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I’m a Northern California local who loves Lake Tahoe. I’ve been going there every summer with my family for the past 20 years. So of course I wanted to write this epic list of the absolute best things to do in Lake Tahoe!
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America, straddling both California and Nevada. And while many think of Tahoe as a winter sports paradise, there’s plenty to do year-round. I’ve been to Tahoe in every season, skied at nearly every resort around the lake, and thoroughly explored both its pristine beaches and surrounding mountains.
This article covers the best ski resorts, hiking trails, beaches, restaurants, and more in the Tahoe area. And if you’re staying for a while (which you should), be sure to check out our guide to where to stay in Tahoe.
Let’s dive in!
Best Things to Do in Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay State ParkExplore the most scenic area of Lake Tahoe with a boat ride around the park’s island.
Hiking above Emerald Bay with its distinctive island in the background
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (530) 541-3030 | Website | Hours: 7 am-7 pm daily | Entrance: $5 daily per vehicle or $2 per hour
Emerald Bay State Park is the quintessential postcard view of Lake Tahoe.
Rent a boat to explore the park’s picturesque island. Explore Vikingsholm Castle, a 38-room mansion known for its Scandinavian architecture. Or, go hiking in the mountains above for the best view of the lake.
Emerald Bay is also one of the most crowded areas of the lake. Get there before 9 am if you want to find parking, especially in the summertime. I constantly see people park on the side of the freeway if the lot is full, but this is illegal and your car might get towed. They’ve started enforcing this a lot more in recent years, so don’t risk it!
Honestly, the spectacular view over Emerald Bay is the best part. There are better and less crowded beaches elsewhere along Lake Tahoe’s shores. Go here for the view and to tour the castle, then head out.
♿Accessibility: Vehicles cannot drive down to the beach. Visitors need to hike down a short, steep trail to reach the lakeshore.
Fallen Leaf LakeEscape busy Lake Tahoe weekend crowds with a calm outing on this lesser-known lake.
My view of Fallen Leaf Lake while hiking the Angora Ridge Loop trail.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (530) 544-2628 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Fallen Leaf Lake is a great alternative to busy Lake Tahoe. This alpine lake is a hidden oasis just one mile from Tahoe’s south shore. It has the same smooth, clear blue water as Tahoe, with just a quarter of the crowds.
Fallen Leaf Campground is one of the best campgrounds in California, with over 206 campsites accommodating tents, RVs, and rental yurts. The sites are nestled among native pine and cedar trees just a short walk from Fallen Leaf Lake’s main beach.
My favorite activity here is hiking the challenging Angora Ridge Loop trail during the summertime. This hike starts at the southern shore of Fallen Leaf Lake and offers spectacular views. Plus, this trail takes you right to Angora Lakes — one of my other favorite things to do in Tahoe!
Sand Harbor State ParkRelax on the pristine white sands of Tahoe’s most photographed beach.
Aerial view of Sand Harbor State Park (photo: Brandon Q. Parker / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (775) 831-0494 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 1 hour after sunset | Entrance: $10 per vehicle, $15 for non-Nevada vehicles
With water so clear you can see your toes at the bottom, Sand Harbor is one of the best places to go swimming in Lake Tahoe.
There are two boat ramps in Sand Harbor State Park, along with a kayak and SUP rental shop. Because the water here is so clear, one of the most popular things to do is take a clear-bottom kayak tour.
Picnic areas shaded by Jeffrey Pines come complete with grills and tables. Visitors can also walk the Sand Point Nature Trail, a short, ADA-accessible path with stunning views of the lake.
Sand Harbor is incredibly beautiful and incredibly popular. In an effort to control crowds, the park now requires visitors to reserve a day pass in advance. Make sure to book online before your visit!
👉 Local Tip: If you find yourself in Sand Harbor State Park during the summer, be sure to check out the annual Shakespeare Festival! The festival puts on outdoor plays at the park’s amphitheater, with gorgeous views of the lake behind the stage.
Rubicon TrailTrek 16 miles along Tahoe’s southwest shore with beach access along the way.
Hiking on the Rubicon Trail in late spring, with snow still on the ground
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free
The Rubicon Trail is located in southwest Lake Tahoe and cuts through multiple state parks and beautiful overlooks. You can do the whole 16.4-mile round-trip trail in one long day, or just section-hike a small part of it.
