The Ultimate Guide to South Lake Tahoe
Visit South Lake Tahoe
This South Lake Tahoe California / Nevada travel guide features the best things to do, where to stay, places to eat and drink, how to get there, and more!
Lake Tahoe is a popular travel destination to visit for ski season in the winter, and equally famous for its crystal clear blue waters and soft sand beaches in the summer. No matter what season you choose, Tahoe is a great vacation spot for outdoor adventure and nature seekers!
Tahoe is beautiful all year round, but if you’re looking to enjoy warm weather and water activities, the best time to visit South Lake Tahoe is in the summer! Temperatures range from 70s to 80s, and since the water in Lake Tahoe is cold all year long, you’ll definitely want to take a dip on the warmest days possible.
Fun fact: Lake Tahoe is actually located in both California and Nevada! Most of the lake is situated on the California side, with Nevada only claiming the upper north, east, and south east corners.
Secret Cove Beach
Emerald Bay
How to get to South Lake Tahoe
The easiest way to get to Lake Tahoe is by car from Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
I highly recommend renting a car since the drive is about an hour, and it will definitely come in handy during your trip, especially if you’re looking to do some exploring around other parts of the lake. Discover Cars is a great way to search and compare car rental companies for up to 70% off! Or if you’re looking to rent directly from a local, Turo is another great way to rent a car!
If you’re not looking to rent a car, alternate modes of transportation include the bus, shuttle service, Uber or Lyft.
Emerald Cove
Emerald Bay
Where to stay in South Lake Tahoe
The Coachman Hotel is one of my favorites! I loved the hotel’s boutique vibe, as well as the elevated amenities and perks that came with it: bar stocked with creative local beers/ciders (Great Nation) as well as coffee (loved their freebird chai), firepits, pool, hot tub, free wifi, mini fridge, free nightly s’mores, free bike rentals, within walking distance to the beach, shops, & restaurants, and more!
Secret Cove
Emerald Cove
Secret Cove Beach
Emerald Cove
Things to do and see in (and around) South Lake Tahoe
One of my favorite things about South Lake Tahoe is that everything is within a close proximity. Depending on where you go, you can walk, or even rent a Lime scooter and an electric or manual bike to get around.
Beaches & lakes
Lake Tahoe offers tons of beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. Some of them are hidden and require a short walk/hike to get to, but to be honest, those are the best kinds - especially here!
Eagle Lake
Granite Lake
Pope Beach
Baldwin Beach
Zephyr Cove Beach
Nevada Beach
Regan Beach
El Dorado Beach
Lakeside Beach
Whale Beach
Secret Cove Beach (psa: this is a nude beach)
Emerald Cove Beach (this does not show up on any maps so I dropped a pin with the location here) - This is a tiny strip of beach surrounded by rocks located right off of the East Shore Trail. Just lock up your bike and enjoy!
Chimney Beach
Sand Harbor Beach
Water sports / activities
When it comes to Lake Tahoe, water sports are life! You’ll never run out of activities to do on the water here and there are endless supplies of rentals available!
Stand up paddle boarding - SUP Tahoe, Wild Society clear bottom paddle boarding
Kayaking - SUP Tahoe, Wild Society clear bottom kayaking
Canoeing
Parasailing
Sailing
Boating
Find all water sports & rentals here!
Hiking, walking, & sightseeing
It’s so surprise that Lake Tahoe has some of the most scenic hikes and views of the scenic lake below. With over 50 + trails, you’ll never be bored here!
Emerald Bay State Park
Emerald Point
Maggie’s Peak
Eagle Falls
Monkey Rock
Cave Rock
Deadman Point
Bonsai Rock
Skunk Harbor Trail
Flume Trail
Rubicon Peak Trail
Tahoe Rim Trail
Spooner Lake Loop Trail
Cascade Falls
Biking
East Shore Trail (2.6mi one-way, 5.2mi round-trip)
Sawmill Road Path (1.8mi one-way, 3.6mi round-trip)
Rabe Meadow Bike Path (2.4mi one-way, 4.8mi round-trip)
Pope-Baldwin Bike Path Lake Tahoe (7.1mi round-trip)
Shopping
From thrift shops to boutiques and gifts, you’ll find a plethora of stores to shop all along Highway 50.
Emerald Cove
Emerald Cove
Where to eat and drink in South Lake Tahoe
You’ll find a wide range of restaurants and bars in South Lake Tahoe; from organic & healthy, to pizza, Italian, Mexican, Thai, American, and more!
Freshies - This spot offers a delicious mix of Hawaiian and American flavors. Our faves were the my tri fries (mix of different potatoes with Jamaican jerk seasoning), rippin’ red curry with ahi tuna, sweet potato quinoa cakes, and the spicy jerk chicken.
Sprouts - Fresh smoothies, juices, and wholesome food. We came here for breakfast and ordered the breakfast burrito, breakfast bowl, and Tahoe turmeric juice.
Empanash - A creative empanada eatery. We liked the beef’d up, henhouse, namaste, and of course, the cinner (their dessert empanada)
Black Cabin Coffee - Cabin-like coffee shop that offers a fun mix of craft lattes and eats. We loved the pistachio matcha latte, elderflower honey latte, and soyrizo breakfast burrito.
Cup of Cherries - Cute local coffee house and fusion kitchen. We loved the rum chai french toast, chilaquiles (breakfast quesadilla), and almond joy latte.
South of North Brewery - Chill brewery with an outdoor courtyard where you can relax and listen to some live musical entertainment. We ordered the pretzels, ez pz lemon brussels, turkey pesto melt, and chipotle chicken salad sando. Their brews are fun and flavorful.
Lake Tahoe Aleworx - Brewery with a fun beer wall station where you can sample and pour your own beers. They also have delicious custom wood-fired pizzas, flavorful wings, and more.
The Driftwood Cafe
Trailfolk Coffee Co.
Maria’s Mexican Restaurant
The Beacon Bar & Grill
California Burger Company
Cold Water Brewery and Grill
Base Camp Pizza Co.
Free Bird Chai
Off the Hook Sushi
Verde Mexican Rotisserie
The Lakehouse
Poke Rok
The Naked Fish
The Baked Bear
The Art of Gelato
Tahoe Pops - The watermelon mojito pop is the best!
