South Lake Tahoe

Travel Guide

Emerald Bay State Park
D. L. Bliss State Park
Pope Beach
South Lake Tahoe
Eagle Falls Trail which includes a river or creek
Come to this Lake Tahoe destination in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada to ski in winter, swim in summer and enjoy a lively nightlife year-round.

South Lake Tahoe is the adventure capital of the spectacular Lake Tahoe region. Enjoy sandy beaches, ski resorts, hiking trails and year-round nightlife amid breathtaking natural scenery. South Lake Tahoe lies between the south banks of Lake Tahoe and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

South Lake Tahoe’s commercial center is at one end of the town adjacent to the California/Nevada stateline, home to restaurants, hotels and retail outlets. Learn about the region’s history at the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum. See wildlife and landscape photography displays at the Jon Paul Gallery and rotating exhibitions by local artists at the Tahoe Art League.

The beaches of South Lake Tahoe are ideal for relaxation and watersports. Rent a paddleboat or kayak from Ski Run Marina to explore the lake’s calm water. Try water skiing and wakeboarding or relax on the shore with a picnic while enjoying the scenery and sunsets. Just a 20-minute drive from the town center is Emerald Bay State Park. Discover secluded beaches lined with pine forests. Take a guided tour of the Scandinavian-style castle, Vikingsholm.

Ride the Heavenly Gondola cable car from South Lake Tahoe town center toHeavenly Mountain Resort. Admire the views from the observation deck perched on a 9,123-foot (2,780-meter) high peak. Come in the winter to ski and snowboard on almost 100 runs. When the snow melts the resort transforms into a summer sports hub. Travel on a 3,300-foot (1,000-meter) long zip line or enjoy a hot air balloon ride. Hike or bike along trails to enjoy panoramas of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Go out after dark to experience South Lake Tahoe’s nightlife. Find bars and nightclubs situated in the town center. Alternatively, make the short walk into Nevada for a night out at the casinos and entertainment centers.

South Lake Tahoe is a popular destination offering a mix of culture, entertainment and natural beauty. Get here by flying to Tahoe-Reno International Airport, which is a 1-hour drive away. Rent a car to visit other Lake Tahoe outdoor recreation centers, including Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe.

Where to stay in South Lake Tahoe

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Lakeside Park

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Lakeside Park might not have many top sights, but Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe and Heavenly Gondola are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lakeside Park
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Tahoe Meadows

When in Tahoe Meadows, you can plan a visit to Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe and Heavenly Gondola, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Tahoe Meadows
Sugar Bowl which includes landscape views, mountains and snow

Al Tahoe

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Al Tahoe, Regan Beach and Heavenly Valley are top sights worth seeing.

Al Tahoe
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Christmas Valley

When in Christmas Valley, you can plan a visit to Adventure Mountain and Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Christmas Valley
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Tahoe Keys

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Tahoe Keys and surrounding area, you can visit Lake Tahoe Balloons and Pope Beach.

Tahoe Keys
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Montgomery Estates

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Montgomery Estates and surrounding area, you can visit Heavenly Valley Creek and Bijou Community Park.

Montgomery Estates
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is €149 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
€149
includes taxes & fees
27 Mar - 28 Mar
Book a stay at this business-friendly resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,857 reviews)
"It was all great!!"

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe
Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe
3.5 out of 5
3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is €121 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€121
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Book a stay at this beach resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Jacuzzi was not working, would have loved to have one specially after skiing. Ice machine was broken and we had to walk to the other side of the building whenever we needed. Felt very inconvenient. However the staff was great, and loved the complementary marshmallow for the fire. You need to uber ..."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe
Quality Inn South Lake Tahoe
Quality Inn South Lake Tahoe
2.5 out of 5
4127 Pine Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is €83 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
€83
includes taxes & fees
26 Mar - 27 Mar
Book a stay at this beach hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,523 reviews)
"Great No complaints I would stay again on mu next visits"

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

Quality Inn South Lake Tahoe
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Americana Village
The Americana Village
2 out of 5
3845 Pioneer Trl, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,331 reviews)
Affordable stay for skiing close to South Lake
"We had a very comfortable stay at Americana. We love their breakfast and the late check in went very smoothly with their safe box system."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

The Americana Village
The Lodge at Lake Tahoe
The Lodge at Lake Tahoe
3 out of 5
3840 Pioneer Trail, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly apartment in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Casino at Harrah's ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (169 reviews)
"Close to ski resort and clean"

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

The Lodge at Lake Tahoe
Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
4 out of 5
1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified vacation home in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, a health club, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,775 reviews)
"Beautiful place"

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2025

Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of South Lake Tahoe

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
22
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful lake area and fabulous resort.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

There is a nice restaurant names the lakes house.You should try if you visit South Lake Tahoe.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

It’s very touristy and commercial. If you prefer to get away from busy crowds and shops, head to the north shore for a much more rustic, and authentic experience.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Everything on hand,great choice of restaurants.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

South Lake Tahoe is the largest city on the shores of Lake Tahoe. It is very tourist-orientated. There are many clothing and gift shops and lots of good restaurants.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved it, strongly recommended.