The hike connects Emerald Bay State Park with D.L. Bliss State Park, two of the most scenic sections of Tahoe’s west shore. If you don’t want to do an out-and-back hike, you can park a car at the end of the trail so you’re only doing the 8-mile one-way hike.
🎒 Don’t forget to bring: No one wants a blister while trying to hike a long mountain trail. Hiking boots are a part of the essential California packing list, so make sure to pack a pair if you’re planning to hit the Lake Tahoe trails.
Angora LakesHike or drive to these small lakes famous for cliff jumping, rowboating, and the best fresh-squeezed lemonade in Tahoe.
Rowboat rentals are available at Upper Angora Lake.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: free
Angora Lakes are tiny in comparison to huge Lake Tahoe, but they’re one of my favorite areas of Tahoe’s south shore. These mesmerizing lakes are surrounded by huge granite cliffs, where many adventurous visitors decide to cliff jump into the waters below.
Most of the action happens at Upper Angora Lake, where a small resort offers accommodation, rowboat rentals, and a cafe. The cafe has lemonade, ice cream, and takeaway meals, which you can enjoy while lounging by the water.
To get to Angora Lakes, you can either hike the steep Angora Ridge Loop beginning at Fallen Leaf Lake or opt for the easier version and simply drive up. Parking can fill up fast in peak summer months, so hiking is a great way to avoid traffic.
Kings BeachMeander through the local shops of this quirky beach town.
My family goes mini golfing in Kings Beach each summer.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am-10 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Kings Beach is a funky little beach town located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. The small downtown is filled with tree-lined mini golf courses, vintage shops, small cafes, and old-timey lakeside lodges.
The beach here is the best public beach on the north shore. It’s huge, warm, and there’s plenty of parking. There’s also a playground right on the beach for children to enjoy, along with volleyball courts and picnic areas.
Kings Beach also has a ton of water gear rental shops — it’s where I’ve tried sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and stand-up paddleboarding. I highly recommend renting a paddleboard or kayak and taking to the water!
Water Sports Jet SkiRent a jet ski and enjoy the thrill of a high-speed ride on the lake.
My partner and I went jet skiing in Kings Beach
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm | Entrance: $50 – 80 hourly rental
Whether you’re a jet ski novice or an expert, Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to take one of these fun rides out for a spin. It’s like driving a motorcycle, except much safer and honestly way more fun. You don’t need any experience to drive a jet ski, and they’re super easy to get the hang of!
You’ll find jet ski rental companies at various points around the lake’s shoreline, but South Lake Tahoe or Kings Beach tend to have the most options. Jet ski rentals typically cost between $50 – 80 for an hour.
KayakingRent a kayak to explore secluded coves and beaches.
Kayaking in north shore, Lake Tahoe.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am – 4 pm | Entrance: $10-20 hourly rentals
One of the best ways to see Lake Tahoe is from the water. Imagine gliding over the glassy alpine waters in your kayak, with the Sierra Nevada mountains looming in the distance. It doesn’t get much better than this!
Although Tahoe is known for its adventure sports, like jet skiing or wakeboarding, these high-speed boats usually stick to the middle of the lake. This leaves the edges of the lake perfect territory for kayakers who want to explore Tahoe’s hidden coves and beaches.
You’ll find most kayaking rentals in South Lake Tahoe, but I actually prefer Kings Beach because it’s less crowded.
👉Local Tip: Mountain winds usually pick up in the afternoon and can make the lake’s waters quite choppy after 3 pm. Many kayak rentals stop renting at this time, so be sure to go in the morning! The earlier you go, the smoother the water will be.
Truckee RiverFloat and raft the river from Lake Tahoe all the way to Truckee.
The Truckee River flows through small towns and rural homes
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free
The Truckee River flows for an impressive 121 miles, but the first 5 miles of it are the best to float!
There are several tour companies in Tahoe City offering rafting or floating tours. You can also bring your own flotation device and go without a tour company. Just park in Tahoe City and get out near River Ranch Lodge, then take the free TART bus back.
If you want a more exciting Truckee River adventure, then try whitewater rafting! The sections of the river further downstream have Class III rapids. I’ve heard great things about this whitewater rafting tour — it looks like so much fun!
