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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Latest Stories
- Kaidi Stroud | Apr 24, 2026The Best Time to Visit Lake Tahoe
- Tamara Gane | Nov 27, 2025The Best Road Trips near Lake Tahoe
- Tamara Gane | Jul 7, 2025A Guide to Lake Tahoe’s Best Beaches (and Where to Park)
- Anita Isalska | Jun 25, 202515 Budget Tips for a Splurge-Worthy Lake Tahoe Trip
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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.
- Attraction in CaliforniaEd Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
- Attraction in CaliforniaEmerald Bay State Park
- Attraction in South Lake Tahoe & StatelineTallac Historic Site
- Attraction in CaliforniaDesolation Wilderness
- Attraction in CaliforniaDL Bliss State Park
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Attraction in CaliforniaDonner Summit & Donner Memorial State Park - Attraction in South Lake Tahoe & StatelineHeavenly Gondola
- Attraction in CaliforniaKings Beach State Recreation Area
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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Free Things to Do
Lake Tahoe is home to one of the US's most wealthy areas, but that doesn’t mean a visit to the lake’s natural beauty has to be expensive.
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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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Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.
Lake Tahoe and beyond
- destinationSouth Lake Tahoe & Stateline
