13 Epic Places to See and Things to do in Lake Tahoe
Summer at Lake Tahoe is one of the most magical places to be in all of the United States. With so many things to do at Lake Tahoe and places to see, I promise you will not get bored with your time at the largest alpine lake in America.
As you begin to plan out your trip to Tahoe (or maybe you’re already there and need some hiking tips or other things to do, I hope this guide helps point you in the right direction.
I’ve visited Tahoe five times, and I’m still uncovering new things to do. Luckily, you always have simply putting a towel down and hanging out by the lake to fall back on if you need a quiet day. And you can’t go wrong with that option.
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My Favorite Things to do in Lake Tahoe (non-winter)
1. Explore the fantastic hiking trails
If you enjoy hitting the trails, there is no shortage of great hiking around Lake Tahoe. These are just a handful that came to mind and are popular. There are hundreds of trails out there, so you’ll never run out of things to do in Lake Tahoe.
Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 430 feet
Location
Mount Rose
The third-tallest peak in the Lake Tahoe area, this is a fantastic training hike for those looking to do mountains in the Sierras like Mount Whitney. Mount Rose tops out at 10,780. This is a south-facing slope, which means it’ll melt out sooner than others. Still, it should hold snow through June. If you plan to hike, bring hiking poles and microspikes to ensure stability and traction.
Distance: 11 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
Location
Rose Knob
On my last trip to North Lake Tahoe in 2024, I set out to hike this. I did it in the middle of June, and the trail was still plenty covered in snow. Plus, coming from Seattle, the altitude wacked me. Still, I found myself at the top, enjoying a gorgeous view of the lake below.
I wouldn’t say this is a challenging hike, but it’s a fantastic one that I highly recommend. And doing it without snow would make it far easier, as I basically just went uphill and didn’t do the switchbacks.
Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
Location
Monkey Rock
An incredibly popular trail that gets you quickly above Lake Tahoe. It’s perfect for a sunset spot as the trail is quick.
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 480 feet
Location
Echo Lake
A perfect intro to the Desolation Wilderness, just 20 minutes outside of Lake Tahoe. This trail is mild, passing two lovely lakes. If you want a longer day, keep going to Lake Aloha.
Distance: 5+ miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Location
Cave Rock
A very short trail above the road, giving you superb views of Lake Tahoe.
Distance: 1
Elevation Gain: 12
Location
Marlette Peak and Marlette Lake
Currently, both are closed for dam repairs. Keep an eye on updated alerts before hiking.
Distance: 6 miles to the lake, 12 miles to the peak
Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet, 2,800 gain
Location: Chimney Beach Parking Lot, Monkey Rock Trailhead
Hike along the Tahoe Rim Trail
The Tahoe Rim Trail circumnavigates Lake Tahoe, making for an incredibly multi-day backpacking trip. Now, most people won’t be doing an 8-10 day trip. But it offers some nice hiking opportunities throughout the area.
Distance: 166 miles
Elevation Gain: 27,000 feet
Location: Around the lake
Tahoe Meadows
The Tahoe Meadows area is wide with open areas and trails going in all sorts of directions. The most popular trail is probably Chickadee Ridge. I did this snowshowing a few winters ago. It’s a nice way to climb to a beautiful view of the lake below. I highly recommend it as one of the best things to do in Tahoe.
Distance: 2.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 220 feet
Location
Incline Flume Trail
The incline flume trail has tons of segments and isn’t only accessible from one specific trailhead. It’s also popular with mountain bikers. Choose your adventure and have a great time!
Kings Canyon Waterfall
This is a short and trail outside of Carson City that is good for the entire family. I had a great evening stroll up here after dinner to spend some time at the falls taking photos.
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 150 feet
Location
Genoa Canyon Trail
A ton of switchbacks away on this one, but it also takes you to a small waterfall a couple of miles up. It’s perfect for a morning hike and then to come back and enjoy lunch in historic Genoa.
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Location
Spooner Lake Trail
If you’re looking for an easy hike near Lake Tahoe, I suggest the Spooner Lake Trail. This one’s mostly flat and lets you enjoy some forest and lake views without pushing yourself too much. There’s also a visitor center nearby to answer any of your questions.
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 120 feet
Location
2. Go boating on Lake Tahoe
I haven’t been boating on Lake Tahoe since the 4th of July in 2017. But when we did, it was AMAZING! Our group rented a speedboat for the day, starting gon the east side of the lake and heading over ot Emerald Bay.
I highly recommend it as it offers a fantastic way to explore the lake and spend time wth friends.
3. Explore Sand Harbor State Park
This is THE place to visit around Lake Tahoe. It has the most picturesque waters and offers amazing places to paddleboard and swim. But just keep in mind that it’s very busy and you have to pay to access, but it’s also one of the only places you can legally (and easily) park on that side of the lake.
The park closes one hour after sunset, making it a great place to watch the sunset over the lake.
Location
Entrance Fee: $10 for Nevada residents, $15 for others
4. Visit Secret Cove (aka, Nude Beach)
Will you see some naked people? Or won’t you? You won’t know until you visit! haha. Secret Cove is not really a secret, but it is known as a nude beach. I honestly don’t know if people still go swimming in their birthday suit, but to be safe, maybe don’t bring young kids here.
The water color here is incredible, and hanging out around it is probably one of the top things to do in Lake Tahoe.
5. Jump into Zephyr Cove
Another spot we hung out at during our 4th of July trip way back when. This was just after college, and there was a huge party going on for the holiday. It’s also one of the best spots to go swimming on a normal weekend, with stunning blue water.
6. Go to Emerald Bay State Park and see Vikingsholm
This is a fantastic day hike. You park up top just off the highway, and then hike down to Emerald Bay and the old Vikingshom.