Besides exhilarating river rafting, families can also enjoy fishing and swimming in the Truckee River. Or, take a bike ride along the Truckee River bike trail that connects Tahoe City to Truckee.
Hiking & Outdoors Tahoe Rim TrailPut your fitness to the test by thru-hiking 165 miles around the circumference of Lake Tahoe — or just day-hiking a section of it.
Hiking near Dicks Pass on the Tahoe Rim Trail last summer
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free
The Tahoe Rim Trail is perfect for adventurers. This 165-mile thru-hike is one of the best hikes in California, taking hikers around the entirety of Lake Tahoe.
Although only experienced hikers should attempt to hike the complete trail, beginner hikers can easily enjoy sections of the hike. The Tahoe Rim Trail is the perfect way to experience the amazing vistas, meadows, high alpine lakes, and granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
The thru-hike typically takes 10-15 days. You should plan to pick up supplies every 50-100 miles so you don’t hike with an excruciatingly heavy pack. Hikers can resupply in Tahoe City, Kings Beach, and Incline Village, or mail resupply food ahead of time and pick up a package at any of the town’s post offices.
❄️Winter Safety: Lake Tahoe receives heavy snow from late fall until late spring, and sometimes even early summer. Be sure to bring the proper winter hiking equipment if you wish to hike in Tahoe between October and April. This includes good hiking poles, microspikes, and in extreme cases, an ice axe and crampons.
Eagle Rock Hiking TrailHike to one of the best viewpoints in Lake Tahoe without pushing your limits.
The view from Eagle Rock
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free
The easy, 0.7-mile Eagle Rock Trail is a great place to start if you want a trail suitable for all skill levels.
The trailhead is on Tahoe’s west shore and offers a quick way to one of the best vantage points of Lake Tahoe. The incredible views extend all the way to North Lake Tahoe and the California and Nevada border.
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Mt. TallacThis grueling climb is one of Tahoe’s best hikes and takes hikers up to 9,700 ft.
Views of both Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe high up on the Mt. Tallac trail.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: free
Mt. Tallac is the tallest mountain on Lake Tahoe’s shoreline, and the views from the summit are some of Tahoe’s best.
If making it to the summit isn’t on your itinerary, you can still see great views from lower down on the trail. The trail is fairly exposed the whole way, giving you a bird’s-eye view of Lake Tahoe’s southwest shore from most points on the trail.
The Mt. Tallac trail is almost 10 miles round-trip and encompasses over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. It’s best to attempt this hike from June to October when there is no snow on the ground.
Sugar Pine Point State ParkThis park on the west shore has lake access, sandy beaches, grassy meadows, a pier, and a nice campground.
Sitting on the pier at Sugar Pine Point in the early fall
📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone: (530) 525-7982 | Hours: 8 am – 7:30 pm daily | Entrance: $10 per vehicle
Sugar Pine Point has one of my favorite beaches in Tahoe. It’s quite expansive and is surrounded by pine trees and meadows. Plus, the limited parking means it never feels too crowded.
You can swim or fish off the pier, have a picnic at one of the many tables along the shore, and explore several miles of forested paths in the park. While there isn’t a huge sandy beach, there are beautiful meadows right next to the lake where you can spread a beach towel and lounge.
Because of its forested surroundings, this is also a great place to spot black bears meandering through the woods or along the beach. I’ve seen 3 bears total at Sugar Pine over the years! Keep a wide distance from wildlife, and they usually will not bother you.
Glen Alpine FallsEnjoy a huge waterfall during the springtime when its waters are rushing.
The Glen Alpine waterfall (photo: John P Kallestad / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free
Switch up your lake vistas with a visit to Glen Alpine Falls. This gorgeous 65-foot waterfall is easy to get to. It’s located on Tahoe’s south shore, near Fallen Leaf Lake, and is just a quick walk from the road.
The Glen Alpine Falls are best viewed in the springtime, as summertime drought often means little to no flow.
The falls are visible from the road for those who require wheelchair access, but the short trail that leads to the foot of the falls is covered in gravel.
Eagle Point CampgroundCamp among the pines and enjoy easy lake access with your four-legged friends.
