Lake Tahoe

Shimmering in myriad shades of blue and green, Lake Tahoe is the USA’s second-deepest lake and, at 6245ft high, it is also one of the highest-elevation lakes in the country. Driving around the spellbinding 72-mile scenic shoreline will give you quite a workout behind the wheel. Generally, the north shore is quiet and upscale; the west shore, rugged and old-timey; the east shore, undeveloped; the south shore, busy and tacky, with aging motels and flashy casinos; and nearby Reno, the biggest little city in the region.

A paddleboarder goes for a morning cruise around the shore of Tahoe City. Lake Tahoe is a high alpine lake located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California.
1371032025

Getty Images

Book
Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026
Book

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026

Shop $19.99 USD
App
Lonely Planet App on a phone
Brand New!

Get the Lonely Planet App

World Nomads travel insurance
Trusted Partner

Dreaming of Lake Tahoe? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your United States (USA) trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Time to book that trip to The USA

Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.

Top places to visit in Lake Tahoe

Discover the best attractions in Lake Tahoe from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Travel Guides

Lake Tahoe travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

From kayaking and heading up high in a gondola to festivals and live theater, these are the best things to do in and around Lake Tahoe.


Read full article

Best Time to Visit

Come in summer or come in winter, just come to Lake Tahoe, which reliably hosts a playful array of outdoor activities year-round.


Read full article

Transportation

Here's a handy guide to easily navigate Lake Tahoe, an all-season alpine and lake adventure mecca.


Read full article

Best Road Trips

Lake Tahoe is an excellent base camp for a handful of memorable road trips. Here, our five favorite.


Read full article

Accessibility

Lake Tahoe is a one of a kind destination famous not only for its world-renowned alpine ski resorts but also its beautiful beaches.


Read full article

Lake Tahoe and beyond