Travel Destinations A-Z Lake Tahoe Travel Guide By Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Instagram Patricia Doherty brings a wide variety of experiences to her writing. Her background includes the airline industry, corporate management, education, writing, and editing. Combining this with her love of travel, she has spent the past five years writing for Travel + Leisure's digital edition and other publications, covering destinations, resorts, cruises, luggage, restaurants, and travel guides. She'll tell you that without question, she has finally found the perfect career. * 10+ years of experience working at United Airlines, where she recruited flight attendants, pilots, and ground personnel, and held management roles in customer service, inflight services, and human resources * 15+ years of experience working in human resources management in the tech and financial industries * 11 years of experience teaching English language arts at a middle school in California's Coachella Valley, where she formed a writers' club for students interested in creative writing * Edited the book "The Urban School Improvement Plan" by author Julius Lockett * Received a bachelor's degree in English and communication arts from St. John's University in New York City * Received a master's degree in reading and language arts from the California State University, San Bernardino Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on March 9, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Photo: Amit Basu Photography/Getty Images Lake Tahoe, located in the Sierra Nevadas in northeastern California, is the largest alpine lake in North America. The deep blue water, mountains, pine-scented air, rocky shoreline, and clear skies, all located 6,225 feet above sea level, make Lake Tahoe a prime year-round destination. In winter, snow sports attract visitors to ski resorts, and in summer, an abundance of outdoor activities, including swimming, boating, hiking, camping, biking, and nature walks, call to active travelers. Two states share Lake Tahoe. A north to south vertical line divides the lake, with the eastern third in Nevada and the western side in California. In addition to the state line, an imaginary east-west boundary creates North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe South, a distinction to help travelers when planning a visit. The gateway for most visitors arriving by air is Reno-Tahoe International Airport, located about 60 miles northeast of Lake Tahoe. The Reno-Tahoe Territory and Reno, Nevada are destinations in themselves. Time Zone Pacific Standard Time Zone (adjusted seasonally to Daylight Savings Time) Best Time to Go jimveilleux/Getty Images Lake Tahoe is a popular vacation destination throughout the year, with skiing and snowboarding in winter, beaches and boating in summer, and crisp, clear weather in spring and fall. From about the end of November through late March, ski resorts welcome snow sports fans who undoubtedly believe that winter is the best time at Lake Tahoe. Summer visitors who head to the shore, marinas, resort pools, golf courses, and campsites come for the warm weather, sunshine, and clear waters of the lake. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking, biking, and scenic drives around the lake. Things to Know Cheri Gagne/Getty Images Lake Tahoe comprises three main areas; South Lake Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe, and Reno-Tahoe. Here is what you need to know about each destination. South Lake Tahoe South Lake Tahoe (also referred to as Tahoe South) includes the city of South Lake Tahoe on the California side, which is the largest city around the lake. Downtown features shopping, restaurants, bars, and pedestrian-friendly Heavenly Village. On the Nevada side of Tahoe South, there's nightlife, dining, entertainment, and four casino resorts. North Lake Tahoe With its stunning granite boulder coastline, the north shore includes small cities and towns in both California and Nevada. Described as a quieter, nature-focused area, North Lake Tahoe offers casinos, entertainment, and a wide range of places to stay. Reno-Tahoe The area, also referred to as the Reno-Tahoe Territory, encompasses mountains, meadows, urban cities, old-west style towns, casinos, and outdoor activities. The city of Reno, "The Biggest Little City in the World," offers casinos, restaurants, nightlife, museums, and year-round