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

4.5/5(8 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
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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
Sugar Bowl which includes landscape views, mountains and snow

Al Tahoe

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

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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Christmas Valley

When in Christmas Valley, you can plan a visit to Adventure Mountain and Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Christmas Valley
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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
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,708 reviews)
"The room was so nice"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Margaritaville Resort 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 ฿3,960 per night from 16 Sept to 17 Sept
฿3,960
฿5,520 total
16 Sept - 17 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Place is clean and spacious, staff are great at the service."

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025

Hilton Vacation Club Tahoe Seasons Lake Tahoe
Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe

Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe

3.5 out of 5
3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is ฿5,396 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿5,396
฿7,443 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Great room, great food at the bar and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Beach Retreat & Lodge at 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Casino at Harrah's ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (223 reviews)
"Everything was fine we enjoyed our stay"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

The Lodge at Lake Tahoe
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! (1,452 reviews)
"The property is well kept, clean and inviting. They pay close attention to details. They have a lovely pool and their breakfast was a plus."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

The Americana Village
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! (938 reviews)
"Beautiful private beach area with plenty of chairs and two firepits, along with pool and hot tub close by. This property is kept well and hey have lots of cool activities to partake in daily as well. There was ample parking and it's conveniently located in the heart of South Lake Tahoe and directly ..."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

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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