10 Very Best Things To Do In Lake Tahoe – Hand Luggage Only

Being the largest alpine lake in North America means a lot to Lake Tahoe. That’s huge! Not only that, it’s located between snow-capped mountains and surrounded by magnificent pine forests, making it a great place to visit. However, in my experience, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what to do in Lake Tahoe during your trip. This is exactly why I wanted to share my favorite spots in and around Lake Tahoe itself.

I love visiting Lake Tahoe, and in the heat of summer, I saw Lake Tahoe for the first time from the California side. All the time we spent around the lake was amazing and we loved every second. Since then, we’ve visited many of the best spots in California and Nevada, but Lake Tahoe is by far our favorite.

With so much to offer, Lake Tahoe is one of the best destinations in the country for lovers of the great outdoors.

We have it all: awkward walks in nature, strenuous water sports, powdery ski slopes and even challenging mountain climbs. Trust me, Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area is truly amazing and worth a visit on any road trip around California or Nevada.

Here are some recommended activities to do when visiting Lake Tahoe. Have fun exploring!

1.) Emerald Bay State Park

Many trails around Lake Tahoe lead to Emerald Bay State Park, a National Natural Landmark and Underwater State Park due to its incredible natural beauty.

Located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay State Park is a popular tourist attraction with great trails to explore and a jumping off point for exploring Vikingsholm Mansion (which hosts summer tours).

Additionally, from here you can kayak along the pristine shoreline of Emerald Bay itself.rent a kayak kayak tahoe Head out to the open sea for the ultimate morning adventure. It’s all very calm.

Also, for spectacular views, head to: Emerald Bay Provincial Park Lookut. It offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and is the perfect starting point for hiking to the shoreline.

If you want to hear some tunes, head to Tallac Historic Site (near the park). This area is home to historic mansions, made even more popular by the festivals it hosts.

The two-day Gatsby Festival in August is definitely one of the best. There will be a series of jazz concerts, themed events, Roaring Twenties parties, and more.

Valhalla Estate is also home to the iconic Valhalla Arts, Music, and Theater Festival. This includes a full schedule of cultural performances, shows and events at various venues on-site.

Finally, after all your exploring, head to Eagle Point Campground. Black bears are common in Emerald Bay, so be sure to camp responsibly.

Read more: Best places to visit in California

2.) Kings Beach

Located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, a visit to Kings Beach is an essential part of any extensive road trip between California and Nevada.

Filled with independent boutiques and foodie spots, it’s the perfect place for a multi-day trip around the north coast.

Then, head to Kings Beach State Recreation Area, which is dotted with picnic spots to relax on the shore. Additionally, if you want to venture out onto the lake itself, you can also rent paddleboards and kayaks.

Alternatively, spend time at the iconic Speedboat Beach or take a hike to admire the seaside views. Historic Stateline Fire Lookout. Yes, it can be steep at times, but it is a relatively short and easy hike for most hikers to complete.

Read more: Best places to visit in Nevada

3.) Echo Lake

About a 25-minute drive from the shores of Lake Tahoe, Echo Lake is worth a few hours of leisurely strolling.

Popular during the warm summer months, Echo Lake is a great place to play in the water. There are also many hiking trails in the area. The Aloha Lake Trail in particular is very beautiful.

Lower Echo has nice picnic sites and is very cool. Best of all, you won’t find large crowds or crowds of people here. It’s very quiet.

Depending on when you visit, you can also combine it with a ski trip to Sierra at Tahoe Resort, about 8 miles away. Be sure to reserve your lift tickets and ski rentals. Also, be careful of gourmet spots at the top of the mountain. Prices may be high.

4.) DL Bliss State Park

Located just steps away from Emerald Bay, DL Bliss State Park is one of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. As you know, this is an area that is completely unbuilt and feels like a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Would you like to stay overnight? If you’d like to stay overnight, a campsite with plenty of tent spots, fireplaces, and shower areas is available.