The picnic area at Eagle Point Campground
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (530) 541-3030 | Website | Hours: Sunrise to sunset | Entrance: $35 a night
Eagle Point Campground is located in Emerald Bay State Park and is one of the best lakefront campsites in Tahoe. The campground offers 100 sites with faucets but no hookups. It’s best suited for tent campers and RVers who don’t mind dry camping.
Eagle Point Campground typically opens in early June, and reservations go fast for summer weekends. Reserve online in advance to make sure you get a spot.
Echo LakesThese smaller, family-friendly lakes have plenty of hiking and swimming, minus the crowds.
Laura and friends at a lookout point over Lower Echo Lake.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: free
Echo Lakes is only 20 minutes from South Lake Tahoe but has a very different vibe. These small lakes are much quieter and rarely crowded, so you won’t see jetskis or large motorboats here. Instead, you’ll see people swimming, fishing, or hiking the trails.
Echo Lakes comprises two lakes: Lower Echo Lake and Upper Echo Lake. You can see both lakes in a short day hike along a section of the Tahoe Rim Trail. It’s also a popular starting point for backpackers who want to explore Desolation Wilderness.
I probably sound like a broken record at this point, but parking at Echo Lakes is very limited on summer weekends, especially because it’s a trailhead for popular overnight hikes. Get there early!
Desolation WildernessExplore miles of trails in South Lake Tahoe’s backcountry, with some of the finest 1-2 night backpacking treks the Sierra Nevada has to offer.
We backpacked to Dicks Lake in Desolation Wilderness for an easy 1-night trip
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 | Entrance: $6 permit required for overnight camping
Desolation Wilderness has some of my favorite backpacking in all of California. This small area near Tahoe’s south shore packs a big punch.
It’s home to countless lakes (I passed by 8 alpine lakes in just two days of hiking), huge granite cliffs, and tons of pristine backcountry camp spots. In the summertime, you’ll often pass PCT hikers, since the Pacific Crest Trail intersects with many of the main trails in the area.
You can day hike here, but reaching the best viewpoints requires a 1-2 night trip. You must reserve a permit in advance in order to spend the night. Most of the trailheads for Desolation Wilderness are either near Echo Lakes or Emerald Bay State Park.
Sites & Attractions Donner Memorial State ParkLearn essential California history with a visit to this historic memorial on the shores of Donner Lake.
The Pioneer Monument at Donner Memorial State Park (photo: melissamn / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (530) 582-7892 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 5 pm Mon, Tue, Sat; 7 am – 12 am Wed; 12 am – 5 pm Thu; 7 am – 7 pm Fri; 8 am – 5 pm Sun | Entrance: $10 per vehicle per day
If you’re up-to-date with your California history, odds are you’re familiar with the ill-fated Donner Party. The Donner Memorial State Park commemorates the history of the group that was trapped in a snowstorm in the Tahoe mountains from 1846 to 1847.
Visit the Donor Memorial State Museum for informative exhibits about the doomed westward-headed emigrants. The museum is located in the state park just a short walk from the shores of Donner Lake.
Donner Lake itself is one of my favorite hidden gems in the Tahoe area. Most people pass right by it and just view it from the freeway, but I love heading down to the lake to go for a quick dip!
Memorial Point Scenic OverlookEnjoy a short walk to one of the best viewpoints of Lake Tahoe.
Views from the paved overlook trail
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free
The Memorial Point Overlook Trail is a short, 0.3-mile trail on Tahoe’s scenic east shore. This flat, easy walk takes you past secluded coves and finishes at a beautiful overlook of the lake. It’s the perfect photo-op.
The Memorial Point Trail is ADA-accessible and suited for all abilities. The views are great — here, you can really see Lake Tahoe’s various blue hues and the large granite peaks that frame the massive lake.
I wouldn’t go out of my way to go here. But if you’re driving Tahoe’s east shore, it’s a great spot to stop and enjoy the view.
Tallac Historic SiteTour historic homes and gardens at this former estate in South Lake Tahoe.
The historic site during the winter (photo: Lisa Parsons / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (530) 541-5227 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4:30 pm Wed; 10 am – 4:30 pm Thu-Sun | Entrance: $18.98 adults, $9.53 children, free for children under 11
Learn about the local heritage and natural history of the area with a trip to the Tallac Historic Site. Once a resort spot for the wealthiest families in the Bay Area, the Tallac Historic Site bears only the remains of the estate today.