There are two trails, the Rubicon Trail (which is what I did, via Eagle Point Campground), which is more mild. Or you can park at Emerald Bay Lookout and hike down from there.
Make sure to bring plenty of water on these trails during the summer months and wear sun protection.
7. Check out a Casino
This isn’t my cup of tea, but for some, this might be what you enjoy doing. All of them are on the Nevada side in South Lake Tahoe. I promise, you won’t be able to miss them.
8. Take a ride in a powered hang glider over Lake Tahoe
This is honestly one of the coolest things I’ve ever done around Lake Tahoe. It also made me a bit uneasy. We took off from Carson City and flew up and over the Tahoe Rim and down to the lake. It is the most unique way to experience the area, and because cell phones and cameras aren’t allowed, you are paying attention and soaking it all in for the entire hour-long flight.
Want to book a trip? Click here and tell them Alec sent you!
9. Visit Bonsai Rock
Bonsai Rock is one of Lake Tahoe’s most iconic photo spots—and for good reason. Just a short scramble from the highway near Sand Harbor, this massive boulder with tiny trees growing from its top sits in stunning, clear-blue water. It’s a must-visit for sunset lovers, swimmers, and anyone chasing that classic Tahoe view.
10. Play Golf
There are some amazing golf courses around Lake Tahoe, with the Edgewood probably being one of the most pristine and expensive courses in the region. I don’t have any specific suggestions, as I’ve never played here. But wherever you go, have the best time.
11. Sit by Fallen Leaf Lake
Fallen Leaf Lake is a massive watershed on the way up to Echo Lake. There’s a campground nearby, along with Glen Alpine waterfall, and plenty of other trails. It’s great for a picnic lunch or simply to hang out without the overbearing crowds in the city.
12. Go paddleboarding at Baldwin Beach
After my buddy’s wedding last August, we wanted a quiet day by the beach. It was a bit windy, so we wanted to find a place we hoped would be somewhat sheltered from the wind. We chose Baldwin Beach, on the south side of Lake Tahoe, and it ended up being a perfect spot.
It’s a quiet area away from the hotels and resorts, and gave us a great opportunity to go up the west side of the lake.
The water is still classic Tahoe clean, but it isn’t the turquoise stuff like in other areas.
Need to rent a paddleboard? Do it here.
13. Book an awesome tour to see Tahoe
Interested in one of these? Just click to learn more and book!
- Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise
- Lake Tahoe Dinner Cruise
- Helicopter Tour
- Sunset Kayak Tour
- 3-hour kayak rental
Places to Stay Around Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe Lodging
These are on the North Side:
- Incline Village Lodge (I stayed here and loved the accessibility to the surrounding area)
- Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort
- Border House at Crystal Bay
South Side (which has way more options):
- The Edgewood $$$$
- Quality Inn – Right next to the Edgewood, but a fraction of the price
- Hampton Inn and Suites $$
- Find more options
Carson City Lodging
- Hampton Inn and Suites (Great service and hospitality. Plus, they have a nice complimentary breakfast.)
- Courtyard by Marriott Carson City
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carson City
- Staybridge Suites Carson City
Carson Valley Lodging
Pretty short drive to the best things to do in Lake Tahoe.
- Carson Valley Inn (Nice-sized rooms and a delicious breakfast (paid) downstairs.)
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Minden
- Carson Valley Motor Lodge & Extended Stay
- Holiday Inn Club Vacations David Walley’s Resort (Genoa)
North Shore or South Shore of Lake Tahoe?
There are pros and cons to each side. First, the north side is far quieter and less built up. This is nice for less chaos, and you’re nearby to Sand Harbor. But there are also far fewer lodging and food options, making it harder to book last-minute locations.
Now, down in South Lake Take, there are so many things to do, places to stay, and things to eat. (Well, not after 11pm.) The southside has a far more robust economy, and you’ll have an easier time finding economic hotels and food options.
While I’m not really a city person, the South Lake Tahoe amenities are a bit easier to come by and probably are my preferred place. That said, I did enjoy my time in North Shore and think it’s a wonderful option as well.
What to know when you visit Lake Tahoe
How many days do I need in Lake Tahoe?
After my five trips, I would recommend 3-4 days in Tahoe. Sure, you could spend weeks or months, but I think this amount of time gives you enough things to do in Lake Tahoe without breaking the bank. (Because we all know traveling isn’t cheap now.)
If you spend four days in Tahoe, you can do two days of hiking and two days on the water for a perfect long weekend/mini-vacation.
What is the drive time from nearby major metro areas?
Las Vegas: 7.5 hours
San Francisco: 3.5 hours
Los Angeles: 7.5 hours
Reno: 50 minutes
Phoenix: 12 hours
Salt Lake City: 8 hours
The east side of the lake is difficult to park on
The east side of Lake Tahoe (Nevada side) has all the pretty coves and water, but parking there can be a pain in the butt. This is especially true for the upper right side of the lake, near Sand Harbor. They prohibit almost all parking along the road.
It’s 100% annoying, but it also makes sense because it would be a madhouse and a terrible experience.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe in the summer is pure magic. From early morning hikes to alpine lakes to sunset paddles on glassy water, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay outside all day. Every trail, overlook, and quiet cove feels like its own little adventure, and it’s hard not to fall in love with the pace of life up here.
For me, summer in Tahoe is all about chasing those golden moments and trying to cross off as many of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe. Whether you’re cliff jumping, biking through pine forests, or just finding a quiet spot to watch the sun dip behind the peaks, Tahoe delivers the kind of summer memories that stick with you long after you leave.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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