South Lake Tahoe Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A clear turquoise lake surrounded by dense green forest and distant mountains.
A boat on a turquoise lake surrounded by tall trees and mountains.
A marina with several boats docked, a person in a red shirt, and mountains in the background.
A fast-flowing river with large rocks and green foliage.
A person kayaking on clear, shallow water with visible rocks beneath.

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.

Our guide on where to stay in South Lake Tahoe

Find the best South Lake Tahoe areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about South Lake Tahoe
Learn more about South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Village

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

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.

Al Tahoe

If you're spending some time in Al Tahoe, Regan Beach and El Dorado Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Bijou Pines

While Bijou Pines isn't home to many top sights, Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino and Campground by the Lake are some notable places to visit nearby.

Lakeside Park

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

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is NZ$341 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
NZ$341
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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 ...
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club

3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club

3 out of 5
931 Park Ave South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is NZ$182 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
NZ$182
10 Sept - 11 Sept
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 helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,753 reviews)
"Ours was not the typical stay. We booked two weeks in advance for an 8 night stay and stayed in a larger suite with the kitchenette. we needed this for 2 toddlers and a dog. on day 6, we returned to the hotel to find the entire property in darkness. the front desk was turning away multiple check-ins ..."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2026

3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club
Hotel Azure

Hotel Azure

3 out of 5
3300 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is NZ$259 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
NZ$259
13 Sept - 14 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,238 reviews)
"If you’re looking for a place right across the lake that’s not so touristy this is it! It’s close enough to walk everywhere, the staff is super friendly, the rooms are clean and perfect for the occasion. It’s not a far drive from most beaches or heavenly village and there’s lake access right across ..."

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2026

Hotel Azure
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,727 reviews)
"I really liked this place. Everything was excellent and unique. It was very clean, elegant, and welcoming. The room had a well-equipped kitchen with everything we needed, and the bed was very comfortable. I especially loved the beautiful decorations and furnishings. The staff was also very ..."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2026

The Americana Village
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! (1,124 reviews)
"Pool time did not disappoint. Easy access to all the south shore fun! Worth every penny!"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 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! (1,926 reviews)
"Easy check in and friendly staff. The room needed a deep clean"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2026

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.

Stay near popular South Lake Tahoe attractions

Activities

Cities near South Lake Tahoe

Explore a world of travel with Expedia