Tahoe's Best Vacation and Travel Guide

Lake Tahoe's Best Vacation Guide

Lake Tahoe is known around the world for its beautiful blue lake waters, picturesque mountain peaks, friendly hospitality, long ski seasons, and terrific weather! Unlike other vacation spots that cater to vacationers during a limited season, you can enjoy beautiful blue Lake Tahoe and its surrounding region winter, spring, summer and fall!

Ready to plan your vacation in North or South Lake Tahoe?  We can help.  First, check out your options under our vacation Specials & Deals section ... you may find just what you're looking for!

Why Visit Tahoe?

Considering Lake Tahoe has more than 300 days of sunshine, renowned ski resorts and golf courses, it’s no wonder thousands flock to this beautiful and historic lake every year. More facts about Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe boasts the best of both worlds, miles of scenic back country combined with unparalleled nightlife, entertainment, shops, tours and delectable restaurants. Tucked in the high sierras, surrounded by towering alpine trees, Lake Tahoe is one the largest and most pristine bodies of water in the country; a stunning gem that should be experienced first hand.


Lake Tahoe Regions and Communities

Located high in the Sierra Nevada at 6,229 ft., Lake Tahoe has 71 miles of shoreline and a surface area of 193 square miles! In other words, it’s a big lake with distinct regions, personalities, geography and amenities. Each region is easily accessible from the Bay Area, Sacramento and Reno. So if you’re new to Lake Tahoe, decide which community or region of the Lake that fits your style and taste and then plan from there.

(click on your desired region)
Lake Tahoe Reservations South Shore Nevada North Shore California Incline Village Nevada South Shore California

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe, known as “South Shore” or South Tahoe by locals and regulars, is split down the middle by the CA and NV border. In Stateline, on the NV side, sit the popular casinos resort hotels Horizon, Harrah’s, Harveys and MontBleu all within walking distance to the Lake, Edgewood Golf Course and the Gondola at Heavenly where you will also find the Shops at Heavenly Village featuring great shopping, restaurants and nightlife. On the California side, are scores of popular hotels, well kept motels that run along Highways 50 and 89 and Tahoe Keys, a waterfront community of rental homes and condos. Everything is relatively close with easy access to skiing, golf, trails, fishing, beaches, stores and restaurants. South Shore is also home to the Harvey’s Outdoor Concert Series, the Valhalla Renaissance Faire at Camp Richardson and the famous ski resorts Heavenly, Kirkwood and Sierra at Tahoe.

North Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe, you guessed it – known as the “North Shore” or North Tahoe, is larger, more spread out and also split by the CA/NV border at Crystal Bay. The California side boasts world class resorts Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Sugar Bowl, Northstar and Diamond Peak, the award-winning community of Truckee, Donner Lake and plays host to the Lake Tahoe Music Festival in July-August. Communities include Tahoe City, Truckee, Tahoe/Donner, Northstar, Olympic Valley/Squaw, Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Dollar Point, Carnelian Bay and along the West Shore, Sunnyside, Homewood and Meeks Bay. The North Shore Nevada side is made up of Crystal Bay and Incline Village, a beautiful community right on the lake with easy access to Northstar, Mt. Rose, the Golf Courses at Incline and home to the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Casino & Spa and the popular Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival at Sand Harbor State Park during the summer months.


Tahoe Gondola

Lake Tahoe Vacation Planning

Here's a quick list of pages that can help you plan your next vacation in Lake Tahoe!


How To Get To Lake Tahoe

If you’re traveling and flying into Lake Tahoe and are landing at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, you’re just a short one hour drive away from North or South Tahoe.

If you’re driving to Lake Tahoe from Sacramento, US-50 East will get you to South Lake Tahoe in approximately two hours, depending on traffic.

Folks driving from the Bay Area or San Francisco can get to South Lake Tahoe in approximately four hours taking the I-5 North or I-80 East to connect to US-50 East.

Check out our transportation page for more information concerning transportation in Lake Tahoe, and be sure to check the road conditions before making the drive.

Book a Vacation To Lake Tahoe - Where To Stay

While on vacation in Lake Tahoe, you have several options when it comes to lodging. There is a multitude of beautiful lakefront properties fit for almost every budget and lifestyle, whether you choose to stay in a fancy resort, economic hotel or cozy vacation home.

There are many Lake Tahoe hotels and resorts to choose from. Those who are planning a fancy getaway and want to stay near some of the biggest golf courses and ski resorts, there are many luxury hotel options in North and West Lake Tahoe.

