South Lake Tahoe

Travel Guide

A clear turquoise lake surrounded by dense green forest and distant mountains.
A boat on a turquoise lake surrounded by tall trees and mountains.
A marina with several boats docked, a person in a red shirt, and mountains in the background.
A fast-flowing river with large rocks and green foliage.
A person kayaking on clear, shallow water with visible rocks beneath.

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

Find the best South Lake Tahoe areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about South Lake Tahoe
Learn more about South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Village

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

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.

Al Tahoe

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

Bijou Pines

While Bijou Pines isn't home to many top sights, Heavenly Gondola and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino are some notable places to visit nearby.

Lakeside Park

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.

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is RM731 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
RM731
RM1,084 total
2 Aug - 3 Aug
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,970 reviews)
"Nice place to stay, especially with family. Room was spacious and well maintained. The HVAC unit in the room is quite noisy, so bring earplugs if you need quiet when sleeping. Also, had a helluva time getting my Macbook connected to wifi. I got it to work once during my 3 night stay, but then couldn’t ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2026

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Hotel Azure

Hotel Azure

3 out of 5
3300 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is RM853 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
RM853
RM971 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,175 reviews)
"Very spacious room with a furnished balcony overlooking the lake. We enjoyed the pool and jacuzzi. Wonderful restaurant (Elements) walking distance and we got a coupon for a discount there. Plenty of parking and great housekeeping staff."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2026

Hotel Azure
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 RM780 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
RM780
RM1,032 total
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,157 reviews)
"This is the Motel 6 of Hiltons. Don't stay here if you have expercations above a Motel 6 level stay. I will never stay here again, and could write a book about how run down, chaotic, and overpriced this place it. Expedia said I'd had some smaller additional fees when I checked in, which I was ok ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2026

Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort South
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,625 reviews)
"It was hard to sleep because there was so much light in the room ( nightlight built into the wall and a blinking phone that could not be turned off, besides the usual tv, microwave and other device lights)and outside of the window of the outside door to the room."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2026

The Americana Village
Marriott's Timber Lodge

Marriott's Timber Lodge

4 out of 5
4100 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
Stay at this aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 hot tubs and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,103 reviews)
"A wonderful hotel. I wish they were more clear about turnover service needing to be requested 24 hours in advance but otherwise I had a fantastic stay. I would come back!"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2026

Marriott's Timber Lodge
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! (845 reviews)
"Our room was older, but clean. There is no AC in our room so you have to sleep with the windows open. The other guests stayed up late in the parking lot/ sitting area playing games so it was pretty noisy. Overall it’s a great location in the heart of it all and the price is very fair. The staff were ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2026

Stardust Lodge
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.

Stay near popular South Lake Tahoe attractions

Things to do

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