South Lake Tahoe Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
D. L. Bliss State Park
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 center 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 center 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 center toHeavenly Mountain Resort. Admire the views from the observation deck perched on a 9,123-foot (2,780-meter) 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-meter) 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 center. Alternatively, make the short walk into Nevada for a night out at the casinos and entertainment centers.

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 centers, including Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe.

Where to stay in South Lake Tahoe

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Lakeside Park

5/5(2 area reviews)

Lakeside Park might not have many top sights, but Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe and Heavenly Gondola 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 Harrah's Lake Tahoe and Lakeside Marina, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Tahoe Meadows
Sugar Bowl which includes landscape views, mountains and snow

Al Tahoe

4/5(1 area review)

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

Al 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 Tahoe Mountain Wedding Chapel.

Montgomery Estates
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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 Pope Beach and Regan Beach.

Tahoe Keys
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Tahoe Paradise

While Tahoe Paradise isn't home to many top sights, Lake Tahoe Golf Course and Washoe Meadows State Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Tahoe Paradise
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 NZ$221 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$221
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this beach resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,031 reviews)
"Very friendly and curteous, easy check in and out. Very clean and the staff did a great job in the room."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is NZ$240 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
NZ$240
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, 6 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (231 reviews)
"Just opened in December, so everything was in great condition. Very well decorated."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Basecamp South Lake Tahoe
Basecamp South Lake Tahoe
3.5 out of 5
4143 Cedar Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is NZ$230 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
NZ$230
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,014 reviews)
"Great place to stay for a night or two in South Lake Tahoe"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Basecamp South 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.
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 WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (721 reviews)
"We booked the 1BR w/Kichenette. It was spacious w/2bathrooms and has everything we needed. Clean and bldg 2 was the most recently updated property. Jessica at the front desk was nice and friendly."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Tahoe Beach & Ski Club
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 WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,091 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay here. The rooms were clean and comfortable and having a kitchenette was very nice. The breakfast was underwhelming and didn’t include all the items as advertised online. Overall, it was a good stay and the front desk workers were very helpful and kind."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

The Americana Village
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 4-star eco-certified vacation home in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, a health club, and valet parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,688 reviews)
"What a great location. Walkable to everything including the gondola. Restaurants at every corner. Perfect stay and location for a ski getaway weekend. Staff and as super friendly and helpful. The snowshoe excursion was so great and Kristen our guide made it so much fun."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

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 63.1578947368421%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 31.57894736842105%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 5.2631578947368425%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
8 Jan 2020

Great location would love to return again.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
6 Aug 2019

Great area for outgoing people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Jun 2019

Very scenic and summer programmes everywhere.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
17 Jun 2019

GREAT PLACE PLENTY TO DO AND SEE

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
17 May 2019

Lovely place to visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
7 Apr 2019

Spring skiing ⛷ on fresh powder...love it!!

Cities near South Lake Tahoe