What to do and see in South Lake Tahoe, United States: The Best Places and Tips

April 5, 2018 Merry Kessler

South Lake Tahoe is the only destination in the country that combines two strikingly different worlds: The spectacular beauty of a national park, and all the desirable amenities of a world-class resort. Here you can enjoy a full range of exhilarating outdoor activities – from skiing and snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and sledding to hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, and golf - alongside the excitement of 24-hour nightclubs, fine dining, gaming and entertainment.
Restaurants in South Lake Tahoe

1. Mt. Tallac Trail

Mt Tallac Road B trail head, South Lake Tahoe, CA +1 530-543-2600
Excellent
76%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 198 reviews

Mt. Tallac Trail

Reviewed By Chahoosa - Prague, Czech Republic

Undoubtedly the best trail we did in California, even better that those in Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canoyn. I really recommand this one to everyone who is in a good shape. Some parts of the trail are quite difficult but we met even people 60+ years though we do not know if they made it to the summit.

2. Fallen Leaf Lake

CA
Excellent
71%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 133 reviews

Fallen Leaf Lake

Small lake west of Tahoe between Emerald Bay and Camp Richardson.

Reviewed By Robert B - Corpus Christi, Texas

About 30 minutes from the Stateline casinos, after winding through a neighborhood, and then traveling the last few miles along the east shore on a one-lane road, you will arrive at the Fallen Leaf Lake marina. We went last year, rented a boat, and took a ride across the lake. It was so great, that we went back this year, rented a fishing boat, bought some minnows from the local kids (who supply the boat shack), and spent the day fishing for cutthroat trout near the seasonal water falls on the west side of the lake. It was great. The place is serene, but it has facilities to accommodate the visitors who make their way to this hidden gem.

3. Inspiration Point Vista

Emerald Bay Rd, Tahoe City, CA
Excellent
71%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 243 reviews

Inspiration Point Vista

Look out over Emerald Bay.

Reviewed By zimmys57 - Delavan, Wisconsin

The views you will have from this spot are simply fabulous so find a way to stop and see first hand.. As other reviews indicate you have to be patient and search out a place to park as it is a very popular stop. Be sure to bring your camera or phone as it is a great place to bring home a memory of your visit. Enjoy.

4. Angora Lakes Climb

Fallen Leaf Road, Highway 89, Fallen Leaf, CA 96150
Excellent
77%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 41 reviews

Angora Lakes Climb

Scenic pavement and dirt path that provides beautiful vistas of Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe.

Reviewed By Cameron M - Martinez, California, United States

This isn't a hike to a pristine alpine lake. It's a long'ish walk to a small resort set in a gorgeous location. If you're loaded up with beach chairs, floaties and coolers then the road/trail up to the lakes from the parking would be draining.
If you're looking for a hike, then you can go down to Fallen Leaf Lake from the lower lot, off to the right (north) over a shallow saddle. That was GORGEOUS ! Just a short walk from the Angora parking you get to the crest of the saddle, and can go up to your right (east) along the ridge for spectacular views across Fallen Leaf and then over Lake Tahoe, with Mt Tallac towering to your left.
I would love to book one of the cabins for a non-holiday week.
Be aware that it is not trivial getting to the parking lot. 5 miles of crappy one-lane road. Mostly paved, but there are some short nasty dirt stretches. Not for the claustrophobic or acrophobic, or low sedans with a long wheelbase. We got there at about 10am on the Sunday before the 4th of July. About half of the 50 - 75 parking spots were full. If the lot is full, you're screwed. We left at about noon and folks had parked a mile away at the nearest allowable roadside turn-outs. At least they didn't pay the $7/car day-use fee.

5. Harveys Casino

Highway 50 & Stateline Avenue, Stateline, NV 89449 +1 800-427-8397
Excellent
38%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 810 reviews

Harveys Casino

Reviewed By Cathy O

We spent Monday through Thursday at Harvey's and the casino was pretty empty, probably to be expected. They did close some tables in order to fill the remainder that were open, I guess this was a good idea. the staff was very friendly. always greeting me with a Good Morning or Hi there.

6. Lower Eagle Falls

Emerald Bay, South Lake Tahoe, CA +1 530-525-3345
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 232 reviews

Lower Eagle Falls

Reviewed By zimmys57 - Delavan, Wisconsin

Once you are able to navigate finding a place to park it is just a short hike to the falls and the bridge. Highly recomend bringing your camera and water and continuing the hike up to the lake above. Lots of breathtaking views and photo opportunities along the way. The hike is not all that bad and definitely worth the effort!

7. Taylor Creek Visitor Center

Hwy. 89, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 +1 530-573-2674
Excellent
69%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 351 reviews

Taylor Creek Visitor Center

Reviewed By flyingmax - Tahoe, CA

This is a great place to see your tax dollars working really well. Outstanding interpretive trails and exhibits to help kids and adults alike understand the Natural History and ecology of the Tahoe basin. Prime summer months include a semi-underground viewing ("Stream Profile") display -- shows a fish-eye view of life in a High Sierra stream.

8. Tallac Historic Site

1 Heritage Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 +1 530-541-5227
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 478 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 Bark M - El Reno, Oklahoma, United States

Area rich in relatively modern history. Before there was a road around Tahoe everyone took a boat. the VERY rich lived here in luxury and these grounds are well worth a nice stroll. Check out the ruins of Baldwin Casino and the Taylor creek area. Very scenic.

9. Van Sickle Bi-State Park

Montreal Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA +1 530-542-5580
Excellent
62%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 166 reviews

Van Sickle Bi-State Park

Reviewed By RS3101 - Leander, Texas

Great walk amongst nature. Some paths had ice on them but by and large it was a wonderful experience. No recent snow in the area so greenery was very visible... and looked beautiful.

The view from the vista point was amazing! That little path to get up to the point was perhaps the most slippery so do be careful.

10. Vikingsholm

Hwy 89 at Emerald Bay State Park, South Lake Tahoe, CA +1 530-541-3030
Excellent
60%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 659 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 lofberg - Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium

Great hike down the cliff and through the woods. Unfortunately the museum closes end of September so we could not visit inside. But worth the effort despite that.

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