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Lake Tahoe
California
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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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Attraction in Lake TahoeEd Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park -
Attraction in South Lake Tahoe & StatelineTallac Historic Site -
Attraction in South Lake Tahoe & StatelineEmerald Bay State Park -
Attraction in South Lake Tahoe & StatelineFannette Island -
Attraction in South Lake Tahoe & StatelineVikingsholm Castle -
Attraction in Lake TahoeDonner Lake -
Attraction in Lake TahoeTahoe Meadows - Attraction in Lake TahoeDL Bliss State Park
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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.
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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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Transportation
Here's a handy guide to easily navigate Lake Tahoe, an all-season alpine and lake adventure mecca.
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Best Road Trips
Lake Tahoe is an excellent base camp for a handful of memorable road trips. Here, our five favorite.
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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.
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Lake Tahoe and beyond
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destinationSouth Lake Tahoe & Stateline
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