Feeling active? Leicester Beach has plenty of kayaking spots, and a hike on the Rubicon Trail to see the historic Rubicon Point Light is a must.

Oh, and don’t forget the cozy Currawee Cove Beach at the base of the park.

Read more: The best hikes in Nevada

5.) Tahoe Rim Trail

If you’re up for a challenge, the Tahoe Rim Trail will provide you with all the fun, excitement, and sore calves you’re looking for.

This 265-mile loop trail circles Lake Tahoe and can be completed in sections or all at once. Personally, for large hikes like this, I choose the sections I want to visit the most. This way, instead of just exhausting yourself on one long trail, you can do many smaller day hikes with multiple trailheads.

The Tahoe Rim Trail passes through Desolation Valley and the Carson Mountains, offering expansive panoramas of mountains, lakes, and meadows along the way. It is wonderful.

Lake Tahoe is also home to bears, so be sure to pack proper hiking boots, plenty of SPF, and always hike responsibly.

6.) Hiking Mount Talak

At 9,735 feet, Mount Tallac is one of the highest mountains in the Lake Tahoe area.

Although the route itself is difficult for the average hiker, the entire journey and the views at the top are worth it. The Mount Tallac hike winds its way through loose rocks and crushed granite, offering stunning views of Fallen Leaf Lake and up-close views of Lake Gilmore and Cathedral Lake.

The top offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. Additionally, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramas of Granite Lake, Fallen Lake, and the Desolate Wilderness.

As I said before, keep in mind that this is a hike for the most experienced hikers among us.

Read more: Best places to visit in Nevada

7.) Sand Harbor State Park

Located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, the more than 50-acre Sand Harbor State Park is a truly luxurious setting.

Sandy beaches, fragrant pine forests (I still remember the smell), and hidden coves. One of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe when in Nevada.

Perfect for a leisurely day of sightseeing or an adventurous time filled with water activities, there’s a little something for everyone.

If it’s the latter and you want to rent a kayak, Sand Harbor Rentals is the place to go. Additionally, the Sand Point Nature Trail and Memorial Point Trail offer great views of the cove and beach.

Oh, and don’t forget to reserve your tickets. Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Spectacular outdoor performances are held within the park.

Read more: Best Hikes in California

8.) Eagle Rock Hiking Trail

Located several hundred feet above the main area of Lake Tahoe, Eagle Rock is a volcanic outcrop with dazzling views throughout the area.

Today, the Eagle Rock Hiking Trail is located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, just four miles from Tahoe City, making it easily accessible and a very popular hiking trail in Lake Tahoe. This means that after completing the trail in about 20 minutes, you’ll immediately get a panoramic view of Lake Tahoe and a real sense of how vast the area really is.

However, the only downside is that it can get quite crowded during peak hours. To avoid crowded trails, avoid weekends and leave first thing in the morning.

Read more: Best places to visit in California

9.) Ed Zaberg Sugar Pine Point State Park

Whether you’re looking for an indoor tour or an outdoor adventure, Ed Zyberg Sugar Pine Point State Park has it all. Plus, it’s one of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe if you head down from Tahoe City to the southern limit of the coastline.

Come explore the amazing Hermann Ehrmann House. It was once the vacation home of the wealthy family of investor Isaias W. Hellman. Once here, take a tour of the mansion and take a peek inside. You’ll see authentic Navajo rugs and redwood paneling in the dining room.

If you’re visiting in the summer, you might want to explore some of the trails.

In winter or cooler months, go to a location near you Homewood Mountain Resort There are some of the best ski areas around Lake Tahoe. The scenery is stunning and there are plenty of runs to suit all abilities.

Read more: Best places to visit in Nevada

10.) Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park (Tahoe City/Grandlibakken)

A completely different kind of outdoor activity, Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park is a must-visit spot to stretch your hips.

Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park is a lot of fun with tree platforms, zip lines, and bridges (up to 50 feet high). But you seem to be working muscle groups you didn’t even know you had. It hurt so much afterwards!

Read more: Best places to visit in California