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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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Attractions
Must-see attractions for your itinerary
Emerald Bay State Park
South Lake Tahoe & Stateline
Sheer granite cliffs and a jagged shoreline hem in glacier-carved Emerald Bay, a teardrop cove that will have you digging for your camera. Its most…
Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park
Lake Tahoe
The largest, and arguably most luxurious of the state parks at Lake Tahoe, Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine State Park (formerly known as Sugar Pine State Park), sits…
Tallac Historic Site
South Lake Tahoe & Stateline
Three 1920s-era estates – Baldwin, Pope and Valhalla – sprawl across this 150-acre site on the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe. Free, self-guided tours wind…
Inspiration Point
South Lake Tahoe & Stateline
Swoon-worthy views of Emerald Bay, as the camera-wielding crowds testify.
DL Bliss State Park
Lake Tahoe
DL Bliss State Park has the western shore's nicest beaches at Lester Beach and Calawee Cove. A short nature trail leads to the Balancing Rock, a giant…
Heavenly Gondola
South Lake Tahoe & Stateline
Soar to the top of the world as you ride this gondola, which sweeps you from Heavenly Village to some 2.4 miles up the mountain in just 12 minutes. From…
Kings Beach State Recreation Area
Lake Tahoe
In summer much of the action focuses on Kings Beach State Recreation Area, a 700ft-long beach that often gets deluged with sun-seekers and water rats. You…
Vikingsholm Castle
South Lake Tahoe & Stateline
Heiress Lora Knight's quirky mansion on the bay, Vikingsholm Castle is the focal point of Emerald Bay State Park, and a rare example of ancient…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Transportation
Here's a handy guide to easily navigate Lake Tahoe, an all-season alpine and lake adventure mecca.
Read articleFree 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.
Read articleBest Road Trips
Lake Tahoe and the surrounding region offer incredible destinations for numerous unforgettable excursions, any time of year.
Read articleAccessibility
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 articleArticles
Latest stories from Lake Tahoe
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Wildlife & Nature
Lake Tahoe's alpine waters are the clearest in decades. Here's whyMay 11, 2023 • 2 min read
Road TripsSee mining towns and mountain tops on these Lake Tahoe road tripsAug 27, 2021 • 8 min read
Guidebooks
Purchase our award-winning guidebooks
Get to the heart of Lake Tahoe with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.
