Top Things to do in Lake Tahoe Area
Top Hotels in Lake Tahoe Area
6 Historic Sites in Lake Tahoe Area That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Lake Tahoe Area, Lake Tahoe Area including Vikingsholm, Thunderbird Lake Tahoe, Tallac Historic Site, Hellman-Ehrman Mansion, Rainbow Bridge / Donner Summit Bridge, Old Truckee Jail Museum.
Restaurants in Lake Tahoe Area
1. Vikingsholm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 778 reviews
Built as a summer home in 1929, this grand castle on Emerald Bay is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the Western Hemisphere.
Reviewed By 8-drank-was-merry - Naples, United States
Vikingsholm is a Scandinavian styled mansion/castle nestled down in the trees below highway 89, lakefront at the tip of Emerald Bay. Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight had it built in 1928/1929 with inspiration of ancient buildings she saw on a trip to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. The Mansion is open for tours late May to late September, from 10:30 am - 3:30 pm on the half hour. The tour costs $15 for adults and $12 for students, kids under 7 are free. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center building on the trail just past the mansion/castle. In the center of Emerald Bay there is a small island, currently known as Fannette Island. Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight reportedly took guests out to the island for high tea. If you would like to visit the island, you can rent kayaks at the lake shore (for 1 or 2 hours). The tour of the mansion is short, but informative and supports a good cause - renovation and revitalization of the structure. The hike down to the park is gorgeous and it is recommended to make a day long experience in the area. A hike up to Eagle Falls and Lake is wonderful with gorgeous views. Or just relaxing and hanging out around Emerald Bay.
2. Thunderbird Lake Tahoe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Thunderbird Lodge Nat'l Historic Site. Peek into Lake Tahoe's past with tours of this historic estate built by the eccentric Capt. George Whittell Jr. See the 600-foot tunnel, animal pens, the Castle-in-the-Sky, and the incomparable THUNDERBIRD yacht: 55' of waterborne elegance powered by twin WWII fighter aircraft engines and capable of speeds of up to 70mph.
3. Tallac Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 573 reviews
A Historic Site made up of 3 Estates built between 1894 and 1930. Each Estate has something different and exciting for visitors to do and see! Learn the amazing history of this area in the free museum, then stroll through the former summer homes and gardens of four wealthy gilded-age families. Guided, self-guided, and private tours are available.
Reviewed By Allfunallthetime - Twin Falls, United States
My wife and i used to live in this area so we always like to bring newbies here for some exploring. Parking is easy to find, right off 89. Typically the lot is packed in the summer but not so much in the fall. A short, flat walk towards the beach will get you to the old "estates" which are fun to photograph and peruse. I've never taken the tour not have I ever been inside any of them, but it is doable. Depending on water level, the beach could be very small or nicely large. It is always beautiful though. This part will take you about an hour at most. One thing we like to do is hike from the parking lot towards 89, cross the highway, and head towards Fallen Leaf Lake. The trail starts at 89 where Taylor Creek crosses under. There is a road sign for a Sno-Park where the trail starts. Stay on the dirt road to the right, about a half mile of walking will take you to a small parking area. At this point, go through the cutout in the fence and you are on your way to the lake. The trail pretty much stays next to Taylor Creek most of the way. It is fairly flat and easy to navigate. On this trip we did see a mother bear with her Cubs, so be advised. Great family hike. About 30 minutes at most from Tallac Historical.
4. Hellman-Ehrman Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By karenjacka3914 - California, United States
Went here when in a girls trip with buddies and it did not dissapoint! Quite, due to the fall weather, but gorgeous day. We loved it! A bit of everything, some forest and trail, the beach and water and a dock:) The only sad part was graffiti in the form of names carved into the beautiful wood on the dock :( which seemed new and made out of beautiful wood.
5. Rainbow Bridge / Donner Summit Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By drmader - Orinda, United States
We spent some Time walking through old tunnels and taking in views of donner. Looks like a scene from Cars the movie ..with interesting rock formation and color. Back side of sugar bowl and dinner ski areas . Easy flat hiking ...people had strollers and young kids, older people too. Beautiful
6. Old Truckee Jail Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By LG217 - Cheyenne, United States
Great little piece of history in downtown Truckee. The guides were very knowledgeable and described many stories about the history of the jail and locals back in the 1800s. Great artifacts and photos. Free admission (they run off of donations only) and worth a visit if you like history.
