South Lake Tahoe Attractions

Bleu Wave Cruises is a luxurious way to see Lake Tahoe from the water. From its home base in Tahoe Keys Marina, the boat fits 47 people and is fully decked out to host a grand wedding or extravagant get-together. Complete with a stocked bar, fireplace, large lower lounge, stateroom, fly-bridge, gigantic party bow, restrooms and climate-controlled indoor facilities, Bleu Wave Cruises has everything needed to create a welcoming ambiance. Cruises are available daily and include regularly scheduled morning, afternoon and sunset cruises, which are open to the public. They also offer private charters for sightseeing or weddings.

If visiting Lake Tahoe in the summer, a great place to camp is Emerald Bay State Park. The park includes two campgrounds: the Boat-In Camp (accessible by boat and foot only) and Eagle Point Campground. Within the park are various treasures including Tahoe's hidden castle, Vikingsholm, the scenic Rubicon foot trail that connects Eagle Point Campground with Vikingsholm and DL Bliss State Park. The park also encompasses Fanette Island, the only island of Lake Tahoe. The park extends below the surface of the lake, where visitors will find a historical story book of days gone by in the form of sunken barges, ships and launches. The park closes down in the winter, though people are able to walk the mile-long, steep trail to Vikingsholm Castle to enjoy the grounds and beaches. The trail can be a bit treacherous in winter if snowy or icy. Visitors should remember to pack it in and pack it out and to leave no trace. 

Imagine soaring peacefully with the cool morning breeze in a hot-air balloon over Lake Tahoe. From the lake surface to high above it all, Lake Tahoe Balloons provides this very unique perspective of the Lake Tahoe region. Below you spread the immense green forests and granite landscapes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains that frame the turquoise and azure blues of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding alpine lakes. Unique to Lake Tahoe Balloons is launching and landing on the upper deck of the U.S. Coast Guard–approved double decker, catamaran-style Tahoe Flyer, affectionately referred to as the world’s smallest aircraft carrier. The Tahoe Flyer is the only purposely built vessel for launching and retrieving hot air balloons. From this unique vessel, guests experience the stunning views of the balloon inflation, lifting off and deflation all while floating on the beautiful lake. Lake Tahoe Balloons' 2024 season will be from May 11 to October 20, but the fun continues with their land-based winter tours taking place over the Carson Valley.

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 all ages and will be certain to leave you in jaw-dropping awe. Tours are daily, and trips range in duration from 10 minutes to an hour. They welcome walk-ins; however, it is recommended to call first to check availability.