10 Best Things to Do in South Lake Tahoe

Imagine standing on a beach with snowcapped mountains towering above and crystal-clear water lapping at your feet. This isn’t a scene from a storybook—it’s everyday life in South Lake Tahoe.

Situated in El Dorado County, California, South Lake Tahoe is home to the deepest lake in the United States and is a winter paradise for tourists. But this stunning alpine destination offers attractions year-round, combining leisure, adventure, amazing food and natural beauty. From scenic gondola rides and waterfall hikes to exploring Emerald Bay State Park and discovering the history of Lake Tahoe at the Tallac Historic Site, South Lake Tahoe is full of hidden treasures waiting to be explored. Whether you love history, nature, adventure, or local culture, this list has something for you.

Ride the Heavenly Resort gondola in South Lake Tahoe for panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada, Carson Valley, and Lake Tahoe. The 2.4-mile ride ends at Adventure Peak, where you can enjoy hiking, zip-lining, mountain biking, or skiing and snowboarding during winter. Don’t miss the Tamarack Lodge at the summit, where you can sip hot chocolate or a cold beer while admiring breathtaking views from 9,123 feet.

Emerald Bay State Park is one of the most iconic Lake Tahoe attractions, known for its emerald-green waters, granite cliffs, and stunning scenery. Highlights include Vikingsholm, a 1929 Scandinavian-style mansion open for tours, and Fannette Island, the only island on the lake, perfect for paddling adventures. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the Rubicon Trail for expansive lake views or visit Eagle Falls Trail for waterfalls and panoramic vistas.

The 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail circles the Lake Tahoe basin and offers diverse terrain for hikers and mountain bikers. Popular day hikes start at Van Sickle Bi-State Park near South Lake Tahoe. Along the way, enjoy sweeping lake and mountain views, pine forests, seasonal wildflowers, and wildlife such as bald eagles, mule deer, and black bears.

Board the M.S. Dixie II, the largest paddlewheeler in South Lake Tahoe, for scenic daytime or sunset dinner cruises departing from Zephyr Cove. During the 2.5-hour journey, admire views of the Sierra Nevada, Vikingsholm Castle, Fannette Island, and even the lake’s depth of up to 65 feet on clear days. Cruises include a buffet, drinks, live music, and guides sharing local history and wildlife information.

Cascade Falls Trail is a 1.4-mile round trip starting at Bayview Campground. Walk through Jeffrey pines and red firs, climb stone steps, and enjoy views of Lake Tahoe and Cascade Lake. The trail culminates at a 200-foot waterfall, especially beautiful in late spring and early summer. The base of the falls is a perfect picnic spot.

The Flume Trail is a moderate mountain biking route with breathtaking views along Lake Tahoe’s eastern edge. Starting at Spooner Lake, riders climb four miles toward Marlette Lake before following a narrow single track along an old logging flume. Exposed stretches and sheer drop-offs make this trail thrilling, while panoramic lake and mountain views make it unforgettable. Other great biking trails include sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and Bijou Bike Park.

Hot air balloon rides at sunrise offer a unique perspective of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada. Launching from a boat on the lake, flights provide stunning views of Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake, and the deep-blue water below. The hour-long ride concludes with a traditional champagne toast, making it a memorable experience.

The Blue Streak Zip Line at Epic Discovery in Heavenly Mountain Resort is an adrenaline-filled adventure, sending riders 3,300 feet down the mountain at speeds of up to 55 mph. The zip line offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe. Nearby summer activities include ropes courses, climbing walls, gondola rides, and the Ridge Runner mountain coaster, where you can control your own pace through the forest.

Explore early 20th-century Lake Tahoe history at the Tallac Historic Site, featuring three preserved summer estates: Pope, Baldwin, and Valhalla. Guided tours of the Pope House reveal original furniture, family history, and surrounding gardens with native plants. In summer, the Valhalla Arts, Music, and Theatre Festival offers cultural performances. With its beautiful lakefront location, the site is ideal for leisurely walks and picnics.

Paddleboarding or kayaking on Lake Tahoe is a peaceful way to explore the lake’s pristine coves and shoreline. Rentals are available from local outfitters, or join a guided trip. Popular paddling spots include Zephyr Cove and Emerald Bay, where you can explore Fannette Island and Vikingsholm Castle. For longer excursions, South Tahoe Kayak offers three-hour rentals from El Dorado Beach to Secret Beach, the wildlife preserve, and the upper Truckee River.

Plan your South Lake Tahoe adventure today and stay just minutes from the lake! Book your stay now at Travel Inn South Lake Tahoe for comfort, convenience, and easy access to all the top attractions.