Things to do in South Lake Tahoe

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Emerald Bay State Park
D. L. Bliss State Park
Pope Beach
South Lake Tahoe
Eagle Falls Trail featuring a river or creek

South Lake Tahoe Attractions

Smaller cities have a vibe you just don't find in their larger counterparts. Make a list of all the exciting things to do in South Lake Tahoe before you head off so you can make the most of your getaway. You'll soon see that bigger isn't always better!

If you're ready to discover the best of South Lake Tahoe, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let an experienced guide show you some of the most popular attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {41 fun activities in South Lake Tahoe fun activities in South Lake Tahoe} are also worth checking out.

Most popular activities in South Lake Tahoe

Tours & day trips

See all 32 activities
Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise

Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $105 per adult
Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic CruiseOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 12 activities
Electric Dirtbike Adventure in Lake Tahoe

Electric Dirtbike Adventure in Lake Tahoe

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $200 per adult
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Winter activities

See all 5 activities
Heavenly Premium Ski Rental Including Delivery

Heavenly Premium Ski Rental Including Delivery

Activity duration is 5 days
8.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $116 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 5 activities
Emerald Bay Helicopter Tour of Lake Tahoe

Emerald Bay Helicopter Tour of Lake Tahoe

Activity duration is 12 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 12 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $139 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 4 activities
Lake Tahoe: Scenic Sunset Cruise with Drinks and Snacks

Lake Tahoe: Scenic Sunset Cruise with Drinks and Snacks

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 11 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $125 per adult
Lake Tahoe: Scenic Sunset Cruise with Drinks and SnacksOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in South Lake Tahoe

Number of things to do
41
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour From Incline Village to South Lake T...: $12
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in South Lake Tahoe

Free Things to Do in South Lake Tahoe

Taking a break in South Lake Tahoe on a budget? The following can be seen for nada.

Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum - Bring the whole family and set out on a fascinating adventure through history together.

Ski Run Marina - Hang out for a while in this thriving location and imagine life as a local.

Tahoe Mountain Wedding Chapel - Gain a better understanding of local religious beliefs at this spiritual sanctuary.

Pope Beach - Skip rocks across the water's surface, watch the sun come up or simply appreciate the views from the shore.

Mt. Tallac Trail - Get set for views that'll render you speechless at this natural marvel.

Bijou Community Park - If you love hanging out in the garden, this attraction will delight your green thumb.

Things to Do in South Lake Tahoe with Kids

If you're hoping to make new family memories in South Lake Tahoe, we've got a few ideas. Round up the troops and try these awesome family friendly experiences:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in South Lake Tahoe? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Mountain Gondola showing tranquil scenes, a lake or waterhole and a bay or harbor

Heavenly Gondola

4.5/5(971 reviews)

Glide across the sky and appreciate breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tahoe on this scenic gondola ride to a summit where exciting adventure activities await.

Heavenly Gondola
Amazing sunset

Lakeside Beach

4.5/5(368 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Lakeside Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to South Lake Tahoe. In the area, take in the entertainment choices and mountain views.

Lakeside Beach
Fallen Leaf Lake is a smaller lake in South Lake Tahoe surrounded by beautiful landscape scenery that reflects so clearly off the water, you feel like you can walk right over it. The roads are a bit narrow to get here but if you come during off peak season, it's definitely a sight to see! Stop by the public beach Visitor Center and read about the famous Legend of this place. Also check out Glen Alpine Falls which is right by Fallen Leaf Lake in the Spring or early Summer when there is plenty of snow melt! This lake is a great place to kayak or paddle board. #discoveries #fallenleaflake #eldorado #laketahoe #landscape #scenery #travel #lakes #sierranevada #alpineforest #scenicviews #adventure #activelifestyle #outdoors #paddleboarding #kayaking #calm #peaceful #destinations

Fallen Leaf Lake

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Fallen Leaf Lake during your travels in South Lake Tahoe. Discover the area's casinos, or seek out its ski slopes.

Fallen Leaf Lake
Pope Beach which includes tranquil scenes, a beach and a lake or waterhole

Pope Beach

4.5/5(17 reviews)

Take the family to this well-equipped long strip of soft white sand, where the clean, clear waters of southern Lake Tahoe gently lap the shore.

Pope Beach
Great walk around the lake - south lake Tahoe- dog park to the left.

Regan Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Regan Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to South Lake Tahoe. Stroll along the area's lakeside or experience its entertainment choices.

Regan Beach
Inspiration Point Vista showing tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole

Inspiration Point

4.5/5(89 reviews)

Gaze across the vast expanse of Lake Tahoe and pine-tree-studded Fannette Island from one of the lake’s most spectacular viewpoints.

Inspiration Point
Taylor Creek Visitor Center showing a bridge, a river or creek and forests

Taylor Creek Visitor Center

4.5/5(23 reviews)

Learn about the nature of Taylor Creek Stream through self-guided trails and an interpretive look at the stream from below the surface.

Taylor Creek Visitor Center

The Shops at Heavenly Village

4.5/5(1,468 reviews)

You can enjoy retail therapy at The Shops at Heavenly Village during your stay in South Lake Tahoe. Stroll along the lakeside in this quaint area, or seek out the ski slopes.

The Shops at Heavenly Village

South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena

4/5(127 reviews)

Catch an event at South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena, and enjoy other activities in Bijou Park such as skiing. Visit the area's casinos or amble around its lakeside.

South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in South Lake Tahoe

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Montgomery Estates

5/5(2 area reviews)

Though Montgomery Estates might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Heavenly Valley Creek and Tahoe Mountain Wedding Chapel.

Montgomery Estates
Awe...the Sierra Nevada. 🌲

Tahoe Paradise

5/5(4 area reviews)

While Tahoe Paradise might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Lake Tahoe Golf Course and Washoe Meadows State Park.

Tahoe Paradise
I took this at South Lake Tahoe, California on August 29th. Taken high above the lake, at Heavenly Gondola Vista Point :). This is one of the most iconic views of Lake Tahoe, a lake very popular among Americans. I loved seeing the gorgeous, colorful lake. And the vast landscape surrounding it. The lush, green forest seemed to go on forever. And the mountains were epic! You can even see some snow still atop the mountains. But best of all was the deep, serene lake! I was also at Tahoe for a family wedding. A perfect place for such an occasion!

Heavenly Valley

While visiting Heavenly Valley, you might make a stop by sights like Heavenly Ski Resort and Aerial Tramway.

Heavenly Valley
South Lake Tahoe

Lakeside Park

4/5(665 area reviews)

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

Lakeside Park
Heavenly Gondola

Heavenly Village

If you're spending some time in Heavenly Village, The Shops at Heavenly Village and Heavenly Gondola are top sights worth seeing.

Heavenly Village
Sugar Bowl showing mountains, landscape views and snow

Al Tahoe

4.5/5(80 area reviews)

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

Al Tahoe
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from South Lake Tahoe

Photo by Beth Hughes

Gardnerville

Heavenly Ski Resort featuring zip lining as well as a small group of people

Stateline

Photo by Kayla Templin

Markleeville

Emerald Bay State Park which includes a lake or waterhole, forests and landscape views

Tahoma

Photo by Allen Chitty

Kyburz

Photo by GypsySol ☀️

Nebelhorn

Photo by Laurie Smith

Echo Lake

Photo by Balaji Parvathaneni

Fallen Leaf

Frequently asked questions

Is South Lake Tahoe worth visiting?
With a mix of hiking and skiing, there's no shortage of things to do in South Lake Tahoe. While you're here, head to Heavenly Gondola, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in South Lake Tahoe?
When you've checked off key attractions like Zephyr Cove Beach and El Dorado Beach, spend the rest of your day exploring South Lake Tahoe's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in South Lake Tahoe?
Heavenly Gondola is one of the top tourist attractions in South Lake Tahoe and deserves a spot on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in South Lake Tahoe?
You can easily tick off top sights like Heavenly Gondola, Zephyr Cove Beach and Heavenly Valley with a three-day stay in South Lake Tahoe. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Stateline.
Is South Lake Tahoe a walkable city?
Some major attractions in South Lake Tahoe, like Heavenly Gondola and Heavenly Valley, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 2 miles from central South Lake Tahoe is Lakeside Park and Bijou Park is 0.5 miles away.
What are some activities to do in South Lake Tahoe with kids?
If you're searching for sights and activities for all the family, have a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in South Lake Tahoe with kids.

What to do in South Lake Tahoe for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are lots of things to do in South Lake Tahoe for adults including Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe Casino and South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena.
Are there free things to do in South Lake Tahoe?
From visiting parks to wandering around vibrant neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in South Lake Tahoe. If you're looking for inspiration, get some tips from a local tour guide. Heavenly Valley is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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