There are heritage programs, guided walks, building tours, and demonstrations that take place at the site. The Tallac Historic Site buildings are only open in the non-winter months but the area is open year-round for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Zephyr Cove ResortStay at the resort for private beach access, or take a cruise around Lake Tahoe on its famous historic boat.
My sunset view of swimming geese and docked boats on the private beach.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 238-2463 | Website | Hours: Sunrise to sunset | Entrance: $10 per vehicle
Zephyr Cove Resort is a fun RV and cabin resort with private beach access on Tahoe’s east shore. But what it’s most known for is its 500-person paddleboat, known as the M.S. Dixie II.
This award-winning historic boat takes passengers on daytime or dinnertime cruises around Lake Tahoe. You can book a tour here — but they sell out quickly!
👉Local Tip: Remember Emerald Bay State Park? The M.S. Dixie II sails all the way from Zephyr Cove into Emerald Bay and around the island there. It’s one of the best ways to see Emerald Bay without having to deal with the parking or hiking!
Food & Drink Jake’s on the LakeExperience lakeside dining with elevated California cuisine in Tahoe City.
My friend and I drinking cocktails at Jake’s after a hike
📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone: (530) 583-0188 | Hours: 5 pm – 9 pm daily
Jake’s on the Lake is one of my favorite lakeside restaurants in Tahoe. It specializes in seafood and Hawaiian-inspired meals. The food and drinks here are always good, but the view makes this restaurant truly stand out.
Spend a warm summer evening dining on the deck with panoramic views over the water. Check the website to see the live music calendar!
Gar Woods Grill & PierThis family-owned restaurant on the lake is famous for its signature frozen rum cocktail, the Wet Woody.
We got a perfect outdoor table with excellent views of the lake
📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone: (530) 546-3366 | Hours: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm Mon-Thu; until 10 pm on Fri; 10:30 am – 10 pm Sat; 10:30 am – 9:30 pm Sun
Gar Woods is synonymous with one thing: the Wet Woody. This fruity, frozen rum cocktail is “world famous,” according to the Gar Woods menu — but that’s not a huge overexaggeration. The drink is known around the lake as the quintessential Tahoe drink, named after the wooden boats that used to define Tahoe’s shores.
The drinks aren’t the only reason to come here. Gar Woods has some of the best food around the lake, with upscale California cuisine that always uses fresh ingredients.
Because of its popularity, snagging a table at Gar Woods often involves a long wait. Make a reservation ahead of time to get a seat on the outdoor deck with lake views.
Lanza’s RestaurantThis cult favorite Kings Beach restaurant serves huge portions of family-style Italian food.
I get the same thing every time — cheese-stuffed shells with penne and meat sauce
📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone: (530) 546-2434 | Hours: 4:30 – 9 pm daily
Lanza’s is a hearty, family-owned Italian restaurant on Tahoe’s north shore.
I eat at Lanza’s every single summer, and it consistently ranks as one of my favorite meals of the entire year. The food is simple and predictable, but it’s delicious every single time.
I highly recommend getting one of their specials, like the Lanza’s Sampler — huge pasta shells stuffed with cheese and meat, baked on a bed of penne with meat sauce and cheese layered on top.
Riva GrillOwned by the same family as Gar Woods, this restaurant in South Lake Tahoe is another great spot to try a Wet Woody.
Riva Grill sits practically right on the beach (photo: Arne Beruldsen / Shutterstock)
📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone: (530) 542-2600 | Hours: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm Mon-Thu; 11:30 am – 10 pm Fri; 10:30 am – 10 pm Sat; 10:30 am – 9:30 pm Sun
Riva Grill is the south shore counterpart to Gar Woods. Owned by the same local family, Riva Grill is the only other place around the lake where you can try the Wet Woody.
Personally, I think Gar Woods is just a bit better. But if you can’t make the drive all the way to the north shore, then Riva Grill is a great alternative!
Winter Sports Heavenly Ski ResortThis ski resort on the south shore has the best lake views.