events. Need more? Here are a few fun facts about Lake Tahoe: The scenic drive around the entire lake covers 72 miles. Lake Tahoe's tap water has been named the best tasting water in the country. The 1960 Winter Olympics were held in Lake Tahoe at Squaw Valley, now called Palisades Tahoe, out of respect for Native American women. How to Get Around Reno-Tahoe International Airport: From the airport, North Lake Tahoe Express provides year-round scheduled service to the North Lake Tahoe-Truckee region with local connections. South Tahoe Airporter offers door-to-door transportation to South Lake Tahoe hotels and residences. RTC 's bus service goes to downtown Reno and Carson City, where travelers can connect to buses for other destinations. Tahoe Truckee area Regional Transport provides bus service in the North Lake Tahoe region. Tahoe Transportation System manages several bus routes in the South Lake Tahoe area. Most major resorts offer free shuttles to and from the slopes during ski season. Check with your accommodations for schedule and availability. Best Hotels South Lake Tahoe Edgewood Tahoe Thomas Hart Shelby/Courtesy of Edgewood Tahoe Website Address: 180 Lake ParkwayStateline, Nevada 89449Phone: 888 881-8659Website This five-star shorefront resort features a world-class spa, stunning lake views, sandy beach, upscale and casual dining, heated outdoor pool, and a championship golf course and is home to the annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship. During snow season, onsite ski butlers deliver snowboarding and ski equipment to guest accommodations, and the ski shuttle takes skiers to nearby Heavenly Mountain. The Landing Lake Tahoe Resort & Spa Courtesy of The Landing Lake Tahoe Resort & Spa Website Address: 4104 Lakeshore BoulevardSouth Lake Tahoe, California 96150Phone: 530 541-5263Website With a lakeside location, spa, heated outdoor pool, and semi-private beach, The Landing is ideal for year-round visitors. The Landing is just minutes from Heavenly Village for skiing in winter and sightseeing Gondola rides in summer. Guests can dine on California cuisine at Jimmy's restaurant in private dining alcoves, some of which come with their own fireplaces. Zalanta Resort at the Village Website Address: 4101 Lake Tahoe BoulevardSouth Lake Tahoe, California 96150Phone: 866 331-6944Website Luxurious two, three, and four-bedroom residences feature gourmet kitchens, spacious living areas, private balconies, fitness center, pool, and hot tub. Just steps from the Heavenly Gondola, Zalanta is also conveniently located for shopping, restaurants, ice rink, mini-golf, movie theater, live music, and Stateline casinos. Basecamp South Lake Tahoe Website Address: 4143 Cedar AvenueSouth Lake Tahoe, California 96150Phone: 530 208-0180Website Located in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, a five-minute walk to the lake and the Heavenly Gondola, Basecamp is a boutique hotel with 73 rooms, including a mountain view suite and family room that accommodates up to eight guests. There's a Courtyard, Picnic Deck, and Beer Garden with cornhole, table tennis, and fire pits for roasting s'mores. Harrah's Lake Tahoe Website Address: 15 Highway 50Stateline, Nevada 89449Phone: 800 427-7247Website The 18-story, 512-room hotel offers two full floors of luxury suites in addition to deluxe standard guest rooms with soundproof walls, blackout curtains, and lake or mountain views. There's plenty to do with an indoor pool, spa, and 24-hour casino with table games, slots, video poker, and more. North Lake Tahoe The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe Website Address: 13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands CourtTruckee, California 96161Phone: 530 562-3000Website This luxury resort, located about 15 minutes from the lake, offers guest rooms and suites, and slopeside residences as large as three and four bedrooms. The ski-in/ski-out family-friendly destination includes fine dining, a casual café, bars, and Highlands Spa, for relaxing treatments — perfect after a day of skiing or hiking. In summer, guests can shuttle to the exclusive Lake Club for boating and water activities. Northstar California Resort Website Address: 100 Northstar DriveTruckee, California 96161Phone: 800 466-6784Website This family destination sits on more than 3,000 acres, with 19 lifts, a cross-country center, ice skating, fat tire biking, and a 2,280 ft. vertical drop of alpine terrain for winter sports. In summer, it's a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors with swimming, golf, hiking, and more. The resort also offers a variety of places to stay, including private homes, condos, and lodges in a range of prices for every budget. Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino Courtesy of Hilton Website Address: 111 Country Club DriveIncline Village, Nevada 89451Phone: 775 832-1234Website Set among tall pine trees and the Sierra Nevadas, this waterfront resort features spacious guest rooms, suites, and private waterfront cottages. The resort offers a casino, spa, sandy beach, year-round lagoon-style pool, and various restaurants and lounges, including beachfront dining in summer. PlumpJack Inn Website Address: 1920 Squaw Valley RoadOlympic Valley, California 96146Phone: 800 323-7666Website This pet-friendly lodge-style resort near the north shore features 55 guest rooms and suites, upscale and casual dining, and is steps away from the Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram with ski-in/ski-out access in winter. The onsite Inn Shop offers convenient ski and snowboard equipment rentals. In summer, there's an outdoor swimming pool and complimentary cruiser bike rentals, as well as nearby trails for hiking and mountain biking. Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort Courtesy of Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort Website Address: 6834 North Lake BoulevardTahoe Vista, California 96148Phone: 530 546-9500Website Views of the lake, patios, plush furnishings and spacious suites equipped with conveniences like refrigerators, microwaves, and coffeemakers make this lakefront boutique resort a popular family escape. One-bedroom forest-side cabins with private decks are also available. A stay at the resort includes access to hydro-bikes, paddle Boards, kayaks, fire pits, BBQ grills, hot tubs, and hiking trails. Reno-Tahoe Atlantis Casino Resort Spa Website Address: 3800 S. Virginia StreetReno, Nevada 89502Phone: 775 825-4700Website This luxury resort is set in the heart of south Reno's entertainment district. It has various rooms and suites featuring city views, a casino, spa, salon, fitness center, a year-round indoor pool, and a seasonal outdoor pool with cabanas. The Atlantis Fun Center offers arcade games, music, and prizes. Dining venues include a steakhouse, sushi bar, deli, cocktail lounges, and casual spots. Peppermill Resort Spa Casino Website Address: 2707 S. Virginia StreetReno, Nevada 89502Phone: 866 821-9996Website Guests can find a variety of accommodations at this accommodation, including the Peppermill Tower Suites, Spa Suites, and Tuscany Tower rooms with mountain and city views, private foyers, and hand-painted Italian art. Dining venues include Bimini Steakhouse, seafood at Oceano, cocktail lounges, and casual cafés. The plush casino has classic games and Sports Book, and there's nightly live music for entertainment. Best Restaurants South Lake Tahoe Edgewood Restaurant Website Address: 180 Lake ParkwayStateline, Nevada 89449Phone: 855 681-0119Website Stunning lake views are the backdrop for luxury dining with an extensive wine list and entrees from prime beef to Smoked Elk Loin and Pan-seared Branzino. The service is excellent, and the elegant room is gorgeous at sunset. Cafe Fiore Website Address: 1169 Ski Run BoulevardSouth Lake Tahoe, California 96150Phone: 530 541-2908Website This intimate restaurant serves generous portions of classic and modern Italian entrees. The menu includes creative pastas like Fettuccine alla Calabrese, with artichokes, pine nuts, olives, and broccoli, along with seafood and traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Ciera Steak and Chophouse Courtesy of Bally’s Lake Tahoe Casino Resort Website Address: 55 US-50Stateline, Nevada 89449Phone: 775 588-3515Website Steaks, chops, seafood, and vegetarian entrées are served in an elegant atmosphere along with an extensive selection of wines and champagnes. The restaurant offers Prix Fixe options in addition to menu items like lobster tails, Alaskan king crab, and Filet Oscar. North Lake Tahoe Christy Hill Website Address: 115 Grove StreetTahoe City, California 96145Phone: 530 583-8551Website Set just 100 feet above the shoreline with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe from every table, Christy Hill serves Modern American cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Diners can start with shared plates of house-marinated olives or Country Pork and Pistachio Paté and go on to enjoy entrées that include California Black Cod and Moroccan Spiced Lamb Loin. Lone Eagle Grille Vance Fox/Courtesy of Hyatt Website Address: 111 Country Club DriveIncline Village, Nevada 89451Phone: 775 886-6899Website Seasonal high-Sierra cuisine is served with views of Lake Tahoe in a setting that includes panoramic windows, wood beams, stone fireplace, and lodge-style decor, with al fresco dining during warmer months. Menu items include Linguini Bolognese, Bone-in Niman Ranch Pork Chop, and Angus Beef Short Rib, with excellent dessert and wine choices. Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar Website Address: 10142 Rue Hilltop RoadTruckee, CaliforniaPhone: 530 587-5711Website Set in a historic 1928 ski lodge, Cottonwood serves atmosphere and delicious farm-fresh food for dinner and weekend brunch. Small plates, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and entrées like New Zealand lamb, Braised Pork Shank, and Vegan Meatloaf are on the menu, along with Kids' menu favorites. Reno-Tahoe Fourk Kitchen Website Address: 4991 S. Virginia Street, Suite BReno, Nevada 89502Phone: 775 870-1000Website The concept created by owner Paul Jansen is unique: four nights a week, Wednesday through Saturday, there's one 24-person seating for a four-course dinner. Happy Hour starts at 5:30, dinner at 6:15, and the cost is $49. The menu changes monthly with items like Porcini Mushroom Ravioli with Roasted Garlic Pesto, Roasted Chicken Breast, and Tres Leches Chocolate Espresso Mousse. The Grill at Quail Corners Website Address: 6520 S. McCarran BoulevardReno, Nevada 89509Phone: 775 827-6262Website Open for lunch, dinner, and happy hour, this family-owned spot offers a wide array of appetizers, salads, pizza, seafood, and traditional entrees like Steak Frites, Cedar Plank Salmon, and Cioppino. Von Bismarck Matthew McIver/Courtesy of Von Bismarck Website Address: 805 South Wells AvenueReno, Nevada 89502Phone: 775 622-3687Website German and Eastern European dishes are the focus of the menu that includes Schnitzels, Berliner Curry Fries, and house fermented sauerkraut. There's a wide selection of German beers and wines from Germany and Austria. Things to do abbywilcox/Getty Images Winter sports — skiing, snowboarding, sledding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and fat-tire biking — bring in visitors from November through April. Ski resorts for all skill levels and budgets are located in North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe South. For summer visitors, dozens of beaches line the shores of Lake Tahoe, including Pope Beach, Sand Harbor, Baldwin Beach, El Dorado Beach & Boat Ramp, and Kiva Beach, to name a few. Several are dog-friendly, and guidelines are listed. Brandon B/Getty Images Hiking: Hiking trails for a wide variety of fitness levels attract visitors and locals to Tahoe South and North Lake Tahoe or look for day hiking ideas at Tahoe Rim Trail. Camping: Campgrounds are available in North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe South. State Parks with campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe area include Emerald Bay State Park, Washoe Meadows State Park, Lake Valley State Recreation Area, Golf: In summer, visitors have their choice of courses in North Lake Tahoe, Tahoe South, and Reno. Sand Harbor State Park offers picnicking, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, swimming in summer. The park also hosts the annual Shakespeare Festival. Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey's features world-class entertainment in a beautiful landscape from about July - September. Casino Gambling and Entertainment: Gambling is legal n the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe and in Reno. Casinos are located in North Lake Tahoe, Tahoe South, and Reno. Explore Lake Tahoe History at local museums and exhibits, many open only during summer months: Gatekeepers Museum, once the home of the Watermaster of Fanny Bridge in the early 1900s. Watson Cabin Museum, built in 1908, and the Marion Steinbach Basket Museum, featuring handmade Native American baskets. Vikingsholm, now located in Emerald Bay State Park, was one of the first summer homes at Lake Tahoe, built in the 1860s. The building is open from June - September. Lake