Donner Lake Tours

Photo by Simon Matin
Photo by Terry Porter
Photo by Dawn Madden
Photo by Pon Xayavong Photography
Photo by Dawn Madden


Plan a trip to see Donner Lake

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hyatt Vacation Club at Northstar Lodge, Lake Tahoe
One Village Place Residences, Lake Tahoe
Silver Legacy Resort  Casino at THE ROW

Reviews of Donner Lake

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
293
5 - Excellent 51%
4 - Good
236
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
41
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

no photos

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Pristine, Small Lake Taho

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great views

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Saw via Amtrak

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Went skiing at donner ski ranch

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Donner Lake

Lakefront Cabin with private pier on Donner Lake

Lakefront Cabin with private pier on Donner Lake

Truckee
Lakefront Cabin with private pier on Donner Lake
Renovated Donner Lake Front 4 BR/4BA

Renovated Donner Lake Front 4 BR/4BA

Truckee
Renovated Donner Lake Front 4 BR/4BA
Quiet Lakefront Home Donner Lake w/ Large Private Dock!

Quiet Lakefront Home Donner Lake w/ Large Private Dock!

Truckee
Quiet Lakefront Home Donner Lake w/ Large Private Dock!
Donner Lakefront Remodeled Log Cabin | 180º Views | Private Pier | 2 Decks | Dog Friendly

Donner Lakefront Remodeled Log Cabin | 180º Views | Private Pier | 2 Decks | Dog Friendly

Truckee
Donner Lakefront Remodeled Log Cabin | 180º Views | Private Pier | 2 Decks | Dog Friendly
NEW - Donner Lakefront Luxury

NEW - Donner Lakefront Luxury

Truckee
NEW - Donner Lakefront Luxury
Spacious Donner Lakeview Home

Spacious Donner Lakeview Home

Truckee
Spacious Donner Lakeview Home
Stunning Tahoe Home with Views of Donner Lake Walk to Lake Dog OK

Stunning Tahoe Home with Views of Donner Lake Walk to Lake Dog OK

Truckee
Stunning Tahoe Home with Views of Donner Lake Walk to Lake Dog OK
Superb lakefront home with mountain/lake views, fireplace, tennis & washer/dryer

Superb lakefront home with mountain/lake views, fireplace, tennis & washer/dryer

Truckee
Superb lakefront home with mountain/lake views, fireplace, tennis & washer/dryer
Comfortable, multi-level cabin with amazing lake/mountain views & furnished deck

Comfortable, multi-level cabin with amazing lake/mountain views & furnished deck

Truckee
Comfortable, multi-level cabin with amazing lake/mountain views & furnished deck
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.

Things to do near Donner Lake

Donner Lake offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors, including skiing, swimming, and boating. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore adventurous hiking trails, while those seeking leisure can enjoy a golf trip or visit charming town attractions. Don’t miss the stunning views from the highlands gondola, making your trip to this beautiful destination truly unforgettable.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Donner Lake, head to Commercial Row, located 4 miles away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and local businesses. If you're up for a drive, check out Scott Chair and Tahoe City Farmers' Market, both about 11 and 12 miles away, respectively.

Recreation

At Coyote Moon Golf Course, enjoy a round of golf amidst beautiful landscapes just 3 miles from Donner Lake, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For relaxation, Olympic Valley Park offers serene wellness spaces 9 miles away, while the Village Ice Skating Rink, 8 miles from the lake, provides exciting adventure and entertainment.

Adventure

At Northstar California Resort, 8 miles from Donner Lake, enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding amid breathtaking mountain views. Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area, only 2 miles away, offers thrilling slopes for skiers of all levels. Sugar Bowl Resort, 4 miles from the lake, combines adventure and sports in a stunning alpine setting.

Nightlife

At Donner Lake, the nightlife is vibrant and inviting. The Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema, located 12 miles away, offers a unique blend of culture and entertainment, perfect for a romantic evening or family outing. Enjoy captivating films in a cozy atmosphere for a memorable night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Donner Lake

Donner Lake offers a wealth of outdoor adventures, from skiing at local resorts to exploring the scenic beauty of the nearby state parks and preserves. Visitors can enjoy stunning lake views, unwind at the Truckee Donner Lodge, and take leisurely strolls around the Donner Lake area. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, this picturesque destination is perfect for making lasting memories in the California wilderness.

  • Palisades Tahoe: Located 9 miles from Donner Lake, this renowned ski resort offers thrilling skiing and snowboarding experiences amidst breathtaking mountain views. In the summer, enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking, making it a year-round adventure destination.
  • Donner Memorial State Park: Just 3 miles away, this national park features stunning scenery and rich history. Explore trails that wind through beautiful landscapes and learn about the historic Donner Party while enjoying outdoor activities like picnicking and hiking.
  • West End Beach: Only 1 mile from Donner Lake, West End Beach is a perfect spot for relaxation and fun. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities while taking in the picturesque views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Best time to go to Donner Lake

The best time to visit Donner Lake is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January29.8°F (-1.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February29.8°F (-1.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly High
March32.7°F (0.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
May47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June58.1°F (14.5°C)No RainSunnyHighAverage
July66.9°F (19.4°C)No RainSunnyHighSlightly High
August65.1°F (18.4°C)No RainSunnyHighAverage
September59.0°F (15.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October47.7°F (8.7°C)Light RainSunnyLowSlightly Low
November36.0°F (2.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
December28.8°F (-1.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Donner Lake

To save money on your trip to Donner Lake, consider visiting in April or October to November, when prices are lower compared to peak months like February, July, and December. Tuesdays are the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are the most costly. Use Expedia's search tool to find affordable hotel options and consider booking a package deal for additional savings on flights and activities. Joining the One Key membership can also unlock exclusive discounts and cash rewards for future stays, making your trip even more budget-friendly.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Donner Lake are April and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Donner Lake is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Donner Lake is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type. For instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you’ll be shown sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Donner Lake with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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