South Lake Tahoe

Travel Guide

Emerald Bay State Park showing general coastal views
D. L. Bliss State Park featuring boating and general coastal views
Pope Beach featuring general coastal views, bird life and a beach
South Lake Tahoe which includes a bay or harbor as well as an individual male
Eagle Falls Trail featuring a river or creek

Come to this Lake Tahoe destination in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada to ski in winter, swim in summer and enjoy a lively nightlife year-round.

South Lake Tahoe is the adventure capital of the spectacular Lake Tahoe region. Enjoy sandy beaches, ski resorts, hiking trails and year-round nightlife amid breathtaking natural scenery. South Lake Tahoe lies between the south banks of Lake Tahoe and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

South Lake Tahoe’s commercial centre is at one end of the town adjacent to the California/Nevada stateline, home to restaurants, hotels and retail outlets. Learn about the region’s history at the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum. See wildlife and landscape photography displays at the Jon Paul Gallery and rotating exhibitions by local artists at the Tahoe Art League.

The beaches of South Lake Tahoe are ideal for relaxation and watersports. Rent a paddleboat or kayak from Ski Run Marina to explore the lake’s calm water. Try water skiing and wakeboarding or relax on the shore with a picnic while enjoying the scenery and sunsets. Just a 20-minute drive from the town centre is Emerald Bay State Park. Discover secluded beaches lined with pine forests. Take a guided tour of the Scandinavian-style castle, Vikingsholm.

Ride the Heavenly Gondola cable car from South Lake Tahoe town centre toHeavenly Mountain Resort. Admire the views from the observation deck perched on a 9,123-foot (2,780-metre) high peak. Come in the winter to ski and snowboard on almost 100 runs. When the snow melts the resort transforms into a summer sports hub. Travel on a 3,300-foot (1,000-metre) long zip line or enjoy a hot air balloon ride. Hike or bike along trails to enjoy panoramas of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Go out after dark to experience South Lake Tahoe’s nightlife. Find bars and nightclubs situated in the town centre. Alternatively, make the short walk into Nevada for a night out at the casinos and entertainment centres.

South Lake Tahoe is a popular destination offering a mix of culture, entertainment and natural beauty. Get here by flying to Tahoe-Reno International Airport, which is a 1-hour drive away. Rent a car to visit other Lake Tahoe outdoor recreation centres, including Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe.

Where to stay in South Lake Tahoe

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Montgomery Estates

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Montgomery Estates and surrounding area, you can visit Heavenly Valley Creek and Bijou Community Park.

Montgomery Estates
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Lakeside Park

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Lakeside Park might not have many top sights, but Casino at Harveys Lake Tahoe and Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lakeside Park
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Heavenly Village

While visiting Heavenly Village, you might make a stop by sights like The Shops at Heavenly Village and Heavenly Gondola.

Heavenly Village
Sugar Bowl showing landscape views, mountains and snow

Al Tahoe

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Al Tahoe, Regan Beach and El Dorado Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Al Tahoe
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Tahoe Meadows

When in Tahoe Meadows, you can plan a visit to Casino at Harveys Lake Tahoe and Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Tahoe Meadows
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Tahoe Keys

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Tahoe Keys and surrounding area, you can visit Lake Tahoe Balloons and Pope Beach.

Tahoe Keys
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,944 reviews)
"You can't go wrong staying in this hotel and very decent rates. Enjoy!"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort South

Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort South

4 out of 5
901 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is RM355 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
RM355
RM553 total
21 Oct - 22 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"The hotel is right on Lake Tahoe. We did not have a view but walked out of the door to the beach. Very convenient to gorgeous area sites. In winter, this hotel is so close to skiing!"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort South
3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club

3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club

3 out of 5
931 Park Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is RM249 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
RM249
RM296 total
10 Nov - 11 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,552 reviews)
"Went in with modest expectations for a last-minute trip but I ended up absolutely loving this place. Way nicer and cooler than it needed to be. I'd come back anytime."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Lodge at Lake Tahoe

The Lodge at Lake Tahoe

3 out of 5
3840 Pioneer Trail, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly apartment in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Casino at Harrah's ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (258 reviews)
"This property was very conveniently located to shops, dining and the casinos. Approximately a 15-minute walk. It felt very safe. The property was clean. We had one of the one bedroom suites with full kitchen. It was adequately supplied and we liked having a full size refrigerator so we could bring ..."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

The Lodge at Lake Tahoe
Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe

Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified vacation home in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, a health club, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,825 reviews)
"Beautiful property great staff highly recommended."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
The Americana Village

The Americana Village

2 out of 5
3845 Pioneer Trl, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,486 reviews)
"Clean room, spacious."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

The Americana Village
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of South Lake Tahoe

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
22
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful lake area and fabulous resort.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

There is a nice restaurant names the lakes house.You should try if you visit South Lake Tahoe.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

It’s very touristy and commercial. If you prefer to get away from busy crowds and shops, head to the north shore for a much more rustic, and authentic experience.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Everything on hand,great choice of restaurants.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

South Lake Tahoe is the largest city on the shores of Lake Tahoe. It is very tourist-orientated. There are many clothing and gift shops and lots of good restaurants.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved it, strongly recommended.