Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe: Things to Do, Places to Stay & More
Start Planning Your Lake Tahoe Vacation
Blessed with sparkling natural beauty, Lake Tahoe is considered one of the best vacation destinations in the U.S. by the U.S. News & World Report. Tahoe is known for the clarity of its water and the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains on all sides. At 6,229 feet above sea level, Lake Tahoe is the highest lake of its size in the United States, measuring 22 miles long by 12 miles wide, with a surface area of 191 square miles and 72 miles of shoreline. Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States, with a maximum depth of 1,645 feet, trailing only Oregon’s Crater Lake.
Reno to Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is conveniently located just 30 minutes from downtown Reno. For such a short drive, it has a lot to offer, whether you want to grab lunch, see a concert, or spend the day exploring hiking and biking trails. In addition to the lake’s awe-inspiring size, you’ll also find unique Lake Tahoe dining experiences, local art galleries, and a broad selection of boutiques and shops.
Lake Tahoe Outdoor Activities
Wondering where to start on your list of things to do in Lake Tahoe? The best way to get started is to get out there and experience it! Offering countless opportunities to venture to the highest peaks or dive deep below the water, it’ll be hard to just choose one.
During the winter months, visitors flock from around the globe to experience:
During the summer months, your adventures are unlimited with:
These are just some of the limitless, amazing outdoor activities that the Lake Tahoe area offers. Check out more Lake Tahoe outdoor activities.
Lake Tahoe Arts and Culture
What better way to experience the lake than to see it through someone else’s eyes? Lake Tahoe’s arts and culture scene offers a selection of local art galleries and performing arts centers, allowing visitors to see art in its many forms. Dramatic photography and print, impressive sculpture, and interpretive performance are just some of the ways that the lake inspires locals and non-locals alike.
Lake Tahoe Vacation Costs
Are you planning a Lake Tahoe vacation but wondering how much it will cost? Our Lake Tahoe Vacation Cost Guide covers lodging, dining, transportation, and seasonal differences. Whether you’re looking for a cozy hotel, lakeside resort, or casual meals and local eats, you’ll get a clear picture of what to expect so you can focus on enjoying all that Lake Tahoe has to offer.
Where to Stay in Lake Tahoe
Wondering where to stay in Lake Tahoe? It depends on what you're after, but the north shore is the easiest home base for most visitors, with lake access, ski resorts, and dining all within a short drive.
Incline Village
Incline Village is the pick for lakefront comfort. The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe puts you right on the water, with fine and casual dining on-site and fire pits made for a post-adventure s'more session. It's also less than 45 minutes from Palisades Tahoe and Northstar, making it a crowd favorite whether you’re there for summer beach days or ski days.
Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay is the pick if you want your casino action and your lake views in the same zip code. Stay at Border House, a historic property with easy access to Crystal Bay Casino's live entertainment, and you're steps from beaches straddling the California-Nevada line.
Wherever you choose to stay, Lake Tahoe is less than 45 minutes from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, so no home base puts you too far from the action.
Lake Tahoe Shopping
The various Lake Tahoe shopping selections are as unique as the places where they are located. You won’t find big box stores or large shopping malls here, but what you will find is a cool selection of locally-owned shops, thrift stores, and outdoor marketplaces.
Lake Tahoe Dining
Lake Tahoe has a dining option for everyone’s taste buds, ranging from fine dining to cheap eats. If you have the chance, lead your own food tour by eating your way around the lake. Start with a cup of locally brewed coffee in Reno and take a short drive over Mount Rose Highway to get lunch at T’s Mesquite in Incline Village, a favorite among locals. No day exploring Lake Tahoe is complete without a refreshing Wet Woody at Gar Woods Grill & Pier in Carnelian Bay with views overlooking the lake.
More Places to Visit in Lake Tahoe
Best Time to Visit Lake Tahoe
The best time to visit Lake Tahoe depends on what you want to do while you’re there. During the warmer weather months of June through August, there are plenty of summer activities, and December through April are usually best if you are a winter sports enthusiast. Spring and fall are also great times to visit since the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. There really is no “bad” time to visit Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe Seasonal Averages
The mean annual precipitation ranges from more than 55 inches in watersheds on the west side of the Lake Tahoe basin to about 26 inches near the lake on the east side of the basin. Most of the precipitation falls as snow between November and April. Curious about the conditions? Dive into our snow report for the latest updates. There is a pronounced annual runoff of snowmelt in late spring and early summer, the timing of which varies from year to year.
The warmest season in Lake Tahoe is usually between July and August, with August sustaining an average high temperature of 77.2°F (25.1°C). The coldest month is typically January, with an average high of 38.7°F (3.7°C). No matter what type of weather you prefer, whether you love summer or winter, it’s always a great time to visit Lake Tahoe.