Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

With an environment like this, it would almost be criminal if the majority of the things to do in Lake Tahoe weren’t outdoors ... and of course they are! For Lake Tahoe activities in the summer, you can enjoy kayaking, SUPing and other water sports that take the lead. If you’d prefer to frolic in the snow, things to do in Lake Tahoe during the winter include ice skating, Nordic skiing and sliding down a snowy mountain any way you can. Of course all the towns in this part of the woods are known for that, but what about dog sledding? Bet you might not have done that! It’s a popular Lake Tahoe activity in Squaw Valley, so get on it! Lace up your shoes and head out on some of Tahoe’s City’s hiking trails that take you on a scenic tour of the beaches and mountains on the West Shore. Several give you amazing views of one of the most beautiful things to do in Tahoe City – exploring Emerald Bay. You can almost imagine you're in the Caribbean watching this water. Now, if those summertime water temps will just rise about 20 more degrees....

The Things to Do in Lake Tahoe Rock!

There are other things to do in Lake Tahoe that may interest you if you’re not looking for an athletic vacation. Going sightseeing on bus tours that cart you over the entire Tahoe Basin or checking out fascinating exhibits in museums are part of the offerings of the many South Lake Tahoe activities. Vacation is also the ideal time to take care of yourself, and a visit to one of the spas in Incline Village’s things to do has you feeling pampered and polished in no time. Lake Tahoe also hosts an array of festivals during the warmer months that will appeal to craftspeople, artists, nerds or those celebrating Independence Day.

Check out the listings below to see what's in store for you during the winter and summer with things to do in Lake Tahoe.

Things to Do in Lake Tahoe by Area

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

Things to Do in Lake Tahoe by Category

Emerald Bay State Park

Lake Tahoe Thing to Do
11001 CA Highway 89, South Lake Tahoe, CA
(530) 541-3030

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...read more

If visiting Lake Tahoe in the summer, a great place to camp is Emerald Bay...read more

Flume Trail Mountain Bikes

Lake Tahoe Thing to Do
1115 Tunnel Creek Road, Incline Village, NV
(775) 298-2501

The Flume Trail above Lake Tahoe is a mountain biking trail with a well-earned reputation. Between its historical significance and the incredible views that it offers, it is a route that practically everyone in the basin knows about, even people who have never once touched tire to trail. But for those who actually do like to get out and explore the backcountry on wheels and...read more

The Flume Trail above Lake Tahoe is a mountain biking trail with a well-earned reputation....read more

Grand Lodge Casino at the Hyatt

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
Lake Tahoe Thing to Do
111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, NV
(800) 327-3910

Grand Lodge Casino at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe features 20,000 square feet of gaming space and offers a true Old Tahoe feel plus a highly rewarding Players Club, friendly staff and all of your favorite games. Whether you like the thrill of chasing huge jackpots or you prefer the great odds of video poker gaming, their slot floor has something for everyone. For the real deal,...read more

Grand Lodge Casino at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe features 20,000 square feet of gaming space...read more

Hang Gliding Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Thing to Do
2640 E. College Parkway, Carson City, NV
(775) 772-8232

You love Lake Tahoe, and you feel as if you’ve seen all the sights it has to offer. But as the old saying goes, you ain’t seen nothing yet ... not until you’ve seen it from the air, piloting your own aircraft over the Carson Range and into the Tahoe Basin. With Hang Gliding Tahoe, you fly a powered hang glider (with an FAA-certified instructor...read more

You love Lake Tahoe, and you feel as if you’ve seen all the sights it...read more

Heavenly Gondola

Heavenly Mountain Resort
Lake Tahoe Thing to Do
1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA
(775) 586-7000

The Gondola launches from Heavenly Village and takes guests on a ride more than 2 miles up the mountain. Summer or winter, the views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area are spectacular, and the recreational opportunities at the top end of the ride are some high-altitude fun. You’ll also find the new Tamarack Lodge up on the hill for food, drink and views of...read more

