Fun Things to Do in Lake Tahoe in Every Season
Activities in Every Season
Lake Tahoe has something for everyone and for every season, so it’s no wonder that people flock to this vacation destination regardless of the time of year. There’s so much natural beauty to behold and so many things to do, it’s not hard to pack your vacation with activities and sights that will help you to make the most of your time close to these emerald waters.
Today, we’re going to break down our favorite things to do in Lake Tahoe, no matter what season you decide to come visit this beautiful place.
Spring & Summer Activities in Lake Tahoe
Spring and summer are short and sweet in the mountains. That’s why it’s so important to take advantage of this gorgeous, greenery-filled time you’re spending in Lake Tahoe if you decide to visit during the warmer months.
Enjoy the Sublime Beauty of State Parks
Lake Tahoe is home to a handful of state parks and each of these share a unique aspect of its sublime beauty with visitors. For those looking to enjoy the public-access beaches that Tahoe is known for, Sand Harbor State Park on the Nevada side of the lake is the perfect destination. On the California side, Emerald Bay State Park is another top pick for its scenic views and miles of hiking trails. While you’re there, be sure to check out Vikingsholm Castle, a Scandinavian-inspired architectural wonder built back in the 1920s that is now open for tours and visitors to enjoy.
See Tahoe from Above
The only way that Lake Tahoe could be any more beautiful is when it is seen from the air, and a helicopter tour of the lake should be high on your list of activities during the warmer months. Beginning at the South Lake Tahoe airport, this helicopter cruise will take you across the gorgeous expanse of Emerald Bay, then south to explore the myriad alpine lakes and waterfalls that dapple the mountains.
Cruise the Emerald Waters on a Sightseeing Boat Tour
Lake Tahoe’s emerald waters are a sight to behold, and if you’d like to get a little bit closer to their magic, booking a sightseeing daytime cruise of Emerald Bay is the best way to do that. The most popular cruise of the lake departs from Zephyr Cove Resort on the MS Dixie II, a gorgeous paddle-wheeled boat that will put you in the mind of the first visitors who came to this historic vacation destination.
Fall & Winter Things to do in Lake Tahoe
One of the main reasons that visitors flock to Lake Tahoe in the fall and wintertime is to enjoy the winter activities that it is so well-known for, and for good reason: it’s one of the most beautiful places in the country. Here’s a few fall and wintertime activities for the whole family to enjoy:
Ski or Board the Endless Slopes
Lake Tahoe has something for everyone when it comes to skiing and snowboarding, and Heavenly Mountain Resort is the center for these two popular wintertime activities. Whether you’re trying your luck for the first time on the bunny slopes or looking for a challenging run down a black diamond, Heavenly has trails for just about every level of skier and snowboarder.
Cross Country Skiing Galore
If you’re hunting for the best place to cross country ski in Lake Tahoe, one of the most popular places to do so is the Kirkwood Cross Country and Snowshoe Center. Enjoy over 80km of groomed trails at this spot, offering spectacular scenery over the breathtaking Tahoe terrain.
There’s even something for the kids: a “Kiddie Kilometer” loop that features life-size cutouts of various animals for children to enjoy as they get their footing on their skis.
Tubing and Sledding Down Town Hills
Tubing and sledding are two activities that may not require much skill, but they still provide fun for the whole family. There a few options for sledding hills in town, like Hansen’s Snowtube and Saucer Hill. If you’ve already taken a ride up the gondola to Heavenly, check out their 500-foot-long tubing hill with a 65-foot drop for the downhill thrills your family has been seeking.
Make Lake Tahoe Your Next Vacation Destination
There’s no end to the sights and wonder that Lake Tahoe can inspire, no matter what time of year you plan your trip to these snowy mountains. Whether you’ve come in the wintertime to enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding or you’re here to enjoy the emerald waters during the summertime, there’s always new sights to see and explore when you're staying in vacation rentals in Lake Tahoe.