Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, South Lake Tahoe emerges as one of the most captivating mountain towns, boasting the jewel of Lake Tahoe as its centerpiece. With a mesmerizing blend of ski resorts, sun-kissed beaches like El Dorado Beach with inviting picnic areas, and a spirited nightlife seamlessly mingling with the adjacent casinos of Stateline, Nevada, this destination promises a dynamic array of experiences. Van Sickle Bi-State Park, graced by wooded trails and enchanting lake vistas, beckons adventurers, while the Nordic-style marvel of Vikingsholm within Emerald Bay State Park transports visitors to another era.

While Lake Tahoe often teems with tourists during its peak season, savvy travelers know that the true allure of this locale unveils itself during the serenity of spring and fall. The crowds recede from April to May and September to November, offering an intimate communion with the natural splendor that defines this region. The endlessly beautiful towns surrounding the lake are also worth a visit.

Things To Do

For those headed to the South Lake Tahoe area, get ready to see Mother Nature like never before. Here are ten things to do in South Lake Tahoe, plus other valuable tips, tricks, and suggestions.

Related: 10 Most Scenic Spots In The Sierra Nevadas For Picturesque Moments

1
Van Sickle Bi-State Park

• Address: 30 Lake Pkwy, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

One thing to do while in South Lake Tahoe is to visit Van Sickle Bi-State Park, a public recreation area straddling the border of California and Nevada. What’s unique here is that the park covers two states, allowing visitors to seamlessly walk between California AND Nevada.

2
Tallac Historic Site

• Address: 1 Heritage Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Hours: Friday – Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM

The next thing to do in South Lake Tahoe, California, is to check out the Tallac Historic Site. Here is where people can explore the site of two historic homes, open seasonally, with exhibits, tours & events & costumed interpreters. Most guests spend a few hours here.

3
Pope Beach

• Address: CA-89, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM

Pope Beach is a favorite among locals and tourists. Here is where people can explore the quaint beach, see dunes and nature, and take a dip in the cool, clear water. Pope Beach also has swimming, picnic areas, and cycling opportunities.

Related: Springtime Serenity: 10 Charming Towns Around Lake Tahoe To Visit This Season

4
Emerald Bay State Park

• Address: California 96150
• Hours: Sunrise to sunset
• Tickets: $10 per person

For those wanting to spend the whole day enjoying nature, Emerald Bay State Park is a nice option. Here, guests can enjoy the vast property, boasting Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay, a National Natural Landmark. People will also see Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm, a 38-room mansion.

5
South Lake Brewing Company

• Address: 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Hours: Mon-Wed 2-8:30, Thurs 4-9, Fri-Sun 12-9

Another idea for South Lake Tahoe visitors is seeing the South Lake Brewing Company. Here, guests will enjoy the small-town, community-focused brewery in South Lake Tahoe, California. All beers offered here are brewed in-house, making this a nice way to support local business.

6
Tahoe Trout Farm

• Address: 1023 Blue Lake Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

The next thing to do in South Lake Tahoe, California, is to check out Tahoe Trout Farm, a unique fishing pond open to the public. Here, people can go fishing on the dock and enjoy a day out in the open.

Check with the location’s official site before heading out, as they close periodically throughout the year.

7
Vikingsholm

• Address: CA-89, Tahoma, CA 96142
• Hours: Open daily from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• Tickets: $5 general admission

For those wanting to embrace their inner Viking, visiting Vikingsholm is worth considering. Here, guests of South Lake Tahoe can step back into the Viking era, visiting this 38-room mansion on the shore of Emerald Bay.

It’s on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been called “one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America.”

8
Lakeside Beach

• Address: 4081 Lakeshore Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Another beach idea in South Lake Tahoe is Lakeside Beach. Here, people can enjoy a fun day in the sand and one of the finest sand stretches on Lake Tahoe. During peak seasons, there may be an entry fee, so that’s something to be wary of.

9
The Shops At Heavenly Village

• Address: 1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Mon-Thurs 10 AM to 8 PM, Fri-Sat 10 AM to 9 PM, Sun 10 AM to 7 PM

Shopping in South Lake Tahoe is always a great idea, especially at The Shops at Heavenly Village. Here is where guests can enjoy a ski village complex of 40+ shops & restaurants, with a cinema, outdoor ice-skating & live music.

Related: 10 Amazing Lakes In California Besides Lake Tahoe

10
South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena

• Address: 1176 Rufus Allen Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Hours: Open daily from 12-8:30 PM

Ice skating in South Lake Tahoe is also an option, with the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena being the perfect venue for families or groups. Here, guests can enjoy the arena, offering daily ice skating, lessons, hockey camps, a café, a video arcade, party rooms, and quality skate rentals.

