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

3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club
3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club
3 out of 5
931 Park Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA, 96150
The price is RM359 per night from 7 Jun to 8 Jun
RM359
per night
7 Jun - 8 Jun
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,440 reviews)
"There are many older properties in Tahoe and this is one of them. However, the room was small, nothing fancy, but very clean and the small bathroom tiled and had been updated at some point in time. There is an unheated pool and a great hot tub (hot tub wasn't working while we were there). It is close ..."

Reviewed on 30 May 2023

3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club
Hotel Azure
Hotel Azure
3 out of 5
3300 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA, 96150
The price is RM664 per night from 8 Jun to 9 Jun
RM664
per night
8 Jun - 9 Jun
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness centre and on-site parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,020 reviews)
"It was a nice hotel with a great view and close to town"

Reviewed on 29 May 2023

Hotel Azure
Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe
Beach Retreat & Lodge at Tahoe
3.5 out of 5
3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA, 96150
The price is RM734 per night from 8 Jun to 9 Jun
RM734
per night
8 Jun - 9 Jun
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 bar and the helpful staff in ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,093 reviews)
"The view of the lake was perfect with the fireplace going. Even with the rain. 😊"

Reviewed on 29 May 2023

Beach Retreat & Lodge at 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.
Station House Inn - Near Heavenly Gondola
Station House Inn - Near Heavenly Gondola
3 out of 5
901 Park Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA, 96150
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 their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
"Our room was great and the bed was very comfortable. The pool area is lovely. The restaurant adjacent to the property is fantastic."

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2023

Station House Inn - Near Heavenly Gondola
Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
4 out of 5
1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA, 96150
Stay at this 4-star eco-friendly holiday home in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, a health club and valet parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,577 reviews)
"The room was spacious & clean. The family enjoyed the pool. Loved the location as well."

Reviewed on 21 May 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, 96150
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy ...
7.8/10 Good! (711 reviews)
"If you're looking for a place near the beach, i mean 3mins walk to the beach depending which unit your staying this is the place for you. They're doing renovation in the main building although during our stay construction workers weren't there. Front desks are very friendly. Although the pull out ..."

Reviewed on 22 May 2023

Lakeland Village at Heavenly
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 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.