South Lake Tahoe, CA

Travel Guide

Emerald Bay State Park
D. L. Bliss State Park
Pope Beach
South Lake Tahoe
Eagle Falls Trail featuring a river or creek

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 center 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 center 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 center to Heavenly Mountain Resort. Admire the views from the observation deck perched on a 9,123-foot (2,780-meter) 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-meter) 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 center. 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

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Montgomery Estates

5/5(2 area reviews)

Though Montgomery Estates might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Heavenly Valley Creek and Bijou Community Park.

Montgomery Estates
South Lake Tahoe

Lakeside Park

4/5(665 area reviews)

Lakeside Park might not have many top sights, but Casino at Harveys Lake Tahoe and Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lakeside Park
Beautiful morning before going fishing. 

#adventure

Tahoe Meadows

While Tahoe Meadows isn't home to many top sights, Casino at Harveys Lake Tahoe and Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe are some notable places to visit nearby.

Tahoe Meadows
Sugar Bowl showing mountains, landscape views and snow

Al Tahoe

4.5/5(80 area reviews)

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

Al Tahoe
Heavenly Gondola

Heavenly Village

If you're spending some time in Heavenly Village, The Shops at Heavenly Village and Heavenly Gondola are top sights worth seeing.

Heavenly Village
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Tahoe Keys

Though Tahoe Keys might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Lake Tahoe Balloons and Pope Beach.

Tahoe Keys
The Lodge at Lake Tahoe

The Lodge at Lake Tahoe

3 out of 5
3840 Pioneer Trail, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly apartment in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Casino at Harrah's ...
The Lodge at Lake Tahoe
The Americana Village

The Americana Village

2 out of 5
3845 Pioneer Trl, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,461 reviews)
"My friends and I really enjoyed our stay at Americana Village. The hotel is away from the hustle and bustle of Heavenly Village but within a walkable distance. I took advantage of all the amenities, especially the hot tub and sauna. We would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/25

The Americana Village
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 (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
Marriott Grand Residence Club, 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.

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Cities near South Lake Tahoe