11
Best Time To Visit South Lake Tahoe, California

• Best time to come: Spring or fall

For those wanting to see gorgeous South Lake Tahoe, California, the best time to do this is April to May and September to November. Because summers here are crowded and priced higher than usual, it’s better to wait until the off or ‘shoulder’ seasons. Spring and fall tend to be these.

Skiing will start in November and run through the early spring. That’s the best time for snow lovers to visit South Lake Tahoe, although the weather may result in road closures, delayed or canceled flights, and power outages. It gets wild at the lake!

12
Best Ways To Get Around South Lake Tahoe, California

• Best way around: Renting a car

Getting around South (and North) Lake Tahoe can be a bit tricky for those coming to the area. Typically, it is better to rent a vehicle to drive between destinations here. Furthermore, South Lake Tahoe is the more popular side, offering more in terms of transportation.

For instance, someone can easily grab a taxi/rideshare to get from point A to B or get on a city bus in the summer. Fares will be between $0 and $4 for a one-way ride. Lake-Link also runs in a select section of the south shore and is free for riders.

13
Where To Eat In South Lake Tahoe

For those wanting to plan restaurants in South Lake Tahoe, the options are endless. Here are choices for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks.

Breakfast: Heidi’s Pancake House

• Address: 3485 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Serving: Homey breakfast & lunch purveyor serving hearty fare, including many egg dishes & hot sandwiches.

Lunch: Driftwood Café

• Address: 1001 Heavenly Village Way #1a, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Serving: Breakfast & lunch, including locally roasted coffee & homemade soups.

Dinner: Riva Grill On the Lake

• Address: 900 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Serving: American fare, rum drinks, a mahogany interior (inspired by Riva boats) & lake views.

Drinks: McP’s Taphouse Grill

• Address: 4125 Lake Tahoe Blvd A, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Serving: Popular Irish spot featuring local talent & traditional pub fare along with beer & spirits.

14
Where To Stay In South Lake Tahoe, California

Regarding hotel options in South Lake Tahoe, there will be plenty to choose from. Whether someone prefers a ski resort, a cabin in the woods, or something affordable, there is something for them.

Ski resorts tend to be most sought after in the North and South areas of the lake, but they’ll cost more money. However, being right near a mountain/slope is worth the price for many.

Budget: Travel Inn

• Address: 3536 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Free parking, Flat-screen TV

Budget: Black Jack Inn

• Address: 985 Park Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, Free parking, Flat-screen TV, Free toiletries

Budget: Bluelake Inn at Tahoe

• Address: 944 Friday Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Amenities: Private beach, Outdoor pool, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Free Parking, Business center

Mid-Tier: The Coachman Hotel

• Address: 4100 Pine Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Amenities: Outdoor pool, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee shop

Mid-Tier: Hotel Becket

• Address: 4003 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Amenities: Outdoor pool, Restaurant, Room service, Coffee machine, Valet parking

Mid-Tier: 3 Peaks Resort And Beach Club

• Address: 931 Park Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Amenities: Private beach, Outdoor pool, Bicycle rental, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Free parking

Luxury: Resthaven Tahoe

• Address: 4145 Manzanita Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Amenities: Private beach, Free Wi-Fi, Private bathroom, Terrace/Patio, Balcony

Luxury: The Landing Resort And Spa

• Address: 4104 Lakeshore Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
• Amenities: Beachfront, Outdoor pool, Spa and wellness center, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service

Luxury: Edgewood Tahoe Resort

• Address: 180 Lake Parkway, Stateline, NV 89449
• Amenities: Private beach, Water sports facilities (on site), Outdoor pool, Spa and wellness center, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge

15
Tips For Staying In South Lake Tahoe, California

For people heading to South Lake Tahoe, CA, there are some things to remember. First, the busiest times of year are summer and winter. Because of the perfect ski and lake conditions during both seasons, South Lake Tahoe quickly comes alive.

Typically, waking up early and getting the day started is the best way to avoid crowds. If not, you may be stuck in long lines at attractions, restaurants, and shops. South Lake Tahoe is a premier destination, so with that might come additional prices. Budget accordingly.

Related: North Vs. South Lake Tahoe: Which Is Better, According To Reddit

16
How To Spend The Perfect Day In South Lake Tahoe

Spending the perfect day in South Lake Tahoe shouldn’t be a challenge. First, wake up early, head to a cafe in town, and get on the road. Make a stop in Emerald Bay State Park, going for a hike (or two) for a few hours.

From there, venture back to the streets of South Tahoe, enjoying some shopping at The Shops at Heavenly Village, where food will also be available.

As you wrap up the day, get back to the hotel and put on something nice for dinner. Head back out to a water-front eatery, enjoying the sunset in stunning South Lake Tahoe. Cheers!