Views over Lake Tahoe from the top of the ski lift
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (775) 586-7000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: (weekdays) $189 adults, $104 children under 13; (weekends) $225 adult, $124 children under 13
Heavenly Ski Resort is one of the coolest ski resorts in California. It offers the best views of Lake Tahoe from its powdery slopes. There aren’t many places where you can ski while overlooking a gorgeous blue alpine lake, but well — that’s Heavenly.
There are 4,800 skiable acres at Heavenly Ski Resort. Heavenly has beginner and advanced slopes, as well as plenty of backcountry skiing terrain. However, I’d classify it as a mountain best suited for intermediate to advanced skiers. The beginner territory isn’t very fun.
Want to make sure you get first chair? Try staying at the Marriott Grand Residence Club in Heavenly Village, which is just steps from the gondola up the mountain. It’s the closest you can get to ski-in, ski-out here!
Northstar California ResortShred down the slopes in this beginner-friendly resort on Tahoe’s north shore.
My friend on our most recent trip to Northstar
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 466-6784 | Website | Entrance: $230+ adult
is another famous ski resort on Tahoe’s north shore. It’s great for skiers of all skill levels, with a good variety in beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain. Northstar tends to be more beginner-friendly than other mountains in the area.
With over 3,170 skiable acres at Northstar, it’s best to ski for more than just a day here! You can also go snowshoeing or take the gondola to a high-altitude ski restaurant.
However, because it’s a Vail resort, Northstar is on the more expensive end. A typical day pass on a weekend in peak season can run you anywhere from $230 – $300. This has honestly really tarnished Northstar for me. However, I’ve been able to find good deals for under $200 by booking my lift tickets far in advance.
Palisades TahoeHit the slopes, party at an après-ski, and explore the Olympic Museum at this charming ski village.
View of Palisades ski mountain from Olympic Village.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 403-0206 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: (varies daily) $289 adult ski pass, $260 teen ski pass, $202 child ski pass
Palisades is Tahoe’s most famous ski resort and host of the 1960 Winter Olympics. With two mountains, an abundance of bars and restaurants, and a lively après-ski, this is one of the best places to experience Tahoe’s iconic ski culture.
Often renowned as one of the best ski mountains in California, Palisades is famed for its steep slopes and diverse terrain. For beginners, don’t fret — ski passes for Palisades are also valid at Alpine Meadows, the more beginner-friendly mountain next door.
Summer at Palisades Tahoe can be just as fun. Take an aerial tram ride up to 8,200 ft and marvel at panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Explore the Olympic Museum to see footage and memorabilia from the 1960 Winter Olympics.
Kirkwood Mountain ResortThis expert-level mountain doesn’t have lake views, but its challenging terrain makes it a local favorite.
My partner navigating some steep terrain at Kirkwood
📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone: (209) 258-6000 | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: (varies daily) $132 adult, $119 youth, $96 child
What Kirkwood lacks in lake views, it more than makes up for in its blue and black runs. This mountain is known to have some of the most challenging terrain in Tahoe, making it a favorite amongst local ski bums.
Plus, Kirkwood is a great deal. Where resorts around the lake often have extremely expensive lift tickets, Kirkwood keeps prices reasonable.
You’ll want to stay in South Lake Tahoe if you’re planning on skiing Kirkwood. The mountain is about a 45-minute drive south from the lake.
Cross Country SkiingSki through the Tahoe backcountry away from the crowds.
High school me cross-country skiing at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm | Entrance: $40 – 60 day ticket
Those of us who spent the majority of our lives terrified by downhill skiing, rejoice! Cross country skiing is the answer. Instead of hurtling downhill at high speeds, spend 2-3 hours essentially running in place and sweating underneath your winter layers.
But seriously, I love cross country skiing. The alpine forest transforms into a blanketed winter wonderland with pristine, untouched snow and no crowds. It’s also much more affordable than downhill skiing, with day passes usually a quarter of the cost!
North Lake Tahoe is home to the most cross-country ski areas. Places like the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center and Tahoe XC in Tahoe City offer miles of wilderness terrain.
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Enjoy all the fun things to do in Lake Tahoe! If you can’t get enough of California’s mountain towns, check out our guide to the best things to do in Idyllwild.
Editor’s Note: McKenna Mobley contributed to this article.