Those want to be in the center of all the buzz, near the best casinos, shops and fun restaurants may want to stay in towns such as Incline Village and South Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe vacation rentals can be good option for those who are staying in Tahoe for a long period of time. In most cases, this can be a cheaper alternative to staying in a hotel because large groups of friends or family members can split the cost. Most vacation rentals are fully furnished and provide daily essentials to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay.

There are a slew of beautiful Lake Tahoe cabins and condos to choose from, varying in price, location and amenities. Browse through hundreds of property descriptions, photos, maps, and reviews to find your dream vacation rental. Many cabins offer stunning waterfront or mountain views and have access to private beaches, pools, parks, hiking trails.

Where To Eat

Lake Tahoe is filled with delectable restaurants. Those that are searching for something quick, tasty and affordable might want to check out these restaurant choices in North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe Restaurants.

Those who are celebrating a special birthday or anniversary or simply want to enjoy an exquisite four-course meal in a romantic setting, can choose from one of these fine dinning restaurants in Lake Tahoe.

Restaurants Tahoe's Best Travel Info

Restaurant Info

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Cascades at Squaw Creek Offers Gourmet Breakfast And Dinner Buffets

Address: 400 Squaw Creek Road Olympic Valley, CA 96146
Squaw Valley

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Visit Mountain Pizzeria at Squaw Creek for Delicious Italian Cuisine
Address: 400 Squaw Creek Rd Olympic Valley, CA 96146
Squaw Valley

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Six Peaks Grille at Squaw Creek Is A Lake Tahoe Favorite for Fine Dining

Address: 400 Squaw Creek Rd Olympic Valley, CA 96146

Things To Do In Tahoe - Summertime Vacation Fun

Summertime brings scores thrilling of possibilities if you’re visiting Lake Tahoe. Offering some of the cleanest and most pristine waters in California, visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, waterskiing, fishing and boating. Whether you lead an active lifestyle or have always been curious to try something new, Lake Tahoe is a great place to explore and pick up a new hobby.

Image sailing on some of the country’s most pristine turquoise blue waters, surrounded by tall alpine trees and lush forests. The scenery is picturesque and the weather is sunny and warm. If you enjoy being outdoors and being active, visiting Lake Tahoe during the summertime can be a great adventure since you will have plenty of Lake Tahoe watersports to choose from.

Lake Tahoe boat cruises can be a relaxing experience and a good opportunity to see the historic landmarks surrounding the lake. Many cruises offer dinner and drinks, live music and entertainment, ensuring a memorable and fun time. Cruises are popular during the summertime, be sure to make reservations beforehand and always bring a camera.

Things To Do In Tahoe - Winter Vacation Fun

Some of the most renowned ski resorts are in Lake Tahoe, including Heavenly Ski Resort, Sugar Bowl Resort, Northstar Ski Resort, Squaw Valley and Alpine Valley Ski Resort. Whether you’re an experienced skier or snowboarder looking for challenging black diamond slopes, or someone learning to ski for the first time, Lake Tahoe ski resorts offers something for everyone.

Bring The Whole Family - Full Time Vacation Fun

There’s no better place to let your kids roam free and get their hands dirty than in the great outdoors. Lake Tahoe is a great place for families with young children. Kids will have fun roaming trails alongside their parents and playing in parks and beaches. Some places even cater to families and offer a multitude of fun Lake Tahoe kid friendly activities.

Childhood memories can last a lifetime. And most likely children are not going to remember all those hours they spent honing their video game skills or sitting in front of a television set. Most likely its the quality time they spent with loved ones while on a family vacation that they will remember. And with plenty of kid things to do in Lake Tahoe, the possibilities are endless.

Lake Tahoe Weddings

Immersed in lush forests, towering alpine trees and gorgeous lakefront views, Lake Tahoe provides the ideal backdrop for your big day. Here you will find a compilation of professional wedding photographers and videographers, caterers, venues and wedding chapels, party rentals, wedding coordinators and more!

Things to Do Tahoe's Best Travel Info

Activity Info
South Shore (CA)

Fantastically Fun Lake Tahoe Fishing Charters

Address: 900 Ski Run Blvd Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

All Summer Rafting close to Lake Tahoe!

Address: 10068 Hirschdale Rd. Truckee, CA 96161
North Shore (NV) / Incline & Crystal Bay
Teaching You To Ride Like A Champ! Open seasonally.
Address: P.O. Box 4267 Incline Village, NV 89450