Tahoe City

Travel Guide
Emerald Bay State Park showing general coastal views

Explore the shores of this stunning alpine lake and get active on the mountain slopes, with plenty of beaches, nature parks, casinos and ski resorts to choose from.

With its mountainous backdrop and cobalt-blue water, Lake Tahoe is a striking sight. It’s situated in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which makes it a magnet for winter-sports enthusiasts. When the snow melts, the crowds keep coming for summer activities. Choose between skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and much more. Holiday makers will also enjoy fishing, fine dining, spa time or visiting a casino.

Lake Tahoe has 72 miles (116 kilometres) of shoreline. It straddles the border of California (west) and Nevada (east) and is the second deepest lake in the United States. The sun shines most of the year and the snowfall averages 600 inches (15 metres) per year.

Shuttle buses from Reno-Tahoe International Airport will bring you to all sides of the lake. The wider area is best explored by car, while the water shuttle is great for hopping between docks along the shores in summer.

Sprawling forest reserves, such as Emerald Bay State Park, cover the Californian side of the lake. Tahoe City and Kings Beach offer good lake-side attractions. Nearby ski resorts are Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and Homewood Mountain. The Bavarian-style Sugar Bowl Resort is located near Truckee. Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe spreads from California to Nevada and beats all the other resorts in size and attractions.

The Nevada side of the lake has casinos and more resorts and beaches. In summer, swim at Sand Harbour or Zephyr Cove Beach.

Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for its easy access, amazing scenery and year-round activities. Arrive early in the day and ride the slopes or kayak on the lake. By afternoon, try horseback riding or simply relax and read a book by the shore. In the evening, dine in one of the restaurants overlooking one of America’s most beautiful lakes.

Where to stay in Tahoe City

Default Image

Tahoe Sierra Estates

If you're spending some time in Tahoe Sierra Estates, Truckee River and North Lake Tahoe Historical Society and Gatekeepers Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Tahoe Sierra Estates
Default Image

Lake Forest

While visiting Lake Forest, you might make a stop by sights like Skylandia Park and Tahoe City Field Station.

Lake Forest
Default Image

Tahoe Tavern

When in Tahoe Tavern, you can plan a visit to Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park and Granlibakken Resort Ski Area, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Tahoe Tavern
Default Image

Talmont

While Talmont isn't home to many top sights, Granlibakken Resort Ski Area and Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Talmont
Default Image

Pineland

Though Pineland may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Granlibakken Resort Ski Area and Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park.

Pineland
Default Image

Twin Peaks

While Twin Peaks isn't home to many top sights, Lakeview Ski Lift and Sherwood Express Ski Lift are some notable places to visit nearby.

Twin Peaks
Pepper Tree Inn
Pepper Tree Inn
3 out of 5
645 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA
The price is RM459 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
RM459
per night
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Tahoe City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,011 reviews)
Wonderful Staff!
"Staff was super friendly and did a contactless check in and check out! They made sure we go into our room because we arrive late. The scary thing was the basement parking because the parking lot is 1st come, 1st served. Room was ok, very stiff bed but hot water when showering. Doesn’t have an elevator ..."

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Pepper Tree Inn
Americas Best Value Inn Lake Tahoe - Tahoe City
Americas Best Value Inn Lake Tahoe - Tahoe City
2 out of 5
455 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA
The price is RM1,037 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
RM1,037
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this golf motel in Tahoe City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
"We will definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Americas Best Value Inn Lake Tahoe - Tahoe City
Basecamp Tahoe City
Basecamp Tahoe City
3 out of 5
955 North Lake Blvd, P.O. Box 6328, Tahoe City, CA
The price is RM658 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
RM658
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this 3-star motel in Tahoe City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (581 reviews)
"The best little secret on Lake Tahoe, a wonderful experience, awesome accommodations."

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2024

Basecamp Tahoe City
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.
Pinegrove by Avantstay Beautiful Villas Condo Just Outside Tahoe City!
Pinegrove by Avantstay Beautiful Villas Condo Just Outside Tahoe City!
3.5 out of 5
Tahoe City
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Tahoe City. Enjoy free parking, concierge services, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Northstar California Resort and Tahoe ...
Pinegrove by Avantstay Beautiful Villas Condo Just Outside Tahoe City!
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