The Gondola launches from Heavenly Village and takes guests on a ride more than 2...read more

IRIE Rafting Company

Lake Tahoe Thing to Do
12000 Pioneer Trail, Suite # 2, Truckee, CA
(530) 582-4900

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...read more

Lake Tahoe has only one outflow – the Truckee River. And for 25 years IRIE...read more

Kings Beach State Recreation Area

Lake Tahoe Thing to Do
Bear Street and CA Highway 28, Kings Beach, CA
(530) 583-3074

With its easy location in the center of town, Kings Beach State Recreation Area makes enjoying the sandy shoreline of Lake Tahoe simple. The park itself is free, and offers day use of a few miles of sandy beach, public bathrooms, a children's play area and barbecue grills. There are boat, Jet Ski and paddleboard rentals, and parking costs $10 for both cars and trucks. Dogs are not allowed...read more

With its easy location in the center of town, Kings Beach State Recreation Area makes enjoying the sandy...read more

Lake Tahoe Balloons

Lake Tahoe Thing to Do
2435 Venice Drive E., South Lake Tahoe, CA
(530) 544-1221
(800) 872-9294

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...read more

Imagine soaring peacefully with the cool morning breeze in a hot-air balloon over Lake Tahoe....read more

Lake Tahoe Boat Rides

Lake Tahoe Thing to Do
2435 Venice Drive E., South Lake Tahoe, CA
(530) 545-1223

Lake Tahoe Boat Rides is a premier charter boat company that offers customized boat tours designed to make memories that last a lifetime. For those looking to enjoy the beautiful sites and excitement that Lake Tahoe has to offer by boat, Lake Tahoe Boat Rides has a variety of private boat tours available. This is perfect for swimming in private coves, tubing, waterskiing and lounging...read more

Lake Tahoe Boat Rides is a premier charter boat company that offers customized boat tours...read more

Lake Tahoe Sightseeing Cruises

Lake Tahoe Thing to Do
MS Dixie Departure, 760 U.S. Highway 50, Zephyr Cove, NV
(800) 987-9852
Bleu Wave Departure, 2435 Venice Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA
(800) 987-9852
Lake Tahoe's stunning emerald waters are at your fingertips with a venture on one of the many Lake Tahoe Sightseeing Cruises offered in the area. There are plenty of options to choose from, each of them exploring the historic landmarks and points of interest that make Lake Tahoe so popular. Visitors will have a wondrous time exploring places such as Emerald Bay and the historic Vikingsholm...read more
Lake Tahoe's stunning emerald waters are at your fingertips with a venture on one of the...read more

Nor-Cal Charters

Lake Tahoe Thing to Do
300 U.S. HIghway 50, Zephyr Cove, NV
(530) 318-1981

Nor-Cal Charters specializes in once-in-a-lifetime Tahoe fishing excursions. On their boats, Upside and The Professor, the professional guides can get you to whatever type of lake fishing you want, such as Mackinaw, rainbow trout or Kokanee salmon, or even mix it up mid-cruise. The Professor is a 35-foot custom fishing vessel with twin Mercury Verados providing 700 hp, making it one of the fastest boats around. It...read more

Nor-Cal Charters specializes in once-in-a-lifetime Tahoe fishing excursions. On their boats, Upside and The Professor, the professional...read more

Northstar Bike Park

Northstar California Resort
Lake Tahoe Thing to Do
100 Northstar Drive, Truckee, CA
(800) 466-6784

Northstar California was one of the first ski resorts to leverage its property for summertime use when it opened Northstar Bike Park about 10 years ago. For those who don’t fancy the idea of pedaling up hill to bomb down, don’t worry. The whole idea is to use the chairlifts to access the resort's 30-plus beginner-to-expert/pro trails. There is an assortment of jumps and stunts...read more

Northstar California was one of the first ski resorts to leverage its property for summertime...read more