Things to do in Lake Tahoe (California), Lake Tahoe (California): The Best Bodies of Water

April 19, 2022 Leonardo Torrence

Basking in its 300 days of sunshine, Lake Tahoe is a haven for outdoor fun in every season. Swimming, kayaking and windsurfing are popular in the summer months, while epic snowfall makes for spectacular skiing in winter. For those who prefer indoor fun, there's plenty of that in Tahoe, too. With 24-hour casinos and a flashy nightlife scene, the area has a tangible Vegas vibe. A sprinkle of bling, if you will. Not surprising, since Lake Tahoe straddles the border between California and Nevada.
Restaurants in Lake Tahoe (California)

1. Emerald Bay State Park

Hwy 89 at Emerald Bay The park is located 12 miles north of South Lake Tahoe, CA 96145 +1 530-541-3030 http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=506
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 883 reviews

Emerald Bay State Park

This spectacular bay in Lake Tahoe is best approached by hiking trails.

Reviewed By Alacrout - Los Angeles, United States

You really can’t go wrong with any part of Lake Tahoe, as the whole thing is surrounded by stunning mountain views. The views can get a little hazy during bad fire seasons, but still a beautiful area. Hard to pick a definitive “best” part of the Lake, but Emerald Bay is certainly up there as one of the best parts. The color of the water lives up to the name of “Emerald.” In the middle of the Bay, there’s a cute little island that is the ONLY island in Lake Tahoe. You can kayak, canoe, or boat to the island (NOT swim) and see the ruins of “Tea House,” where a quirky captain lived in the 1800s. Inspiration Point is a necessary stop on your way through the park—it gives you one of the best views of the entire Bay. Be sure to check out Vikingsholm too! :)

2. Donner Lake

Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 9616
Excellent
84%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 19 reviews

Donner Lake

Reviewed By TV2451

I have always loved this mountain lake, sort of a small version of Tahoe. Always pretty, but I most love it in the summer. Great state park at one end, nice private beach in between. Lots of lovely houses around. Good place for a very long walk.

3. Stream Profile Chamber

Hwy 89 Taylor Creek Visitor Center, CA 96158 +1 530-573-2674
Excellent
50%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Stream Profile Chamber

4. Upper Kings River

Tahoe City, CA
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
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0%
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0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1 reviews

Spectacular wild scenery awaits only the most experienced rafters who dare to run this dangerous and inaccessible stretch of Class IV and V rapids.

5. Little Truckee River

Stampede Meadows Rd, Truckee, CA 96161 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tahoe/recarea/?recid=55518
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
100%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 1 reviews

Little Truckee River

6. Hell Hole Reservoir

Tahoe City, CA
Excellent
0%
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0%
Satisfactory
50%
Poor
50%
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0%
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2.5 based on 2 reviews

Located at the end of a granite gorge, the sapphire-blue waters of this beautiful are fed by the Rubicon River.

7. Tahoe Vista Recreation Area

Hwy 28 and National Ave, Tahoe City, CA http://www.sierranevadageotourism.org/content/tahoe-vista-recreation-area/sie8443e63e5224225c0
Excellent
50%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
50%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 2 reviews

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