Things to Do in Lake Tahoe and Truckee
A deep blue alpine lake for beaches in summer and skiing in winter.
See top-rated activities »About Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe fills a basin high in the Sierra Nevada, on the line between California and Nevada, and its water is famously clear and blue. It is about 22 miles long and more than 1,600 feet deep, one of the deepest lakes in the country, and a drive around its 72-mile shoreline is a full day's outing in itself. South Lake Tahoe is the biggest town, with hotels, casinos just over the Nevada line in Stateline, and the Heavenly gondola climbing from the center of town to views over the lake.
The most photographed spot is Emerald Bay, on the southwest shore, where a small island rises from a green inlet. A steep trail drops from the highway to Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian-style summer mansion built in 1929 and open for tours in season. Sightseeing cruises leave from the south shore for Emerald Bay, and kayaks and paddleboards rent from beaches all around the lake. On the Nevada side, Sand Harbor has granite boulders and turquoise coves that look almost tropical on a calm day.
The north shore is quieter, with Tahoe City at the lake's outlet and Kings Beach nearby. Truckee, a short drive north, is a historic railroad and logging town with a lively main street, close to Donner Lake and the memorial to the ill-fated Donner Party of 1846. In winter, the region has some of the largest ski areas in the West, including Palisades Tahoe, which hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics as Squaw Valley, along with Northstar, Heavenly and Kirkwood. In summer, hiking on the Tahoe Rim Trail and mountain biking take over.
Don’t Miss
The famous bay and Fannette Island, with a trail down to Vikingsholm and lakeside paths.
A ski area on both sides of the state line, with a gondola from town that runs for sightseeing too.
The 1960 Winter Olympics site, with a large ski area, a village and summer hiking and aerial tram rides.
Granite boulders and clear coves on the Nevada shore, a summer swimming and kayaking favorite.
A lakeside park with a visitor center on emigrant history and the Donner Party.
A railroad-era main street of restaurants, bars and shops near Donner Lake.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Lake Tahoe
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. Best of NoCal may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
Plan your time in Lake Tahoe
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Get free trip quotes »Lake Tahoe — FAQ
Is Lake Tahoe better in summer or winter?
Both. Summer, roughly June to September, brings beaches, boating and hiking; winter brings skiing and snow sports. Fall has thinner crowds and changing aspens, and spring can bring skiing and sunny days on the lake.
Should I stay on the north or south shore?
South Lake Tahoe has the most hotels, nightlife and the Heavenly gondola. The north shore, around Tahoe City, Kings Beach and nearby Truckee, is quieter and closer to Palisades Tahoe and Northstar.
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