Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Lake Tahoe (California), Lake Tahoe (California)

June 18, 2021 Almeta Stockton

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. Rubicon Trail

D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay State Parks, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 +1 530-525-7277 http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=505
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 109 reviews

Rubicon Trail

Reviewed By TravellingJan - San Carlos, United States

This is the most beautiful trail with gorgeous views of the turquoise water and interesting rocks, etc...We have to do this hike every time we come up to Tahoe. So incredible! And an easy hike too

3. Glen Alpine Falls

Glen Alpine Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 34 reviews

Glen Alpine Falls

4. South Lake Brewing Company

1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150-6307 +1 530-578-0087 [email protected] http://www.southlakebeer.com
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 27 reviews

South Lake Brewing Company

Reviewed By StorkRN1 - Roseville, United States

I actually went twice! I had to get the flight on a ski my first visit, and then just chose my fave the next time. The large ski flight includes every beer they have on tap! Glad I returned because the second time, the barkeep was much friendlier! Nice, fun ambiance and space!

5. Truckee River Bike Trail

Tahoe City, CA +1 530-583-3356 http://willardsportshop.com
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 38 reviews

Truckee River Bike Trail

Reviewed By 33colettef

Not too challenging, and good for the entire family. Great way to bike from Squaw into town, have lunch, visit Commons beach and bike back again.

6. Vikingsholm

Hwy 89 at Emerald Bay State Park, South Lake Tahoe, CA +1 530-583-9911 http://www.vikingsholm.com/
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 778 reviews

Vikingsholm

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.

7. Inspiration Point Vista

Emerald Bay Rd, Tahoe City, CA http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ltbmu/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5112247
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 342 reviews

Inspiration Point Vista

Look out over Emerald Bay.

Reviewed By MaryLynnD_13 - Laguna Vista, United States

Breathtaking scenery! Don’t miss it. Be careful driving up the winding road. Not a lot of guardrails!

8. Eagle Falls Trail

Highway 89, Tahoe City, CA 96150 +1 530-525-9530 http://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/eagle-rock-trail--2
Excellent
70%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 304 reviews

Eagle Falls Trail

A beautiful and well-marked trail.

Reviewed By MelissaG832 - Santa Barbara, United States

This hike is about 2 miles if you just go to the lake and back, which is what I did with my 10-year-old lab. Good dog-friendly hike where other dog-owners mostly kept their dogs on leashes as well. Some of the stone steps are a little high so you might need to pick your dog up if you have a small one but otherwise pretty straightforward. Weekends are impossible to park and we had to come back during the week and early in the morning to get a spot. Beautiful hike with great views, interesting terrain, and a amazing lake at the end.

9. Eagle Falls

24 Emerald Bay Rd, CA 96150
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 81 reviews

Eagle Falls

This moderate to difficult trail goes to Upper and Lower Eagle Falls and offers spectacular scenery.

Reviewed By Christina1119 - New Orleans, United States

The hike itself isn’t overly long. Maybe 1/2 mile total or a little less. With that said it’s straight up Natural rock stairs all the way. Once to the top you work yourself around to get the the bridge. We made the loop so came back down the other stairs which were even more steeper. Best advice when you come to the split go right. It’s still tough, but a little easier. Then take the path on the right to leave. Once at the top there’s several spot you can see the waterfall from besides the bridge. Water was low, but still pretty. It was a beautiful day for a hike. I pushed my luck to get a better view & I have fear of height issues LOL Thankful my husband helped me down from one ledge because my fear kicked in & I couldn’t stand if I wanted to. I had kinda crawled there when the height issue took over. Slid down on my backside until he could reach me. After seeing where I was it probably was the best decision I made. Also back by the pine tree along the edge was a great spot to see it the full waterfall. I love waterfalls !!

10. Tallac Historic Site

1 Heritage Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 +1 530-541-5227 [email protected] http://www.tahoeheritage.org/events-and-programs-2/tallac-historic-site/
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 573 reviews

Tallac Historic Site

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.

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