South Lake Tahoe

Travel Guide
D. L. Bliss State Park featuring boating and general coastal views
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 to Heavenly 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 centers. 

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 centers, including Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe.

Where to stay in South Lake Tahoe

Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe
Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe
3.5 out of 5
3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is RM590 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
RM590
per night
2 Nov - 3 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,121 reviews)
"Great check in and very friendly staff!"

Reviewed on 26 Sep 2023

Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe
Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
3.5 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is RM718 per night from 17 Oct to 18 Oct
RM718
per night
17 Oct - 18 Oct
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking. Our guests praise the bar in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,807 reviews)
"Great place it’s being renovated but they let us know, I didn’t mind it though when I was in my room which was renovated huge and beautiful brand new I loved it everyone was courteous and it’s right next to harrahs which I love easy to go anywhere would definitely stay again beautiful place and comfortable ..."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2023

Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
Hilton Vacation Club Tahoe Seasons Lake Tahoe
Hilton Vacation Club Tahoe Seasons Lake Tahoe
3 out of 5
3901 Saddle Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is RM597 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
RM597
per night
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Stay at this 3-star hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the WiFi and the spacious rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,183 reviews)
"Newly updated and very clean hotel. Staff was very friendly. The room is spacey and has everything you need. It is very close too grocery and shopping locations."

Reviewed on 26 Sep 2023

Hilton Vacation Club Tahoe Seasons Lake Tahoe
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.
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. Popular attractions Heavenly Gondola ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,624 reviews)
Son's marriage stay
"Amazing hotel - however, the pull down bed had some problems with the door hinge. Excellent otherwise."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2023

Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
Lakeland Village at Heavenly
Lakeland Village at Heavenly
3.5 out of 5
3535 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a private beach, and a marina. Popular attractions Heavenly Gondola and Casino ...
7.8/10 Good! (779 reviews)
"Nice quiet anniversary celebration."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2023

Lakeland Village at Heavenly
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 WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,037 reviews)
"This is such a cute, friendly, clean property. Very friendly staff. I would stay here over and over again. Love this place."

Reviewed on 19 Sep 2023

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

Reviews of South Lake Tahoe

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
22
" "5 - Excellent 68.75%
4 - Good
9
" "4 - Good 28.125%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 3.125%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
7 Oct 2019

Beautiful lake area and fabulous resort.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
30 Sep 2019

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

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
16 Sep 2019

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
11 Jul 2019

Everything on hand,great choice of restaurants.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Jun 2019

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
29 May 2019

Loved it, strongly recommended.