cruise on one of the most picturesque lakes in the world. Watch as the sun sets behind the Sierra Nevada mountains while cruising on the water. Dinner, live music, and champagne are included in the price of the tour. The cost is around $100 per person.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Lake Tahoe's summer activities include all the fun excursions one can partake of in the summer months. Enjoy a day on the water-literally by renting a kayak or paddleboard. There are numerous rental spots along the south shore that provide various gear for novices to experts. Prices vary.
Go To The Beach
Believe it or not, there are actually beaches to explore while enjoying this mountain getaway. A few to stop and relax at are:
Pope Beach is a sandy beach with swimming, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and picnic tables. This beach is also accessible by bike path or boat. Parking is available for a fee.
Lakeside Beach another sandy beach on the lake. Rental beach equipment (chairs, umbrellas) and jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboats are available. Entrance fees are $25 for adults 18 and over, $15 for children 6-17 years old, and children 5 and under are free.
Nevada Beach is located in a National Forest. The beach has a beautiful sandy beach about half a mile long. Kayak rentals and a concession stand are available onsite.
Try A Hot Air Balloon Ride
Start a day here in the early hours of the morning on a truly unique and adventurous trip over the lake and mountains. Lake Tahoe Balloons has the only United States Coast Guard certified balloon launch site. While soaring over the lake, you can experience incredible panoramic views of the mountains. The cost per person is $325.00 for a 45 minute to 1-hour flight.
Waterfalls Around South Lake Tahoe
There are so many outdoor activities to chose from while staying in South Lake Tahoe. One of my favorite things is to hike a trail to see some impressive waterfalls. Here are two I recommend:
Cascade Creek Falls - the trailhead is located in Emerald Lake State Park. This 1.4-mile round trip takes you through forests and wildflowers. Enjoy excellent views of Cascade Falls, the lake, and Emerald Bay. Large granite rock formations are impressive to see! A small parking lot on Highway 89 gets filled up quickly, so make sure to get here early for a spot.
Horsetail Falls - a fantastic 800-foot drop waterfall that is the largest in the Tahoe area. Located in Desolation Wilderness, this 4-mile roundtrip hike is rated as hard-there is an elevation gain of 1,341 feet. Totally worth it though-the waterfalls are indeed a not-to-miss sight.
Shopping And So Much More
Heavenly Village offers something for the whole family! The village has over 40 shops, popular restaurants, and live music. If you want more to do or have kids you want to entertain, there is a movie theater, live theater, ice-skating (in the winter), and miniature golf to help pass the time. For adults, enjoy some live music, a classic car show or some tasty brews.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Can't have a post about Tahoe without mentioning the top-notch skiing and snowboarding runs located in the area. Lake Tahoe winter activities are some of the best in the world. Lake Tahoe has the highest concentration of ski resorts in the country! South Lake Tahoe is home to some of the finest groomed and off-trail terrain with incredible views all around you. You can even ski in two different states on the same day. Here is a small taste of what awaits you if you love winter activities:
Heavenly Mountain Resort has 34 miles of groomed runs, with routes from easy to double black diamond (1,600 foot plunges).
Sierra-at-Tahoe is in Twin Bridges, approximately a 25-minute drive south from Lake Tahoe, and boasts over 2,000 feet of skiable terrain.
.Scuba Diving (Yup, Scuba Diving)
Go below the surface of this incredible crystal clear lake to explore California's first underwater trail. The Emerald Bay Underwater State Park has a diverse group of sunken relics from before the turn of the century. Includes the Historic Barge dive site and several other sites in 10 to 60 feet of water.
Craft Beer Tasting
Relax and unwind after a day filled with outdoor fun with a beer. New breweries pop up regularly with a wide variety of taps to choose from. Although there are numerous breweries to visit, here are just a tiny sample of what you can find in the South Lake Tahoe area:
South Lake Brewing Co. offers flights of beer on a skiboard. Enjoy the outdoor patio and food trucks.
Lake Tahoe AleWorx lets the customer control their beer drinking experience. First, pour your own pints from a selection of brews. Then, get a lesson on the brewing process to see what makes this brewery unique.
Lake Tahoe Brewfest is held yearly in June at Heavenly. Try tastings from all the local craft breweries from Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area. If beer isn't your thing, enjoy live music, shopping, and food.
Where To Stay
Whether you are looking to book a romantic getaway, family trip, or girls' getaway, there is lodging to suit whatever your needs are. If you like the atmosphere of a large hotel, then one of the casinos in Stateline is the place for you. For hotels, look here to search for the right hotel accommodation.
Traveling with a larger group, or are you looking for cozier lodging? Then a condo or house rental would be a good fit for you. Check here to view vacation rentals to meet your needs.
Ann’s Advice
Save money by staying in a rental lodging with a kitchen. Prices in local restaurants add up and get quite expensive (especially if you have a large group or family). A money-saving tip, go to the local market and stock up on supplies. Enjoy or splurge on a lovely brunch or dinner out if you want to try a local eatery.
If you want a fun hotel, try BaseCamp. This hotel boasts a beer garden and a place to chill. Each room has a California adventure theme. The courtyard is an inviting space to sit back and relax, enjoy a cold brew, or play a game of cornhole. Centrally located to the main area in South Take Tahoe and Stateline making it a great location to stay at.
Places To Eat
The restaurants in South Lake Tahoe offer a wide variety of cuisines. From pizza to upscale steak houses, there are so many to chose from.
Empanash is an Argentinian empanda cafeteria style restaurant.
Base Camp Pizza Co. is a family-friendly pizza joint with Italian plates, desserts, and live music daily.
Sonney's BBQ Shack Bar & Grill menu are BBQ plates, comfort food, 2 bars, and live music.
Sprouts Cafe is a health food restaurant with menu items such as wraps, soups, burritos, and smoothies.
Driftwood Cafe serves breakfast and lunch—great locally roasted coffee and soups available here.
Hell's Kitchen in Lake Tahoe is a newish addition to the restaurant landscape in South Lake Tahoe. Gordon Ramsey, the multi Michelin star chef, has brought his signature dishes to the Tahoe area. Go here for a special night out!
Add some unforgettable moments in your life here in South Lake Tahoe!
