South Lake Tahoe

Travel Guide

Emerald Bay State Park
D. L. Bliss State Park
Pope Beach
South Lake Tahoe
Eagle Falls Trail which includes a river or creek

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

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Montgomery Estates

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Montgomery Estates and surrounding area, you can visit Heavenly Valley Creek and Bijou Community Park.

Montgomery Estates
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Lakeside Park

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Lakeside Park might not have many top sights, but Casino at Harveys Lake Tahoe and Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lakeside Park
Sugar Bowl showing mountains, snow and landscape views

Al Tahoe

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

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

Al Tahoe
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Heavenly Village

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

Heavenly Village
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Tahoe Paradise

While Tahoe Paradise isn't home to many top sights, Lake Tahoe Golf Course and Washoe Meadows State Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Tahoe Paradise
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Tahoe Meadows

When in Tahoe Meadows, you can plan a visit to Casino at Harveys Lake Tahoe and Casino at Harrah's Lake Tahoe, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Tahoe Meadows
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe

4 out of 5
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
The price is €139 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
€139
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,006 reviews)
"Parking is 40$, other than that very beautiful Resort. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe
Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort South

Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort South

4 out of 5
901 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €112 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
€112
29 Oct - 30 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this resort in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,031 reviews)
"Excellent location and the service from the staff was amazing. They were doing some work on the floors and it was a little uncomfortable, but everything else was excellent."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Hilton Vacation Club Lake Tahoe Resort South
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 €116 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
€116
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free valet parking, a rooftop terrace, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,029 reviews)
"The room was very clean. I appreciated that there were doors that could be closed when my husband wanted to sleep in and I got up early to read. I appreciated the fireplace. It made the room very cozy."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

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 Lodge at Lake Tahoe

The Lodge at Lake Tahoe

3 out of 5
3840 Pioneer Trail, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly apartment in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Casino at Harrah's ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (271 reviews)
"I had a great stay here! I would come again."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

The Lodge at Lake Tahoe
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 4-star eco-certified vacation home in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free WiFi, a health club, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,830 reviews)
"We had a great experience overall during our short stay. Would have been nice to be given the option of self-parking though. The only option this hotel offered is valet, which can get pretty expensive. There is a public parking garage next door though. Will stay here again!"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Marriott Grand Residence Club, Lake Tahoe
The Americana Village

The Americana Village

2 out of 5
3845 Pioneer Trl, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in South Lake Tahoe. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,487 reviews)
"Clean room, spacious."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

The Americana Village
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of South Lake Tahoe

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
22
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful lake area and fabulous resort.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

There is a nice restaurant names the lakes house.You should try if you visit South Lake Tahoe.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

It’s very touristy and commercial. If you prefer to get away from busy crowds and shops, head to the north shore for a much more rustic, and authentic experience.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Everything on hand,great choice of restaurants.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

South Lake Tahoe is the largest city on the shores of Lake Tahoe. It is very tourist-orientated. There are many clothing and gift shops and lots of good restaurants.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved it, strongly recommended.