South Lake Tahoe

Travel Guide

Emerald Bay State Park showing general coastal views
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

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

Heavenly Valley, Ski Resort at South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Valley

If you're spending some time in Heavenly Valley, Heavenly Ski Resort and Aerial Tramway are top sights worth seeing.

Heavenly Valley
Lake Tahoe Panoramic Overlook in Winter from Heavenly

Heavenly Village

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

Heavenly Village
A tourist man bathing sunrise at Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California

Lakeside Park

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Lakeside Park might not have many top sights, but Heavenly Gondola and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lakeside Park
best scenic view of south lake tahoe from top

Tahoe Paradise

While Tahoe Paradise isn't home to many top sights, Lake Valley State Recreation Area and Lake Tahoe Golf Course are some notable places to visit nearby.

Tahoe Paradise
Emerald Bay, lac Tahoe

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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Montgomery Estates

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Montgomery Estates and surrounding area, you can visit Tahoe Mountain Wedding Chapel and Heavenly Ski Resort.

Montgomery Estates
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is RM386 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
RM386
RM681 total
10 Feb - 11 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,430 reviews)
Clean , great location

Reviewed on 31 Jan 2026

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Hotel Becket, BW Signature Collection

Hotel Becket, BW Signature Collection

3 out of 5
4003 Lake Tahoe Boulevard South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is RM377 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
RM377
RM439 total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,197 reviews)
Place was nice and clean but with very limited parking. Even tho you have to pay for parking, one night I wasn’t able to find a spot where to park. I had to park my car outside the hotel on the street and make sure I moved my car early in the morning next day. I was on the first floor and I could ...

Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026

Hotel Becket, BW Signature Collection
Station House Inn - Near Heavenly Gondola

Station House Inn - Near Heavenly Gondola

3 out of 5
South Lake Tahoe CA
Stay at this beach hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,142 reviews)
The roomy king had plenty of space for our snowboard trip and felt clean and comfortable. We appreciated the heat lamp option in the bathroom and the many wall hooks to hang our snow apparel. The bed is on the softer side. Our room was on the ground floor beside the staircase, so Saturday was quite ...

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Station House Inn - Near Heavenly Gondola
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 Americana Village

The Americana Village

2 out of 5
3845 Pioneer Trl South Lake Tahoe CA
Stay at this beach aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,551 reviews)
The room was super cute and very clean

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

The Americana Village
Stardust Lodge

Stardust Lodge

2.5 out of 5
4061 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
Stay at this beach aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (799 reviews)
Good customer service, room was clean

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Stardust Lodge
Tahoe Beach & Ski Club

Tahoe Beach & Ski Club

3 out of 5
3601 Lake Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe CA
Stay at this beach condo in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
proximity to lake tahoe

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026

Tahoe Beach & Ski 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.

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.

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