Tahoe City Attractions

DL Bliss State Park is a culmination of absolute Tahoe beauty in the form of stunning turquoise water, old-growth forests and giant cartoon-like granite boulders that balance themselves like toys in amazing ways. There are multiple hiking trails that lead from the park, giving plenty of opportunities to enjoy the splendor that outdoor Tahoe has to offer, and you'll find several good dive spots here too. To help enjoy the area even more, there are 150 regular campsites and one group site, all having easy access to the water via various points around the park. The park is also good for dogs as long as they're on a leash at all times and not on the trails. If you're coming to the park for day use only it is highly advised that you come early, as the park tends to be very busy and parking is limited. The park does not allow day use visitors once the parking lots are full. The park closes in the winter, although access to trails is still available. Visitors should remember to pack it in and pack it out and to leave no trace. 

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. 

As the only accredited art museum in the state, Nevada Museum of Art is a beacon of culture in the High Sierra. The museum is in Reno, about an hour's drive from the Tahoe area. The permanent collections are extensive and stunning, and the changing exhibitions keep things fresh, even for regular visitors. The museum offers three floors of exhibits, usually with varying themes and styles. Most exhibits are on display for at least one month; some may stay over a year. All forms of art are often represented, and docents are on each floor to answer questions and give you insightful information. This is also the home of the Center for the Art and Environment as well as the E. L. Cord Museum School. Add in other programming such as the Hands On education for children and families, the talks and discussions with artists and the Sunday music brunches in the cafe, and you begin to understand why this institution is held in such high regard by the Reno locals.

The gift shop offers handcrafted, artful gifts for sale ranging from jewelry and wearable art to ceramics and children’s games. Books about currently exhibited art and artists are particularly popular with visitors. Proceeds from the gift shop sales support exhibits and educational programs, which are offered each month to adults and children. A restaurant in the museum, chez louie, offers French-inspired meals for lunch, dinner and snacks. A brunch with live music is held every Sunday, and dinners are often held in celebration of special exhibits.

Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema is not a regular movie theater. Recently renovated with overstuffed leather rocking seats and comfy couches in the theater and a full bar in the entry area, Tahoe Art Haus takes going to a movie to a whole new level of fun. The Art Haus hosts independent films, ski flicks, locally created masterpieces, major motion pictures and environmental films. Art Haus also offers a stage for dance performers, speakers and filmmakers and live music. The space is also rentable for a large party or custom film showing. The bar has eight beers and cider on tap as well as wine and Prosecco and a popcorn spice bar.

The Tahoe City Public Utility District Parks and Recreation Department is filled with numerous opportunities for fun. When it comes to connecting with Big Blue (i.e. Lake Tahoe) and her stunning forests, the department offers accessibility and convenience in the form of incredible parks, trails, community centers, athletic fields, Tahoe City Winter Sports Park and Tahoe City Golf Course. The organization is also host to a large array of organized events that showcase the beauty and excitement that Lake Tahoe offers. From Camp Skylandia to the Tahoe Community Sailing Program, Tahoe City PUD offers a whole host of activities for all ages and is certain to have something to keep your youth smiling. They also have organized bocce and softball (in addition to other sports) for adults. To make things even better, they host some of the most popular free weekly events in the summer — Concerts at Common Beach and The Tahoe City Lakeside Movie Series. Some of the locations and parks managed by Tahoe City PUD make perfect wedding venues.