Lake Tahoe Attractions

While the lake is a sight to see in and of itself, Lake Tahoe attractions go beyond just the water. The area’s rich environment influences the majority of Lake Tahoe attractions like hiking, camping, skiing, snowboarding, sunbathing, paddleboarding and more. Enjoy the great outdoors by visiting South Lake Tahoe’s attractions, including state parks, campgrounds suitable for both summer and winter weather or historic homes. Or let the famous Christmas carol come alive as you go on a sleigh ride through the snow. While the area’s attractions encourage a sense of athleticism, you don’t have to be planning your next 5K to appreciate them. You’ll find the area’s museums, visual arts and beaches are the kind of relaxed fun some visitors hope to find during vacations.

Lake Tahoe Attractions in Town

Lake Tahoe attractions also embrace the area’s history. Visit the Truckee attraction where the infamous Donner party is rumored to have fallen to cannibalism. You can also check out one of Squaw Valley’s attractions, the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, and view the same slopes that welcomed the world’s great athletes decades ago. It might inspire you to channel your inner Heidi Beibl (the 1960 Winter Olympic Women’s Downhill Skiing gold medalist) as you swoosh down nearby mountains.

If you’re in the mood for some visual entertainment, you can attend festivals in Incline Village that will delight the English and history nerds in your group. Tahoe City’s attractions also feature a variety of fun on the beach, including concerts and movies.

The summer seasons are prime time to take advantage of the main attraction: Lake Tahoe! All the towns offer tours for different areas in the Tahoe Basin. After being educated about the lake, dive in — we mean quite literally too — to all it has to offer. Kings Beach attractions let you sign up for a fishing excursion to hook some trout or explore every beach.

Check out the listings below to see what Lake Tahoe attractions will pique your interest during your visit.

Lake Tahoe Attractions by Area

South Lake Tahoe | Truckee | Tahoe City & West Shore | Squaw Valley & Alpine Meadows
Kings Beach & North Shore Incline Village & Crystal Bay

Lake Tahoe Attractions by Category

Tahoe Helicopters

Lake Tahoe Attraction
1901 Lisa Maloff Way #106, South Lake Tahoe, CA
(530) 544-2211

There may not be a better way to take in the true beauty of Lake Tahoe than from a helicopter. Tahoe Helicopters offers every style of tour possible to accommodate those who would like a bird's eye view of things. From waterfall excursions to sunset flights, from circumnavigation of the lake to exploring one specific area, there's something for everyone. The flights are perfect for...read more

There may not be a better way to take in the true beauty of Lake...read more

Truckee Ice Rink

Lake Tahoe Attraction
10500 Brockway Road, Truckee, CA
(530) 582-7720

One of the treasures of winter is the pleasure of ice skating. In Truckee there is a fabulous family-focused ice rink that comes with the flurries of snowfall at the Truckee River Regional Park. Although not regulation in size, Truckee Ice Rink offers a great array of activities on the ice. From public ice-skating sessions (complete with rentals) to ice-skating lessons for young and old,...read more

One of the treasures of winter is the pleasure of ice skating. In Truckee there...read more

Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District

Lake Tahoe Attraction
10981 Truckee Way, Truckee, CA
(530) 582-7720

Take a look around and it’s clear that Truckee is a special town: history, mountains, lakes, river and forests. But there are many hidden gems known mostly to locals. Those gems are kept shining by the Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District for the enjoyment of locals and visitors. Some of the amenities and facilities managed by the district are accessible for free, others for a fee. The...read more

Take a look around and it’s clear that Truckee is a special town: history, mountains,...read more

Valhalla Tahoe

Tallac Historic Site
Lake Tahoe Attraction
1 Valhalla Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA
(530) 541-4975

Valhalla Tahoe shares an appreciation for the historical heritage and natural beauty of the Tallac Historic Site with visitors from all over the world. The historic Boathouse Theatre provides a stage for artistic presentations, concerts and plays. Valhalla Tahoe is a nonprofit organization operating in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to preserve Tahoe Heritage through restoration, arts, music, theatre and celebrations. In addition to...read more

Valhalla Tahoe shares an appreciation for the historical heritage and natural beauty of the Tallac...read more

Waterman's Landing

Patton Landing Beach
Lake Tahoe Attraction
5166 North Lake Boulevard, Carnelian Bay, CA
(530) 546-3590

Waterman's Landing is a place of gathering, delicious food and adventure on the shores of Lake Tahoe. A collective of local businesses as well as a small cafe, this year-round hotspot is nestled on Patton Landing Beach. With easy access to Lake Tahoe, Waterman's Landing provides kayak and paddleboard tours and lessons as well as rentals of paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and other water toys. With...read more

Waterman's Landing is a place of gathering, delicious food and adventure on the shores of...read more

West End Beach of Donner Lake

Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District
Lake Tahoe Attraction
15962 South Shore Drive, Truckee, CA
(530) 582-7720

Lake Tahoe, 15 minutes away, gets all the attention, but Truckee has a gem of its own: Donner Lake. While not as big and broad as Big Blue, Donner Lake offers up a good bit of watery fun too. One of the best places to access Donner is West End Beach. In summer months, there is a modest admission fee to enter the 10-acre west...read more

Lake Tahoe, 15 minutes away, gets all the attention, but Truckee has a gem of...read more