Tahoe Historical Museum houses artifacts from pioneers, trappers, traders, miners, pioneers, and the Washoe, the area's first inhabitants. The Tallac Historic Site offers guided tours of a 1920s home. Best Shopping The Shops at Heavenly Village Shining Light Family Photography/Courtesy of The Shops at Heavenly Village Website Address: 1001 Heavenly Village WaySouth Lake Tahoe, CA 96150Website More than 40 shops in an outdoor setting offer clothing, accessories, jewelry, art, winter sports equipment, gifts, toys, and candy. There's an ice rink, 8-plex cinema, live theater, and dining spots featuring pizza, burgers, sushi, desserts, ice cream, and more. Boatworks at Lake Tahoe Website Address: 760 N. Lake BoulevardTahoe City, CA 96145Phone: 530 288-4999Website Accessible by land and water, Boatworks features a variety of shops offering clothing, accessories, jewelry, wine, home furnishings, candy, souvenirs, and toys. There's a stunning view of the lake from the shopping area and from two waterfront restaurants. Chateau at the Village Website Address: 4125 Lake Tahoe BoulevardSouth Lake Tahoe, CA 96150Website Shop for clothing, souvenirs, Lake Tahoe gifts, toys, metal art, and resort wear. Old West-style gear and cowboy-themed footwear and accessories are featured at Bonanza Boot & Leather, and several restaurant options include Ace High Saloon and McP's Taphouse Grill. The Summit - Reno Courtesy of The Summit Website Address: 13925 South Virginia StreetReno, Nevada 89511Phone: 775 853-7800Website This major shopping mall includes a luxury movie theater with stadium seating and plush lounges, several restaurants, boutiques, and major retailers including Apple, Dillard's, Lucky Brand Jeans, Old Navy, and Pottery Barn. Downtown Truckee in North Lake Tahoe features a wide range of shops for buying and browsing, from clothing and accessories to art, sports equipment, jewelry, gifts, and gourmet foods. Choose from coffee, pizza, burgers, seafood, baked goods, or a brewery stop during your shopping trip. Neighborhoods to Know albertc111/Getty Images Incline Village on the north shore in Nevada is home to hotels, restaurants, casinos, lakeside mansions, Lake Tahoe State Park, and Sand Harbor. The large town attracts visitors to beaches in summer and ski areas in winter. Truckee is a mountain town about 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe's north shore. Its western history and culture are still on display, and its downtown is a popular shopping area. In town, the Donner Monument commemorates the famous Donner Party pioneers. Tahoe City on the lake's west shore features restaurants, bars, beaches, and access to the Truckee River and Lake Tahoe Dam. Kings Beach is located on the north shore with shops, hotels, restaurants, Kings Beach State Recreation Area, and popular beaches for summer water sports. Ken Brown/PictureLake/Getty Images On the south shore in Nevada, Stateline is noted for its entertainment and casinos, with the state's legal gambling attracting visitors for many decades. Hotels featuring nightclubs, world-class performers, amenities, and restaurants are located in the Stateline area. On the California side, South Lake Tahoe is home to Emerald Bay State Park and Heavenly Ski resort. Weather Steve Dunleavy Photography/Getty Images The climate ranges from cold, snowy winters to sunny, clear summers. Snow falls as early as October and continues through April, with December, January, and February receiving the largest amounts, receiving at least 12 inches each month, according to WeatherSpark. Summers are dry with minimal rainfall, and even on warm days, the temperature is significantly cooler at night. Average low and high temperatures, all reported from the Lake Tahoe Airport: January: 18°F to 42°FFebruary: 21°F to 43°FMarch: 24°F to 48°FApril: 29°F to 54°FMay: 33°F to 62°FJune: 37,°F to 71°FJuly: 41°F to 79°FAugust: 40°F to 78°FSeptember: 36°F to 72°FOctober: 29°F to 61°FNovember: 25°F to 49°FDecember: 19°F to 42°F Apps to Download Courtesy of Tahoe South Tahoe South Planning App: for hotels, restaurants, shopping, activitiesiOs | Android TART Connect: Tahoe/Truckee Transit (TART) offers information on bus service and reserving curb-to-curb transportation.iOs | Android Uber: Request a ride in the Lake Tahoe areaiOs | Android Lyft: Request a ride in the Lake Tahoe areaiOs | Android Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit