Lake Tahoe

California

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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

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Why visit 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.

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Top places to visit in Lake Tahoe

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

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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 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.

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Lake Tahoe and beyond

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