Tahoe Things to Do: 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. 

Lake Tahoe has only one outflow – the Truckee River. And for 25 years IRIE Rafting Company has given visitors a close-up view of the waterway as well as the region's north and middle forks of the American River and the Carson River. For those wanting to stay closer to Truckee, IRIE offers half- and full-day trips on the Truckee River after it flows past the town of Truckee. There is ideal paddling to be had for a range of ages and abilities as well as some thrilling rapids as the river runs down into the Truckee River Gorge. IRIE transports guests to and from Truckee to the put-in and take-out points on the river and provides helmets, personal flotation vests and paddles. Expect a two-hour trip that will be perfect for the whole family. By the way, IRIE stands for Isolated Rivers, Incredible Experiences. 

Golf in winter? Yes, at Lake Tahoe Golf Course. In winter the clubhouse becomes more of a sports bar and restaurant feel with two simulators that provide all sorts of activities. This, of course, includes golf featuring hundreds of golf courses worldwide, a practice range and lesson capabilities. Simulators also have games like hockey, soccer, baseball, disc golf and arcade fun games for the kids (and kids at heart) like Zombie destruction using tennis balls thrown at targets on the screen. In one of the little ironies of life, Lake Tahoe Golf Course is one of the courses at South Shore that is actually farthest from the lake, over in Meyers. This in no way, however, detracts from the beauty of the location as it is in a high-altitude meadow set up against the rugged mountain scenery. The course, with layout by William Bell, welcomes casual players as well as custom-designed tournaments and events. Lake Tahoe Golf Course is also a popular venue for non-golfing special events, not the least of which are weddings. Whether the event takes place on the 10th tee near the Truckee River or in the clubhouse with views of Mount Tallac, the catering and event specialists here can help give your wedding day that special Tahoe flavor.

If finding some adrenaline fun via flowing rivers is your cup of tea, then you should check out Tahoe Whitewater Tours. A highly reputable company that offers guided trips down Truckee River as well as other rivers that near the Tahoe area, Tahoe Whitewater Tours is gifted in creating a trip that fits the wants and needs of the group. From basic river trips to heart-pumping whitewater adventures, they have you covered.