South Lake Tahoe

Travel Guide

A clear turquoise lake surrounded by dense green forest and distant mountains.
A boat on a turquoise lake surrounded by tall trees and mountains.
A marina with several boats docked, a person in a red shirt, and mountains in the background.
A fast-flowing river with large rocks and green foliage.
A person kayaking on clear, shallow water with visible rocks beneath.

Come to this Lake Tahoe destination in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada to ski in winter, swim in summer and enjoy a lively nightlife year-round.

South Lake Tahoe is the adventure capital of the spectacular Lake Tahoe region. Enjoy sandy beaches, ski resorts, hiking trails and year-round nightlife amid breathtaking natural scenery. South Lake Tahoe lies between the south banks of Lake Tahoe and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

South Lake Tahoe’s commercial centre is at one end of the town adjacent to the California/Nevada stateline, home to restaurants, hotels and retail outlets. Learn about the region’s history at the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum. See wildlife and landscape photography displays at the Jon Paul Gallery and rotating exhibitions by local artists at the Tahoe Art League.

The beaches of South Lake Tahoe are ideal for relaxation and watersports. Rent a paddleboat or kayak from Ski Run Marina to explore the lake’s calm water. Try water skiing and wakeboarding or relax on the shore with a picnic while enjoying the scenery and sunsets. Just a 20-minute drive from the town centre is Emerald Bay State Park. Discover secluded beaches lined with pine forests. Take a guided tour of the Scandinavian-style castle, Vikingsholm.

Ride the Heavenly Gondola cable car from South Lake Tahoe town centre toHeavenly Mountain Resort. Admire the views from the observation deck perched on a 9,123-foot (2,780-metre) high peak. Come in the winter to ski and snowboard on almost 100 runs. When the snow melts the resort transforms into a summer sports hub. Travel on a 3,300-foot (1,000-metre) long zip line or enjoy a hot air balloon ride. Hike or bike along trails to enjoy panoramas of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Go out after dark to experience South Lake Tahoe’s nightlife. Find bars and nightclubs situated in the town centre. Alternatively, make the short walk into Nevada for a night out at the casinos and entertainment centres.

South Lake Tahoe is a popular destination offering a mix of culture, entertainment and natural beauty. Get here by flying to Tahoe-Reno International Airport, which is a 1-hour drive away. Rent a car to visit other Lake Tahoe outdoor recreation centres, including Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe.

Where to stay in South Lake Tahoe

Find the best South Lake Tahoe areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about South Lake Tahoe
Learn more about South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Village

While visiting Heavenly Village, you might make a stop by sights like Heavenly Gondola and The Shops at Heavenly Village.

Tahoe Keys

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Tahoe Keys and surrounding area, you can visit Lake Tahoe Balloons and Pope Beach.

Al Tahoe

If you're spending some time in Al Tahoe, Regan Beach and El Dorado Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Bijou Pines

While Bijou Pines isn't home to many top sights, Heavenly Gondola and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino are some notable places to visit nearby.

Lakeside Park

Lakeside Park might not have many top sights, but Heavenly Gondola and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Casino are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is HK$983 per night from 9 Sept to 10 Sept
HK$983
HK$1,602 total
9 Sept - 10 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,153 reviews)
"The staff were very personable. The front desk, shuttle drivers and staff at the breakfast Buffett."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2026

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club

3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club

3 out of 5
931 Park Ave South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is HK$839 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
HK$839
HK$972 total
10 Sept - 11 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club
Hilton Vacation Club Tahoe Seasons Lake Tahoe

Hilton Vacation Club Tahoe Seasons Lake Tahoe

3 out of 5
3901 Saddle Road South Lake Tahoe CA
The price is HK$958 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
HK$958
HK$1,336 total
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free valet parking, a rooftop terrace and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,049 reviews)
"The room was clean, staff was very helpful. Valet parking was a little"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2026

Hilton Vacation Club Tahoe Seasons Lake Tahoe
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Americana Village

The Americana Village

2 out of 5
3845 Pioneer Trl South Lake Tahoe CA
Stay at this beach aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,699 reviews)
"The property was a convenient distance from Heavenly Village so we could walk into town. The setup in the room was good for the size."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2026

The Americana Village
Marriott's Timber Lodge

Marriott's Timber Lodge

4 out of 5
4100 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe CA
Stay at this aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 hot tubs and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
Marriott's Timber Lodge
Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe

Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
1001 Heavenly Village Way South Lake Tahoe CA
Stay at this aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a health club and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,922 reviews)
"Loved our stay at marriotts grand residence - especially the kitchen in our studio - we enjoyed cooking as a break on vacation from eating out"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2026

Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular South Lake Tahoe attractions

Things to do

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